Palace on wheel- A luxury Train Journey!!

The train

 

 Photo: Palace on Wheel (Exterior View)
The Palace on Wheels comprises of 14 fully air-conditioned deluxe saloons, equipped with world class amenities to enhance the pleasure of traveling.

 The Coaches 

The 14 coaches are named after former Rajput states matching the aesthetics and interiors of the royal past. Each saloon has a mini pantry and a lounge to ensure availability of hot and cold beverage, and refreshments and a place to relax and get together. 

1. ALWAR

Located strategically, Alwar is the gateway to Rajasthan from Delhi. With a turbulent history spanning back to the medieval era, Alwar has been an important place of trade and commerce. Bestowed by nature with a unique habitat comprising forests and deep valleys, Alwar in home to several species of flora and fauna. The ceiling of the Alwar coach lounge has been done aesthetically in a delightful mix of cone work and oils in relief, depicting a hunting scene. The royal emblem and a miniature painting adorn the lounge. Subtle tones of pink enhance the romantic ambience of the lounge.

2. BHARATPUR

Maharaja Suraj Mal, the valiant Jat king, who was admired for his chivalry and courage, had his abode here. Once a fortified township, Bharatpur is now an ornithologist's paradise and well known for the Keoladeo Ghana bird sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to over 376 avian species. Echoing the vividity of nature's gift to Bharatpur the relief work on this coach depicts various species of birds on the tree of life. A replica of royal crest of Bharatpur adorns the valance of the blinds. The 'nature' theme is further endorsed by the white cedar inlay work depicting birds and painted peacocks, sitting on a haveli worked on a mirror. The color scheme, with its profusion of beige and aqua green, is a vivid reminder of lush green forests of Bharatpur and Ghana

3. BIKANER

Bikaner came into being in 1486 A.D. when Rao Bika set out to carve a separate kingdom for himself. The colour scheme of the lounge has been motivated by the opulent coronation rooms in burning red and gold of the Anup Mahal and Padam Mahal of the Junagarh fort. The royal state crest is placed on the valance along with some handicrafts of Rajasthan. The ceiling is done up in relief work and an oil painting on canvas, depicting the legendary lovers Dhola & Maru on camelback. The artwork in the lounge is in the Mughal –influenced style of Bikaner School of Art.

4. BUNDI
The quaint little state of Bundi lies cradled in the hills, east of Mewar. The palace complex of Bundi towers above the township. An imposing structure, it is approached by along paved ramp that ascends to the Hati Pol, and is depicted in water colour work in one of the bedrooms. The famous Ragmala also called Rag Ragini, paintings of Bundi have been highlighted through oil paintings on the canvas and are placed on the ceilings. The royal crest is highlighted on the valance. The famous Bundi school of painting is depicted in the framed and mounted art pieces and also serves as the basis of the colour scheme and overall décor, including a delightfully frescoed ceiling.
5. DHOLPUR
Dholpur is known for its locally quarried sandstone building palaces and for lattice work extenhsively used for balcony railings. The rails in the coach are made of teak ply and depict the fine craftsmanship originally done in stone. The Dholpur crest decorates the valance in zardozi work.
6. DUNGARGARH
Dungargarh meaning ‘Hill Town’ is wild and rugged and known for its architecture and the Bhil tribals. The ceiling is done up in a mixture of relief and mirror work in line with the ‘lep’ work done by the tribals on the wall of their houses. The royal state crest, in intricate zardozi work, appears on the valance of the blinds.
7. JAISALMER
Founded by Rao Jaisal in 1156 A.D, this remote desert city is famous for the Jaisalmer fort, epitomized by Satyajit Ray in the ‘Shonar Kella’ ( The Golden Fortress), an epic celluloid saga. The city is also famous for its havelies, cobbled streets, ancient Jain temples and a festive gaiety that reverberates across the shimmering sands of the Thar desert. The intricately latticed havelies with conspicuous facades served as the inspiration for the intricately carved jharokhas on the lounge ceiling. It is done on teak wood with a mirror backing. The famous Jawahar Niwas façade has been depicted in the state lounge cone, metal, copper and silver medium. The royal insignia adorns the valance of the blinds. The colour scheme reflects 8. JAIPUR Known the world over as the Pink City, Jaipur was founded by Maharaja Swai Jai Singh in 1727 A.D. The city was planned by the architect Vidhyadhar, under the instructions of the Maharaja. The king was an astronomer and a connoisseur of arts. And his taste is conspicuous in the beautiful city constructed by him. A fascinating land, Jaipur has innumerable palace , monuments & gardens that attracts hoards of visitors every year. Fairs and festivals reflect the exuberant charm of the people here. The cheerful nature of the local inhabitants is reflected in the vibrant colours and captivating music that enliven their spirits, even in this arid desert land. The ceiling of the state lounge has been created using the famed ‘Phad’ or foil work, depicting festivals like Teej, Gangaur, Holi, Diwali etc. The royal emblem of the state, in Zardozi work, graces the valance. The walls have been decorated with miniature paintings of the famous Jaipur style of painting. The ceilings have been painted frescoes, done in complementary colours , reflecting the state’s colour scheme of Blue and Gold.   9. JHALAWAR This powerful kingdom of the Jhalas, a clan of valiant Rajputs, was created in the year 1838 A.D. It is a charming land with immense natural beauty. Tales of valour and chivalry and numerous folklore abound in this region. Jhalawar also has some beautiful temples and some Buddhist caves. The ceiling has been worked out in a medium used by the local inhabitants of the Jhalawar to decorate their homes. A play of colous and a mirror work has used in the medium of plaster of paris to create a unique ambience. The royal insignia of the erstwhile state in zardozi work is seen on the valance along with handicrafts supporting the table tops of the state lounge.   10. JODHPUR The capital of the Mewar kingdom lies on the tip of the Thar desert and was the seat of a formidable dynasty of the ruler sfrom the 15th centuary onwards. The Mehrangarh Fort which dominates the city of Jodhpur is fascinating with its cusped arcades and the Mughal influnced designs of the Moti Mahal recreated in mother-of-pearl work on the ceilings. The royal crest is highlighted on the valance along with the miniature paintings in the lounge which is typical of the Jodhpur School of Art. the beige of the desert sands.

11. KISHANGARH The Bani Thani paintings of the state with their exaggerated features like eyes and long fingers, are well-known .One of these famous paintings is recreated on the ceiling in acrylic, painted with enamel and foil. The crest appears in zardozi work on the blinds of the windows with an artwork of the Kishangarh school of Art highlighted on the wall of the state lounge.   12. KOTA Once a prosperous Rajput state, Kota is picturesquely located beside the Chambal river, surrounded by verdant forests and picnic gardens. The City Palace is a grand structure. The entry to the place is through the Hati Pol, which is brightly painted with figures of elephants. Kota is well known for the Kota school of design. These elements have served as the basis for designing the décor of this coach. The distinctive features of the Kota school of art can be seen in the oil paintings titled “ Raja aur Praja” ( The Monarch and his subjects ) on the ceiling. I5t depicts Raja Ram Singh II (1826-66) of Kota amidst a royal procession.   13. SIROHI This erstwhile state has earned an enviable reputation the world over for its gold fort, near Pratapgarh. Especially the coloured glass work within it is remarkable. The style of work has a typically Indo-European flavour as European influence is quite conspicuous. The rooms highlighted this style through the framed works of art done in the same style. The ambiance and colour scheme has also been designed in keeping with this school of Art. The gold foil and glass work also has semi-precious stones embedded in it, and has been done in a mix media created from co0ne and paint embossed particle boards. The royal insignia has been placed prominently. Mounted miniatures done in Sirohi schhol style lend a unique character to décor.   14. UDAIPUR Lazing on the edge of lake Pichhola, Udaipur was the capital of Sisodia Rajputs after they moved from Chittaur. The City Palace in Udaipur is a complex of reception halls, residential suites and internal courts from which the state lounge and bedrooms take their colour schemes- dominant blue and white. The most fascinating of the inner courts is the Peacock Court where Peacocks have been modeled in high relief and faced with coloured glass mosaic. The lounge décor is influenced by the ‘Mor Chowk’ or the Peacock Court. The medium used is a combination of the relief work and Patra or oxidized white metal work. The royal crest of the state, in alluring zardozi work, is set on the valance of the blinds. Day-1 Wednesday Tour Begins : 09.30 hrs. New Delhi Join the tour group for a day tour of New Delhi. Tour includes visit to the India Gate, Lotus Temple, Qutab Minar, Humayun's Tomb and more. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will be transferred to the Safdarjung Railway station, New Delhi where the guests are accorded a warm, traditional welcome before the Palace on Wheels pulls out into the night ... for a week-long luxury cruise through fascinating Rajasthan.   Day-2 Thursday    Arrival 02.00 hrs. Departure 19.30 hrs Jaipur The first stop of Palace on Wheels is Jaipur, one of the most well planned cities of the world of its time. This capital city of Rajasthan, popularly known as the Pink City, was founded by Maharaja Swai Jai Singh II, in1727 A.D. To explore the city, an air-conditioned coach takes you to Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, which is a remarkable five storeyed building along the main street of the old city in pink splendor with semi-octagonal and delicate honey combed sandstone windows. This is followed by a visit to Amber Fort, eight kms. away, where rides on caparisoned elephants add to the ambiance. Shop for Jaipur’s famous jewellery, handicrafts, carpets blue pottery and textiles. Near Ajmeri Gate is located Rajasthali - the only Rajasthan Govt. Emporium selling genuine handicrafts at fixed prices. After lunch at a Palace Hotel, you are off to the City Palace, home of the erstwhile royal family. Right across the road from the City Palace is the Jantar Mantar, the largest observatory built by the Sawai Jai Singh II. The Luxury coaches will take you back to Palace on Wheels around 6.30 pm. Dinner on Board. ay-3 Friday Arrival 05.30 hrs. (Sawai Madhopur) and 16.00 hrs (Chittorgarh) Sawai Madhopur & ChittaurgarhOne can almost sense a life of the wilderness, as the Palace on Wheels arrives in Sawai Madhopur, a city named after its founder Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I. After breakfast a visit is arranged to the Ranthambhor National Park, wherein are located the ruins of a 10th century fort. This wildlife sanctuary is considered to be the country’s best for observing and photographing the activities of the tiger. The park, covering an area of 392 sq.kms. is home to more than 300 species of birds. The tiger, hyena, ratel, jackal and fox are among those constituting the carnivorous population here. Sawai Madhopur is known for its exclusive toys, ethnic ornaments and costumes. Upon return to the Palace on Wheels, you leave for Chittaurgarh, when one gets an opportunity to watch the colourful countryside passing by in the daylight. After lunch on board you are in Chittaurgarh. Images of love and valour; scars of battles lost and won….thrice-beseiged, Chittaurgarh Fort is all this and more.   Day-4 Saturday Arrival 08.00 hrs. Departure 15.30 hrs Udaipur Arrive in Udaipur, the Lake City at 8:00 AM. It was founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty was driven away by the Mughals, in 1559A.D. Perhaps the two most beautiful sites of Udaipur are the dream-like marble Palaces-the Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) and the Jag Mandir, which appear to rise from the blue waters of Lake Pichhola. After lunch a visit to City Palace is exhilarating. In the evening visit the crystal gallery. Later proceed to Jaisalmer on board Palace on Wheels Day-5 Sunday Arrival 09.15 hrs. Departure 23.45 hrs Jaisalmer In the heart of the Thar Desert lies Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal, in 1156A.D. Here the yellow sandstone fort is an imposing sight, towering magnificently over the city. Discover the painstakingly latticed havelis or mansions with their grand facades. The Nathmalji-ki-haveli, Patwon-ki-haveli and Salim Singh-ki-haveli are fine examples of the stone carver’s skill. Shop at Rajasthali-the only Rajasthan Govt. emporium, for fine pattu shawls, mirror work & embroidered articles, wooden boxes, trinkets, silver jewellery and curios. After lunch on board, go for an exciting camel ride on the sand dunes of Sam, before sipping a refreshing cup of tea. Enjoy the dinner and the cultural programmes at a hotel in Jaisalmer. The train leaves for Jodhpur at night. Day-6 Monday Arrival 07.00 hrs. JodhpurNext morning the Palace on wheels is in Jodhpur, a city ringed by a high stone wall with seven gates and several bastions. This second largest city of Rajasthan, founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 A.D. is known for its rock-solid Mehrangarh Fort. The grand palaces within- Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana are impressive examples of architectural excellence. Near the fort complex lies Jaswant Thada, and a group of royal cenotaphs made of white marble. After lunch at a royal Palace hotel, return to the Palace on Wheels. While in Jodhpur shop for the exquisite handcrafted articles including the famous breeches, embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics. Day-7  Tuesday     Arrival 05.00hrs.  Departure 08.45 hrs Bharatpur Early next morning, the Palace arrives in Bharatpur, the capital of Maharaja Suraj Mal. After breakfast pay a visit to the world famous bird sanctuary, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, the nesting place of thousands of Egrets, Siberian Cranes, migratory Water Fowl and other species of birds.   Day-7 Tuesday Arrival 10.30 hrs Departure 23.00 hrs Agra Arrive at Fatehpur Sikri-the red sandstone Mughal palatial complex. Within the enclosure is a mosque built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and dedicated to the Sheikh Salim Chisti, a muslim Sufi Saint who blessed him with a son. After lunch move on from the Red Fort and arrive at the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. A pristine monument of undying love. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Agra is known for its splendid marble inlay work like the Pietra Dura work on the Taj, leather goods and jewelry. After dinner on board and a good night’s sleep, arrive at Safdarjung Train Station, New Delhi at 6.00 hrs the next morning and let the pleasant memories of the past week linger on your mind for a long, long time. Schedule 7 Nights Palace On Wheels Train Tour departs Ex New Delhi till April 2018 May 2016 to August 2016 No operations Sept 2016 07,14,21,28 Oct 2016 05,12,19,26 Nov 2016 02,09,16,23,30 Dec 2016 07,14,21*,28* Jan 2017 04,11,18,25 Feb 2017 01,08,15,22 March 2017 01,08,15,22,29 April 2017 05,12,19,26 May 2017 to August 2017 No Operations Sept 2017 06,13,20,27 Oct 2017 04,11,18,25 Nov 2017 01,08,15,22,29 Dec 2017 06,13,20*,27* Jan 2018 03,10,17,24,31 Feb 2018 07,14,21,28 March 2018 07,14,21,28 April 2018 04,11,18,25 Note: 10% Holiday Surcharge Extra for Xmas & New Year Eve Departs Tariff 7 Nights Palace On Wheels Tariff Valid from Oct 2016 till March 217 Departs & Oct 2017 till March 2018 Departs (Taxes Extra ) Occupancy Type US$ Tariff (For Foreign Passport Holders) INR-Rupees Tariff (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 Departs (Taxes Extra) Occupancy Type US$ Tariff (For Foreign Passport Holders) INR-Rupees Tariff (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$ 9450 Rs 5,67,000/-   NOTE : Add 5% Govt Service Tax Extra Add 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 7 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 & Camera fee at Monuments & Wild Life Reserves Jungle Excursion in Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve by 15 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 Visit to Taj Mahal in Agra 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. Terms & Conditions Palace On Wheels Booking Procedure *The Palace On Wheels is operated & managed by RTDC( Tourism Dept. of Rajasthan Govt.) * 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 bith. * Booking will be confirmed on receipt of MINIMUM 25% of ticket value as advance deposit. * Balace payment must reach us before 45 days of train depart * Booking request made less than 45 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 : Either By Online Credit card authorization OR Bank wire swift transfer Cancellation Rules-Palace On Wheels: RTDC is the Principal train tour operator & liability of Royal Indian Trains is 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 –due to technical reasons ;full advance received by Royal Indian Trains 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 & Royal Indian Trains reserves the right to charge Service Charge of MINIMUM US$ 100 per person & refund will be made as prevailing rate of exchange. Train Tour will operate subject to MINIMUM 20(twenty) passengers OR Train Tour Operator(RTDC) reserves the right to cancel the scheduled depart & make refund of advance received (without ANY FURTHER LIABILITY regards re-imbusing any cancellation fee charges for other travel plans booked by you to visit India)  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) Maximum liability of Royal Indian trains is limited to that of booking agent only. (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. For more you can visit http://www.thepalaceonwheels.com, http://www.palaceonwheels.net/.   This is up to individual to decide, if you want to experience luxury, and royal treatment in royal style this is one of the option. In my personal View you will not get much time to explore the places as these many places cannot be cover in this short time. You can touch these. If you really want to explore the places and enjoy ,Be in a group of  5-7 , Hire a luxury car and book the hotel and then Explore. In the next post i will be covering the Important tourists  places  in Delhi.

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