Tuesday 15 May 2012

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Rail Tour: A Medley of Royalty, Culture and Spirituality

India is probably the only country where a large diversity in terms of religion, region, culture and language is available for exploration. Planning tours to such large and diverse country is a strenuous and perpetual task. Various factors such as accommodation, food, sightseeing and travelling have to be planned in advance for a smooth journey. The advent of Indian luxury trains has come as a welcome respite for those who doesn’t wants to borne the tensions of travel planning. Of several luxury trains available in India, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels presents the royal, cultural and spiritual facet of India in a nutshell.

Launched after the resounding success of Palace on Wheels, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels traverses the sublime landscapes of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The luxury train has been designed with such minute details that it appears like a five star hotel running on wheels. Let’s give rest to the luxury factor of this train and talks about the destination it covers during the span of 8 days and 7 nights journey.

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Train

A grand red carpet welcome at Safdarjung Railway Station marks the beginning of this weeklong royal sojourn.  As the name of the train itself suggests, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels covers the erstwhile princely states of this Rajputana state. Each destination of Rajasthan covered by this Indian luxury train is redolent to the glorious past of this desert realm. Various forts, palaces and temples that dot the length and breadth of this legendry state bears testimony to the Rajput valor, chivalry and their patronage for art and architecture.

All the destinations of Rajasthan included in the weeklong itinerary of Royal Rajasthan on Wheels have too many similarities yet comes with the shades of contrast. The major contrast of Rajasthan can be seen in Sawai Madhopur known for its Ranthambore National Park. Tryst with tigers at Ranthambore National Park is what every tourist long for. Besides Sawai Madhopur, there is Jaipur whose buildings flaunt pinkish red colors which were painted so to welcome the arrival of Prince of Wales in 1876. Udaipur is replete with many artificial lakes which add a sense of tranquility in the minds of travelers. The most breathtaking monument of Udaipur is Lake Palace set amidst the Lake Pichola.

Moving on your tour itinerary, you will reach in the land of Madhya Pradesh. Known for its erotic and sculptured art, Khajuraho Group of Temples built in the reign of Chandela dynasty exemplifies brilliant artistry and have gained popularity owing to their unambiguous portrayal of sexual life in medieval times.  The light and sound show in the evening will acquaint you with the lifestyle of Chandela rulers in the 10th century.
Varanasi, also known as the spiritual nerve centre of India, is included in the itinerary of Royal Rajasthan on Wheels. Known for its highly revered temples, numerous sadhus and sages and bathing Ghats, Varanasi is visited by hordes of pilgrims every year. It is said that a dip in the sacred waters of Ganges can take away all the sins of lifetime.

The penultimate destination of Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is Agra which can be rightly termed as the large casket of Mughal artistic jewels. The most landmark structure of Mughal era ‘Taj Mahal’ is housed in Agra and stand as the perfect epitome of true love. So during the span of 8 days and 7 nights journey, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels can recapitulates the royal, cultural and spiritual facet of India. 

Monday 7 May 2012

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Factsheet

Overview

Launched after the resounding success of Palace on Wheels, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels was launched in 2009 to cater to the rising demand of luxury rail journeys in Rajasthan.  Designed to traverse the enchanting land of Rajasthan, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels endeavors to put forth best of heritage, culture and royalty of this erstwhile Rajputana state. The interiors of this Indian luxury train have been put to minute detailing to replicate the opulence and elegance of the personal carriages of erstwhile Indian maharajas. Lavishly designed with Ottoman furniture, silk and velvet draperies, sofa chairs and writing tables, the 14 cabins of this regal train takes you to the era of munificent living. Gourmet dining, lounge bar, souvenir coach and spa and wellness centre adds to the luxury and refinement of the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels.

Facilities provided on board Royal Rajasthan on Wheels:- 

Cabins
The 14 luxury cabins housed within the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels have been named after some erstwhile royal palace of Rajasthan. Categorized into Deluxe and Super Deluxe saloons, these cabins come equipped with state of the art amenities such as Wi-Fi internet, Satellite TV, Channel music system and Individual temperature control to provide comforts of a five star hotel. Few cabin names are as follows: Hawa Mahal, Padmini Mahal, Kishori Mahal, Phool Mahal and Super Deluxe Coach Taj Mahal.

Super Deluxe Saloon - The Bravura Suite

Dining
The two tastefully appointed eateries of Royal Rajasthan on Wheels namely, Swarn Mahal and Sheesh Mahal, appetizingly serves an array of lip smacking cuisines to pamper the taste buds of epicureans.  Both the restaurants are set with a bar to provide choicest wines to accompany your sumptuous cuisines.
Whereas Swarn Mahal is patterned on brass and gold theme, the Sheesh Mahal restaurant features spectacular floor lamps and crystal pelmets. The charm of tasting your scrumptious meals upon handmade cutlery and crockery is fascinating to the hilt.

Dining & Cuisines

Souvenir Coach
Pick up souvenir items from this coach in order to take back good memories with you. The coach offers various handcrafter products and apparels which include beer mug, embossed leather jewelry product, cruet set, Leather photo frame and various other accessories.

Spa and Recreation
Pamper you nerves with an array of rejuvenating spa therapies and massages provided on board this luxury train to revitalize your mind, body and soul.

Destinations covered by Royal Rajasthan on Wheels: - Delhi- Jodhpur- Udaipur- Chittorgarh- Sawai Madhopur- Jaipur- Khajuraho- Varanasi- Agra-Delhi
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Tariff for Season: January 2012 to March 2013
Occupancy Type
Price in USD
Description
Super Deluxe Saloon (Suite)
USD 1600
Per Suite per night
Deluxe Saloon (Twin Sharing)
USD 590
Per person per night
Deluxe Saloon (Single Occupancy)
USD 825
Per person per night

Inclusions
·         Cost of Journey
·         Guided sightseeing tours
·         Meals provided on board
·         Entrance fee at the monuments, parks and for cultural programs
·         Camel ride at Jaisalmer
·         Boat ride in Lake Pichola at Udaipur
Exclusions
·         Liquor charges
·         Video camera fees
·         Laundry charges
·         Phone call charges
·         Expenses of personal nature