Friday, 21 September 2012

Palace on Wheels: A Hot Favorite of Distinguished Guests


Chugging the course of erstwhile princely states in Rajasthan from last 30 years, Palace on Wheels has earned unprecedented popularity in the luxury train tour segment across the globe.

A joint initiative of Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation (RTDC) and the Indian Railways, Palace on Wheels embarked on its maiden voyage on 26th January, 1982.
Over the period of its inception, this Indian luxury train has won accolades from the travel connoisseurs and magazines.

Palace On Wheels Luxury Train
Not many people know that the popularity and refinement of this luxury tourist train has encouraged distinguished personalities from all around the world to travel on board. Mentioned below are the names of few distinguished personalities who have traveled aboard this Indian luxury train.
The first person in the list is none other than Bollywood’s Mr. Perfectionist Aamir Khan, who hopped on Palace on Wheels to travel from Udaipur to Jaisalmer on 11th February, 2012.

Palace On Wheels Bar
The royal couple of Bhutan- King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wang chuck and Queen Jetsun Pema- chartered a portion of Palace on Wheels train for honeymoon trip in Rajasthan. The train was equipped with a saloon comprised of a bedroom, dining car and a pantry along with few air conditioned bogies to accommodate security personnel’s and staff. The couples boarded this Indian luxury train on 23rd October, 2012.

If such distinguished personalities have chosen Palace on Wheels Train for travelling in Rajasthan, it can’t be without a reason. This Indian luxury train constitutes of 23 coaches including 14 guest saloons, two dining cars- Maharaja and Maharani, one onsite bar and a spa coach known as Royal Spa.

Thursday, 13 September 2012

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels All Set For a New Season; Bookings Open


September 12, 2012. 1730 hrs. IRCTC and Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC)’s flagship luxury train, the Royal Rajasthan onWheels , is all set for a brand new season of luxury train travel. The train is the true epitome of luxury travel in India and hosts hundreds of guests in its elegant premises every season. Inaugurated in January, 2009; the train has since completed 3 seasons successfully. Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is widely regarded as the top 5 luxury trains in Asia and has been highly rated at international travel forums. The train has 13 deluxe coaches named after various Rajput palaces.

Royal Rajasthan On Wheels  Restaurants 
There are separate carriages for Spa and Wellness Centre (Gym), Restaurants and Lounge area. The 7 night, 8 day journey is well planned and allows for ample time to explore each of the 9 destinations the train travels to. Most destinations are erstwhile Rajput kingdoms, with the addition of Delhi, Agra, Khajuraho and Varanasi which, individually, are true cultural benchmarks in their own right.

The highlight of the journey is the trip to the majestic Taj mahal in the final leg of the journey. Tickets are available on a first come first serve basis and all additional information can be gathered from the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels website.

Tuesday, 11 September 2012

Palace on wheels (A Journey of 30 Years)


The introduction of Palace on Wheels marked the beginning of luxury train travelling in India. The concept of luxury rail journeys was unknown in India till Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation (RTDC) in collaboration with the Indian Railways launched Palace on Wheels on 26th January, 1982. Over the course of its 30 years run, the train has achieved unprecedented heights and global acclaim for its unparallel opulence and royal élan

Palace On Wheels Journey
The year 1991 brought a massive change in Palace on wheels in terms of its inner look. The carriages of this Indian luxury train were replaced with the replica carriages fitted with modern amenities such as air conditioner. The train has won several accolades from travel magazines and connoisseurs such as PATA Gold Award in 1987 for its flawless services and resounding success.

Palace On Wheels Bar
When the proposal of launching a luxury tourist train in Rajasthan was passed, the engineers of Integral Factory Coach (ICF) used the ceased coaches of Rajputana rulers, Nizam of Hyderabad and Viceroy of India to construct the structure of Palace on Wheels. It was indeed the matter of pride for the maiden guests on board this train to walk in the carriages reminiscent to the bygone royalty.

The popularity of Palace on Wheels was so much so that Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation (RTDC) had to launch a second luxury train to accommodate the budding demands of luxury rail journeys in Rajasthan. The train has been inspiration for several state tourism boards to launch their version of luxury tourist train in their respective region. The introduction of Deccan Odyssey and Golden Chariot in 2004 and 2008 respectively proves the aforementioned statement.

Thursday, 6 September 2012

Explore The Royal Rajasthan aboard Palace on Wheels Train


The term ‘royalty’ is synonymous with the land of Rajasthan wherein the royal lineage of Rajputana rulers can be witnessed in the form of forts and palaces. A journey aboard Palace on Wheels train brings you face to face with several forts and palaces housed within the erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan.  

Palace On Wheels Dining
A joint initiative of Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation (RTDC) and the Indian Railways, Palace on Wheels traverses the course of Rajasthan along with a halt in Agra. The destinations of Rajasthan covered by this luxury tourist train include Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Bharatpur. The 8 days and 7 nights journey on board is a perfect opportunity for tourists looking forward to glimpse the bygone splendor of Rajputana.

The first destination of Rajasthan covered by Palace on Wheels is Jaipur. Fondly known as ‘Pink City’, Jaipur was the erstwhile domain of Kacchawa Rajputs. The major attractions that you will visit in Jaipur include Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar. 

The very fact that a person still requires an elephant ride to enter the gateway of this fort will make you feel pomp of bygone era.

Palace On Wheels Sitting and Bar
Next on the cards is Chittorgarh. The Chittorgarh Fort is one of the largest forts in Rajasthan and stands as a testimony to important historic events such as ‘Jauhar’ committed by Rani Padmavati and Karnavati and the rebellion of Meera Bai. A spectacular son-et-lumiere within the fort premises will mark the crescendo of the evening. The light and sound show highlights the important events that took place in Chittorgarh fort over the course of history.

Palace on Wheels encompasses the erstwhile princely states of Rajputana during the course of 8 days and 7 nights. Plush cabins, gourmet dining, gracious services and exclusive insider experiences add to the refinement of this luxury rail journey. 

Monday, 3 September 2012

General information of Luxury train palace on wheels


There are few journeys in the world which encompass the best of both man-made marvels and the wonders of nature the palace on wheels train is one of them. A luxury train that never falls short of promising you a royal experience that’s why Rated as 4th best luxury train among the glob and New married couples comes to on board palace on wheels for honeymoon trip.Day by day the popularity of Indian luxury trains increase for its majestic ride.

The General information and services on train is provided below that help you all to planing your memorable trip of this luxury trains.

Palace On Wheels Sitting and Bar
Bar and Lounges
One well stocked bar with fine collection of house brands of wines, beer and spirits with snacks come complimentary to every passenger. Other than the home brand of wines and spirits, you will be charged for other brands of drinks.

Dining
A royal banquet for royal passengers, Palace on Wheels has two fine dining restaurants and everyone on board dines together. Wines and beer served whilst dining come complimentary.

Palace On Wheels Dinning
International and Domestic Flights
Flights are not included in the price of the journey presently but we can provide information on schedules, fares and even assist with the bookings, if required. We will be offering very special and exclusive packaged fares which can be combined with your land arrangements shortly.

Pre & Post Hotel Accommodation 
It is highly recommended that you take a minimum of one pre and post night accommodation with your rail journey. Bookings and reservations can be made online shortly.

Personal Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you have adequate travel insurance cover from your country of domicile for injury, illness, death, accident, loss of effects or luggage and holiday cancellation. Kindly refer to the cancellation policy stated in our Booking Terms & Conditions.

Extensions
Before or after your journey aboard the Palace on Wheels, you can also enhance your visit by extending your stay in the Indian Subcontinent. Please refer to our website www.palacesonwheels.com. for further details where bookings can be made for an array of tastefully crafted add on tours.

Insurance for Palace on Wheels
Palace on Wheels is comprehensively insured for fire, earthquake, theft and terrorism. All guests are covered under an umbrella insurance cover.

Travel Documents
Travel Documents, which are valid only for the passenger(s) named, will be issued after receipt of full payment for your reservation. Please carry your confirmation of booking with you on departure.

Dress Code
It is recommended to wear smart casual clothing and suitable walking shoes for off-train excursions during the day. Comfortable attire in natural restrained hues (bright colors are not advised) which blend with the landscape is essential for all excursion to wildlife reserves. Warm clothing is advisable on the winter departures.

Special Dietary Requirement
Kindly specify any special dietary requirements at the time of booking to avoid disappointment during your journey. Every effort is made to accommodate all culinary requests by the guests.

Baggage Allowance
There is limited storage space inside your cabin. It is recommend that each guest travels with luggage as per international airline – rules for first / business class passengers. It is also advisable to carry soft-topped luggage as it is easier to store. Luggage storage is provided under the bed and in the luggage hold.

Porters
Porters will be available at all embarkation and disembarkation stations to assist you with your luggage.

Wheelchair Access / Disabled Passengers
We regret that the dimensions of the carriages and design of the train are not suitable for wheelchair bound passengers. We also recommend that guests with limited mobility and other such constraints should be accompanied by an able-bodied passenger. However, our valets will be available to provide additional assistance. Kindly specify any special requirements at the time of booking.

Butlers
There is a dedicated team of butlers on board to attend to your every need. Available on call 24 hours, butlers on board the Palace on Wheels are trained to meet the needs of the guests and comply with utmost speed and efficiency.

Electricity
Voltage available on the train is 110 volts. International adaptors are also available on board.

Off Train Excursions
Since most of our off train excursions involve a fair amount of walking, we recommend you pack some comfortable walking shoes. A reasonable degree of physical fitness is required to participate on off train excursions during your journey. You may encounter unpaved sidewalks, uneven surfaces and problems getting on and off the train.

Guides
On all off train excursions, you will be accompanied by professional and qualified English speaking guides. Seasoned local guides who provide an invaluable and in-depth view of the sights that you visit are present to serve you as befits a royalty.
Language speaking guides can be provided at select destinations, subject to availability and at an extra cost. Please let us know of your requirement at the time of booking.

For more detail Go To The palaces on wheels and Mail for Enquiry about the journey

Some Important Points When Booking a Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Tour


Your booking has been confirmed on the Royal Rajasthan onWheels, the premier luxury train in India. But wait, did you pay enough attention to the important notes mentioned below the tariffs’ table. In case you do not have paranoia about details, there is a high chance that you may have ignored the tiny harmless scribbles at the end of the page. But, there’s still time and we are here to help you. Here’s a brief explanation about the various smaller but significant points you should bear in mind when booking luxury tours in India

Sapphire Suite
1-      Applicable Taxes
Taxes are not indicated in the tariffs mentioned. However, they are specified and billed along with the final invoice. Please go through the invoice thoroughly to understand the various taxes accounted for.

2-      Extra Charges for Children below 12 years of age
Accompanying children from 0 to 5 years are accountable for 10% of the total package cost. For children aged between 5 and 12 years, an additional 50% is incurred on the billed amount. All kids aged above 12 years will be charged as standard.
Amenities Galore
3-      No Processing Fees
Please note that there are no processing fees charged on your credit card when making the payment for your tour booking. The payment gateway is absolutely safe and helpline numbers are available to guide you through the payment process, if needed.

Run by these points before you click ‘Make Payment’ and you should do just fine. Happy Journey.

4-      Package Exclusions
The indicated tariff does not cover exclusions such as liquor, laundry, tips and gratuities, video camera fees and other items of personal nature. You will also have to bear the expenses of hiring any other service that is not a part of the package inclusions. 

Run by these points before you click ‘Make Payment’ and you should do just fine. Happy Journey.