|
|
|
| |
Luxury Train Tours >> Palace on Wheels |
|
|
At a Glance
The Palace on Wheels, one of India's most famous railway experiences, this luxury Indian train started operating on a regular basis from October 1982 and has been voted as the fourth luxurious train in the world. The train is a mobile hotel & fitted to look like a traditional maharaja's state carriage. The concept of the train was derived from the royal background of the coaches, which were originally meant to be the personal railway coaches of the erstwhile rulers of the princely states of Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizams of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India.
Originally the train used carriages that once belonged to various maharajas, but these became so ancient that new carriages were refurbished to look like the originals. They were also fitted with air-conditioning. This way the Palace on Wheels pioneered the tradition of luxury train journey in India and made its maiden journey as a luxury steam engine train.
In the year 1991, Palace on Wheels was refurbished again and this time it appeared as a meter gauge train having 13 salons, a kitchen car, 2 luxuriously appointed restaurants, a bar with a lounge and 4 service cars. To make the journey all the more magical, the train introduced the concept of personal 'Khidmatgars' or attendants who are made available to the service of the guests round the clock.
Over the years this Indian luxury train has went through several renovations to deliver the best travelling experiences to the guests.
About The Train
The train with its quaint décor, state of the art amenities and a seamless blend of the traditional Rajputana and contemporary panache brings to you a journey unlike any before. Each moment of the journey is suffused with the romance of endearing experience through the most colorful terrains of Rajasthan. A total of 14 guest carriages can accommodate upto 88 guests. Restaurant, bar and lounge are available to add to the experience of a unique rail journey in India.
CabinsWhereas the original train was composed of the personal carriages of the erstwhile maharajas of India, Cabins of the refurbished Palace on Wheels include the replica carriages of the originals to accommodate the technological advancement. Each cabin is named after a different clan of the Rajputana who used to rule the erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan.
Other highlights of The Palace on wheels cabinsare : |
 |
All 14 salons named after provinces of Rajasthan such as Alwar, Bharatpur, Bundi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Udaipur etc. |
|
Each of the coaches has been done up in extraordinary lavish styles comprising of miniature paintings, mirror work, furnishings, and upholstery. |
|
Channel Music system |
|
Mini Pantry |
|
Attached bathrooms |
|
A personal attendant called 'Khidmatgar' |
DiningPalace on Wheels facilities includes two restaurants with elegant décor and each serving succulent cuisines for the platter of the guests. Apart of table d'hôte meals included in the Palace on Wheels tariff, an eclectic assortment of a la carte menu is also served for the guests. Cuisines which include European and Indian along with traditional Mewari delicacies are available on board. The restaurants have been named as:
Detailed Itinerary
 |
Duration : |
7 Nights / 8 Days |
 |
Places to See : |
Delhi - Jaipur - Ranthambore - Chittorgarh - Udaipur - Jaisalmer |
| |
|
Jodhpur - Bharatpur - Agra – Delhi |
|
| |
|
Welcome aboard the Palace On Wheels on its splendid and enchanting royal journey through the bygone era of the erstwhile Maharajas. Each moment of the journey is an experience in itself and you will feel the magic of the royal Rajasthan and the amazing Agra. Colour, action, fun and frolic added with rich local culture and tradition create an ethnic ambience and attract large number of tourists to these Indian destinations every year. The beautiful landscapes are there to bewitch you entirely. The journey promises to be the most vivacious and vibrant week of your life. The royal retreat takes you through the hues of the pink city, city of lakes, national park and the elegy of love
(TajMahal ).
The journey commences on the Wednesday night when the dinner is served onboard.
The eight days' and seven nights' magnificent journey in royal splendour takes you across the Tourist Destinations in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
Details of the itinerary have been given below for your perusal: |
| |
|
|
| Day 1 – Delhi |
| Departure: 1830 hrs |
|
Reach at Safdarjung Railway Station by 1600hrs for a traditional welcome and to get set for a luxurious Palace on Wheels journey across "the Land of Maharajas" Rajasthan. The train departs at 1830hrs. |
| |
| Day 2 – Jaipur |
| Arrival: 0345 hours, Departure: 2330 hours |
|
| As you enjoy a leisurely morning breakfast onboard, the train will enter the terrain of Jaipur. de-board the train and set out for an explorative tour to Jaipur visiting the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds. Move towards Jantar Mantar, the 18th century astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. This is followed by a visit to City Palace; once the home of the rulers of Jaipur, it now serves as a royal museum. Take pleasure in a lip smacking lunch at Amber Fort; if you want, you can also take a ride of the festively decorated elephant. Post lunch; explore the beauty of Amber Fort. By the late evening, return to the train to continue the journey to Sawai Madhopur. Dinner and overnight stay will be onboard Palace on Wheels. Return to the Palace on Wheels by 18:00 hours for tea and some moments of leisure. Depart for a grand dinner experience awaiting you at the Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur and post-dinner set off for the next location - Sawai Madhopur. |
| |
| Day 3 - Sawai Madhopur – Chittorgarh |
| Arrival: 0530 hours, Departure: 10:30 hours |
|
Early morning reach the tiger terrain of Sawai Madhopur and de-board the train for a thrilling jungle safari to Ranthambore National Park. Return to the train after safari to relax and unwind. Enjoy a refreshing breakfast and then a grand lunch onboard and take delight of the constantly changing outside views while the train move towards its next destination - Chittorgarh.
As you reach Chittorgarh, de-board the train and make a visit to the Chittorgarh Fort, which still revives the stories of Rajputana valour before the eyes. The evening tea accompanied by a beautiful light and sound show is arranged at the Chittorgarh Fort. Later return to the train for dinner and overnight stay onboard.
Take delight in a lavish dinner experience and return to the train for overnight stay. |
| |
| Day 4 – Udaipur |
| Arrival: 0800 hours, Departure: 1530 hours |
|
You will arrive in Udaipur by 08:00 hours on the 4th day of the Palace on Wheels sojourn. Known as the city of lakes, Udaipur was founded by Maharana Udai Singh in the 15th century and is today one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Visit the city attractions like Jag Mandir, Jag Niwas - Lake Palace, and the Jagdish temple etc. enjoy a luxurious lunch in a heritage hotel and visit the City Palace complex. Also enjoy a romantic boat ride on Lake Pichola accompanied by the mild lapping of the breeze.
Return to the train to continue this magic journey to Jaisalmer. Dinner onboard the train
|
| Day 5 – Jaisalmer |
| Arrival: 0915 hours, Departure: 1145 hours |
|
The train will land you in the city of Jaisalmer in the morning of the 5th day of journey. Post breakfast you can start off your voyage across the city and visit the astonishingly beautiful havelis and mansions including the Patwon ki Haveli, the Nathmalji ki Haveli, and Salim Singh ki Haveli. You can also visit the local markets for their extensive menu of local handicraft products!
Enjoy a delectable lunch in the Hotel Moomal and then depart for sightseeing across the Sam sand dunes. The camel ride and the gorgeous views of the sunset will more than make your day memorable. Dinner and a cultural extravaganza wait to surprise you in the sand dunes of Jaisalmer.
Return to the train for overnight stay and travel down to Jodhpur. |
| |
|
|
| Day 6 – Jodhpur |
| Arrival: 0700 hours, Departure: 1530 hours |
|
Reach the blue city of Rajasthan - Jodhpur by the morning.. Jodhpur is famous for housing a number of majestic monuments in its bosom including the Mehrangarh fort, the Jaswant Thada, and the Umaid Bhawan Palace. These and several other places you will get a chance to visit on the 6th day of the Palace on Wheels itinerary. Post breakfast, set out for a sightseeing tour to the city of Jodhpur. Lunch will be arranged in a luxurious resort in the city. Return to Palace on Wheels for a ride to Bharatpur.
Dinner and overnight stay will be arranged onboard. |
| |
| Day 7 - Bharatpur/Agra |
| Arrival: 5:00 hrs, Departure: 8:45 hrs |
|
The train arrives at Bharatpur by 05:00 hours. Bharatpur is well-known for housing the Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary and National Park. The huge numbers of migratory bird species that flock to this place every year, make the wildlife environs of Bharatpur all the more special. A trip across the jungles will take almost 3 hours; therefore it will already be 0900 hours by the time you will depart for the next destination - Agra.
Agra is mostly visited for Taj Mahal - one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Epitomising the love of Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj Mahal is visited by all guests visiting India.
After you have travelled around the Agra monuments and the markets (mostly visited for its marble souvenirs, jewellery and leather goods After exploring the magnificence of this Seventh Wonder of the World, come on board to enjoy a lavish dinner as the train starts rolling back to Delhi.
Return to the train for overnight stay. |
| |
|
Reach Delhi in the morning of the 8th day. After a leisurely breakfast onboard, bid farewell to this magic expedition and continue your onward journey back home.
|
| |
|
Schedule
|
Palace on Wheels departs every Wednesday on its scheduled departure date from Safdarjung Railway station, New Delhi between the months of September to April. Here is mentioned departure dates for season 2016-17 and 2017-18. |
| Month |
Departure Dates |
| May 2016 to August 2016 |
No operations |
| Sep-16 |
07,14,21,28 |
| Oct-16 |
05,12,19,26 |
| Nov-16 |
02,09,16,23,30 |
| Dec-16 |
07,14,21*,28* |
| Jan-17 |
04,11,18,25 |
| Feb-17 |
01,08,15,22 |
| Mar-17 |
01,08,15,22,29 |
| Apr-17 |
05,12,19,26 |
| May 2017 to August 2017 |
No Operations |
| Sep-17 |
06,13,20,27 |
| Oct-17 |
04,11,18,25 |
| Nov-17 |
01,08,15,22,29 |
| Dec-17 |
06,13,20*,27* |
| Jan-18 |
03,10,17,24,31 |
| Feb-18 |
07,14,21,28 |
| Mar-18 |
07,14,21,28 |
| Apr-18 |
04,11,18,25 |
| Note: 10% Holiday Surcharge Extra for Xmas & New Year Eve Departs |
|
Palace On Wheels Fare
The Palace on Wheels tariff is charged as per the occupancy level of the cabins - single, double and triple occupancy.
Each level of occupancy has separate fare.
Mentioned below is the train tariff for the peak season of 2016 - 18 along with terms & conditions, booking Processor & cancellation policy. The tariff is valid till April'2018 & special seasonal departures may include additional costs.
Palace On Wheels tariff (OCTOBER'2016 TO MARCH'2018)
| 7 Nights Palace On Wheels Tariff Valid from Oct'2016 till March'2017 & Oct'2017 till March'2018 Departures (Taxes Extra ) |
| Occupancy Type |
US$ Tariff |
INR-Rupees Tariff |
| (For Foreign Passport Holders) |
(For Indian Nationals ) |
| Per Person On Single Occupancy |
US$ 6,055 |
Rs. 3,63,300/- |
| For 2 Persons On Double Sharing |
US$ 9,100 |
Rs. 5,46,000/- |
| For 3 Persons On Triple Sharing |
US$ 12,075 |
Rs. 7,24,500/- |
| Note: 10% Holiday Surcharge Extra for Xmas Eve & New Year Eve departs |
| (viz.21 & 28 Dec 2016 departs; 20 & 27 Dec 2017 Departs |
|
|
|
| 7 Nights Palace On Wheels Tariff Valid for 4 Months of Sept 2016, April 2017, Sept 2017 & April 2018 Departures (Taxes Extra) |
|
| Occupancy Type |
US$ Tariff |
INR-Rupees Tariff |
| (For Foreign Passport Holders) |
(For Indian Nationals ) |
| Per Person On Single Occupancy |
US$ 4,550 |
Rs. 2,73,000/- |
| For 2 Persons On Double sharing |
US$ 7,000 |
Rs 4,20,000/- |
| For 3 Persons On Triple Sharing |
US$ 9,450 |
Rs 5,67,000/- |
PLEASE NOTE : |
|
Add 4.50% Govt Service Tax Extra |
|
US$ 15 per person Commercial Tax Extra (Rs 900/- for Indians) |
|
Add 10% Holiday Surcharge Extra for Xmas & New Year eve departs |
|
Maximum 3 persons>5 years can be accommodated in one cabin |
|
Child< 05 years are charged 10% of adult tariff, but NOT provided Bed |
|
Child< 12 years are charged 50% of adult tariff, sharing cabin with adult\ |
|
Foreign Passport holders with OCI cards, pay as per US$ tariff |
|
Total journey is for 7 Nights-but option to book for minimum 5 nights New Delhi/Jodhpur Part journey & PAY ACCORDINGLY |
NIGHTS PALACE ON WHEELS TRAIN TOUR INCLUDES : |
|
Overnight travel & stay in luxury train with AC Sleeping chambers having private attached bathroom |
|
Pre-paid group excursions & sightseeing trips in AC buses with services of English speaking Guide & monument entrance fees. |
|
Bed Tea; Daily 3 meals (viz. breakfast, lunch & dinner) & bottled drinking water. |
|
Entrance & still Camera Fee at Monuments & Wild Life Reserves |
|
Jungle Excursion in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve by 20 seater open to air Canters. |
|
Elephant joy ride in Jaipur; Sound & Light Show at Chittor Fort; Boat joy ride in Udaipur; Camel joy ride at Sam sand dunes ;Cultural Program with dinner in Jaisalmer; Cycle Rickshaw ride in Bharatapur Bird sanctuary |
|
Complimentary use of sharing dongle for wi-fi connectivity |
EXTRA COSTS (NOT INCLUDED IN TRAIN TOUR) : |
|
Consumption of alcoholic & non alcoholic beverages |
|
Video camera fees at monuments & wild-life reserves |
|
Laundry; Use of Spa facilities; tips & gratuity; porter fees; tour insurance & all other expenses of personal nature. |
|
Visa arrangements for India; hotel arrangements & local tour in New Delhi. |
PALACE ON WHEELS BOOKING PROCEDURE : |
|
Advice depart dates with number of persons & cabins required |
|
We require Name/sex/nationality of all the passengers to process booking. |
|
In case of children< 12 years we also require date of birth. |
|
Booking will be confirmed on receipt of MINIMUM 20% of ticket value as advance deposit. |
|
Balance payment must reach us before 60 days of train depart |
|
Booking request made less than 60 days before train depart will be confirmed on receipt of one time full payment. |
|
We require Passport copies of all passengers with Indian visa to issue E-travel documents. |
|
Indian Nationals can forward any photo id proof (viz Passport; Driving license; Adhaar Card) |
|
Saloon/cabin will be allocated on date of depart with boarding cards. |
|
Advice arrival/depart details in New Delhi & interest to book Hotels through us. |
PAYMENT OPTIONS : |
|
(a) Guests can pay online by Credit Card Authorization ( VISA/ MASTERCARD only) |
|
(b) Swift wire transfer |
|
(c) Indians can pay in equivalent Rupees by RTGS/Cheque payable at par in New Delhi(India) |
CANCELLATION RULES : |
|
RTDC is the Principal train tour operator & liability of Green Chili Holidays is limited to that of booking agent only. |
|
Cancellation requests must be made in writing & acknowledged by us. |
|
There will be MINIMUM levy of 10% cancellation fee on gross train ticket value -if informed more than 65 days before train tour depart. |
|
There will be MINIMUM levy of 20% cancellation fee on gross train ticket value -if informed between 64 days to 35 days prior to train tour depart. |
|
There will be Full 100% cancellation fee levied on gross train ticket value -if informed less than 35 days prior to train tour depart |
|
Request for change in travel date & passenger names is governed by cancellation rules |
|
Cancellation rules will apply -In case payment OR documents requested are not received as per booking terms & conditions. |
|
In special case-where travel date of same passengers needs to be postponed to future specific dates, Minimum US$ 100 per person will be charged & subject to approval by RTDC Authorities |
|
Request for refund of advance/full payment, due to death Or serious illness of passenger will be at sole discretion of RTDC Authorities. |
|
In case of scheduled train tour depart ,being cancelled by RTDC authorities â€"due to technical reasons ;full advance received by Green Chili Holidays will be made with no further liability towards loss suffered by Passenger towards cancellation of Domestic/International air tickets; Hotel Booking & Indian visa |
|
Request for refund due to refusal of Indian Visa Or Overseas passenger landing in India without proper travel documents-will be governed by cancellation rules. |
|
No refund will be made in case of no-show Or self-curtailment of journey |
|
Un-willingness to follow train tour as per schedule will be non-refundable |
|
At times, due to local logistics if Train tour Manager is forced to cancel certain scheduled sightseeing tours Or activities-no refund will be made to passenger |
|
Request for train tour cancellation due to increase of taxes/tariff by RTDC authorities will be governed by cancellation rules. |
|
Where passenger makes request for refund due to self cancellation, it will be governed as per RBI regulations & Green Chili Holidays reserves the right to charge Service Charge of MINIMUM US$ 100 per person & refund will be made as prevailing rate of exchange. |
IMPORTANT : |
|
(a) Overseas guests are requests to pre-purchase Tour Insurance from country of origin of travel |
|
(b) From 3rd week of December to 2nd week of January-North India experiences heavy fog conditions at night & it is suggested to passengers to arrive at least one day earlier in Delhi |
|
(c) Liability of Green Chili Holidays is limited to that of booking agent only & not that of Principal train Tour operator |
|
(d) Liability of Principal train Tour Operator is limited to as defined in Indian Railways Act. |
|
(e) Disputes (if any) are subject to jurisdiction of courts of New Delhi (India) only. |
CLIMATE : |
|
Varies from 8ºC to 25ºC between September to March and in April around 30ºC |
CLOTHING RECOMMENDED : |
|
Light tropical or light woollens clothing is recommended. For dinners on the Palace on Wheels, semi-formal dressed code is recommended. |
Book Now
To serve you in the best possible manner and to give you the best deal on the luxury train trip aboard Palace on Wheels, we would need you to fill up the form given below. This will enable us to provide you the most authentic information and give you the best deal that suits your travel requirements.
|
|
|
