This website is owned & managed by Your Travel Diaries Inc, 500- 30 Wellington Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5L1E2 & we only act as agents for selling the Palace on Wheels Train which is operated & Maintained by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation RTDC in India and our associates are Personal Tours New Delhi who are the PSA for Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation & Affiliate for selling the packages of Palace on Wheels since 2014 onward. Your Travel Diaries only acts as an agent and the entire responsibility of Running & Operating the Train , The catering on and Off Board the Train , Tours / Sightseeing etc are that of Rajasthan Toursim Development Corporation ( RTDC ) . Tailormade Journeys Limited or their Partners cannot be held responsible in any way.
We do not own or operate PALACE ON WHEELS TRAIN which is owned & Operated by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation.
Your Travel Diaries makes NO CLAIMS on the Trademark or Logo of Palace on Wheels and is the property of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation.
Nothing can beat the romanticism of the royal train tour on Palace on Wheels that chugs along the scenic routes coupled with historical landmarks. The history of Palace on Wheels is as interesting and fascinating as its journey itself. A definite tribute to the royal tradition of Indian Maharajas, this train travels down to the heart of India’s rich cultural and historical heritage, Rajasthan. Dotted with forts, palaces, lakes, sand dunes and green forestry, Rajasthan is the land where the folklores of yore are still alive.
The Palace on Wheels Train tour begins in New Delhi and goes directly to Jaipur for a tour of the Amber Fort where you will also enjoy an Elephant ride or Jeep Ride later continue your tour to visit the Hawa Mahal which is also called the Palace of Winds & City Palace. The next stop of Palace on Wheels is Ranthambore National Park – where you go on open Canter coach to visit the national park if lucky you will have the chance to see the wild cat – Tigers . After breakfast on the train we start our journey to explore the largest fort in India Chittorgarh Fort. Palace on Wheels – The Maharaja Train continues to Udaipur – the Lake City and see the magnificent structures sitting on the fringe of Lake Pichola. Of course there is the glorious sight of the palace Jag Mandir, which is built on an island in the Lake Pichola and appears to elegantly rise from the waters.
Jaisalmer is the next stop of this Luxury India Train is the vast Thar Desert which is also called the Great Indian Desert and then explore Jaisalmer’s sandstone fort and the havelis decorated in lattice designs, as well as the opulent mansions . Here we also have the chance to enjoy the the camel ride adventure through the desert and then move on to Jodphur to see its fascinating Mehrangarh fort.
Palace on Wheels journey continues and its time now to visit the glorious and world famous Taj Mahal in Agra & to visit Keoladeo Ghana National Park (UNESCO) in Bharatpur, where you will be fascinated by the thousands of Siberian cranes, egrets and other migratory water fowls living in India’s best bird sanctuary. Finally we continue to return back to Delhi and it’s the end of the lifetime Maharaja Holiday.
Under the aegis of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways, Palace on Wheels was introduced on January 26, 1982. One of the prestigious luxury trains in the world, Palace on Wheels derives its name from the royal background of its guest coaches which are the replica of the personal carriages used by the Maharajas, Nizams & the Viceroys.
Rajasthan is the magnificent land of numerous kingdoms, majestic forts and palaces, diverse cultures, varied It stands on its tracks; a gleaming sealed carriage, every bit is royal. The air-conditioning works silently, creating a space where only the excitement of the history of the Rajput kingdoms permeates through, clearly captured in a contemporary mode. In all, there are Fourteen saloons, each equipped with four twin-bedded chambers, with attached baths that have running hot and cold water and showers. The modern conveniences have been thoughtfully provided, sofas to sink into, strategically placed lights to read by, wonderfully appointed beds with comfortable furnishings,inbuilt wardrobes for the storage of one’s clothes and bags, and huge plain glass windows to watch the countryside roll past.
Outside the bedrooms, each coach also has a seating lounge where passengers can get together, just sit watch the cities as they glide past outside the windows, or enjoy a quiet cup of tea. An attached pantry with each saloon helps provide beverages and refreshments to the accompaniment of soothing piped music.
There is the comfortable bar cum lounge where you can relax over your favourite drink, burrow in a book or converse with fellow passengers. Attached to it are two restaurant cars, Maharaja and Maharani respectively, with opulently draped curtains, exquisitely crafted lights and table settings . Here accompanying chefs serve up a delicious choice of Indian, including Rajasthani, Continental and even Chinese cuisine that are a feast for the palate.
The train chugs out of Safdarjung Railway Station New Delhi on a week-long run through Rajasthan every Wednesday night, with a trip also inbuilt to Agra and the Taj Mahal. Turban-wearing attendants take over from the moment you arrive at the platform, assigning you your coupes and detailing all the facilities that are on board. The train moves by night and arrives each morning at a new destination where new experiences await you.
The coaches of Palace on Wheels get their names from the former princely states of Rajputana. There are 4 twin bedded chambers in each coach soaked in the ethnic Rajasthani decor. Each guest cabin is equipped with channel music, running hot & cold water, shower, attached toilets, intercom, and wall to wall carpeting to offer a comfortable and luxurious travel. There also is a personal attendant ‘Khidmatgar’ in each saloon catering to the needs of the guests round the clock.
The 14 Guest Coaches of the train meet the aesthetics and interiors of the prineledom they are named after different cities in Rajasthan like Alwar , Bharatpur , Bikaner , Jodhpur , Jaipur , Udaipur and so on. In each saloon, there is a mini pantry and a lounge equipped with television, DVD player and small library. The guests are offered hot and cold beverage along with refreshments and a place to get-together and relax.
Enjoy chit-chatting over a glass of wine with your fellow passenger at the well-appointed Bar aboard the train. This is the right kind of place to unwind and relax after a day of sightseeing. This well-stocked bar serves liquor of both national and international brands and a host of fine wines and other non-alcoholic beverages. The guests can also relish fresh and tasty snacks to accompany their drinks.
The cabins of the Palace on Wheels are the perfect epitome of regal lavishness and gracefulness. The train has 14 fully air-conditioned coaches in total with 4 Cabins in each coach . There are 39 Deluxe cabins and 2 Super Deluxe Cabins, with an amazing décor that reminds one of complete luxurious comforts, experienced by the erstwhile Indian royalty. The interior of the cabins is inspired from the décor of the palaces of the Maharajas. The use of rich silk fabrics is the main highlight and looks extremely attractive.
The antique wooden furniture with beautiful delicate artworks adds an amazing character to the rooms and the padded beds in the cabins offer a comfortable sleep. Every cabin is well-laden with all the world-class modern facilities including attached bathroom with plush toiletries, electronic safety deposit, internet connectivity, individual temperature control, telephone, etc. Availability of a special attendant called Khidmatgar to meet all your travel needs is a major attraction.
The dining experience on-board the Palace on Wheels is itself an extraordinary affair. Maharaja and Maharani, the two royal restaurants aboard, serve sumptuous food of Indian and other popular world cuisines. Dishes of Rajasthani and Marwari cuisine are the highlights. The expert chef and his team take care of hygiene and cleanliness. The guests can enjoy the highest level of hospitality services. The ambiance of both the restaurants is welcoming because of the luxurious fabrics, imported crockery, delicate glass carvings, mahogany paneling, striking chandeliers and colorful wall lamps, aptly matching the mood of the train.
Just the right kind of place to have a chit-chat with your loved ones and co-passengers, the sitting lounge offers you a relaxing environment. Spend some relaxing moment while reading a book of your choice, from the collection available here. It is the ideal place to socialize. You can also partake in the indoor games. The furniture, flower pots and beautiful wall-hangings, add a character to the lounge.
The most recent addition to the Palace on Wheels is the Rejuvenation Spa Car. To offer complete comfortable and luxurious experience to the guests on-board, there is a spa where you can opt for a host of Ayurveda treatments, massages and therapies. When you get tired after a day’s sightseeing, visit the spa and relax your mind, body and soul by availing the services of professional spa therapist. The décor of the spa itself creates a great atmosphere where you can simply relax and rejuvenate your senses.
The Palace on Wheels features state-of-the-art amenities and en-suite facilities. Each guest carriage is a replica of an original private salon of erstwhile Maharajas, Nizams and Viceroys of India.
Guest cabins provide a calm, personal space where guests may read, relax or simply watch the landscape spool by through the panoramic windows.
A passionate team of chefs takes care of the gourmet meals that are served in the 2 dining cars on board. For an authentic dining experience of Royal Rajputana, the accent is on fresh local ingredients and traditional dishes.
The Spa Car, Lounge Car and a Bar Car in Palace on Wheels ensure that you rediscover the finer aspect of traveling for the entire duration of your itinerary. So be prepared to step back into a more refined era in unhurried pace of life.
Arrival kit
Every guest is welcomed with a glass of wine & an arrival kit that includes stationery items, brochures etc.
Attendant or Khidmatgar
A attendant, called Khidmatgar is always available at the guest’s service, to cater to all of their travel requirements.
Indoor Games
Indoor games including crossword puzzles, carom board, chess, Chinese checkers, playing cards and so on.
Internet
Wi-Fi facility along with Laptops is available on board to keep you connected with the world.
Medical Aid
Medical assistance is available on-board the train. A doctor can be arranged on call at any destination.
News paper/Magazines
Be informed on the go with daily news papers & magazines with your morning tea.
Royal Spa
A well-equipped spa is available on-board that provides therapeutic massages & rejuvenating experience.
Security
Sufficient safety arrangements are always made for the guests and their personal belongings in the train.
Smoking
Smoking in India is prohibited in all public places. Contact tour manager for more details.
Souvenir
The train has a Souvenir shop that sells handicraft items, traditional artefacts, curios and ethnic dresses.
Special Features
Each guest salon has a sitting lounge equipped with sofas, TV, DVD players and mazazines.
Voltage
Voltage available on the Palace on Wheels: 110/230V.
Wheelchair Assistance
Special assistance is available for differently abled guests in the form of wheelchair, crèches and attendants.
Baggage Allowance
As there is a little storage space inside your personal cabins, so passengers are requested to carry luggage as per the international airline rules for the first/business class passengers. Soft-topped luggage is always recommended as these can be stored easily.
Bar & Lounge
In the bar of Palace on Wheels, you will get a good variety of house brands of wines, spirits and beer. Snacks are offered complimentary for every passenger.
Butlers
A dedicated team of butlers is always present to the services of the guests. This round the clock service is tailored in a way to fulfill all your requirements in the shortest possible period of time. The well trained butlers can speak English well so that communication between the guests and the butlers can run without any hindrance.
Cabins
The train has 14 guest carriages, which all are decorated with a distinct motif evocative of erstwhile Rajputana clan after which they are named. Each cabin is equipped with live television, air conditioning, internet connectivity, channel music, safe and attached bathrooms.
Cell Phones
All the passengers are requested to keep their cell phones on silent mood while on board or during off-train excursion tours. In all the public areas of the train, the use of cell phones and laptops are restricted. You can use these services in the privacy of your cabins.
Crew
All crew members are well versed in English. The team is dedicated towards ensuring that every need of guests shouldn’t just meet, but anticipated.
Dining
The train has two elegantly appointed restaurants – Maharaja and Maharani – each of which has its own signature dishes and décor including the culinary traditions of Europe, India and certainly of Rajasthan.
Dress Code
Smart casual clothing and suitable walking shoes are recommended for off-train excursion tours. For all the wildlife tours, guests are suggested to wear comfortable clothes in natural restraint hues so that it can blend well with the landscapes. The bright colored clothes are better avoided during wildlife excavations. You also need to carry warm clothes during winter season departure.
Guides
A well trained, English speaking guide accompanies the guests during their off-train excursion tours. The guide is provided with a view to offer the guests an in-depth and detailed insight of the various destinations and historical monuments covered in each excursion. Language speaking guides are also available on selected destinations, but with an extra cost. Please let us know about your requirements at the time of booking only.
Health
While travelling to India, no specific vaccination is required, but foreigners need to carry their Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate conforming to international health regulations, if they are originating or traveling through Yellow Fever prevalent countries. You also need to take precautions for malaria. Please consult your physicians before embarking on the journey. If you are on a medication, carry sufficient amount of medicines required during the span of the journey. Mosquitoes and insects repellents are also need to be carried to be safe from the hands of diseases and allergies.
Laundry
Please contact the carriage butlers for details as limited laundry services are available on selected destinations.
Minimum Passenger Requirement
Every journey of Palace on Wheels requires a minimum number of passengers. In case this required number is not met, an alternative departure date or an alternative journey or the refund will be provided to you. In such an unforeseen condition, 30 days advance intimation can also be given.
Off Train Excursion
You may need to take a fair amount of walk during the off-train excursion tours. It is therefore recommended you to carry comfortable walking shoes. The roads leading to the excursions destinations may not be smooth, but craggy and exhaustive; however a minimum amount of physical fitness is always required to enjoy these tours.
Porter
At every embarking and disembarking stations, porters are available to assist you with your luggage.
Pre & Post Hotel Accommodation
The guests are suggested to at least book one day of hotel accommodation before and after the train journey and this can be organised by us.
Smoking Policy
As per Indian Law – Smoking in India is prohibited in all public places. However, those who wish to smoke can contact the captain for the same.
Spa
You can also enjoy a pampering spa treatment on board Palace on Wheels. The on board spa has its specialized group of professionals who offer rejuvenation treatments on the move.
Special Dietary Requirements
If you have any special dietary requirements, please mention it at the time of booking so as to avoid disappointments during your journey. All the efforts are directed towards a pleasing journey experience for the travelers and thus, we also need your support to offer quality services every time.
Tariff Excludes
Any optional tours as mentioned in the itinerary, taxes, insurance, gratuities, telephone calls, laundry, alcoholic beverages (apart from the house brands of wines, spirits, beer served in the restaurants and bar), video, film and professional still camera fees and arrival and departure transfers. International and domestic air tickets, pre and post tour accommodation and any tour extensions are not included unless specifically mentioned as part of the journeys.
Tariff Includes
Accommodation in double / twin bedded cabins with en suite bathrooms, all meals, soft beverages, butler service, guided off train excursions as illustrated in the journeys inclusive of entrance fees, still camera fees, transport and services of a guide, complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water on board along with porter charges at stations.
Telephone Calls
All the cabins are equipped with telephones. The cost of external calls will be charged separately as it is not included in the cost of the journey.
Tipping
It is a courtesy in Indian tradition to offer gratuities for small services. The gratuities for off-board guides, escort and staff is included in the journey cost. It is completely upon the guests to offer and not to offer gratuities for services.
Transportation
Comfortable and fully air-conditioned coach transfers are available for passengers during their off-train excursion tours. Please go though the detailed itinerary for the specific details on transportation.
Travel Insurance
Personal – We always recommend our guests to carry the insurance documents collected from their home country that cover insurance policy in regards to illness, injury, accident, death, loss of luggage and holiday cancellation.
However all passengers are covered well under an umbrella of insurance that encompasses unforeseen calamities like fire, earthquake, theft and terrorism.
Wheelchair Access
For physically challenged passengers, wheelchairs, crèches and a special attendant for assistance are also available onboard Palace on Wheels. If you have any such special requirements, please mention it at the time of booking to avoid last minute complicacies.
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500- 30 Wellington Street West
Toronto,
Ontario – M5L 1E2,
Canada