Rajasthan is a magnificent land of numerous kingdoms, majestic forts and palaces, diverse cultures, landscapes, and vibrant colors. The best way to experience this royal land is with the Palace on Wheels. It stands on its tracks, a gleaming sealed carriage, the personification of regal.
On a week-long run through Rajasthan every Wednesday night, the train chugs out of Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi. The trip includes a visit to Agra and the Taj Mahal. Turban-wearing attendants take over from the moment you arrive at the platform, assigning you your cars and detailing all the facilities that are on board. The train moves by night and arrives each morning at a new destination where novel experiences await you.
The week-long tour also includes special cultural shows arranged in some cities. Our guides will direct you to government-approved shops if you’re looking for souvenirs.
Facilities
There are 14 saloons in total, each equipped with four twin-bedded chambers with attached baths with running hot and cold water and showers. All modern amenities have been thoughtfully provided: sofas to sink into, strategically placed lights to read by, wonderfully appointed beds with comfortable furnishings, inbuilt wardrobes, and massive plain glass windows to watch the countryside roll by.
Each coach also has a typical seating lounge where passengers can get together to enjoy a quiet cup of tea and watch cities as they pass. An attached pantry with each saloon provides refreshments on demand.
There is the comfortable bar-cum-lounge where you can relax over your favorite drink, burrow in a book or converse with fellow passengers. Attached to it are two restaurant cars, Maharaja and Maharani. Accompanying chefs can whip up a delicious Indian meal, including Rajasthani food or Continental and Chinese cuisines.
Indulge your sense in the well-equipped royal spa that offers various massages, therapies, and revitalizing solutions amidst a majestic ambiance.
Special assistance in wheelchairs, crèches, and an attendant, is available for disabled individuals.
Journey
The Palace on Wheels is one of the world’s most exciting rail journeys. Everything that you would need on this journey is taken care of, and all you need to do is soak in the colors and experience the royal life of the Maharajas.
The tour starts at Delhi and comes back to the city after passing through (in order) Jaipur-Sawai Madhopur-Chittorgarh-Udaipur-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Bharatpur-Agra.
New Delhi – The Capital Of India
The tour starts in the evening with a ceremonial welcome aboard the Palace on Wheels at Safdarjung, New Delhi. You will be treated like a Maharaja and Maharani (king and queen). The capital city of modern India, Delhi, is known for its rich and exotic history. Feel free to explore your new palace, and acquaint yourself with its various facilities. Relax with a drink at the bar. Dinner will be served on board.
Jaipur – The Pink Paradise
Your first stop will be at the magnificent Pink City, Jaipur. The city displays graceful architecture in a unique pink shade. Established in 1727 by the then Maharaja, Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur is known as one of the most well-planned cities. The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur, is predominantly known for its musicians, artisans, and artisans. Today, it is visited for its fine jewelry, varied textiles, and sumptuous cuisine.
Sawai Madhopur – Feline Bounty
After the stunning architectural landmarks, Sawai Madhopur is the perfect place to experience the other side of the royal charm. Named after its king, Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I, this place is near the famous Ranthambore National Park. This wildlife park is home to various animals, but the ones that capture the most attention are its graceful tigers. The forest also houses the ruins of the ancient fort from the 10th century.
Chittorgarh – Resplendent Pride
Chittorgarh, the land of glory and valor, is bound to leave you enchanted. This beautiful place has an intriguing and spellbinding history. The land of devotion and determination, Chittorgarh has produced some of the greatest devotees and courageous warriors in the history of India. Chittorgarh remains replete with historic associations and holds an extraordinary place in the hearts of Rajputs, as it was the bastion of the clan at a time when every other stronghold had succumbed to invasion.
Udaipur – Picturesque Royalty
The land of marvelous beauty, Udaipur, is named after Rana Udai Singh, the dynamic ruler of this princely state. This City of Lakes has a long, glorious history and is also considered the romantic city of Rajasthan, thanks to the endless love sagas of its rulers. Revel in its history and architectural splendors and return with an array of exquisite souvenirs.
Jaisalmer – The Golden Ecstasy
Day two unfolds in the heart of the desert at Jaisalmer, the Golden City of India. Jaisalmer is christened after its founder Rawal Jaisal and means ‘the hill fort of Jaisal,’ established in 1156. The bustling city is full of rustic beauty, and the yellowish hue of the sand justifies the name rendered to the monochromatic landscape. The once-affluent Havelis, intricately carved balconies, cornices, and façades decorate the city and have made it an architectural delight.
Jodhpur – Glory Yonder
Jodhpur, the land of majestic and mystic glory, welcomes you warmly. Currently the second-largest city of Rajasthan, Jodhpur was established in the year 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput king. The magic of imperial living is still alive in the various forts and palaces in the city. In this royal paradise, the blue city for its indigo hue, even the most ordinary houses have exquisite stonework, traceries, and carved latticed windows.
Bharatpur – Unbound Magnificence
Established in the 17th century by Maharaja Suraj Mal, Bharatpur was once an invincible and well-fortified city. Aptly called the iron fort, its stern military construction helped fight off many a foreign siege. Bharatpur is close to the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a world heritage site declared by UNESCO. This region attracts many birds such as the Siberian crane, storks, herons, kingfishers, partridges, owls, songbirds, pigeons, doves, ducks, geese, pelicans, and bee-eaters, some of which migrate from different parts of the world.
Agra – Royal Romance
Agra is located on the banks of the river Yamuna and was established in 1504 by the then ruler of Delhi, Sultan Sikandar Lodi. Agra has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous dynasties over the centuries. The city is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. This white marble wonder expands on the design traditions of Persians and Mughals and is one of the most visited sites in India. You will then visit Lal Quila, or the Red Fort of Agra, the Palatial City, because of its enormous size.
