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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
|
|
Double Occupancy
|
350
|
295
|
|
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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