Palace on Wheels Destinations - Udaipur, the most royal city of the royal Indian state of Rajasthan, is fittingly a home to some of the most beautiful palaces in the world. Reeking of fine Rajputana taste, immersed in the grandeur of erstwhile Maharaja Era and inhabited by royal descendants – that’s Udaipur for you.

The lake palaces in Udipur

If you ever happen to visit Udaipur, try and plan your visit in the months September-March when the weather is just perfect to afternoon sun and enjoy the cool, breezy nights. The rustic allure that compels guests to revisit this cultural and spiritual mélange is hard to miss by.

Udaipur is quaint but not dull. Folk music, medieval Rajputana architecture, interesting traditions, fascinating Rajput war legends, amusing anecdotes and yes, the delicious Rajasthani cuisine – there’s something for everyone in Udaipur. And did we mention Palaces?  Udaipur’s palaces – mainly the Lake Palace, the city Palace and the Fateh Prakash Palace – are architectural marvels.

The stone etchings, massive front porches, sprawling gardens, imperial domes, airy interiors and unique air-conditioning systems devised some 600 years ago are enough to leave you awestruck and impressed at the sheer engineering that has gone in their construction. Udaipur is a true harbinger of the Rajput glory and there can be no greater evidence of Rajputana grandeur than Palaces in Udaipur.

Source : http://www.palacesonwheels.com/blog/that-special-something-about-palaces-in-udaipur/

Winner of several accolades, the Deccan Odyssey train offers one of the best and most elegant ways of exploring the cultural ethos and natural treasure troves of the Deccan region of Maharashtra. Traversing across the scenic Western Ghats and Konkan Coast, this luxury train covers Sindhudurg, Goa, Vasco, Kolhapur, Daulatabad, Ajanta Caves and Nashik in a mesmerizing journey spanning over 7 nights and 8 days.

The Deccan Odyssey train tour comes in an all-inclusive cost package which covers accommodation on board, dining, guided sightseeing tours, transportation, entrance fees at the monuments and porter charges. However expenses of personal nature on board the train of off the train are not included in the price of the Deccan Odyssey rail tour.

The new schedule for the Deccan Odyssey train for the season beginning October 2012 has been announced by its operators – the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). Also announced along with normal departures are 2 Special Christmas Departures and a short wildlife tour itinerary. Find below the announced schedule of the Deccan Odyssey train.

Schedule for the season December 2012
December, 2012	12, 19, 26

Schedule for the season January 2013 to March 2013
January, 2013	2, 9, 16, 23, 30
March, 2013	20
Additional Departures on this Route (Subject to Response)
Month	Departure Dates
October, 2012	3,10
March, 2013	27
April, 2013	17

How to book it:

Indian Luxury Trains

http://www.indianluxurytrains.com/journeys/deccan-odyssey.html

Indian Luxury Trains is India's first and only luxury train travel portal. Details of upcoming schedule and booking of the Deccan Odyssey Train tour packages along with post and pre tour arrangement, air ticket booking could be done at the Indian Luxury Trains website.

Source : http://blog.indianluxurytrains.com/2012/08/deccan-odyssey-train-schedule-update.html

India’s premier luxury train, Palace on Wheels, is scheduled to run its first course of the season on September 5, 2012. The train is the flagship luxury sojourn of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) and takes its guests on a scenic 8 day tour of the kingly Indian state of Rajasthan, with 1 day excursions to the wonderful Taj Mahal and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary scheduled. The train is quite popular with both international and local guests and gets sold out a couple of months prior to the beginning of the season. The destinations of the tour include Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Udaipur, Jaywalker, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra.

Palace on wheels Train

The train is a true ambassador of luxury travel and offers quality services and luxury facilities such as personal services of a butler, electronic safes, separate spa cars, souvenir shops, a separate lounge car and on-train entertainment. A salient feature of the train is varying ranges in tariffs to accommodate high and mid-range budgets. It is advisable for would-be guests to make prior booking on this luxury sojourn to avoid any last minute disappointments.

For more information on train facilities, itineraries, schedules and facilities, you may like to visit the website of the http://www.indianluxurytrains.com/journeys/palace-on-wheels.html

The richness of India in terms of culture, heritage and tradition are so diverse that to sum it up in a single journey will not be possible. Though uncovering the vast canopy of India’s cultural heritage is certainly not a child’s play, a sneak-peek into the richer aspects of India is still very much within the human reach.

A Scene of Elephant Polo Match - Jaipur

From resplendent edifices to tranquil lakes and from exotic wildlife to rock- cut architectural caves, the two weeklong journeys aboard Indian Maharaja- Deccan Odyssey train constitutes all the aforementioned attractions in the destinations traversed by them. Owned and managed by Travel Corporation of India (TCI), Indian Maharaja is the chartered version of Deccan Odyssey.

Although the journey on board this Indian luxury train stays only for a week but the feeling of cultural contentment will leave you spellbound at the end. Either you begin from Delhi or Mumbai; the destinations traversed are same with the only difference of vice-versa factor. The destinations of Rajasthan certainly dominate the itinerary of this luxury tourist train.

Characterized by forts, palaces, sand dunes and painted havelis, the vast heritage of Rajasthan is seldom rivaled. While Jaipur is famous for its well-planned structure, the beautiful and breathtaking lakes of Udaipur steal the limelight from the rest. The excitement of Rajasthan travel reaches its summit after you arrive at the rim of Ranthambore National Park. Here you can take delight in catching the diverse moods of wild cats in their natural turf which also form the highlight of this wildlife sanctuary.

Other than Rajasthan, the journey also familiarizes you with the cultural harmony and religious tolerance prevalent in India. The perfect example of this fact is the rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora where three different religions- Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism- dwell in perfect harmony. Designated as World Heritage Site by UNESCO, these caves are a must visit for connoisseurs of art and architecture.

The sight of cultural harmony reaches its peak point after the arrival of Indian Maharaja Train in Agra. It is the place which Mughals chose to built their settlements and expanded their rule over India. In other words, Agra is a vast repertoire of Mughal architectural jewels which represents the love and patronage of Mughal rulers for art and architecture. The most precious pearl of Mughal architecture that steal the limelight from the rest is Taj Mahal whose shimmering beauty and account of construction bring global travelers face to face with it.

All in the entire journey on board Indian Maharaja Train culminates on the 8th day after bestowing a feeling of cultural contentment within you. Like all good things come to an end, you bid adieu to this weeklong royal journey which has attained the distinction of getting featured into top ten rail journeys in the world.

The age-old, unrivaled Indian hospitality, luxury, opulence and royalty can now be experienced in a week-long train tour to India. Please welcome our guest, Nikhil Chandra from http://www.indianluxurytrains.com/, to describe the luxury of royal trains and tours in India.

There are number of reason to go for luxury trains when it comes to tours to India. A country with incredible diversity, traveling in India is a real challenge for even fussy travelers. With plethora of variety when it comes to themes and destinations, it is rather difficult to choose where to go, what to see and what to do. Luxury trains in India with a total of 12 master’s creation to choose from offer a comfortable, reliable and hassle free way to discover the gems and treasures of India and see the best of her in shortest possible time.

With all inclusive tour itineraries where you wake up every day in a different destination, traveling aboard luxury trains provides whirlwind tours across some of the most significant destinations in India in ultimate panache and pampering of plush interiors equipped with state of the art amenities. Sumptuous dining in restaurants on board, bar facility lounges for tête-à-tête and nowadays even spa and fitness center add to the opulence of these luxury trains.

Besides, all the off-train excursions are guided and transportation are provided for by the tour operator managing the train. A brief introduction of the 6 Indian luxury trains is mentioned below.

Palace on Wheels

Best Rail Journeys in World : Palace on Wheels,India

Voted 4th Best luxury train in the world, Palace on Wheels happens to be the precursor of luxury rail tours in India. Perhaps the most authentic luxury train in India, Palace on Wheels transports the guests into a more gracious age of traveling. A journey into the “land of maharajas” Rajasthan is designed in a way that the journey itself becomes as fascinating and royal as the destinations. Traditional Indian hospitality, red carpet welcome and exclusive experiences set this rail journey apart from any other rail tour across the world.

Deccan Odyssey 

crisscrossing mesmerizing terrains

Offering voyages across verdant Konkan region and mesmerizing Western Ghats in Maharashtra and Goa, this rail tour offer 8 days tour is a unique way to experience the best of Maratha heartland. Included in the tour are trip to World Heritage Ajanta and Ellora Caves and beach destinations in Konkan and Goa. Equipped with on board restaurants, bar, gymnasium and even a spa, this train journey is the once in a lifetime experience.

Maharajas Express

Best Rail Journeys in World : Maharaja Express,India

No great traveler can say they have aspired to travel until they’ve explored this vast country via India’s legendary railway. Maharajas Express train, with its 5 itineraries offers the most luxurious mode to unravel the varied kaleidoscope of India. Plush interiors, gracious hospitality and an array of exclusive experiences in Rajasthan and Lucknow makes Maharaja train tour truly a journey like no other.

The Golden Chariot

The Golden chariot Luxury Trains

Offering two itineraries across destinations in South Indian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, this luxury train offers a heady mix of culture, heritage, backwaters and wildlife for which this region in India is renowned.

The Indian Maharaja

The Indian Maharaja - Luxury trains in India

The first privately managed train in India, offers 2 pan-Indian journey from Delhi to Mumbai and Mumbai to Delhi. The journeys spanning over 168 hours unfold the best of Indian heritage, culture and diversity and ensure that you receive service of international standard while regaling in plush interiors.

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Luxury trains in India

Another luxury train offering 8 days tours across regal destinations in Rajasthan, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels itinerary also include trip to heartland of Hindu spirituality Varanasi and the World Heritage Khajuraho Group of Monuments bringing out the best of romance and heritage of Northern India.