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!

Some Points to Remember While Booking for the Palace on Wheels Train

Voted as the fourth best luxury train in the world, Palace on Wheels train is quite hit with overseas travelers looking forward to explore Rajasthan in a luxurious manner. 

Palace On Wheels Luxury Train

The week long journey on board Palace on Wheels train covers Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Ranthambore and Bharatpur. Apart from the destinations, the 8 days long stay on board is an experience to cherish. Guests carriages reflect the architectural aesthetics of erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan such as Dholpur, Jaipur, Mandwa, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer etc.

Lounge Bar of Palace on Wheels 

The train is a solution to the problem of booking accommodation and finding a place for dining while on a holiday trip. Also the itinerary of this luxury train has been designed in such a way that you travel at night and explore new destinations every day. With the emergence of the internet, booking a journey on board this luxury train is a matter of few minutes. However, it is imperative to remember few points before doing that.

Palace On Wheels Rajasthan Tour

     You can book an online ticket by filling up a query form on the website of palace on wheels (palacesonwheels.co.uk)

     Always make sure to book tickets for three people at once. It is because the tariff on triple sharing basis is the minimum ($ 450).

     A 10% surcharge is levied on the departures between Christmas (25^th December) and the New Year (1^st January).

     If you are accompanying a child between 5 to 12 years &below 5 years, he will be charged 50% and 10% of the original tariff.

     You are required to pay 20% of the ticket value at the time of confirmation and rest 80% is to be paid 60 days prior to the departure date. 

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.