Exploring wildlife through Palace on Wheels

The opulent and luxurious journey of the Palace on Wheels, one of the Indian luxury trains is world-renowned. Along with majestic interiors, lip-smacking food, finest of beverage and world-class services and amenities, it offers a great mix of the most sought-after destinations, namely, Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh,  Sawai Madhopur, Bharatpur, Fatehpur Sikri and Agra. 

Every destination has various monuments for sightseeing but both Sawai Madhopur and Bharatput give the traveler a chance of exploring wildlife through the Palace on Wheels. 

Sawai Madhopur – Following the Tiger 

Sawai Madhopur, a historic place home to Ranthambore National Park, the only place where one can spot tigers in Rajasthan. This national park is a part of the Project Tiger, which was initiated by the government of the country.  You can take pleasure in jeep safari here. This park is also a major attraction for ornithologists since it is boasts of housing more than 300 species of birds too.

Bharatpur – Heaven for Bird watchers

Listed in UNESCO sites is Bharatpur well- known for Keoladeo Ghana National Park, which was founded by Maharaja Suraj Mal in the year 1733. The marshland area of the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is an important wintering point for the migratory birds from countries such as Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China and Siberia.

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. 

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.

Palace on Wheels Facilities: Five Star Luxury at Affordable Price

The flagship property of Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation (RTDC) and the Indian Railways, Palace on Wheels commenced  on its maiden voyage on 26th January, 1982. When it was launched in early 80’s, the train constitutes of the original carriages of erstwhile Rajputana rulers, Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of India which were later replaced with the replica carriages to accommodate the technological advancement. Listed below are the various modern facilities and services offered on board this Indian luxury train and how they are worth than those of five star hotels. 

Guest about to board the Palace on Wheels

Named after an erstwhile province of Rajasthan, the 14 guest carriages of Palace on Wheels train are furnished with miniature paintings, mirror work, upholsteries and the royal crest of that particular region. 

• The train has two multi cuisine eateries- Maharaja and Maharani- that serve Indian, European and Continental cuisine along with traditional Rajasthani fare to pamper the taste buds of epicureans. 

• An in house bar stocked with fine selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. 

• The train has a nonchalant lounge offering perfect ambience for unwinding and chatting with fellow travelers. 

• The train has a fully equipped spa offering Ayurvedic massages and wellness therapies from other traditions to revitalize your mind, body and soul. 

These were the facilities and services offered on board Palace on Wheels train. Now the big question arises how the facilities offered on board have more worth than those offered in the five star hotels. The tariff of Palace on Wheels train is the big factor wherein all the facilities (except spa) are provided at an introductory price of USD 575 per person per night.  At this very same price, luxury hotels might avail you only accommodation for single night. 

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