Palace
on wheels is a journey worthy of Kings. No wonder the experience is labelled
the Palaceonwheels. With its cream saloons, with a border of flowers, chug
through Rajasthan on a journey through the former royal kingdom of this state.
Once ruled by kings whose presence lingers on its forbidding fortress, and fairytale
palaces, now converted into museums and hotels, and restaurants where retainers
serve truly royal repasts. Newly assembled at the coach factory in Madras, it
is fully vestibuled and centrally airconditioned, truely a palaceonwheels.
Each Coach named after the former princely states, has 4 twin bedded chambers,
thoughtfully decorated in ethnic Rajasthani décor. Channel Music, Intercom,
Attached washrooms with hot & cold water and Wall to Wall carpeting are
some of the facilities to make you feel at home. Each saloon has personal attendants
or Khidmatgars, who are at your beck and call to extend a courteous helping
hand, should you need anything.
These Coaches include:
Alwar Saloon:
Located strategically, Alwar is the gateway to Rajasthan from Delhi. With a
turbulent history spanning back to the medieval era. Alwar has been an important
place of trade and commerce. Bestowed by nature with a unique habitat comprising
of forests and deep valleys. Alwar is home to several species of flora and fauna.
The ceiling of the Alwar Saloon lounge has been done aesthetically in mix-media
of cone work, and oils in relief, depicting a hunting scene. The royal emblem
and a miniature adorn
the
lounge. Subtle tones of pink enhance the romantic ambience of the lounge..
Bharatpur Saloon:
Maharaja Suraj Mal, the valiant Rajput King who was admired for his chivalry
and courage, had his abode here, in Bharatpur. Once a fortified township, Bharatpur
is now an ornithologist paradise, and well known for the Bharatpur water-bird
sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to over 376 avian species. Echoing the vividness
of nature's gift to Bharatpur the relief work on this Saloon depicts various
species of birds on the tree of life. A replica of the royal crest of Bharatpur
adorns the valance of the blind. The 'nature' theme is further endorsed by the
white cedar inlay work depicting birds and painted peacocks, sitting on a haveli
worked on a mirror. The colour scheme, with its profusion of beige and aqua
green, is a vivid reminder of lush green forests of Bharatpur and Ghana.
Bikaner Saloon:
The state of Bikaner came into being 1486 A.D. when Rao Bika set out to carve
a separate kingdom
for
himself. The colour scheme of the lounge has been motivated by the opulent coronation
rooms in burning red and gold of the Anup Mahal and Padam Mahal of the Junagarh
fort. The royal state crest is placed on the valance along with some handicrafts
of Rajasthan. The ceiling is done up in relief work and oil painting on canvas
depicting the legendary lovers Dhola & Maru on Camel back. The artwork in
the lounge belongs to the Mughal influenced Bikaner School of Art styles.
Bundi Saloon:
The quaint little state of Bundi lies cradled on the hills, east of Mewar. The
palace complex of Bundi towers above the township. An imposing structure; it
is approached by long paved ramp that ascends to the Hathi Pol, and is depicted
in water colour work in one of the bedrooms. The famous Ragmala also called
Rag Ragini, paintings of Bundi have been highlighted through oil paintings on
canvas and are placed on the ceilings. The royal crest is highlighted on the
valance. The famous Bundi School of painting is depicted in the famed and mounted
art pieces and also serves as the basis for the colour scheme and overall décor,
including a delightfully frescoed ceiling.
Palace on Wheels Train Tour
Places to See : 07 Nights/ 08 Days
Duration: Delhi - Jaipur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
- Sawai Madhopur - Chittaurgarh - Udaipur - Bharatpur - Agra - Delhi
Day
01: Delhi
Welcome aboard to the Luxury Train Tour of Palace on Wheels. The Tour Departs
in the evening from Delhi for Jaipur.
Day 02: Jaipur
Jaipur is the capital city of one of India's most colorful and vibrant states,
Rajasthan. It is surrounded on all sides by rugged hills, crowned with forts
& enclosed by embattled walls. Houses with latticed windows line the streets,
their rose pink color lending enchantment to the scene which is almost magical
at sunset. Places of Interest include Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, a remarkable
five storeyed building in pink splendor, the Amber Fort, City Palace, Jantar
Mantar and various other monuments from medieval times. This town is also famous
for its semi- precious stones, gems & jewelery, & woolen carpets
Day 03: Jaisalmer
Founded by Rawal Jaisal in the twelfth century, Jaisalmer evokes a vivid picture
of sheer magic and brilliance of the desert and is today one of Rajasthan's
best-loved tourist destinations. Local color and warmth prevail over the inhospitable
and forbidding terrain, imbuing the medieval town with a special magic. The
yellow sandstone fort is an imposing sight, towering majestically over the city.
The nearby shifting sand dunes of Sam remind you of Sahara Desert.
Day 04: Jodhpur
Famous for its rock-solid Mehrangarh Fort built in mid 15th century by Rao Jodha,
the founder of the city, Jodhpur is the second largest city of Rajasthan. Part
of the Desert Tourist Triangle, the old Jodhpur city is surrounded by a 10 Km
long wall with eight gates serving as entrances and the new city is settled
around this walled area. Jodhpur houses grand palaces like the Moti Mahal, Sheesh
Mahal and the Phool Mahal. In these exquisite palaces, forts, temples and havelis,
the genius of its sculptors comes to life and stand as a testimony to the imperial
grandeur of the city. The Umaid Bhawan Palace hotel is said to be the biggest
private residence of single individual.
Day
05: Morning: Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambhor)
Sawai Madhopur plays host to the Ranthambor wildlife sanctuary that houses the
Indian tiger. It is the best place to see these majestic predators in their
normal pursuits. The park is also home to 300 species of birds and hyena, ratel,
jackal and fox among other species. There are Lake Palaces, chhatris, old fortifications
and a majestic 1,000-year-old fort overlooking the park. The lovely Jogi Mahal
is located at the foot of the fort and gives magnificent view of the Padam Talao,
painted white with water lilies.
Day 05: Evening: Chittorgarh
Chittaurgarh owes its name to the women of the city who performed 'jauhar' or
immolated themselves to escape the designs of foreign conquerors. Legends of
valor and chivalry surround the majestic Chittaurgarh fort.
Day 06: Udaipur
Udaipur is better known as the 'city of lakes'. One of the most romantic places
in India, it is situated around the shimmering clear blue water lakes, which
whisper the mood of a bygone era. The two most famous lakes are Pichola and
Udai Sagar. The city also has beautiful palaces, the Jag Niwas (Lake Palace),
and the Jag Mandir, which appears to rise as if from the blue waters of the
lake Pichola. Udaipur is also famous for
its
miniature paintings.
Day 07: Morning: Agra
Meaning paradise in Sanskrit, Agra is a place made famous by the Taj Mahal,
a moment that has come to epitomes love. Built by Shah Jahan in memory of his
wife, Mumtaz Mahal, it is one of the most visited and photographed sights in
the world. Also famous for its marble showrooms.
Day 07: Afternoon: Bharatpur
Bharatpur is famous for its bird sanctuary, the nesting place for thousands
of Egrets, Siberian cranes, migratory water Fowl and other species of birds.
Day 08: Delhi
After early breakfast, a week in wonderland comes to an end.
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