While there are a number of different ways to traverse Rajasthan, some more exciting than others, one of the best ways to experience the royalty of this multi-faceted kingdom is via luxury trains. Two of the country’s most elegant trains run through the royal state of Rajasthan. These are Palace on Wheels and Royal Rajasthan on Wheels.
Let’s learn a little more about these luxury carriage rides and the routes they follow:
1. Palace on Wheels – The world famous Palace on Wheels was India’s first luxury train which started in January 1982. It was a joint venture between Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways that had the sole purpose of promoting tourism within the condition.
The train offers a harrowing journey and takes one on a journey through the bygone era of ancient kings. Palace on Wheels has 14 super-luxurious coaches decked out in decorations and trimmings that reflect the vibe preferred by Maharajas.
Royal Journey – This train offers an 8-day, 7-night journey that covers some of the best destinations in north-west India. Each of the carefully chosen destinations on the journey reveals a mysterious chapter in history and presents a myriad of experiences to your royal guests.
Destinations:
Day 1: The journey starts in New Delhi, the capital of India from Safdarjung railway station.
Day 2: The pink city of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan
Day 3: Chittorgarh/Sawai Madhopur
Day 4: Udaipur, the city of lakes
Day 5: The golden city of Jaisalmer
Day 6: Jodhpur, the blue city
Day 7: Agra, the land of the world famous Taj Mahal
Day 8: New Delhi
2. Royal Rajasthan on Wheels: Inspired by the world famous Palace on Wheels, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is another luxury train that started operating in January 2009. It takes its passengers on exciting adventures and allows them to immerse themselves in the intriguing chronicles of old heritage. This royal experience was designed to create a timeless experience that allows its guests to relive past luxury.
Essentially, it’s an upgraded version of the Palace on Wheels with more spacious cabins and improved luxury. The train has 14 luxury carriages where 13 of them have 3 luxury lounges and the last 2. Each of the lounges has a different theme and each of the carriages is named after prominent places in Rajasthan.
Royal Journey: The train offers a 7-day tour that starts and ends in New Delhi. And while some of the destinations are the same as above, some changes have been made to the itinerary to give it a different flavor.
Destinations:
Day 1: New Delhi
Day 2: Jodhpur
Day 3: Udaipur and Chittorgarh
Day 4: Madhopur and Jaipur
Day 5: Khajuraho
Day 6: Varanasi
Day 7: Agra
Day 8: New Delhi