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Want to feel like
royalty for a week? Then step into the regal splendour of the Palace
on Wheels and cruise along in majestic style like the Maharajas of
yesteryear
You
are a king or a queen in your own right for seven days while
ex-ploring the wonders of colourful Rajasthan — a magical land
set amidst miles of golden sand, ornamented with a kaleidoscope of
magnificent forts, opulent palaces and marvellous havelis
brimming with legends of romance and chivalry. And it is a unique
experience indeed.
The elegant
interiors of the train with its delectable cuisine (traditional
Indian, Continental and Chinese) and personalised service, transports
you to a totally enchanting world. Each saloon has its own personal
attendants to ensure that the journey is comfortable. Fully
air-conditioned, the 14 saloons are named after the princely states
of Rajasthan and have excellent amenities. Each saloon is a
combination of twin-bedded and double-bedded chambers with attached
toilets, running hot and cold water and shower facilities. The
cultural ethos of Rajasthan finds its reflection in the interiors of
these saloons. The lounge, an ideal place to relax, has a well
stocked bar and a library. The latest luxury is a health club and a
beauty parlour.
The journey begins
at the Delhi Cantonment railway station where colourfully attired men
and women welcomed us. Once inside the cabin, I was totally taken up
with the grandeur and magnificence of its interiors. Putting away our
luggage, we were escorted to the restaurant for a sumptuous dinner
after which we snuggled into the cushioned comfort of the beds for
the night. The Palace on Wheels moved through the night while we
drifted into sleep to wake up at dawn in Jaipur, the Pink City.
After breakfast on
board, we were ready for the day’s sightseeing. Caparisoned
elephants garlanded us in traditional welcome before we entered an
air-conditioned coach. The city built in 1727 AD by Maharaja Sawai
Jai Singh was colour washed in pink — the colour associated with
hospitality in Rajput culture. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is a
five-storey building in pink splendour with carved trellis work and
lies on the main street of the old city. It was originally conceived
to enable ladies of the royal household to watch everyday life on the
streets and royal processions. Amer Fort, eight kilometres away, is a
beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples
built over a period of two centuries. From the base one can either
walk up or ride a caparisoned elephant. We were completely overawed
by the magnificence of the grand fort.
A shopping trip in
the colourful bazaars of Jaipur, famous for its jewellery,
handicrafts, carpets, handlooms and blue pottery was an exhilarating
experience. After a delicious lunch at Hotel Ram Bagh Palace, we set
off for the City Palace, home of the erstwhile royal family. It is a
fabulous structure built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles.
The Jantar Mantar, the largest of Maharaja Jai Singh’s five
remarkable observatories, is right across the road from the Palace.
Back on board the train, we had tea and got ready for dinner which
was a colourful affair at the Palace Hotel. There was a feast laid
out and folk dancers of Rajasthan provided the entertainment and
created a romantic ambience. After this eventful and interesting day,
we retired to our chambers on board.
The
Palace on Wheels chugged along lulling us to sleep. The morning
brought us to Chittorgarh which echoes with tales of romance and
valour. We explored the ruins of the citadel with awe and reverence.
Chittor was ravaged thrice. It was here that the women of the royal
house jumped into the sacred fire to protect their honour. The
Victory Tower is an exquisite structure. The legendary Queen
Padmini’s palace beside a pool is magnificent. It was here that
Alauddin Khilji had a glimpse of the beautiful Padmini’s
reflection. Padmini stood in a pavilion in the centre and her
reflection was visible to Alauddin Khilji in a mirror placed in the
main hall. The Queen’s beauty fanned Khilji’s desire
resulting in the ravage of Chittor. But the Queen preferred death to
dishonour and committed jauhar (jumping into the fire).
From here, the
air-conditioned coach took us to Udaipur founded by Maharana Udai
Singh of Mewar in 1550. Known as the City of Dawn, it lies around
five lakes hemmed in by lush hills of the Aravalis. The Jag Niwas and
Jag Mandir, two fascinating island palaces in the middle of Lake
Pichola, enchant you with their breathtaking beauty. The boat ride to
the Lake Palace Hotel was delightful, invigorating our appetite so we
could do full justice to the lavish lunch at the hotel. Later in the
day, after sightseeing at the City Palace and Crystal Gallery, we had
tea at the Durbar Hall. With the sightseeing over, we returned to
Chittorgarh. After dinner on board, we hit the pillow.
As the train rolled
to a stop at Sawai Madhopur, the entry point to Ranthambore, we were
excited. At 7 a.m. we set out in an open vehicle to Ranthambore
National Park, located amidst the imposing ruins of 10th century
fort. It is an ideal place to see the Indian tiger in its natural
habitat, provided luck favours you. Spread over an area of 392 square
kilometres of thick dry deciduous forest over an undulating terrain
of the Aravali and Vindhya ranges, the Reserve is the haunt of more
than 300 species of birds. Artificial lakes enhance scenic beauty
while providing water. We saw hyena, wild boar, a number of peacocks
and other birds, and crocodiles basking in the winter sun.
Unfortunately, the majestic tiger eluded us. Though it dimmed our
excitement a little, the drive through the forest was a thrilling
experience. The Ranthambore Fort, once a place of heroism, lies
mostly in ruins.
By afternoon, we
were back on the Palace on Wheels, ready to set off to the Desert
City, Jaisalmer. After an afternoon siesta, we relaxed in the lounge
watching TV, reading or chatting with the other guests. A few of them
made use of the gym while some sought the help of the beautician to
bring back the glow that a whole day’s sightseeing might have
dulled.
The
bright sun woke us up at Jaisalmer. The sheer magic and brilliance of
this desert city held us spellbound. The golden-hued fort that seems
to rise out of the desert haze etched in yellow sandstone stands with
all its awesome splendour dominating the amber-hued city. It has
enchanting cobbled narrow lanes dotted with intricately latticed
havelis (mansions), beautifully sculptured Jain temples dating
back to the 12th-15th century. We were back for lunch on board the
train. After some rest in the afternoon, we departed by coach for Sam
Sand Dunes where we had exhilarating camel rides. The evening —
relaxing with a cup of tea, enjoying the beautiful sunset, surrounded
by camels — was indeed memorable. Dinner that night was in the
desert under the stars with Rajasthani folk singers and dancers.
Next morning, the
train arrived at Jodhpur set at the edge of the Thar Desert. The
city, one of the largest in Rajasthan, still maintains its medieval
character. Founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha, the city is famous for
the impregnable Mehrangarh fort with magnificent palaces within.
Shopping in Jodhpur bazaars is a heady experience with its colourful
display of handicrafts, tie-and-dye fabrics, embroidered slippers,
silks, marble souvenirs and much more. After lunch at Umaid Bhavan
Palace, an opulent edifice in stone, we were taken on a tour of the
palace and the museum.
The Palace on
Wheel’s next destination is Bharatpur, popular for its bird
sanctuary. The Keoladeo Ghana National Park is a bird’s paradise
and nesting ground of exotic migratory birds from Afghanistan,
Central Asia and Tibet. Siberian cranes and bareheaded geese from
China come here to escape the severe winter and breed till October -
November. We had breakfast at the Forest Lodge and then proceeded to
Fatehpur Sikri, the sandstone fort built by Emperor Akbar. Within the
area is a beautiful mosque built by Akbar as a tribute to the memory
of Sheikh Salim Chishti, the Muslim saint who blessed him with a son.
From Fatehpur Sikri, the coach left for Agra. After lunch at the
Mughal Sheraton Hotel, we toured the fort and then moved on to visit
the marvellous Taj Mahal, a monument of eternal love built by Shah
Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Back on the Palace
on Wheels, we had dinner on board. It was time for the last leg of
the journey back to Delhi. We thanked the manager and staff. Always
enthusiastic and hospitable, the trip would not have been so
enjoyable but for their cordial service.
As we got down at
Delhi Cantonment, the next morning, I wondered whether it was all a
dream.
A shopping trip in
the colourful bazaars of Jaipur, famous for its jewellery,
handicrafts, carpets, handlooms and blue pottery was an exhilarating
experience
For Further
Information contact:
Palace on Wheels, Bikaner House
Pandara Road, New Delhi - 110 001
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