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.

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.

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.

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.

Palace on Wheels Train Inaugural Run on September

India’s premier luxury train, Palace on Wheels, is scheduled to run its first course of the season on September 5, 2012. The train is the flagship luxury sojourn of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) and takes its guests on a scenic 8 day tour of the kingly Indian state of Rajasthan, with 1 day excursions to the wonderful Taj Mahal and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary scheduled. The train is quite popular with both international and local guests and gets sold out a couple of months prior to the beginning of the season. The destinations of the tour include Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Udaipur, Jaywalker, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra.

The train is a true ambassador of luxury travel and offers quality services and luxury facilities such as personal services of a butler, electronic safes, separate spa cars, souvenir shops, a separate lounge car and on-train entertainment. A salient feature of the train is varying ranges in tariffs to accommodate high and mid-range budgets. It is advisable for would-be guests to make prior booking on this luxury sojourn to avoid any last minute disappointments.For more information on journeys, scheduled departures, tariff plan and booking visit the page of  Palace on Wheels Train.

Palace on Wheels Facilities

A trip to the land of Rajputana ‘Rajasthan’ becomes all more captivating with a journey on board Palace on Wheels. A joint initiative of Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation (RTDC) and the Indian Railways, Palace on Wheels train takes guests on a whirlwind tour across erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan in a journey lasting over a week. 

Palace On Wheels Train

The train has been tastefully designed keeping in mind the cultural ethos of a particular region of Rajasthan.  Well-appointed cabins with personal butlers, 2 multi-cuisine restaurants, well stocked bar, a nonchalant lounge and a rejuvenating spa adds to the features of this Indian luxury train.

Facilities Provided on board

·         14 guest carriages with a passenger capacity of 88 people.

·         All guest carriages have been named after erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan.

§  Alwar Salon

§  Bharatpur Saloon

§  Bundi Saloon

§  Dholpur Saloon

§  Jaisalmer Saloon

§  Jaipur Saloon

§  Jodhpur Salon

§  Jhalawar Saloon

§  Kishangarh Saloon

§  Kota Salon

§  Udaipur Saloon

§  Bikaner Saloon

§  Dungargarh Saloon

§  Sirohi Saloon

Palace On Wheels Journey

·         Each guest carriage highlights the cultural ethos of that region.

·         Their interior décor constitutes of mirror work, miniature paintings and upholstery.

·         State of the art facilities provided in each carriage

§  Channel Music System

§  Electronic Safe

§  Internet Facility with Laptop

§  Air Conditioning

§  Direct Dial Phone

·         Each guest carriage appointed with a Khidmatgar.

Palace On Wheels Bar

Dining

·         Two tastefully designed restaurants

§  Maharaja

§  Maharani

·         Both serves eclectic assortment of Indian, European and traditional Mewari cuisines

·         Both have in-house bar stocked with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

Sitting Lounge

Sitting Lounge offers perfect ambience to:

§  Unwind and Relax

§  Engage in a chat with fellow travelers

Royal Spa

Offer massages and therapies to revitalize your souls.

Other Specifics on board

·         Availability of Indoor Games for recreation

§  Chess

§  Playing Cards

§  Carom Boards

§  Crossword Puzzles

Palace On Wheels Luxury Trains

·         Special assistance for disabled passengers

·         Facility of Mail Box

·         24 hours Medical Aid

·         Leading newspapers and magazines

·         Souvenirs on board Palace on Wheels for sale

Unearthing the Royal and Cultural Heritage of Rajasthan

Why Rajasthan tour aboard Palace on Wheels is a hit with national and international tourists alike? Home to several erstwhile royal lineages of Rajputana rulers, Rajasthan conjures up an eclectic mélange of resplendent fortresses, magnificent palaces, stunning temples, undulating sand dunes and colorful festivals on the canvas of mind. The tales of Rajput romance, valor, chivalry and patronage for art & architecture are still sung by bards and folk singers at different regions of this state.

Palace on Wheels Trains

Over the years, Rajasthan has earned a significant place on the tourist map of India owing to its royal and cultural heritage. Introduced with the joint initiative of Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation (RTDC) and Indian Railways, Palace on Wheels endeavors to bring you face to face with the glorious legacy of this Rajputana state in a luxurious manner.

Beginning from Safdarjung Railway Station in New Delhi, Palace on Wheels traverses the course of erstwhile princely states in Rajasthan along with a halt in Agra. The destinations of Rajasthan covered by this Indian luxury train include Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bharatpur.

Each destination of this Rajputana state traversed by this luxury tourist train brings to fore several forts and palaces which form an intrinsic part of its royal heritage. Just a stroll through the history laden corridors of these stunning edifices will acquaint you with the account of immense splendor with which their inheritors were blessed. The major attractions of Palace on wheels train tour include City Palace, Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar, Lake Palace, Jag Mandir, Chittorgarh Fort, Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada and Umaid Bhawan Palace.

Talking about cultural interactions during Palace on Wheels tour, Jaisalmer will satisfy you the most. The ambience of Sam sand dunes is capable enough to keep anyone spellbind and enable close encounters with natural benediction on India.

A camel safari through rippling sand dunes of Rajasthan will enable you enjoy the shimmering beauty of golden sands and tryst with local villagers to know their lifestyle and unique culture. The breathtaking performances of Kalbeliya tribe in Sam sand dunes over sundowner cocktails and barbecue dinner build up the crescendo of the day.

Palace on Wheel Restaurant

Also included in the tour itinerary is the son-et-lumiere in the environs of Chittorgarh fort that unfold several historical accounts that took place in the premises of this magnificent edifice. Most of the natives of Rajasthan earn their livelihood with the local art and crafts which has come to them in the form of ancestral legacy.

The heritage tour aboard Palace on Wheels will allow you to visit local markets of Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur for purchasing handicrafts and souvenir items. To say that the weeklong Rajasthan tour aboard Palace on Wheels is an absolute cultural illumination for the guests will not be an exaggeration.