How Royalty is Associated with the Palace on Wheels Destinations
The term ‘royalty’ in India signifies the pomp and panache of erstwhile Indian monarchs, out of whom the largest chunk was occupied by the Rajput rulers of Rajasthan. Every destination of Rajasthan reverberates with the splendor of these Rajput monarchs wrought in number of forts and palaces housed here. Palace on Wheels, adjudged as 4th best luxury train in the world and modeled on the royal carriages of erstwhile Rajput rulers, Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of India, embark on its voyage through erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan. In this blog, I will highlight the royal factors which associated with the Place on Wheels destinations.
Jaipur
Crowned with the title of ‘Pink City’, Jaipur is home to some very famous forts and palaces and a World Heritage Site. Right from Amber Fort to City Palace and Hawa Mahal to Jantar Mantar, several generations of Kacchawa Rajputs immensely contributed in the development of this city.
Udaipur
Founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559, the city of Udaipur is sprinkled with lakes and encompassed by Aravalii hills. There are several places in this city that will acquaint you with the bygone royal splendor. The first is the City Palace, an exquisite palatial edifice comprised of palaces, lakes and gardens built at different times from 1559. The Durbar Hall, housed with various artifacts such as Mewari paintings, splendid chandeliers and Rajputana artilleries, is a must place to visit.
Jodhpur
Jodhpur is famously known as ‘Blue City’ owing to its blue painted houses that can be best viewed from the ramparts of the Mehrangarh Fort. The city has three important structures that are associated with the former royalty- Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace and the Jaswant Thada.
Jaisalmer
Situated atop the Trikuta Hill, amidst the undulating Thar desert, Jaisalmer is most famous for its royal havelis that exhibits the architectural wealth of this desert city through its screened windows, intricate carvings and large courtyards. Then there is ‘Sonar Qila’ that changes its hues from tawny lion to honey gold between sunrise and sunset.
(Source: thepalacesonwheels.blogspot.co.uk)
Palace on wheels : A Train true to its Name
Palace on wheel started the concept of luxury travelling in India. The first train rolled on its wheels on 26th January 1982, and was modeled on the royal carriages of the erstwhile kings of Rajasthan. The train is not just equipped with all the modern facilities, but also has a huge collection of rarest vintage artifacts, choicest collection of wines and spirits, multi variety cuisines, and a hospitality unmatched in its class.
The itinerary was selected to cover the most important places in Rajasthan, along with the capital of India, New Delhi and Agra. Having pioneered the genre of luxury travelling in India for more than 3 decades, palace on wheels lives every bit, to the hype created around its name.
The journey
Palace on wheels cover some of the most fascinating cities and landscapes of northern and northwestern India. The journey lasts for a total of 8 days and 7 nights, and together carries the many colors of India, and the rich bounty of nature, in all its forms and splendor. Cities on route are a mix of ancient and medieval historical cities, wildlife sanctuaries, city of lakes, pilgrim cities and the one and only Taj Mahal, the postcard picture for India savvy tourists.
Destinations
All the destinations en route of Palace on Wheels are different from each other, and a marvel in themselves. The cities are carefully chosen to give to its guests the best introduction to the rich diversity, and cultural heritage of India.
The cities covered on this journey are:
- Jaipur
- Jaisalmer
- Jodhpur
- Sawai Madhopur
- Chittaurgarh
- Udaipur
- Bharatpur
- Agra
Tariff for the train
Indian luxury train ‘Palace on Wheels’ offers three different kinds of occupancy, and consequently 3 different types of fare. The fares for different occupancies is provided below for your perusal. The fares mentioned below are valid for the season Sept 2012 till Apr 2013. The tariff during the peak season i.e. from Oct 2012 to Mar 2013 is also provided below. Special seasonal departures may also include additional benefits or discounts.
Palace on Wheels tariff plan for peak season of 2012-13
Occupancy Type Sept 2012 & April 2013 (Per person per night)
Single Occupancy USD 575
Twin Sharing USD 430
Triple Sharing USD 390
Palace on Wheels tariff plan for peak season of 2012-13
Occupancy Type Oct 2012 to March 2013 (Per person per night)
Single Occupancy USD 770
Twin Sharing USD 575
Triple Sharing USD 520
Take advantage of these superb rates, and highest rank services and hospitality, while travelling through some of India’s most loved tourist destinations. Book your ticket now!
(Source: thepalacesonwheels.blogspot.co.uk)
Too LATE to Book a Palace on Wheels Tour? Well, Not Quite!
The Palace on Wheels, India’s first luxury train and an enterprise of Rajasthan Tourism, has already run its first journey of the year on 5th September, 2012. And if you always dreamed about getting a ticket on board, come any later and the dream will remain just that – a dream! Due to the immense popularity it enjoys, Palace on Wheels normally gets sold out a couple of months in advance. However, before you cancel this tab and throw out your monitors in anger… relax! True that finding a seat on the POW for the New Year’s Eve journey is a tall order this time of the year, there are several other journeys you might get a seat on. And with timing seemingly not your forte, assuming you haven’t booked already, it’s better you start NOW to get assured reservations in the celebrated train.
For starters, why won’t you consider the journeys next month? The weather is awesome, breezy and a little overcast. Being on any of the first few journeys has its own set of advantages. The train is all fresh, the interiors are spic and span, the staff is refreshed and excited to start on the season’s first trip and you can get some pretty handy discounts on early bird bookings – if you consider the whole package, signing up for the October and November journeys is not a bad deal at all. Reservations can be made directly by filling and submitting the bookings’ form present on the Indian Luxury Trains website.
Let us welcome you in advance for the most enthralling journey of your lifetime. Book now for your own Palace on Wheels experience.For More Information - http://www.palacesonwheels.co.uk/
(Source: thepalacesonwheels.blogspot.co.uk)
Relish Your Rajasthan Trip aboard Palace on Wheels
Rajasthan, the erstwhile demesne of Rajasthan rulers, is one of the most sought after destinations in India and the largest state as well. What beckon global nomads to this harsh and deserted terrain are the resplendent forts, magnificent palaces, bustling bazaars and palpable vigor of life present here. Adjudged as 4th best luxury train in the world, Palace on Wheels offers a weeklong trip covering former princely states of Rajasthan along with a halt in Agra.
A joint effort of Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation, Palace on Wheels embarked on its maiden voyage on 26th January, 1982. The destinations of Rajasthan covered by this luxury tourist train include Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Jaisalmer and Bharatpur. Being a domain of Mughal emperors who were staunch enemies of Rajputs, Agra is a stark opposition in this train tour itinerary. Safdarjung Railway Station in New Delhi serves as the point of embarkation and disembarkation for Palace on Wheels.
Except for Sawai Madhopur and Bharatpur, each destination of Rajasthan included in the tour itinerary was either founded by former Rajput rulers or resonate with the tales of their valor and chivalry. The most prominent among all is fort town ‘Chittorgarh’ who’s every nook and corner sings saga of Rajput audacity with the examples of ‘Jauhar’ committed by Rani Padmavati and Karnavati and ferocious battle of Haldighati.
Sawai Madhopur and Bharatpur are largely recognized for their wildlife treasure troves. Whereas Sawai Madhopur is one of the most famous tiger reserves in India, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, emblazoned as World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is a heaven for migratory birds and bird watchers.
The penultimate destination of Palace on Wheels tour itinerary is Agra. The city is mainly visited for Taj Mahal which depicts the proud passion of Shah Jahan’s love for Mumtaz Mahal wrought in white marble. On the 8th day, Palace on Wheels train journey draws to an end by providing a wholesome experience of Rajasthan travel to the passengers.
(Source: thepalacesonwheels.blogspot.co.uk)
Palace on Wheels Facilities: Five Star Luxury at Affordable Price
The flagship property of Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation (RTDC) and the Indian Railways, Palace on Wheels commenced on its maiden voyage on 26th January, 1982. When it was launched in early 80’s, the train constitutes of the original carriages of erstwhile Rajputana rulers, Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of India which were later replaced with the replica carriages to accommodate the technological advancement. Listed below are the various modern facilities and services offered on board this Indian luxury train and how they are worth than those of five star hotels.
- Named after an erstwhile province of Rajasthan, the 14 guest carriages of Palace on Wheels train are furnished with miniature paintings, mirror work, upholsteries and the royal crest of that particular region.
- The train has two multi cuisine eateries- Maharaja and Maharani- that serve Indian, European and Continental cuisine along with traditional Rajasthani fare to pamper the taste buds of epicureans.
- An in house bar stocked with fine selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- The train has a nonchalant lounge offering perfect ambience for unwinding and chatting with fellow travelers.
- The train has a fully equipped spa offering Ayurvedic massages and wellness therapies from other traditions to revitalize your mind, body and soul.
These were the facilities and services offered on board Palace on Wheels train. Now the big question arises how the facilities offered on board have more worth than those offered in the five star hotels. The tariff of Palace on Wheels train is the big factor wherein all the facilities (except spa) are provided at an introductory price of USD 575 per person per night. At this very same price, luxury hotels might avail you only accommodation for single night.
(Source: thepalacesonwheels.blogspot.co.uk)
Managing Overheads/Exclusions on Your Palace on Wheels Tour
True to its luxury tag, the Palace on Wheels Tour package is all-inclusive and covers most of the guests’ expenses. The package cost consists of a large number of inclusions such as intermittent travel such as airport transfers, journey excursions, rides, safaris etc; plus tickets to cultural programs, monuments, parks or palaces, catering etc. Even though the list of inclusions is exhaustive, it is imperative that guests manage the exclusions, however little they may be, wisely. Here’s presenting the list of exclusions for Palace on Wheels Tour package:
1 - Drinks – All costs incurred for drinks (at the on-board bar or ordered in by room service) are to be borne by the guests. Guests will also have to pay separately for any drinks ordered at on-site restaurants, cafes, bars or hotels.
2 - Tips and Gratuities – All service tips and gratuities are not included in the package costs and are to be accounted for by the guests themselves. Please note that the RTDC (Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.) does NOT encourage or abhor the practice of tipping. Handing out tips, henceforth, is excluded in the package rates and is as per your discretion.
3 - Use of Business Car – The usage of Business car for holding telecons, business meetings, seminars etc. is chargeable as per existing rates. Guests are also requested to make prior bookings for the same.
4 - Telephone Calls – All calls made by the in-room telephone will be charged to the guests and will be attached separated with other expenses incurred during the course of the trip.
5 - Video Camera Fees – Though most guests carry their own handycams or digicams, there are provisions for hiring separate video cameras at an additional cost. The same has to be borne by the guests as well.
For More information : http://www.palacesonwheels.co.uk/
