Palace on Wheels

Category : - All India Travel Tourism > Great Journeys > Palace on Wheels

The concept of the Palace-on-Wheels, was derived from the royal coaches, which belonged to the rulers of the erstwhile princely states, and were used initially, for the journey of the Palace - on - Wheels. After running smoothly for 9 years from its inception, it was observed that the royal coaches had become technically unfit, for the smooth rail journey. Hence, it was decided to fabricate a new air-conditioned meter gauge Palace-on-Wheels, on the same pattern of the old train, which was launched in 1991. In the last 12 years, the Palace - on - Wheels has gained remarkable success and popularity. In the year 1995, due to over all gauge conversion in the state, a new broad-gauge air-conditioned Palace - on - Wheels was fabricated, which has 14 saloons, 4 coupes with two beds each with attached bath, shower, channel music, fully carpeted and specially designed furniture. Each saloon has a mini pantry, which ensures availability of hot and cold beverages, and refreshment throughout the journey. The train has an elegant lounge, attached with a well - equipped bar car.

It is truly a journey worthy of royalty. Its plush cream saloons, adorned with fragrant flowers, the Palace chugs through Rajasthan, on a revelatory journey, through the former royal kingdoms of this state. Kota, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Alwar, Sirohi, Kishangarh, Bundi, Dungarpur, Bharatpur, Jhalawar and Dholpur, the 14 coaches are named after former Rajput states, each evoking visions of those royal kingdoms. Each coach has four coupés, done in colors, most reminiscent of the state, and highlighted by its royal emblem. Of the four compartments, two each feature double beds. A third bed, for an additional person, or an accompanying child, is in the form of a fold-away bed on a higher tier. Each compartment has an attached bath, with running hot/cold water and showers, built-in wardrobes, overhead and night lights, piped music, reading lights etc.

The furniture with its inlaid motifs, has been specially created for the Palace on Wheels. All coaches and corridors are fully carpeted. At the end of each coach, is a separate lounge, where passengers can relax, when they wish to move out of their bedrooms. Here, they can unwind with a book or magazine, engage in conversation, or simply watch the panoramic vista of the great Indian desert or the great Aravallis.

The Maharaja and Maharani restaurants offer seating arrangements in groups of twos and fours, near the windows. Chefs dressed in traditional attire are always on hand. The attached pantry prepares Continental and Indian specialities, with an emphasis on the cuisine of Rajasthan.The bar-lounge is embellished in period furniture, created especially for this coach, and the bar has ample space, and a choice of soft and alcoholic beverages to offer.

This is the most royal and comfortable journey imaginable. Travelling during the night and sight seeing during the day, it departs from Delhi and halts at Jaipur,Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bharatpur, and Agra. At each halt, passengers are taken for a tour of the cities.

Day One

The train departs at 10.45 p.m. from Delhi. Dinner on board.

Day Two

Wake up to the blushing pink city of Jaipur, early next morning, where a royal welcome awaits you, with caparisoned elephants, music and garlands. Passengers are then taken on a tour of the city. Described by James Tod, the 16th century chronicler of Rajasthan's history, as the only city in India built upon a regular plan, the Pink City or the City of Victory as Jaipur is also called, still retains its old world charm. But there is more to the city - it is a city brimming with history, culture, forts and palaces. The city palace, the Jantar Mantar (Solar Observatory) built by Jai singh, the city's founder ruler, the Hawa Mahal (palace of winds) which is an interesting front facade of a mahal with windows, from where the royal ladies in Purdah, could watch happenings in the city, are some of the highlights of this astonishing city. Visit the imposing forts of Amber, Nahargarh, and Jaigarh Fort where, according to legend, a fabulous treasure is hidden somewhere. The same story has it, that once in a lifetime, the ruling monarch was led blindfolded to the treasure, by members of a criminal tribe, who zealously guard it. And lastly, there are the bustling bazaars - a shopper's paradise.

Day Three

The next stop is Chittaurgarh, a place immortalised by deeds of valour and sacrifice of two remarkable queens. This was the place where Queen Padmini preferred jauhar (ritual sacrifice by self immolation), rather than be taken captive, and be submitted to the lust of Alaudin Khilji, Sultan of Delhi. Saintly Mirabai's bhajans (devotional songs) still seem to echo throughout the countryside.

A short drive in a luxury coach now takes you to Udaipur, where stands the splendid Jag Niwas Lake Palace, in the placid waters of Lake Pichola. The locale is also celebrated as the site of the James Bond movie Octopussy.

Day Four

You are now transported to a paradisal site - Sawai Madhopur - from where an excursion is made to the famous Rathambore Sanctuary, once a royal hunting preserve. It is now declared as a Project Tiger Conservation area, where safaris are organised for wildlife enthusiasts. Nearby, stands the 10th century fort of Rathambore steeped in legends.

Day Five

The trains now chugs on to Jaisalmer, a desert citadel and the city of golden sands. Everywhere one can witness the expert craftsmanship of the stone carvers of Jaisalmer. With its intricately carved chattris (canopies), imposing havelis (mansions) and patwas (jewellers), Jaisalmer gleams like a diamond in the wilderness of the Thar desert. At the sand dunes, one can witness spectacular sunsets. On a full moon night, you are sure to be mesmerised, as the breeeze blows and forms, and reforms the golden sands. Towering proudly over the city is Jaisalmer's Sonar Kella, the golden yellow sandstone fort built by Rawal Jaisal in 1156.

Day Six

On the sixth day of the journey, one arrives at the sun scorched city of Jodhpur, once the capital of Marwar. It was founded in 1459 AD, and is the largest city in Rajasthan. It was also part of the ancient silk route, and today, it is still a major trading centre for camels, cattle, salt etc. The formidable Mehrangarh Fort, rated among the best in India, rising as high as man's unflinching will, atop a hill, dominates the city. Umaid Bhawan also known as Chittor Palace, is another landmark of the region. It was conceived as part of a famine relief operation, at the beginning of the century, by Maharaja Umaid Singh. The palace took 16 years to build, and it provided employment to the famine stricken. A portion of the palace has been constructed into a hotel.

Day Seven

The last halt is Bharatpur, famous for its Bird Sanctuary. After a three hour halt the train crosses the border into Uttar Pradesh for Agra.

This is the last leg of the journey. A visit to India would be incomplete, without seeing the Taj Mahal - a poignant, lofty poem in marble, built by the emperor Shahjahan as a memorial for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Another architectural marvel in Agra, is the ghost town of Fatehpur Sikri, whose founder was Shahjahan's grandfather, Akbar.

The train now returns to Delhi. It is time to alight, and return to the present, after experiencing seven glorious days of pomp and pageantry, of a bygone era.

Tour Departure Dates

Leaves Delhi Cantonment Railway Station, every Wednesday (from September through April) and returning the following Wednesday morning.

Tariff (per person per night):

Double occupancy: US $300

Triple occupancy: US $240

Single occupancy: US $425

Half fare for children between five and twelve years of age. Indian passengers can pay in rupees (equivalent amount) at the exchange rate prevalent at the time of payment. the tariff is inclusive of the cost of travel, full catering - morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea and dinner, conducted sightseeing tour in delux coaches, entrance fee for monuments and palaces, cultural entertainment and boat ride to and from the Lake Palace, Udaipur.

Note: Tariff does not include liquor, mineral water, laundry and other items of personal nature.

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