Rajasthan is called the land of kings, majestic forts and palaces, diverse cultures, varied landscapes and vibrant colors. Experience the land of regal splendor with Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, the contemporary royal living. The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is the regal delight where every moment is woven together into an everlasting and immemorial experience to be lived and cherished forever. The makers of the Palace on Wheels have rekindled the charm of luxury with utmost consideration of your comfort and modern amenities at the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels. This tour is extensively planned to take you through the whispering sands of desert. The intriguing sagas of forts and palaces, and the adventurous escapades to the wilds; while you witness the luxuries on the train in a truly royal fashion. This train is newly built and designed in a contemporary royal style. You will be delighted with the magnificent interiors, sumptuous meals, expensive wines, and personalised service by the Khidmatgars, the likes of which you would rarely experience.
Delhi has a number of tourist attractions, right from history to present. Museums, heritage, shopping -you name it, Delhi has it all. It’s astonishing heritage is the city's star attraction - both in terms of its monuments and its cultural offerings. Although there are sites in Delhi that one may tick off the travellers list, it is the Old Delhi area which has those lesser talked about places that cannot be missed.
Udaipur is a small city in the western side of Rajasthan. With a romantic setting that is totally unmatched, Udaipur is inarguably one of the picturesque places in India. It IS the capital of the Rajput kingdom of Mewar. Founded by Udai Singh II in 1559, its set around a series of artificial lakes and known for its lavish palaces. City Palace, overlooking Lake Pichola, is a monumental complex of 11 palaces famed for its intricate peacock mosaics. Fantastical palaces, temples, havelis and countless narrow, colourful streets add the human counterpoint to the city's natural charms.
Chittorgarh is a city and municipality in Rajasthan, northwest India. It’s known for the honey-colored, 7th-century Chittorgarh Fort, a vast hilltop complex with the remains of many temples and monuments. The 15th-century, 9-story Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory) is built from red sandstone and white marble. It offers city views from the top, and it is lit up at night. Nearby is the Rajput-style Fateh Prakash Palace.
Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most renowned national parks in Northern India. The park is located in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan, which is about 130 km from Jaipur. Once considered as one of the famous and former hunting grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur, today the Ranthambore National Park terrain is a major wildlife tourist attraction that has drawn the attention of many wildlife photographers and lovers.
Jaipur, Rajasthan's capital, evokes an image of the royal family that once ruled the region what is now called the Old City or Pink City for its trademark building colour. It is known for its fascinating monuments, colourful markets, gorgeous handloom garments and wonderfully laid-out gardens; it is not difficult to fall in love with Jaipur the moment you land here.
Khajuraho temples are India's unique gift to the world. Life in every form and mood, has been captured here in stone, testifying to the artistry of the craftsmen. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a group of Hindu and Jain temples in Madhya Pradesh, India, about 175 kilometres southeast of Jhansi. They are one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. The Khajuraho temples were built in a short span of 950 - 1050 A.D., in a truly inspired burst of creativity. Of the 85 original temples, 22 still survive, constituting one of the world's greatest artistic wonders. Khajuraho festival of dances draws the best classical dancers in the country every year, who perform against the spectacular backdrop of the floodlit temples.
Magical sacred spirit of humanity – contagious for all those desirous of knowing , understanding and consequently drowning in the deepness of karmic spirituality of Hinduism and Buddhism. One of the oldest living cities in the world, Varanasi attracts a huge number of tourists looking for spiritual enlightenment and salvation. The city is situated on the banks of Ganga and enjoys a position of religious importance in Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. This city which goes by three names: Varanasi, Benaras, and Kashi, finds mentions in the ancient Indian scriptures. To truly feel the city, attending the grand Ganga 'arti' is a must.
Agra tops the list of "must visit" places in India and attracts tourists like moths to flame. Home to one of the seven wonders in the world, The city is studded with splendid architecture, dating back to the Mughal-era. Agra Fort, Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri have been recognized by the UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.
Reporting at the Safdarjung Railway Station at 16:00 hrs for check-in formalities. Be prepared for a royal welcome when you are greeted with a garland, a traditional tikka, a turban and a glass of wine. Dinner on board. Royal Rajasthan on Wheels departs at 21:00 hrs for Jodhpur. Overnight on Royal Rajasthan on Wheels.
Breakfast will be served on board. After breakfast leave for Jodhpur sightseeing. Visit Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. Lunch at Palace Hotel. There after return to the train. Royal Rajasthan on Wheels departs for Udaipur at 16:30 hrs. Dinner on board. Overnight on Royal Rajasthan on Wheels.
Breakfast will be served on board. After breakfast leave for Udaipur sightseeing. Visit City Palace, Sahelion Ki Bari and boat ride on Lake Pichola. Unch will be provided at Five Star Hotel. There after return to the train for your next destination to Chitorgarh. On arrival Chittorgarh leave for visit to Chottorgarh Fort. Witness of the light and sound show. There after return to your train. Dinner will be served on board. Your train departs for Sawai Madhopur at 22:00 hrs. Overnight on Royal Rajasthan on Wheels.
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels arrives Ranthambore at 05:30 hrs. On arrival, leave for a Jeep Saari at Ranthambhore National Park. There after return to the train for your next destination to Jaipur. Breakfast will be served on board. Your train departs for Jaipur at 09:30 hrs. Arrival Jaipur at 11:30 hrs . Now you will be welcomed at the magnificent Pink City, Jaipur. It is the capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It was founded by Maharaja Jai Singh II on 1726, Maharaja of Amer, when he shifted his capital from Amer to Jaipur. After whom city is named Jaipur. Jaipur is predominantly known for its musicians, artisans and craftsmen. First we will visit Hawa Mahal - The palace of winds, is a distinctive landmark of Pink City, Jaipur. This five-storied pink sand-stone structure was built in 1799 AD during the reign of Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. This was built for the royal ladies to watch the processions through the myriad windows of the palace. There after we proceed to the impressive palace perched on the rocky terrain of Amer – The Amer Fort, the earliest capital of erstwhile Jaipur state. The Amber fort has a number of audience halls like the Shish Mahal or the hall of mirrors, the Sukh Niwas or the hall of pleasure, which are marvels of 17th century engineering. Half of the charm of Amber Fort is the Elephant ride you’ll be treated to. Lunch will be provided at Amer Fort. After lunch visit Jantar Mantar; the largest observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II between 1727 and 1734. The next in line of exploration is the City Palace, a defining architectural marvel of Jaipur, the City Palace was the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur in the eighteenth century and part of the magnificent palace is still the royal residence. At 18:00 hrs, you will be get on board the train for light snacks and tea and then leave at 19:00 hrs for dinner at the city hotel. At 22:30 hrs The Palace on Wheels leaves for Khajuraho. Overnight on Royal Rajasthan on Wheels.
Khajuraho was the capital of the Chandela Kings, now famous for its magnificent temples. The temples were built by Chandela dynasty between 950 A.D. and 1050 A.D., are example of Indo Aryan architecture dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Jain Tirthnkaras, the temple show case the art and architecture of medieval India. The Khajuraho temples have declared a world Heritage site. The Temples of Khajuraho are divided in to two geographical groups Western and Eastern Group of Temples.
Breakfast will be served on board. After breakfast leave for explore The Western Group of Temples. Lunch will be served at Five Star hotel. After lunch, explore The Eastern Group of Temples. There after return to the train for evening tea and snax. Train departs at 17:00 hrs for your next destination Varanasi. Dinner will be served on board. Overnight on Royal Rajasthan on Wheels.
Varanasi is the oldest living city of the world. It is situated on the bank of the Holy River Ganges. The name of Varanasi derived from the two rivers – Varuna and Assi. Varanasi is the combination of three religion – Hinduism, Buddhism and Muslism. Lord Buddha preached his first sermon in Sarnath around 528 BC, after his enlightenment and founded Buddhism. His first sermon was based on The Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dharma. Jyotirlinga Visvanatha Temple or Golden Temple, rebuilt in 1776, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Jnana Vapi well (meaning 'Well of Wisdom') is believed to have been dug by Lord Shiva himself.
On arrival Varanasi, at 06:00 hrs, leave for boat ride on the River Ganga and exploration of city attractions. There after return to the train for breakfast around 09:00 hrs. After breakfast leave for visit to Sarnath – It is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. In the 06th century B.C., the Buddha gave his first sermon, and set in motion the wheel of Law-the Dharma chakra. During the rainy season, when the Buddha and his followers sought respite from their round of itinerant teaching, they would retire to Sarnath. Over the centuries, Sarnath flourished as a center of Buddhist art and teaching, particularly for Hinayana Buddhism. One can see the famous Dhameks Stupa, Mulgandhkuti Vihara, Dharmarajika Stupa and Sarnath Museum. Where one can see the India’s National Emblem (Statue of four Lions ) which was originally from Ashoka Piller. Lunch at city hotel. Ther after return to the train to take some rest. Around 16:00 hrs, leave for witness of the Ganga Aarti. There after return to the train. Dinner will be served on board. Your train departs at 21:00 hrs for your next destination Agra. Overnight on Royal Rajasthan on Wheels.
Agra is located on the banks of river Yamuna and was established in 1504 by the ruler of Delhi, Sultan Sikandar Lodi. The medieval era city, Agra is a witness of the rise and fall of numerous dynasties. The city is home to the gem of finest architectural monument, Taj Mahal.
Breakfast will be served on board. After breakfast leave for visit to The Taj Mahal. It was planned to made The Taj Mahal on the bank of River Yamuna in 1631 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, to built a house of tomb of his beloved wife Arjumand Banu Begam ( Mumtaj Mahal ) who died giving birth to their 14th child, Gauhara Begam. Shah Jahan chosen the place to built The Taj Mahal, there were a Siva Temple named Tejo Mahadev. Shah Jahan demolished that Shiva Temple and ordered to Construction of the mausoleum. Construction work of Taj Mahal started in 1632 and It was completed in 1653. Visit Agra Fort – It is situated on the bank of River Yamuna. Originally the fort was built by Lodi but the Mughal under the pretense of renewing the fort tried to get rid of who built it originally. It was built by the first Sultan of Delhi, Sikandar Lodi, when he shifted his capital from Delhi to Agra. After the death of Sikandar Lodi in 1517, his son Ibrahim Lodi held the fort for 9 years until he was defeated and killed in the battle of Panipat in 1526. Several palaces, wells and a mosque were built in the fort during the Lodi period. That time it was known as Badalgarh. Lunch at Five Star hotel. After lunch witness the Light and Sound. There after return to the train. Dinner will be served on board. Your train departs at 20:15 hrs for your next destination Delhi. Overnight on Royal Rajasthan on Wheels.
The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels arrives at Safdarjung Railway Station at 04:00 hrs. Breakfast will be served on board. After breakfast, It is time to check out and staff bid a fond farewell to guests.
Journey to India.......once is not enough!!!!
BANKING AND CURRENCY
Currency
The Indian Rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The modern Indian Rupee is subdivided into 100 paise (singular paisa). Banknotes in circulation come in denominations of INR 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 2000. Please note that as of November 2016, the older 500 and 1000 INR note are no longer valid legal tender and only new ₹500 notes will be accepted.
The latest Indian Rupee coins are available in denominations of INR 1, 2, 5, 10.
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited. However, amounts exceeding US$5,000 or equivalent in cash, or US$10,000 or equivalent in all forms of currency must be declared. The export of foreign currency is allowed up to the amount imported and declared.
Currency can be changed at banks, airports or authorised money changers. Many hotels also have facilities to change money but this is a more expensive option. It is illegal to exchange money through unauthorised money changers. US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are the easiest currencies to exchange.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday-Saturday 10h00-03h30 (Bank will be closed on second and forth Saturday).
Strictly speaking, you can neither import nor export Indian currency, but you can get some at the airport straight away to at least get you transport to your accommodation. There are Authorized Foreign Exchange dealers in most big cities, and banks will also change your currency at a fair rate if you have time for the paperwork.
A good way of getting your travellers currency is via an ATM but beware of hidden bank charges, both from the bank providing the ATM and the card-issuing bank - you also do not know what exchange rate you are getting.ATMs are found in most towns and are recommended for cash withdrawals.
Visa, MasterCard and American Express are usually accepted in tourist hotels and many other shops. Debit cards are also widely accepted.
Travellers cheques are widely accepted and may be changed at banks and larger hotels. The most widely accepted currencies include US Dollars and Pounds Sterling. Some banks may refuse to change certain brands of traveller's cheques whilst others may exchange quite happily.
TRAVEL, TRANSPORT AND GETTING AROUND
India is big and there are lots of interesting ways to travel around it, most of which could not very well be described as efficient or punctual. Allow considerable buffer time for any journey with a fixed deadline (eg. your flight back), and try to remember that getting there should be half the fun.
India's large size and uncertain roads make flying a viable option, especially as prices have tumbled in the last few years. Even India's offshore islands and remote mountain states are served by flights, the main exceptions being Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh (although crossing over from neighbouring states is fairly easy). Due to the aviation boom over the last few years, airports have not been able to keep up with the air traffic. Most Indian airports continue to function with one runway and a handful of boarding gates. Check in and security queues can be terribly long, especially in Delhi and Mumbai.
Railways were introduced in India in 1853, more than one and half a centuries ago, by the British, and today India boasts of the biggest network of railway lines in the world, and the rail system is very efficient, if not always on schedule. Travelling on Indian Railways gives you the opportunity to discover the Indian landscape and scenic beauty first hand and is generally more economical than flying domestic. It is one of the safest ways of travel in India. With classes ranging from luxurious to regular, it's the best way to get to know the country and its people. Most train passengers will be curious about you and happy to pass the time with a chat.
In central locations of big cities like airports or stations reliable pre-paid taxis are available and will save you money as well as the bargaining hassle. However beware of touts who would claim themselves to be running pre-paid taxis. Always collect the receipt from the counter first. The receipt has two parts - one part is for your reference and the other part you will need to handover to the taxi driver only after you reach your desired destination. The taxi driver will get his payment by submitting or producing this other part to the pre-paid taxi counter. Normal taxis running by meter are usually more common. In many non Metro Cities (or even in Metros depending on time) taxies or autos may ply without the usual meter.
While you can't take a cross-country bus-ride across India, buses are the second most popular way of travelling across states and the only cheap way of reaching many places not on the rail network (eg. Dharamsala).
FOOD, DRINK AND CUISINE ADVICE
Water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should first be boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is often unpasteurised and should be boiled. Avoid dairy products likely to have been made from non-boiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Do not eat salads, vegetables should be cooked and peel your own fruit. Don’t eat street vendor food unless it is piping hot. Tap water is not safe to drink, rely on bottled water which is widely available. However, do check the seal on bottled water.
Indian food is world-renowned for its tantalising flavours, spiciness and enormous variety. Curries are created from the subtle and delicate blending of spices such as cumin, turmeric, cardamom, ginger, coriander, nutmeg and poppy seed although these vary from region to region and every spice has medicinal properties and use.
Vegetable dishes are more common than in Europe, particularly in the fruity, coconutty dishes of southern India, while northern India has an entirely different but equally satisfying cuisine to sample. Breads like paranthas, chapatis, naans and rotis are also part of the main diet in several states like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Achars (pickles), relishes and chutneys again vary by region and add more resonance to amazing meals.
Sweets or mithai too have regional specialities. They tend to be milk based and some are syrupy and fried. Well-known northern sweets are gulab jamun, jalebi (it’s worth watching how these syprup-based confections are made in the street), kulfi, kheer, halwa and laddu. From the east are rasgulla and rasmalai. The south has several burfi and halwa-type desserts like coconut burfi and badam halwa made from almonds.
While care should be taken in where one eats, exceptional food can be had in the most humble surroundings such as food at ashrams as can be found in 5-star restaurants. Non-vegetarians will find fabulously spiced mutton dishes according to regional specialities including fish dishes typical to coastal areas.
10 to 15% is usual in restaurants that impose no service fee; optional where service fee is added to bill.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER
The weather is mainly hot most of the year with significant variations from region to region. The coolest weather lasts from around the end of November to the beginning of March, with fresh mornings and evenings, and mostly sunny days. The really hot weather, when it is dry, dusty and unpleasant, is between March and June. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer anywhere between June and early October.
CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS
Male or female, one rule covers all visitors to India: don't leave the house with your arms or legs bare. You'll naturally get attention as a foreigner, as full-on staring is common and accepted on Indian streets, but you'll suffer far less negative attention if you remain covered up. For most locations and seasons in India, thin, loose linen or cotton pants and button-down shirts will keep you comfortable in hot, humid weather and help you blend in. While you may see Indian young adults sporting tight jeans and fitted brand-name tops, you'd stand out significantly more in the same outfit. If you visit anywhere in northern India - not just the mountains, Delhi too - during the winter, prepare for seriously cold weather. Bring jeans and heavy shirts and pick up an Indian wool wrap.
What you can get away with at an Indian beach depends entirely on which beach you visit. In the state of Goa, a popular beach and club getaway destination, locals are accustomed to seeing tourists in bikinis on the beach and Indian men often sport Speedos. But skimpy clothes need to stay on the beach. Don't walk around town or your hotel in nothing but a bikini and sarong. In less Western-frequented beach destinations, such as the beaches around Bombay, Alibag and Chowpatty, or anywhere in the south, hit the beach in light pants and a tunic.
When visiting temples and other religious sites on your own or part of a tour, be on the lookout for signs advising visitors to dress in a specific way to enter the temple. The government of India advises that some religious institutions require visitors to cover their heads or remove their shoes, and covering your legs and arms in respect goes without saying. Certain sites may carry more specific requirements, such as donning a certain colored sash or sarong-like covering. Take your cue from other visitors exiting the site.
ELECTRICITY AND PLUG STANDARDS
For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in India are the "Type D" 5 amp BS-546 sockets. This is actually an old British standard. The "Type D" Indian plug and socket is not to be confused with the "Type M" South African plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.
Electrical sockets (outlets) in India usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliances are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.
