Embark on a Journey With Rajasthan’s Heritage Train – Palace on Wheels

When you come to the royal state of Rajasthan, you know how royal things can come in your way. When you come to the city of royals, there has to be something unique to let you experience the luxuries of the bygone era of the Maharajas. One such royalty that a tourist cannot afford to miss is the heritage train – The Palace on Wheels. The train is well known nationally as well as internationally and has won many laurels to the country.

The tagline of this luxurious train is self-explanatory – A Week in Wonderland.  From the royal Rajput forts to the bustling streets, everything has something unique and royal touch to itself. Similarly, how about a journey boarding a train can get – it beholds its own beauty.

And we got lucky enough to capture a glimpse of this luxurious train during the Great Indian Travel Bazaar.

The Royal Rooms

The rooms are crafted after a great thought. There are 14 coaches and each coach has its own speciality. Right from the artworks, paintings, bed linen, and even the wall art is based on the theme of the city on which the name of the coach is based.

Bar

Unwind and relax after a full day of sightseeing with your fellow friends at the luxurious bar. Choose from a large array of choices available and de-stress your day’s worries.

Dining And Cuisines

Two restaurants are on board with you, when you travel on the Palace on Wheels. Maharaja Restaurant and Maharani Restaurant offers you an exclusive affair on wheels like never before. Soups, salad, continental, Indian and desserts, have whatever you want and make this culinary affair an amazing one.

Royal Spa

We told you it has everything. To rejuvenate and reinvigorate your soul on the wheels, Palace on Wheels brings to you a royal treatment where you can get a therapeutic treatment far from the hubbub of the city in a relaxing environment and the only noise you hear is of the track wheels. It will be one of a kind leisure trip for you.

We hope you enjoyed your journey onboard with us in the Palace on Wheels. You can book your room in this train for a solo journey ahead. Happy Journey!

 

The Great Indian Travel Bazaar’18 Starts Tomorrow

Rajasthan – a state where if you visit once, you cannot take your eyes off. The state of Rajasthan has always something new to offer every time you visit. The different places of tourist interests along with its picturesque beauty have made Rajasthan an important international tourist destination.

With the enormous increase in the inflow of tourists during the last one year, the tourism industry in India has seen a drastic change. Here is another chapter of Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB) 2018 taking place in the fabled Pink City from April 22 to April 24.  The event is being organized by the Department of Tourism, Govt. of Rajasthan; Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). It is supported by leading national and regional associations like Hotels & Restaurant Association of Rajasthan (HRAR), Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) and Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO).

Apart from the host state – Rajasthan, Tourism departments of 9 other states – Gujarat, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa, Punjab and Tamil Nadu are also participating. The main focus during the 3-day travel bazaar will be on inbound tourism. Inbound tourism generally refers to, when a person travels from his/her home to another country for not less than 24 hours and not more than a few months for leisure. The 10th edition will host B2B meetings with over 280 tour operators from around 55 countries.

During the exhibition, do not miss the special showcase of the luxurious train ‘Palace on Wheels’ by the Rajasthan Tourism Department on 23 April at Durgapura Station, Jaipur.

Inaugural Session:22 April’18 at The Lalit, Jaipur

Exhibition: 23-24 April’18 at JECC Jaipur, Jaipur

Palace on Wheels wins Tourist Train of the Year award

 

Palace on Wheels, the popular luxury train of Rajasthan has brought another glory for the nation. The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) has awarded the POW for the PATWA International Award under the category of ‘Tourist Train of the Year’.

The results were announced during ITB Berlin Travel event happening in Berlin, Germany from 9th March to 11th March, 2018.

One of the most prestigious luxury trains of India, Palace on Wheels began its maiden run on January 26, 1982. Since then, it is treating its passengers with a royal sojourn through various hues of the vibrant state of Rajasthan. Palace on Wheels Luxury Train boasts of the royal coaches of the erstwhile rulers which allow visitors to traverse the Golden Triangle Circuit, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Sawai Madhopur.

With the unparalleled hospitality, the train has gained worldwide reputation for providing the sojourn of a lifetime to the passengers. In the past too, palace on Wheels has won PATA Gold Award for the year 1987. In 2010 it was voted as the 4^th most luxurious train in the world. 

We are also rejoiced to share that travelling in Palace on Wheel- the luxury train has become more accessible as its fares are reduced to 50% by railways.

Plan a royal journey to princely state of Rajasthan in Palace on Wheels 🙂 

IRCTC to introduce Maharaja Train Tours in budget

The comfort and more than that joy of travelling royal class in Indian Railways is soon to go several notches up. The Railway’s committee board recently discussed and finalized a proposal that talks of newer, faster connectivity, luxury travel at cheaper rates.

The committee chaired by Sudip Bandyopadhyay, mooted on a 50% waiver in exotic and luxury travelling on the Indian Railways.

The board majorly discussed:

• An estimated of Rs 10 lakh crore may be announced to develop connectivity supporting speeds of upto 200 km/h.
• Discounts in the range of 50% on travelling in trains such as the Palace on wheels, Golden Chariot, Maharaja Express, Deccan Odyssey and Royal Orient.
• Common Citizens to benefit.
• Can book bedroom carriage complete with a lounge, kitchen, and toilet setup aboard a train.

High-speed Travelling: According to officials of the board, the Railways may announce a proposal to build high-speed rail corridors that could connect major cities of India. Discounts on Luxury Travelling: The board found that even though Luxury travelling was a unique concept, it did not translate into revenues. For instance, revenues of the Palace on Wheels and Royal Rajasthan were down by 24% and 63% respectively in one year.

Twin bed cabin in Palace on Wheels

Apart from promoting tourism, the coaches on the  luxury trains are replete with state of the art facilities. The Palace on Wheels is a marvelous epitome of royal lifestyle that promotes Rajasthan Tourism. The refurbished coaches in the luxury trains used to be the personal railway coaches of erstwhile royal family of Rajputana, Gujarat and the Nizam of Hyderabad. These coaches in various luxury trains have been decked up with a new style and cuisine. The trains boast four cabins, restaurants, bar and saloons. Each cabin has twin beds, wall-to-wall carpeting, air-conditioning, DTH satellite television, channel music, intercom, attached toilets, running hot and cold water, and personal attendants.

The railway tourism is also planning to reduce the fares of luxury train by 50%. An official announcement from their side is expected to come on April, 02, 2018.

Source:  Sify Finance

Palace on Wheels tour postponed

The very first tour of Jaipur’s Palace on Wheels, which was to start from December 22, Friday, has been postponed.  Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC), which runs the train, has now decided to run the train from December 29.

The announcement of the new train was made by state tourism minister (independent charge) Krishnendra Kaur (Deepa) and ACS (tourism) NC Goel during the press conference to list the government’s achievements in the last 4 years. They had declared that this new train will start from December 22. But the officials from the tourism department had been claiming that they have got 15-20 bookings for the tour on December 22, however, they are now claiming that the bookings were meant for December 29 tour of the train.

Any which way, for those who are willing to travel to Rajasthan through luxurious train journey, this is your another chance to book the “Palace on Wheels”  and enjoy an unimagined palace experience on wheels.

You may visit: https://www.palacesonwheels.com/tariff.html  for more details.

Image courtesy: Palace on Wheels official

MAHARAJAS’ EXPRESS to come with amazing surprises this Christmas and New Year

Maharaja’s Express is an awarded and much-loved Indian luxury train which who wouldn’t love to board at least once in life! So if you too are fancying a royal sojourn on this luxury train but concerned about the tariff and out of budget journey packages then here’s a good news for you! Maharajas’ Express Christmas and New Year’s Departure brings to you two amazing offers on these journeys ! 

One of the most popular luxury trains in India, Maharajas’ Express has lined-up four special departures during Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Get all geared up to make your celebrations even better and lavish on-board this ‘luxury on wheels’.  Following are the departures:

• The Heritage of India (17^th Dec 2016) – This 7 night / 8 day journey covers Mumbai, Ajanta, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Agra, and Delhi.
• Treasures of India (25^th Dec 2016) – This 3 night / 4 day journey covers Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore and Jaipur.
• Gems of India (28^th Dec 2016) – This 3 night / 4 day journey offers a visit to Delhi, Agra, Ranthambore and Jaipur.
• The Indian Panorama (31^st Dec 2016)- This 7 night / 8 day journey offers visit to Delhi, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, Gwalior, Orchha, Khajuraho, Varanasi and Lucknow.

Another highlight of Maharajas’ Express Christmas and New Year’s Departure is two amazing offers on these journeys. The offers are valid till the date of departure of the journeys and is subject to availability of cabins.

• OFFER 1- 50 percent discount

The first offer on the above departures states that on booking a cabin on twin sharing basis the first adult pays the full cost but the second sharing the cabin will avail 50% discount on the adult cost. This offer is applicable for all nationalities. In clear terms, if you and your partner are going, you pay for one and your companion pays 50 percent only

• OFFER 2- Early bird offer

The second offers states that on booking a Deluxe Room, the guest gets a chance to upgrade his room from Deluxe Cabin to Junior Suite, by just paying only 50% of the difference in Tariff between these two. This offer is valid till 30^thNovember 2016. This offer too is applicable for all nationalities.

All the journeys of Maharaja Express are very meticulously-planned and offer a visit to some of India’s best destinations. The itineraries include sightseeing, special meals, shopping and other memorable experiences. The décor of the train is gorgeous and the hospitality is impeccable. The luxury train has 43 guest cabins along with two multi-cuisine restaurants – Rang Mahal and Mayur Mahal. The train also features a souvenir coach and a lounge. Have a memorable journey, amid modern world-class comforts.

For more information, you may visit http://www.maharajas-express-india.com

Tiger Express Train to run on Rajasthan route

Wildlife enthusiasts across the World may rejoice as here’s a good news for you!!  The Tiger Express train, which was launched specifically for safaris in Madhya Pradesh (MP) in June, is all set to make Rajasthan its new home.

Giving Bandhavgadh, Kanha tiger reserves in MP the slip, the train will begin its revised journey in the state on November 19, 2016 by taking tourists to Ranthambhore National Park for the tiger safari. As per Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) sources, the Tiger Express is one of the most innovative tourism products launched by IRCTC.

The train was launched on the World Environment Day to highlight the importance of environment in our lives. The itinerary of the semi-luxury train will cover Udaipur, Chittorgarh and Ranthambore for a four night-five day odyssey starting from New Delhi. Tourists will have to shell out fares varying from Rs 29,000 to Rs 37,500.The Indian Railways is foraying into wildlife tourism for the first time in the state, focusing on both budget and domestic tourists.The semi-luxury train is also a first on the tourist circuit in the country to have a dining car.This will facilitate frequent interactions among travellers during the trip..

 

IRCTC announced special packages for ‘Bharat Darshan’

For an avid traveller, there is an incredible opportunity coming up which was announced by IRCTC on Tuesday. The train will take you for “Bharat Darshan” including various historical and pilgrimage destinations across the country at really affordable prices. The journey will take place from October- December in various lots.

The train comprises of two luggage and 15 sleeper coaches including a pantry. These packages will include accommodation, sightseeing, vegetarian food and road transportation.

The schedule of the trains will be as below:

Train 1 

Departure October 4 from Chandigarh

Tour span- 6 days

Places- Shirdi- Saisignapur-Trayambakeshwar.

Boarding stations- Ambala, Kurukshetra,Karnal, Panipat, Delhi Cantt, Rawari and Jaipur

Fare- 5,020 per person

Train 2 for Dakshin Bharat Yatra

Departure- October 14 from Varanasi

Tour Span- 13 days

Places- Rameshwaram, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Kovalam, Thirvananthpuram, Kochi, Tirupati and Malikarjun

Fare- 10,870 per person

Train 3

Departure- November 2 from Chandigarh

Places- Rameshwaram, Madurai, Kanyakumari, Kovalam, Thirvananthpuram, Kochi, Tirupati and Malikarjun

Fare- 10,870 per person

For more information, visit http://www.irctctourism.com/

 

A semi-luxury trip for the long August weekend offered by IRCTC

The long weekend of August is almost here and everyone must be planning something or the other for it. So before you think of something else there comes is a good news for all those who want to make the best of their weekend in this amazing weather. The Indian Railway Catering and Touring Corporation (IRCTC) has planned a semi-luxury train tour for passengers from Delhi which will begin its journey from Safdarjung station to iconic places of Rajasthan including destinations  Udaipur-Chittorgarh-Mount Abu-Ajmer-Pushkar

The all inclusive package of four nights and five days includes quality food, travel outside railway by air conditioned vehicles, security arrangements and housekeeping along with escorts throughout the trip. This is an especially designed tourist train which will also have a mid-segment air-conditioned dining car where passengers can interact with others while having dinner.

 

And guess what all this comes at really affordable prices. The package being divided in two categories (I AC and II AC) priced at an affordable rate of Rs 29,000 for II AC and 35,000 for I AC. IRCTC is also offering an “early bird” discount to the first 25 bookings as well as discounts for groups.

Don’t you think this is a really great opportunity given by IRCTC for all those wanting to go out on an affordable vacation. If you are looking forward to it then contact 9717649209, 9717640463 or mail at tourismr&d@irctc.com or visit www.irctctourism.com

Wish you have a wonderful holiday!:)

Experience Different Aspects Of Rajasthan With The Desert Circuit

With the increasing number of tourists visiting the colorful state of Rajasthan, the IRCTC has introduced a royal train to the state, specially designed to cater to the middle class.

Image via Goggle

The Desert Circuit is a semi – luxurious train which offers a package of 4 nights and 5 days. The train departs s from New Delhi on a five day odyssey with an array of deluxe facilities. The ‘Desert Circuit covers Rajasthan’s famed cities of sprawling deserts Jaisalmer and the eclectic heritage of the Pink City – Jaipur.

This special train which runs on the lines of the royal Palace on Wheels has its first halt at Jaisalmer for 2 days where tourists can enjoy the camel safari, sunset and visit the Sonar Haveli, Patwa Ki Haveli, Gadisar Lake and many others. The next halt is in the Pink City, where the tourists get to visit the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal and other tourist spots.