A Simple Guide to Luxury Train Tours in India

If you are a first time visitor to India, you would like to know what precautions/preparations should you know of. The most popular holiday themes for  India are beaches, wildlife, culture, pilgrimages and luxury trains. 

Palace on Wheels'started it first commercial journey

There are several destinations in India that cater to the above themes and are quite popular with local and international tourists alike. 

Of the above themes, luxury train travel has really caught the fancy of international visitors. But there is a certain etiquette of train travel in India one must know about. 

To make things easier, enlisted here are a few Do’s and Don’ts that you should keep in mind taking train tours in India.

Respect All Places of Worship

Most luxury train itineraries feature trips to places of worship, each having its own set of beliefs and code of conduct. Respect them and follow them. For instance, when visiting a Gurudwara, it is mandatory for both men and women to cover their head.  Shoes and other footwear should be taken off before entering a temple/mosque/Gurudwara. Also, most of these places forbid photography.  So you might want to check with the authorities before flipping your camera out.

Dress Up Right

People living in India wear a combination of traditional and western clothes. The dress code is chosen on the basis of occasion. If you are attending an Indian marriage or festival, you will find men’s and women’s wearing Sherwanis and Saris. Western outfits are good if you are visiting bars and pubs. If you are heading to Goa, swim suits and trunks are preferable for women and men respectively. For women, it is very important to cover their legs and shoulders when visiting temples.

Do Not Encourage Beggary

In India, you will see a lot of beggars. Although you might want to sympathize and give them money, you should avoid doing the same at all costs. It is advisable to avoid people who are trying to provide unwanted help as these are mostly touts looking to make an easy buck from you.

Whatever you do, do not stay aloof and snobbish as it will only lessen the fun quotient. Have a great time on Indian trains!

Palace on Wheels Train : A Breakdown of On Board Offers

Palace on wheels

Launched in 1982, Palace on Wheels is the pioneer of the luxury train travelling in India. The brain child of Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation (RTDC) and the Indian Railways, Palace on Wheels takes guests on a whirlwind tour through erstwhile princely states in Rajasthan along with a halt in Agra. Owing to its luxurious facilities and service par excellence, this Indian luxury train has won several prestigious awards from the travel magazines and experts.

The current scene is that Palace on Wheels managed to get 70 to 80% bookings, before the start of the peak season. After reading the above written stuff, I am sure you all must be curious to know the reasons behind the unprecedented heights attained by this luxury tourist train. Scroll down and read the general information about the train.

Where to Stay On Board

From the perspective of accommodation, there are 14 guest carriages available on board this train which can accommodate 88 passengers in all. These cabins have been named after the different destination of Rajasthan and epitomize their art and culture in their décor. State of the art amenities such as channel music system, mini pantry, CD/MP3 player, LCD TV and attached bathroom.

Where To Dine

There are 2 ornately designed restaurants- Maharaja and Maharani- serve an array of Indian, international and Continental cuisines on the platter of the guests along with traditional Rajasthani fare. The food menu includes both a la carte and table d’hôte meals. Besides that, lunch and dinner will also be arranged for the guests as a part of the tour itinerary. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are also available on board this train.

Exclusive Insider Experiences

The journey spanning over 8 days and 7 nights on board Palace on Wheels includes various exclusive insider experiences such as lunch at the Amber Fort, Son-et-Lumiere at the Chittorgarh Fort, lunch at a heritage hotel in Udaipur and dinner & cultural program in the Sam sand dunes, Jaisalmer.

Personalized Attention

Each guest carriage on board Palace on Wheels is appointed with a personal attendant aka Khidmatgar. This personal attendant is assigned with the duty to address all the personal needs and requirements of the guests.

Palace on Wheels is an award winning luxury train running in India since 1982. This post states the general features of this luxury tourist train for the luxury travel aficionado around the world.

Tour Highlights aboard Palace on Wheels Train

Initiator of luxury train travelling in India, reminiscent of the royal past, a week long journey to royal Rajasthan, you guessed it right, we are talking about none other than the famous Palace on Wheels. Now, this blog post is not meant to bore you with the facts and the history of this Indian luxury train. You have read it multiple times before in our several other posts.

As mentioned above, Palace on Wheels crisscrosses the route of erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan (royal Rajasthan) which include Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bharatpur. Besides covering the famous attractions, Palace on Wheels tour comes with some highlights that mark the crescendo of each day on board. So what are those highlights? Here they are

Day 2- A grand barbecue dinner accompanied by cultural performances at the famous Jai Mahal Palace

Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur

Revamped under the patronage of the famous Taj Group, Jai Mahal Palace offers an expansive assortment of 4 multi-cuisine restaurants serving pan-Indian, Italian and local Rajasthani delicacies. There are special discounts availed to the passengers on liquor and soft drinks.

Day 3- Evening tea and Son-et-Lumiere within the environs of the Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort,Rajasthan

The light and sound show that took place within the Chittorgarh Fort traces the history of Sisodhia Rajputs and bring to fore the tales of Rajput romance, valor and chivalry.

Day 4- Boat Ride on the Lake Pichola

Boat Ride on the Lake Pichola, Udaipur

It is an absolute enjoyable experience. It divulges the beauty of Udaipur and the richly bedecked Havelis lined on the banks of the Lake Pichola.

Day 5- Dinner and cultural program in the Sam sand dunes of Jaisalmer

Cultural Program in Jaisalmer , Rajasthan

This is the final program on the 5^th day on board Palace on Wheels. At Sam sand dunes in Jaisalmer, a lavish dinner is organized for the passengers. Adding to the mystical charm of the moonlit desert are the wonderful performances by the folk artists and dancers.

Day 7- Son-et-Lumiere in Agra

Agra Fort

The Son-et-Lumiere at the Agra Fort traces the chronicles of Mughal Empire.

These are the few highlights that a passenger experience during 8 days and 7 nights journey on board Palace on Wheels train and get etched in his bouquet of memories.