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!

3 Case Scenarios That Make a Compelling Case for Palace on Wheels Journey

The news is out. Palace on Wheels is now available for charter. The train of the Maharajas can now be rented wholly, although at Maharaja like prices all the same – INR 1.7-2.5 crores ($310,000-450,000). Trade experts have expressed different opinions on this move by IRCTC – while some have lauded the initiative, others have already dismissed it as a dud. As I started to put my thoughts to paper, I could think of a few scenarios when you just can’t help but board the Palace on Wheels.

Palace on Wheels Luxury Train,India

1 - You earn in Kuwaiti Dinars ( 1 KWD = 195 INR = $3.5) and you want to take a break from stashing all that money from your oil fields. And since it’s your son’s birthday and you plan to take out his friends on a “field trip”, a 8 day ride on the Palace on Wheels seemed only appropriate.

2 - You play bridge every weekend with the Minister of Indian Railway, and in one of those bets, you won a couple of tickets on the Palace on Wheels. Since you are too proud to trade them for something else, you decide to turn up for the trip. We hope not alone, though!

3 - You have all the money but none of the time in this world. To top it all, you have your own wedding to plan and attend. What do you do? You charter the beautiful Palace on Wheels and have the most awesome wedding of all times.

P.S. – The writer will happily switch places with you, in case you find yourself stuck in any of the “situations” above!

Wedding on board Palace on Wheels : Get Hitched in Ultimate Luxury

Getting hitched at a beach, palace, cruise and five star hotel has become quite a cliché concept. But as long as there are innovative minds, there would be no dearth of new concepts. In order to make your nuptials an unmatched and lavish affair, Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation (RTDC) is planning to give away its luxury train ‘Palace on Wheels for wedding charters. It is the first time that a concept of wedding on rolling wheels has been proposed. It is fairly obvious to see that RTDC pioneered this concept as they were the first one’s to introduce luxury train travelling in India. 

The proposal has its fair share of pros and cons. But the lucrative prospects are so much so that you will overlook everything else. When it comes to wedding, it requires both the parties (the boy and the girl family) to make arrangements for so many pre-nuptial functions such as booking venues, caterers, Sangeet and cocktail party. All these responsibilities will be borne by the RTDC staff. Their wedding package will include a grand royal welcome, arranging priest on board, honeymoon suite for the newlyweds, marriage functions such as cocktails and buffets and sightseeing. 

Now what are the benefits of chartering Palace on Wheels for the purpose of the wedding? Here they are:

It offers you a wedding plus honeymoon package

The journey on board Palace on Wheels takes guests on an 8 days and 7 night’s journey across former princely states of Rajasthan such as Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Bharatpur. Since most wedding functions took place at night, the day can be utilized by newlyweds for romantic beginnings. Udaipur, Jaisalmer and Agra are the perfect options to live some cozy and intimate moments with your beloved. From beholding Taj Mahal in the moonlight to having a candle-lit dinner amidst Lake Pichola to a bonfire at Sam sand dunes in Jaisalmer, all these make for a perfect and enjoyable honeymoon.

It gives you a short and sweet wedding experience

If you intend to keep your wedding a private affair with few guests (including friends and family), Palace on Wheels is a pretty good option. Since the per person cost of travelling on board is all inclusive of accommodation, dining and sightseeing tour,  what more you can ask for. The total cost for that will be 2 crore at max, much more reasonable than a 10 crore affair at a palace in Rajasthan. 

Multipurpose use of the train

Since the peak season of Palace on Wheels clashes with the peak of marriages (October to December), this luxury train is a better option as  you may find difficulty in booking venues for different pre-marriage functions such as Sangeet, cocktail party, engagement and obviously marriage. 

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.

How Royalty is Associated with the Palace on Wheels Destinations

The term ‘royalty’ in India signifies the pomp and panache of erstwhile Indian monarchs, out of whom the largest chunk was occupied by the Rajput rulers of Rajasthan. Every destination of Rajasthan reverberates with the splendor of these Rajput monarchs wrought in number of forts and palaces housed here. Palace on Wheels, adjudged as 4th best luxury train in the world and modeled on the royal carriages of erstwhile Rajput rulers, Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of India, embark on its voyage through erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan. In this blog, I will highlight  the royal factors which associated with the Place on Wheels destinations.

Jaipur

Amber Fort ,Jaipur

Crowned with the title of ‘Pink City’, Jaipur is home to some very famous forts and palaces and a World Heritage Site. Right from Amber Fort to City Palace and Hawa Mahal to Jantar Mantar, several generations of Kacchawa Rajputs immensely contributed in the development of this city. 

Udaipur

Lake Palace,Udaipur

Founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559, the city of Udaipur is sprinkled with lakes and encompassed by Aravalii hills. There are several places in this city that will acquaint you with the bygone royal splendor. The first is the City Palace, an exquisite palatial edifice comprised of palaces, lakes and gardens built at different times from 1559. The Durbar Hall, housed with various artifacts such as Mewari paintings, splendid chandeliers and Rajputana artilleries, is a must place to visit. 

Jodhpur

Umaid Bhavan Palace in Jodhpur

Jodhpur is famously known as ‘Blue City’ owing to its blue painted houses that can be best viewed from the ramparts of the Mehrangarh Fort. The city has three important structures that are associated with the former royalty- Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace and the Jaswant Thada. 

Jaisalmer

Camel Safari – Jaisalmer

Situated atop the Trikuta Hill, amidst the undulating Thar desert, Jaisalmer is most famous for its royal havelis that exhibits the architectural wealth of this desert city through its screened windows, intricate carvings and large courtyards. Then there is ‘Sonar Qila’ that changes its hues from tawny lion to honey gold between sunrise and sunset.

Palace on wheels : A Train true to its name

Palace on wheel started the concept of luxury travelling in India. The first train rolled on its wheels on 26th January 1982, and was modeled on the royal carriages of the erstwhile kings of Rajasthan. The train is not just equipped with all the modern facilities, but also has a huge collection of rarest vintage artifacts, choicest collection of wines and spirits, multi variety cuisines, and a hospitality unmatched in its class.

Palace on wheels Luxury Train, India

The itinerary was selected to cover the most important places in Rajasthan, along with the capital of India, New Delhi and Agra. Having pioneered the genre of luxury travelling in India for more than 3 decades, palace on wheels lives every bit, to the hype created around its name.

The journey

Palace on wheels cover some of the most fascinating cities and landscapes of northern and northwestern India. The journey lasts for a total of 8 days and 7 nights, and together carries the many colors of India, and the rich bounty of nature, in all its forms and splendor.  Cities on route are a mix of ancient and medieval historical cities, wildlife sanctuaries, city of lakes, pilgrim cities and the one and only Taj Mahal, the postcard picture for India savvy tourists.

Destinations

All the destinations en route of Palace on Wheels are different from each other, and a marvel in themselves. The cities are carefully chosen to give to its guests the best introduction to the rich diversity, and cultural heritage of India.

The cities covered on this journey are:

• Jaipur
• Jaisalmer
• Jodhpur
• Sawai Madhopur
• Chittaurgarh
• Udaipur
• Bharatpur
• Agra

 Tariff for The Train

Indian luxury train ‘Palace on Wheels’ offers three different kinds of occupancy, and consequently 3 different types of fare. The fares for different occupancies is provided below for your perusal. The fares mentioned below are valid for the season Sept 2012 till Apr 2013. The tariff during the peak season i.e. from Oct 2012 to Mar 2013 is also provided below. Special seasonal departures may also include additional benefits or discounts.

                                 Palace on Wheels Tariff plan for the lean season of 2012-13

Occupancy Type	Sept 2012 & April 2013  (Per person per night)
Single occupancy	USD 575
Twin sharing	USD 430
Triple sharing	USD 390

Palace on Wheels tariff plan for peak season of 2012-13

Occupancy Type	Oct 2012 to March 2013 (Per person per night)
Single occupancy	USD 770
Twin sharing	USD 575
Triple sharing	USD 520

Take advantage of these superb rates, and highest rank services and hospitality, while travelling through some of India’s most loved tourist destinations. Book your ticket now! http://www.palacesonwheels.co.uk/

Too LATE to Book a Palace on Wheels Tour? Well, Not Quite!

The Palace on Wheels, India’s first luxury train and an enterprise of Rajasthan Tourism, has already run its first journey of the year on 5th September, 2012. And if you always dreamed about getting a ticket on board, come any later and the dream will remain just that – a dream! Due to the immense popularity it enjoys, Palace on Wheels normally gets sold out a couple of months in advance. However, before you cancel this tab and throw out your monitors in anger… relax! True that finding a seat on the POW for the New Year’s Eve journey is a tall order this time of the year, there are several other journeys you might get a seat on. And with timing seemingly not your forte, assuming you haven’t booked already, it’s better you start NOW to get assured reservations in the celebrated train.

Palace on Wheels : Luxury Train in India

For starters, why won’t you consider the journeys next month? The weather is awesome, breezy and a little overcast. Being on any  of the first few journeys has its own set of advantages. The train is all fresh, the interiors are spic and span, the staff is refreshed and excited to start on the season’s first trip and you can get some pretty handy discounts on early bird bookings – if you consider the whole package, signing up for the October and November journeys is not a bad deal at all. Reservations can be made directly by filling and submitting the bookings’ form present on the Indian Luxury Trains website. 

Let us welcome you in advance for the most enthralling journey of your lifetime. Book now for your own Palace on Wheels experience.For More Information - http://www.palacesonwheels.co.uk/

Palaces on Wheels Itinerary

When it comes to Palace on Wheels, this Indian luxury train needs no introduction. Been voted World’s 4th Best Luxury Train by Conde Nast Traveller and revered around the world, Palace on Wheels has been in service for more than 30 years since its inception in 1982. Offering luxury train tour in Rajasthan, this luxury train showcases the rich heritage and royal legacy of the land of Rajput warrior princes in a weeklong palace on wheels itinerary starting from US $390 per person per night. This year, the Palace on Wheels will be embarking on its maiden journey from September 2012.

Palace on Wheels Luxury Train - Best Rail Journeys in India

Price Starting from USD 390 (Per Person per Nights)

Tour Duration: 7 Nights/8 Days

Places Covered: Delhi, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur/Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur/Agra, Delhi

Palaces on wheels Itinerary:

Day 1: Delhi

Red Fort in Delhi

Ø  A traditional style welcome in Safdarjung  Railway Station Delhi followed by check-in formalities

Ø  Beginning of a grand rail tour to India while making a move towards Jaipur

Ø A royal dinner onboard Palace on Wheels

Day 2: Jaipur

Hawa Mahal in Jaipur

Ø  Early morning arrival at the palace city Jaipur

Ø  Enjoy a refreshing breakfast onboard

Ø  De-board the train at Jaipur Railway Station and experience a traditional welcome ritual before setting off to a off-train city tour

Ø  By the afternoon, reach Amber Fort to have a tantalizing gala lunch and after that explore the architectural beauty of the fort with a trained guide

Ø  At evening, enjoy a roam to the city market and then get back to the train for leisure and high-tea

Ø  Late evening, return to Jaipur for having a grand dinner at the Jai Mahal Palace

Ø  After dinner, get back to the train for an overnight stay and your onward journey to Sawai Madhopur

Day 3: Sawai Madhopur/Chittorgarh

Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur

Ø  After reaching Sawai Madhopur in the early morning, set off to a thrilling jungle safari to the Ranthambore National Park

Ø  After the safari, enjoy a refreshing breakfast in a jungle lodge

Ø  Return back to Palace on Wheels for a departing journey to Chittorgarh

Ø  Savor a tempting lunch onboard Palace on Wheels and reach the city of Chittorgarh by the evening

Ø  After having a sightseeing tour to the Chittorgarh Fort, witness a beautiful light and sound show in the fort duly accompanied by evening tea and other refreshments

Ø  Take the delight of a Rajasthani dinner at deluxe hotel Panna alongside savoring a great cultural show

Ø  For an overnight stay, return back to your deluxe carriages on Palace on Wheels

Day 4: Udaipur

Boating in Lake Pichola with a view of Lake Pichola is a fascinating experience

Ø  By 0200 hours, leaving Chittorgarh for an onward journey to the city of romance Udaipur

Ø  After arriving in the lake city Udaipur at morning, de-board the train for a refreshing breakfast in a deluxe hotel

Ø  Start an off-train excursion tour to the city and at afternoon, enjoy a stately lunch in a heritage hotel in Udaipur

Ø  With the setting rays of the sun, experience an adventurous boat ride in Lake Pichola

Ø  After a daylong excursion, return to the train for your journey towards Jaisalmer

Ø  Relax and enjoy a royal dinner onboard Palace on Wheels

Day 5: Jaisalmer

Jaisalmer Fort,Rajasthan

Ø  The morning of the 5^th day starts with a rejuvenating breakfast on the go

Ø  Disembark the train for an explorative tour to Jaisalmer and at afternoon enjoy a taste bud tempting lunch in the Palace on Wheels restaurant or at the deluxe Moomal hotel

Ø  Evening is all studded with a camel ride in the sand dunes and then an evening tea and refreshments there

Ø  Charmed by a colorful cultural program performed by the local artists while savoring a gala dinner in the sand dunes

Ø  At night, start a journey to Jaipur onboard Palace on Wheels

Day 6: Jodhpur

Jodhpur The Blue City

Ø  After reaching Jodhpur, have a refreshing breakfast onboard

Ø  After breakfast, de-board the train for an explorative city tour

Ø  Have a lunch at a deluxe resort

Ø  By the evening, return back to the royal train Palace on Wheels for relaxation and a ride to Bharatpur

Ø  Dinner and a relaxing night stay onboard Palace on Wheels

Day 7: Bharatpur/Agra

Taj Mahal : UNESCO World Heritage Sites In India

Ø  After reaching Bharatpur early morning, leave for Keoladeo Ghana National Park for an early morning bird viewing

Ø  Enjoy a rejuvenating morning snacks in a forest lodge and then return back to the train for your onward journey to Agra

Ø  Late morning, reach the majestic city of Agra and set off to a city tour

Ø  Afternoon lunch in a deluxe hotel in Agra followed by a tour to explore the beauty of Taj Mahal

Ø  Evening tour to the city markets and then a beautiful light and sound show

Ø  Either a grand dinner in a royal Agra hotel or onboard luxury Indian train Palace on Wheels

Ø  Start a journey back Delhi

Day 8: Delhi

Ø  Early morning arrival in the Safdarjung Railway Station Delhi

Ø  An onboard refreshing morning treat followed by check-out and farewell formalities.

Palace on Wheels Route Map:

For more details of the itineraries, schedules, tariff and booking of the Palace on Wheels Train journey you may like to visit the website of  palacesonwheels.co.uk