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LUXURY TRAINS
PALACE ON WHEELS
The Saloons | Tariff
| Itinerary
 Where
else can you relax in comfort & witness the history of India passing
by...... It's a journey worthy of kings. No wonder the experience
is labelled the Palace on Wheels. With its cream saloons, embellished
with intricate designs, chug through Rajasthan on a journey through
the former royal kingdoms of this state. Once ruled by kings whose
presence lingers on in forbidding fortresses and fairytale palaces,
now converted into museums, hotels, and restaurants where retainers
serve truly royal repasts. The 14 coaches of the Palace On Wheels
are named after former Rajput States. Each evokes visions of those
royal kingdoms. The names are romantic, mesmerizing... Kota, Jaipur,
Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Alwar, Sirohi, Kishangarh,
Bundi, Dungarpur, Bharatpur, Jhalawar and Dholpur. It has been rated
one of the ten best luxurious train journeys in the world.
THE SALOONS
The names of the saloons are based on the princely states of Rajasthan
- Jaipur, Jodhpur, Alwar, Bundi, Kota, Jhalawar, Dungarpur, Dholpur,
Bharatpur, Jaisalmer, Sirohi, Bikaner, Udaipur and Kishangarh.
The decor of each saloon has highlighted the cultural
ethos of the state, represented through the use of furniture, handicrafts,
paintings and furnishings. The ceiling in the lounge is of particular
interest. Each coupe is different but the over all ambience of the
decor of the saloons has been taken care of to provide continuity.
Each saloon has cream yellow color on its exterior walls and bears
the Coat of Arms (logo) of the erstwhile princely states.
Each saloon has 4 coupes (sleeping rooms) with attached
bath and toilet. In every saloon, there is one saloon captain and
2 attendants to look after the personal needs of its guests. Each
saloon has a mini pantry properly equipped to provide ready tea/coffee
and snacks.
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SERVICES ON BOARD
- 14 saloons attached with bath and shower
- An additional upper berth is available in case 3 persons wish
to travel together.
- Each Saloon is equipped with a Lounge.
- Separate Dining Car offering Continental and Indian Cuisine
and snacks with the Chef's special variety of the day
- Separate Lounge-cum-Observation car with a Bar.
- Each cabin has its own wash basin with mirrors and sockets
for shavers and dryers.
- Saloon captain in each Saloon for personalized service.
- Sound system for announcements and music.
- Laundry service is available in Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur.
- First aid facilities and foreign exchange counter is also
provided.
- A well stocked bar serving Indian liquor and variety of scotch,
wine and cocktails
- Games for children
- A souvenir shop "The Bazaar" in the Lounge where souvenirs
and gift items are sold bearing the insignia of the POW.
DEPARTURES EVERY WEDNESDAY
FROM DELHI CANTONMENT RAILWAY STATION
BEGINNING SEPTEMBER TILL THE LAST WEDNESDAY OF APRIL
|
MONTH
|
DATE
|
| September 2003 |
3,10,17, 24 |
| October 2003 |
1,8,15,22,29 |
| November 2003 |
5,12,19,26 |
| December 2003 |
3,10,17,24,31 |
| January 2004 |
7,14,21,28 |
| Feburary 2004 |
4,11,18,25 |
| March 2004 |
3,10,17,24 |
| April 2004 |
1,8,15,22,29 |
Tips for Passengers
Climate: Varies from 20° to 35° C between October to March.
Clothing Recommended: Light tropical/light woolens.
Carry some sunglasses, caps and parasols and wear comfortable walking
shoes. Its also good to have one pair of canvas shoes for visiting
sand dunes / jungle during the tour.
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Tariff
in USD per person per night
|
Plan
|
October 2002 To March 2003
|
September 2002 & April 2003
|
|
Single Occupancy
|
485
|
395
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|
Double Occupancy
|
350
|
295
|
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Triple Occupancy
|
285
|
240
|
NOTE:
10% surcharge shall be levied on departure during Christmas
/ New Year.
- Children below 5 years permitted free. Children below 12 years
charged at only 50% of the rate.
- Valid only if accompanied by parents.
- Indian passengers can pay in equivalent Rupee amount at the
exchange rate prevalent at the time of payment
Tariff is inclusive of:
-
Travel
-
Catering
-
Conducted Sightseeing
-
Entrance fees at monuments/parks/palaces
-
Cultural Programs
-
Elephant Ride at Amber Fort
-
Camel Ride in Jaisalmer
-
Boat Ride in Udaipur
-
Rickshaw Ride in Bharatpur
Tariff does not include:
- Video camera fees
- Liquor
- Expenses of personal nature like laundry etc.
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ITINERARY
Palace
on Wheels
(Delhi-Jaipur- Jaisalmer- Jodhpur- Sawai
Madhopur- Chittorgarh- Udaipur- Bharatpur-Agra- Delhi)
NEW DELHI Day-1 WEDNESDAY
(Reporting time 17.00 hrs. Dep. 18.30 hrs.)
The Journey of a lifetime begins at the
Delhi Cantonment station where the guests are acccorded a warm,
traditional welcome before the Palace-on-Wheels pulls out into
the night... for a week long luxury cruise through fascinating
Rajasthan..
JAIPUR DAY-2 THURSDAY
(Arrival 2.00 hrs. Departure 19.15 hrs.)
The first stop of the Palace-on-Wheels
is Jaipur, one of the most well-planned cities of the World
in its time. This capital city of Rajasthan, popularly known as
Pink City, was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II,
in 1727 A.D.
To explore the city, an air-conditioned coach takes you to Hawa
Mahal or the Palace of Winds, which is a remarkable five storeyed
building along the main street of the old city in pink splendour
with semi-octagonal and delicate honey combed sandstone windows.
This is followed by a visit to Amber Fort, eight kms. away,
where rides on caparisoned elephants add to the ambience. Shop
for Jaipur's famous jewellery, handicrafts, carpets, blue pottery
and textiles. Near Ajmeri Gate is located Rajasthali- the Only
Rajasthan Govt. Emporium selling genuine handicrafts at fixed
prices. After lunch at a Palace Hotel, you are off to the City
Palace, home of erstwhile royal family. Right across the road
from the City Palace is the Jantar Mantar, the largest
observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh II. The luxury coaches will
take you back to Palace On Wheels around 6.30 pm. Dinner on Board.
JAISALMER DAY-3 FRIDAY
(Arrival 8.15 hrs. Departure 23.00 hrs.)
In the heart of the Thar desert lies Jaisalmer, founded by
Rawal Jaisal, in 1156 A.D. Here the yellow sandstone fort is
an imposing sight, towering magnificently over the city. Discover
the painstakingly latticed havelis or mansions with their grand
facades. The Nathmalji-ki-haveli, Patwon-ki-haveli and
Salim Singh-ki-haveli are fine examples of the stone
carver's skill.
Shop at Rajasthali, for fine pattu shawls, mirror work &
embroidered articles, wooden boxes, trinklets, silver jewellery
and curious. After lunch on board, go for an exciting camel
ride, on the sand dunes of Sam, before sipping a refreshing
cup of tea. Enjoy the dinner and cultural programmes at a hotel
in Jaisalmer. The train leaves for Jodhpur at night..
JODHPUR DAY-4 SATURDAY
(Arrival 7.00 hrs. Departure 15.30 hrs.)
Next Morning the Palace-on-Wheels is in Jodhpur, a city ringed
by a high stone wall with seven gates and several bastions.
This second largest city of Rajasthan, founded by Road Jodha
in 1459 A.D. is known for its rock-solid Mehrangarh Fort.
The grand palaces within- Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal,
Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana are impressive examples of the
architectural excellence. Near the fort complex lies, Jaswant
Thada, and a group of royal cenotaphs made of white marble.
After lunch at a Palace hotel,
return to the Palace-on-Wheels. While in Jodhpur shop for exquisite
handicrafted articles including the famous breeches, embroidered
shoes, metal curios, silverware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics.
SAWAI MADHOPUR/
RANTHAMBHOR DAY-5 SUNDAY
(Arrival 4.00 hrs. Departure 10.30 hrs.)
One can almost sense a life of the wilderness,
as the Palace-on-Wheels arrive in Swai Madhopur, a city named
after its founder Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh . After breakfast
a visit is arranged to the Ranthambhor National Park, Wherein
are located the ruins of a 10th century fort. This wildlife sanctuary
is considered to be the country's best for observing and photographing
the activities of the tiger. The Park, Covering an area of 392
Sq. kms. is home to more than 300 species of birds. The tiger,
hyena, ratel, jackal and fox are among those constituting the
carnivorous population here. Sawai Madhopur is known for its exclusive
toys, ethnic ornaments and costumes. Upon return to the Palace-on-Wheels,
you leave for desert citadel Jaisalmer, the Colourful countryside
passing by in the day light.
Lunch and dinner are served on board.
CHITTAURGARH DAY-5
CONTD.
(Arrival 16.00 hrs.)
Images of love and valour; scars of battles
lost and won... thrice beseiged Chittaurgarh Fort is all this
and more. Moving legends of honour and pride will echo in your
mind as you proceed to Udaipur.
UDAIPUR DAY-6 MONDAY
(Departure 18.30 hrs from Chittaurgarh)
A Luxury Coach will take you to Udaipur, the Lake City, the
next morning. It was founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar,
after the Sisodia dynasty was driven away by the Mughals, in 1559
A.D. Perhaps the two most beautiful sites of Udaipur are the dream-like
marble palaces- the Jag Niwas(Lake Palace) of Lake Pichhola.
After lunch at Lake Palace Hotel, a visit to the City
Palace is exhilarating.
After evening tea, the luxury coach takes you back to the Palace-on-Wheels
at Chittaurgarh-thus winding up a day full of delights.
AGRA DAY -7 TUESDAY
(Arrival 5.00 hrs. Departure11.00 hrs.)
Early next morning, the Palace arrives
at Agra. Fatehpur Sikri-the Red Sandstone Mughal palatial
complex. Within the enclosure is a mosque built by the Mughal
Emperor Akbar and dedicated to Sheikh Salim Chishti, a muslim
Sufi saint who blesses him with a son. After lunch move on from
the Red Fort and arrive at the Taj Mahal, one of the
Seven wonders of the world. A pristine monument of undying love,
it was built by Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved
queen Mumtaz Mahal.
Agra is Known for its Splendid Marble inlay work like the pietra
dura work in the Taj, leather goods and jewellery.
BHARATPUR DAY-7 TUESDAY CONTD.
(Arrival 13.30 hrs. Departure 23.00 hrs.)
Bharatpur, the capital of Maharaja
Suraj Mal. Pay a visit to the world famous bird sanctuary, Keoladeo
Ghana National Park, the nesting place for thousand of Egrets,
Siberian cranes, migratory water fowl and other species of birds.
After dinner on board and a good night's sleep, arrive at Delhi
Cantt. at 06.30 hrs. the next morning and let the pleasant
memories of the past week linger on for a long, long time..
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