Train journeys are always an enriching experience – peering out of the window to admire changing landscapes of yellow, green and blue hues as the train chugs along, passing through lazy little villages, sharing stories with strangers over endless cups of coffee; train rides have consistently been the highlight of all my trips, and looking back at these fond memories fills me with aching nostalgia. Now there's a whole new side to train travel that is worth exploring: the Palace On Wheels.
Taking regular train journeys to a completely new level are luxury trains, for those who don't mind indulging in a little decadence and romance every once in a while, especially when the occasion calls for it! For romantic couples or newlyweds who want to get thoroughly pampered in a regal way, a luxury train ride may be the perfect honeymoon idea.
All About The Palace On Wheels
One such train that encapsulates the splendour of a bygone age and swaddles you in opulence is Palace on Wheels. The oldest and one of the most popular luxury trains in India, Palace on Wheels takes you back to the land of maharajas in Rajasthan and back to the ostentatious display of grandeur in that era. So if you're in the mood to spoil yourself and your better half, hop on and experience the journey of a lifetime!
About the train
Palace on Wheels is India's first luxury train and was launched by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation along with Indian Railways in 1982. It has 14 coaches and occupies a place among the top five luxury trains in the world. Each cabin spoils you with a mini pantry and a lounge equipped with a television, DVD player and a small library.
Itinerary: Delhi – Jaipur – Sawai Madhopur – Chittorgarh – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Bharatpur – Agra – Delhi
You journey begins in New Delhi, the national capital of India. This historically significant city boasts of some ancient and medieval architectural wonders and is a repository of heritage, art, traditions and politics.
Report by 4:30pm at Safdarjung Railway Station for a royal welcome. You will be escorted to your cabins by a courteous staff and briefed on cabin facilities. You may then check out the bar lounge and enjoy a few complimentary welcome drinks. The train departs at 6:30pm.
Meals: Dinner will be served aboard the Palace on Wheels.
Your next stop is Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, popularly known as the 'Pink City'. This popular city boasts of architectural marvels from the Rajput empire, but with a touch of Mughal elegance. Jaipur spoils you for choice with its opulent palaces, forts, courtyards and museums and is an undoubted traveller's paradise.
Sights covered: St. Albert Museum, Pink City Palace and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal (Palace Of winds), afternoon excursion to UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hill Fort Palace of Amber.
Meals: Breakfast aboard the train; Lunch at 1135 AD Boutique Restaurant, located in the fort premises; Dinner aboard the train.
Sawai Madhopur also known as the 'Gateway to Ranthambore' is one of the most serene and beautiful cities of Rajasthan. It has gained a lot of popularity for housing the famous Ranthambore National Park. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the historic Ranthambore Fort is another attraction. Other places to see are the famous Ganesha Temple, Chamatkar temple and the Khandar Fort.
Sights covered: Proceed from Sawai Madhopur Railway Station at 6.30am for a thrilling jungle safari at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve.
Return to the train by 9.30am and get ready to depart to Chittorgarh.
Sitting on the banks of rivers Gambhiri and Berach, Chittorgarh is one of the most popular and possibly romantic cities of Rajasthan. It boasts of splendid forts, temples, palaces and castles.
Sights covered: Around 4pm the train reaches Chittorgarh Railway Station. Proceed to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hill Fort. In the evening, you get to enjoy a sound and light programme within the fort complex.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served aboard the train.
The former capital of the Mewar Kingdom, Udaipur is nestled in a valley and surrounded by four lakes. This city in Rajasthan oozes grandeur and luxury and is easily one of the most enchanting tourist destinations in India. Also known as the 'City of Lakes', this picturesque place popularly known for its beautiful palaces is ideal for a romantic getaway.
Sights to see: Visit the City Palace complex, Crystal Gallery, enjoy boat rides on Lake Pichola around the Lake Palace Hotel, visit the Royal Gardens at Saheliyon Ki Bari.
Meals: Breakfast on the train; Lunch at Fatehprakash Palace Hotel; Dinner on board the train.
Known as the 'Golden City', Jaisalmer was a former trading centre in the state of Rajasthan. Apart from its beautiful havelis and ancient temples, it has some vibrant and rather colourful bazaars where you can purchase authentic souvenirs and other knick-knacks.
Sights to see: Jaisalmer Fort, Patwon ki Haveli, 15th century Jain temples located within close proximity, sand dunes in Thar Desert.
Meals: Breakfast on the train; Lunch at a 5-star hotel; Dinner at a 5-start hotel.
Jodhpur, also known as the 'Blue City' is the second largest city in Rajasthan. It was the capital city of the Kingdom of Marwar. One of the most touristy places in the country, it is known for its close proximity to the Thar Desert and boasts of beautiful forts and palaces.
Sights to see: The 16th-century Mehrangarh Fort, late 19th century built Jaswant Thada, which consists of a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble, museum at Umaid Bhawan Palace displaying personal artefacts of HH Maharaja of Jodhpur.
Meals: Breakfast aboard the train; Lunch at Hanwant Mahal Boutique Restaurant; Dinner on the train.
Sights covered: Arrive at Bharatpur by 6:30am on the next day and proceed to the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, one of the famous bird sanctuaries in India and be amazed at the numerous species of exotic birds you spot.
Return to the train which departs for Agra at 8:45am.
Located in Uttar Pradesh, Agra is home to one of the seven Wonders of the World, the iconic Taj Mahal. It is visited by tourists from all over the year, all year around because of its many architectural wonders from the Mughal period. Although it is synonymous with the Taj Mahal, the city has a lot more to offer. Other than the Taj, it boasts of two more UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
Sights covered: Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, lively local bazaars
Meals: Breakfast at delux lodge in the forest at Bharatpur; Lunch at ITC Mughal Hotel; Dinner in a luxury hotel in Agra or aboard Palace on Wheels.
Your train will return to Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station by 5:30am.
Meals: Early morning breakfast (around 6:30am to 7am).
Tour tariff
For October 2017 to March 2018.
Occupancy type: Single, Double and Super Deluxe (SUITE).
Cost (per person/night): Single costs ₹51,900; Double costs ₹39,000; Super Deluxe or the most luxurious suite costs ₹1,08,000.
Total cost for 8 days per person: Single costs ₹4,15,200; Double costs ₹3,12,000; Super Deluxe (SUITE) costs ₹8,64,000
Departure Dates
For October 2017 to March 2018
October 25; November (1, 8, 15, 22, 29); December (6, 13, 20, 27); January (3, 10, 17, 24); February (7, 14, 21, 28); March (7, 14, 21, 28).
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