TF Folks,
As you guys know I am a travel buff and try to travel as much as I can within my professional schedules. I wanted to share my experience of my journey in Palace on Wheels (one of the ten luxury trains available in India). Palace on wheels is the second ranked in India (where first in Maharaja Express) and 4th in the World . Palace on Wheels is operated by Indian Railways & Rajasthan Tourism board.
Palace on Wheels was firstly incorporated in 1982 and later on refurbished in 2009. I was not interested initially to take this, but had to opt it for the experience and the decision taken went onto experience the luxury side of Indian Railways. The train route starts from Delhi and ends at Delhi. Train journey is for 7nights / 8 Days which includes stay on all nights in the train, food is part of the package & the transport for sight seeing is also included. Train will cover approximately 2400 kms in 8 days.
Journey starts from Safdarjung railway station, New Delhi with a traditional Rajasthani Welcome. Palace on wheels usually operates from September to April to avoid the peak summer scorching heat in Rajasthan. Even April months will be too hot. Ideal time would be September and we chose September. En route you'll see the iconic Rajasthani cities named as Jaipur (the Pink City), Jaisalmer (the Golden City), Jodhpur (the Blue City), Udaipur (the City of Lakes), as well as the state's wildlife-rich Ranthambore National Park and its world-famed Bharatpur bird sanctuary. Beyond Rajasthan, you'll take in that world-famous symbol of love and romance, Agra, before returning to the capital New Delhi.
Palace on Wheels train have 14 guest coaches, 2 restaurant coaches (MahaRaja & MahaRani). Both restaurants are themed as per color and interiors. 14 guest coaches are divided into 2 categories (Deluxe and Super Deluxe). Each coach contains 3 Deluxe Cabins and 2 Super Deluxe Cabins, all in all 41 Cabins are there on Palace on Wheels. Each cabin is unique, with an interior decor that is inspired by the dynasties that once ruled Rajasthan. The names of the cabins were adapted from the royal provinces of the Indian state.
Cabin Highlights
We have chosen Deluxe Cabin & we have been allotted in Kota Coach, and the view of our Room. Room Amenities include Separate attached Bathroom, Toiletries, Snacks, Wi-Fi, Magazines, Iron, Safe Locker and some more.
Each and every Cabin is designed separately. Based on Deluxe and Super Deluxe category you will be assigned separate vehicles for travel. Super Deluxe and Presidential Suite category rooms will have private chauffeur driven Sedans or Innova depends on location
Apart from these coaches, Palace on Wheels have One Spa Coach & Sitting Lounge Coach where some entertainment activities happen.
Maha Rani Restaurant:
MahaRaja Restaurant:
The Palace on Wheels menu card splits into five categories. They are soups, salads, two sections of cuisine specials, International cuisines and desserts. Customized Cuisines can be requested to Chef's for the next day and they will arrange it. We have requested for South Indian Cuisines and they have provided us with Idly, and some South Indian traditional dishes. Staff were very supportive and highly courteous.
Some Images of the travel, I don't want to stretch the thread day wise Itinerary as it will get too long. Let's keep it more of the experience of Palace on Wheels.
Cost for the Trip:
They have offered me the quotation of around 5,80,000 per couple for Deluxe Cabin and on Negotiation I got the price for 4,85,000 and one night stay in Vivanta Taj Dwaraka and transfer from Airport to Taj Dwaraka and Safdarjung Railway Station. We have chose Travelogy India Pvt Ltd, as they are official ticketing partners. There are some other sources offline where you can get the tickets. Always buy from the Authorized partners. We have observed some offline agents offers at lower prices. Now the prices have shot up and it's costing around 11,20,000 per couple. (Refer Below Price Table). Back then there was no good credit card rewards on spends, I have spent the amount using my Citi Rewards card which was around 8 years old by then and got normal reward rate.
Source: Wikipedia, Palace on Wheels Website and My own Experience.
More Information available on:
www.thepalaceonwheels.org
Overall Rating & Experience: ( 4.5 / 5 )
As mentioned earlier this is a once in a life time experience with Palace on Wheels. You will be treated as Maharaja and service is of top quality. They will pamper you with Chef's curated Menu all over. You will be taken care by around 60-70 crew through out the journey. Around 70% of the travelers are foreigners, they come to experience the Royalty and Indian Heritage. The only down side of the journey is they have associate tie ups with many premium stores, where they will take you definitely for the purchase. I have got some free time today, so writing this up. Will upload more images soon.
As you guys know I am a travel buff and try to travel as much as I can within my professional schedules. I wanted to share my experience of my journey in Palace on Wheels (one of the ten luxury trains available in India). Palace on wheels is the second ranked in India (where first in Maharaja Express) and 4th in the World . Palace on Wheels is operated by Indian Railways & Rajasthan Tourism board.
Palace on Wheels was firstly incorporated in 1982 and later on refurbished in 2009. I was not interested initially to take this, but had to opt it for the experience and the decision taken went onto experience the luxury side of Indian Railways. The train route starts from Delhi and ends at Delhi. Train journey is for 7nights / 8 Days which includes stay on all nights in the train, food is part of the package & the transport for sight seeing is also included. Train will cover approximately 2400 kms in 8 days.
- Day 1 – Departure from New Delhi
- Day 2 – Jaipur
- Day 3 – Sawai Madhopur and Chittorgarh
- Day 4 – Udaipur
- Day 5 – Jaisalmer
- Day 6 – Jodhpur
- Day 7 – Bharatpur and Agra
- Day 8 – Return to New Delhi
Journey starts from Safdarjung railway station, New Delhi with a traditional Rajasthani Welcome. Palace on wheels usually operates from September to April to avoid the peak summer scorching heat in Rajasthan. Even April months will be too hot. Ideal time would be September and we chose September. En route you'll see the iconic Rajasthani cities named as Jaipur (the Pink City), Jaisalmer (the Golden City), Jodhpur (the Blue City), Udaipur (the City of Lakes), as well as the state's wildlife-rich Ranthambore National Park and its world-famed Bharatpur bird sanctuary. Beyond Rajasthan, you'll take in that world-famous symbol of love and romance, Agra, before returning to the capital New Delhi.
Palace on Wheels train have 14 guest coaches, 2 restaurant coaches (MahaRaja & MahaRani). Both restaurants are themed as per color and interiors. 14 guest coaches are divided into 2 categories (Deluxe and Super Deluxe). Each coach contains 3 Deluxe Cabins and 2 Super Deluxe Cabins, all in all 41 Cabins are there on Palace on Wheels. Each cabin is unique, with an interior decor that is inspired by the dynasties that once ruled Rajasthan. The names of the cabins were adapted from the royal provinces of the Indian state.
Cabin Highlights
- 39 Deluxe Cabins and 2 Super Deluxe Cabins
- Restaurant Cars with Lounge Bar
- 1 Spa Car
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Exclusive Butler
We have chosen Deluxe Cabin & we have been allotted in Kota Coach, and the view of our Room. Room Amenities include Separate attached Bathroom, Toiletries, Snacks, Wi-Fi, Magazines, Iron, Safe Locker and some more.
Each and every Cabin is designed separately. Based on Deluxe and Super Deluxe category you will be assigned separate vehicles for travel. Super Deluxe and Presidential Suite category rooms will have private chauffeur driven Sedans or Innova depends on location
Apart from these coaches, Palace on Wheels have One Spa Coach & Sitting Lounge Coach where some entertainment activities happen.
Maha Rani Restaurant:
MahaRaja Restaurant:
The Palace on Wheels menu card splits into five categories. They are soups, salads, two sections of cuisine specials, International cuisines and desserts. Customized Cuisines can be requested to Chef's for the next day and they will arrange it. We have requested for South Indian Cuisines and they have provided us with Idly, and some South Indian traditional dishes. Staff were very supportive and highly courteous.
Some Images of the travel, I don't want to stretch the thread day wise Itinerary as it will get too long. Let's keep it more of the experience of Palace on Wheels.
Cost for the Trip:
They have offered me the quotation of around 5,80,000 per couple for Deluxe Cabin and on Negotiation I got the price for 4,85,000 and one night stay in Vivanta Taj Dwaraka and transfer from Airport to Taj Dwaraka and Safdarjung Railway Station. We have chose Travelogy India Pvt Ltd, as they are official ticketing partners. There are some other sources offline where you can get the tickets. Always buy from the Authorized partners. We have observed some offline agents offers at lower prices. Now the prices have shot up and it's costing around 11,20,000 per couple. (Refer Below Price Table). Back then there was no good credit card rewards on spends, I have spent the amount using my Citi Rewards card which was around 8 years old by then and got normal reward rate.
Source: Wikipedia, Palace on Wheels Website and My own Experience.
More Information available on:
Palace on Wheels : A Royal Journey through Luxury Train
The palace on wheels - Get the royal experience onboard exploring most beautiful heritage & culture of Rajasthan.
Overall Rating & Experience: ( 4.5 / 5 )
As mentioned earlier this is a once in a life time experience with Palace on Wheels. You will be treated as Maharaja and service is of top quality. They will pamper you with Chef's curated Menu all over. You will be taken care by around 60-70 crew through out the journey. Around 70% of the travelers are foreigners, they come to experience the Royalty and Indian Heritage. The only down side of the journey is they have associate tie ups with many premium stores, where they will take you definitely for the purchase. I have got some free time today, so writing this up. Will upload more images soon.
Attachments
