Culturally Potent Destinations Covered by Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

India is a dream destination for art and culture lovers. Right from religious shrines to architectural wonders, the country is home to all. But how would it be if cultural excursion in India gets a touch of royalty. Operated by Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation (RTDC) and the Indian Railways, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Train offers such experience to the travelers. Its journey spanning over 8 days and 7 nights encompasses two culturally potent destinations in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh- Khajuraho and Varanasi respectively. In this blog post, I will highlight the cultural significance of these two destinations that attract travelers from all around the world.

                                                                          Varanasi

Ganga Aarti, Varanasi. Ganga Aarti Ceremony, Varanasi.

Fondly known as the ‘spiritual capital of India’, Varanasi is largely visited for its bathing Ghats flanked by river Ganges and number of Hindu temples which include Tulsi Manas, Sankat Mochan, Bharat Mata and Kashi Vishwanath temple-  famous as jyotirlinga of Lord Shiva. The sacred Ghats such as Manikarnika, Dasashwamedh and Panch-Ganga are believed to have the divine power of providing salvation.  Being a spectator to evening Ganga aarti will give a perfect closure to your cultural tour in Varanasi.

                                                           Khajuraho

World Map India Madhya Pradesh Khajuraho

“A sensuous poetry in stones,” this is probably the best explanation for Khajuraho Group of Monuments, recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Built by Chandela dynasty between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D., these temples are dedicated to lord Shiva, Vishnu and Jain Tirthnkras. These temples are outstanding examples of Indo-Aryan architecture and depict images of Hindu deities, mythological characters & animals and erotic figures exhibiting Kamasutra positions. An evening son-et-lumiere in the compounds of western temple complex will mark the crescendo of the day

Bravura Suite or Extraordinary Suite: Take Your Pick for Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Tour

The resounding success of Palace on wheels paved the way for many state tourism boards to come up with luxury tourist trains in their respective region. One of them is Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, a joint initiative of Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation (RTDC) and the Indian Railways. Co-incidentally RTDC are the makers of Palace on Wheels and the unprecedented popularity of this Indian luxury train among lucrative foreign tourist segment led to the introduction of Royal Rajasthan on Wheels to promote tourism in Rajasthan. Although this luxury tourist train was designed to traverse erstwhile princely states of Rajputana but it went on to include Khajuraho and Varanasi as part of cultural and spiritual excursion.

 Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Train Tour

The super deluxe saloon or Bravura Suite has been named after Taj Mahal. Guest cabins in deluxe coaches have been designed with the tint of three exquisite jewels- Ruby, Pearl and Sapphire and come befitted with elegant silk furnishings, comforter and upholstery to create an aesthetic appeal. All 13 Extraordinary Suites can accommodate guests up to 6.

On the other hand, there is Bravura Suite is more spacious than the former one and can accommodate 8 people. The 4 twin-bedded chambers in this suite have been designed in traditional Rajasthani décor. While beds are draped in silk and velvet comforters, the finely carved wooden furniture has been designed in pure Ottoman style.

Royal Rajasthan On Wheels Train Journey

These suites draw their name from two striking stones-diamond and emerald. Complementing the traditional Rajasthani décor are the state of the art amenities such as individual temperature control, electronic safe, channel music, Wi-Fi internet and 110/120 V socket compatibility. Each saloon is appointed with a personal attendant to cater to your needs and requirements.

Apart from accommodation, no other facility on board Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Tour can be differentiated in terms of refinement, facilities and space. The accommodation alternative chosen will determine your superiority as a traveler while most other facilities are just bells and whistles.

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Tariff: Totally Worth It

The advent of Palace on Wheels in 1982 has looked upon with great enthusiasm. The phenomenal success of this luxury tourist train encouraged different state tourism boards to introduce luxury rail journeys in their respective regions. The unprecedented popularity of Palace on Wheels train has led to the introduction of Royal Rajasthan on Wheels in 2009 to meet the growing demand of luxury train tours in Rajasthan.

Shish Mahal Restaurant of Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

If there is one single world that could describe the opulence of this train is ‘Royal’ which is itself is added in its name. Beginning from an introductory price of USD 590 per person per night, the weeklong journey on board this train is a medley of royal, cultural and spiritual facet of India. Listed below is the  chart of Royal Rajasthan on Wheels train tariff and the reasons why the journey price is worth the luxury on offer.  

Occupancy Type Price in US$ Description Super Deluxe Saloon (Suite) US$ 1600 Per Suite per night Deluxe Saloon (Twin Sharing) US$ 590 Per person per night Deluxe Saloon (Single Occupancy) US$ 825 Per person per night

Offering Ultra-Luxe Facilities to the Guests

The 13 deluxe cabins draw their name from an erstwhile famous palace of Rajasthan such as Hawa Mahal, Surya Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Sukh Mahal, Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, Kumbha Palace, Jogi Mahal, Umaid Palace, Padmini Mahal, Kishori Mahal and Lalgarh Palace. The Super Deluxe Coach is rightly named after Taj Mahal.

The tastefully decorated interiors, sylvan furnishings, silk and velvet comforters, individual temperature control & separate electronic safe for each cabin add to the overall regal experience.

A personal attendant aka Khidmatgar appointed for each cabin goes extra miles to serve your needs and requirements.

 The foreign exchange need of the guests has been countered by setting up counters at all partner hotels. A/c buses are provided for all sightseeing excursions.

The two restro-bars housed within Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, Swarn Mahal and Sheesh Mahal serves a wide range of Indian, Mughlai and Continental cuisines along with traditional Rajasthani fare. The in-house bar serves choicest brands of Indian and foreign liquor brands.

Deluxe Saloon

The Royal spa offers host of Ayurvedic and wellness therapies along with personal care products to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.

Guests can shop for souvenir items such as Beer Mug, Cruet Set, Leather Photo Frame and Jewelry Box.

Adding to the aforementioned listed facilities is the impeccable hospitality of the train staff, which is another USP of Royal Rajasthan on Wheels. Without a doubt, the price of Royal Rajasthan on Wheels train journey is truly the luxury on offer.