The Palace on Wheels, a Joint Venture of Indian Railways and Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC), known throughout the world for giving guests a magnificent experience of royal Indian lifestyle, is in for major refurbishment. 

“Over the years we have been very sensitive to each guest’s expectation. We have compiled feedback and are now acting on it to give the incredible Palace on Wheels a refurbishment that should raise the richly royal looks to still greater heights,” said the Managing Director of RTDC Mr. Vinod Ajmera and General Manager of Palace on Wheels Mr. Pramod Sharma according the wishes of Chief Minister Shri Ashok Gehlot, Tourism Minister Ms. Bina Kak & Chairman of RTDC Mr. Randeep Dhankar “We have extensively researched princely lifestyles of the royals and the Palace on Wheels will sport a new heritage look with the finest in luxury trappings, reflecting the exclusive lifestyle of maharajas. 

It is high time the Palace on Wheels received a facelift and the plan for refurbishment comes none too soon, with global interest rising in experiencing a royal lifestyle. All facilities are being modernized including water purifiers in washrooms and other modern conveniences including superior communication and entertainment. Even the dining cart, the bar and lounge will take on a wonderful new look with the planned refurbishment at a huge investment.” 

“We are also giving deep thought to see how we can raise the facilities to a new level. Even the spa and health club will receive major upgrades. We are working on plans to introduce more and please our guests,” said the representative of the Palace on Wheels. “The Palace on Wheels is rated the number 4 luxury train in the world and we plan to make it even better, redefining vintage royalty.” It takes you on a splendid tour covering Delhi, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra giving you the experience of a lifetime. The journey takes you across mountains, rivers, forests and sand dunes in air-conditioned comfort. 

“On quite a few occasions the Palace on Wheels has hosted richly royal weddings and for people who plan to wed the way maharajas did, we will be offering more once the train undergoes the transformation.” 

“Tariff for the 2013-¬14 season remains the same. For the next seasons, that is 575 US$ for single occupancy, 430 US$ of double occupancy & 390 US$ for Triple occupancy for per person per night for September 2013 & April 2014 and 770 US$ for single occupancy, 575 US$ of double occupancy & 520 US$ for Triple occupancy for per person per night from October 2013 to March 2014. Tariffs are likely to go up. This is the right time to book and enjoy an immersive, memorable experience. 

“The new look will be the best ever and we will use only the finest to recreate richly royal interiors down to the minutest detail. We are confident it will be stunning, a reflection of stately elegance and a gracious tradition of a bygone era that comes to life. When people think of royal train tours in India, The Palace on Wheels is the first to come to mind.” Read More....

Golden Chariot Train

Golden Chariot, the luxury train run by Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC), in collaboration with Indian railways is all set to include Andhra Pradesh in its itinerary.

According to a KSTDC source, “Hyderabad was keen to be included in the Golden Chariot itinerary. So KSTDC why not? By entering Andhra Pradesh, the luxury train will now complete the entire Southern Triangle touching all the four southern states - Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.”

The project will however take two years to implement as it has to be done without disturbing the existing routes and railway tracks will also have to be laid.

The Golden Chariot, named after the famous Stone Chariot at Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka presently has two routes charted out. The Pride of the South itinerary over 8 days/7 nights begins every Monday from Bengaluru and traverses through Mysore, visiting Srirangapatna, Mysore Palace, the Nagarhole National Park (Kabini) and continuing to the historical sites of Shravanabelagola, Belur - the 11th century cradle of Hoysala architecture and a World Heritage Site, Halebid, Hampi and thereafter entering into the triangular heritage site of Badami, Pattadakal, Aihole, and finally the beaches of Goa before ending in Bengaluru.

The second route, Southern Splendour of 7 nights/8 days covers Bengaluru - Chennai - Puducherry - Tanjavur - Madurai -Thiruvananthpuram - Kanyakumari - Kovalam - Alleppey and Kochi.

Source- http://travel.financialexpress.com/sections/market-section/1220-golden-chariot-set-to-include-andhra-pradesh-in-itinerary

Maharajas Express Train

Washington - India's famed Maharajas' Express is making select stops on the US West Coast to showcase its luxurious amenities to North American travellers who want to experience Incredible India by stepping back into time.

The Indian Railways Catering Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), which owns and operates the luxury train is hosting special events in Los Angeles (Nov 26), San Francisco (Nov 30), and Las Vegas to showcase Maharajas' Express, according to a media release.

Awarded 'Best Luxury Train' by CNBC Travel in 2010 and named 1st runner up in the Readers Choice Award for Conde Nast Traveler in 2011, the train offers a range of five incredible itineraries between the months of September and April.

"The train is designed to transport guests into a more gracious age of train travelling," said Rakesh Kumar Tandon, managing director, IRCTC.

"Interiors suffused with nostalgia, state−of−the−art amenities, a tastefully−crafted itinerary, and impeccable hospitality enable Maharajas' Express to present India in a way never seen before."

Each train carries 14 guest carriages, including one truly classic presidential suite that stretches the length of an entire carriage. Every cabin has large windows, designed so that guests can savour every bit of magnificent India.

All passenger cars come with independent, cabin−controlled air conditioning, online water filtration systems, environmentally−friendly toilets, pneumatic suspension, live television, Wi−Fi Internet, CCTV cameras, hair dryers, electronic safe deposit boxes, bath tubs in suites and the presidential suite − almost everything one could imagine to travel in luxury.

The Maharajas' Express features two fine−dining restaurants that each seat 42 people, and everyone on board dines together. For added zest, there is an exotic Safari bar and Rajah Club, with the choicest collection of complimentary, house brand spirits. Each train comfortably fits a total of 88 passengers.

Source: http://india.nydailynews.com/

World famous and India’s foremost royal luxury train -"The Palace on Wheels" (POW) rolled on its first commercial journey for 2012-13 to Rajasthan & other destinations especially World’s famous wonder Taj Mahal of Agra from Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi on Wednesday evening. In first trip 54 tourists expected to travel from different places of the world on this super luxurious train. In 34 rounds from September 2012 to April 2013 three thousand one hundred passengers are expected to travel in this royal train.

Palace on wheels Train

Mr. Randeep Dhankhar, President Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation reviews the preparations for the visit of this luxury train tours for 2012-13 in New Delhi on Tuesday. He said that with a view to providing new facilities like five star hotels the royal train has been renovated.

He said that the Palace on Wheels tours last session 2011-2012 (September to April) in total 34 rounds/trips, 2833 passengers have been traveled and total earnings 36 crore 49 lakh and 290 Rs. While the royal train in 2010-11 in a total of 38 rounds, earnings was only with 27 crore 90 lakh 15 thousend and 286Rs.

GM of  POW Shri Pramod Sharma & Shri Pradeep Bohra stated that the Palace on Wheels starts its journey on every Wednesday between the months of September, 2012 to April, 2013 from Delhi.

In order to provide the World Class journey with the five star facilities in the train POW has luxuries and modern facilities including Royal "Spa" and "gym" for the passengers. The train has 23 coaches comprising of 14 Saloon's, One Spa Coach, two Restaurant known as "Maharaja" & "Maharani" & one "Reception cum Bar". The itinerary for the season would be Delhi-Jaipur-Sawaimadhopur-chittorgarh-Udaipur-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Bharatpur-Agra-Delhi. The capacity of POW is of carrying 104 passengers at a time. 

An additional coach is added in the name of Royal SPA where the guests will enjoy Ayurvedic & Non Ayurvedic massage. This year the Palace on Wheels will provide delicious Indian & Foreign Food to the valued guests.

Mr. Pradeep Bohra, GM of royal train said that special arrangements have been made for their favorite dishes of tourists. Fare for one person in Palace on Wheels is 770 American dollars. The fare of two persons traveling together on this journey is 575 American dollars per visit and three persons traveling together on the rent at 520 American dollars per person determined visit.

After the grand success of Palace on Wheels which is Joint venture of RTDC & Indian Railways they have started another Super luxury train "Royal Rajasthan on Wheels" which will be rolled out its first commercial journey for this year from October 7th, 2012 to Rajasthan and other destinations like for Khajuraho and Varanasi from Safdarjung Railway station, New Delhi. It is a concrete step towards making the presence of the state in the area of "Rail Tourism" for which the Chief Minister Shri Ashok Gehlot and State Tourism Minister Smt. Bina Kak, they said.

Source : (http://www.orissadiary.com/Shownews.asp?id=36223)

With only 1 month left for the commencement of Palace on Wheels first seasonal chug, it’s time for you to gear up for Rajasthan tour aboard this Indian luxury train. Although tourists might have already booked for the preferred journey date as per the schedule of Palace on Wheels given below, there are some aspects that must not be overlooked while travelling to a foreign land. Enlisted below are some tips that will facilitate you with a hassle free journey.

Palace on Wheels: All set to embark on a royal journey of Rajasthan

Month	Departure Date
September 2012	5, 12, 19, 26
October 2012	3, 10, 17, 24, 31
November 2012	7 ,14 , 21, 28
December 2012	5 , 12, 19 ,26
January 2013	2 , 9,16 , 23 ,30
February 2013	6 , 13 , 20 ,27
March 2013	6 , 13 , 20 , 27
April 2013	3 , 10 , 17 , 24

Gather all the required travel Documents 

While gearing up for travel especially to a foreign country, one needs to make sure that all your travel documents are in place. Keep all your necessary documents in a file such as passport, visa, insurance, air and train ticket so that they won’t jumble up with the clothes and other accessories in your baggage. Attested photocopies of the original travel documents must be kept as they would help you in case the originals get lost.

Packing the clothes

If you are not an Indian resident, do check the weather conditions of Rajasthan and pack your clothes accordingly. During off train excursions, it is suggested to wear smart casual clothes and comfortable walking shoes because guests on board Palace on Wheels are taken for lunch at five star hotels and cultural programs. If you have opted for winter departure, do make sure to keep warm clothes in your luggage.

Keep Limited Luggage with you

The cabins on board Palace on Wheels have quite less storage space; hence it is advised to carry as per the international airline rules. Also it is recommended that passengers should be carrying soft-topped luggage as they are easy to store.

Pre & Post Hotel Accommodation

In case there is delay in commencement or culmination of this luxury rail journey due to some unforeseen events, it is recommended to book one pre and post night accommodation in a hotel.

For more information on train facilities, itineraries, schedules and facilities, you may like to visit the website of the http://www.palacesonwheels.com/