Frequently Asked Questions
Q-1. What is Palace on Wheels?
Ans: Palace on Wheels is the first luxury train in India, launched by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) along with Indian Railways in 1982 to promote tourism in Rajasthan. The train decor replicates the original carriages used by the Maharajas, Nizams and Viceroys of Colonial India.
Q-2. How much does a journey aboard Palace on Wheels cost?
Ans: Palace on Wheels fare starts from US$ 450 and may go up to US$ 865 on per person / per night basis, depending upon the type of occupancy you are choosing. The train offers three types of occupancies - Single, Twin and Triple. Service Tax will be charged extra as applicable. The travelers need to pay 10% surcharge on the tariff for special seasonal departures falling during Christmas and New Year. For more details on the train tariff, please visit here
Q-3. What is included in the tariff?
Ans: The Palace on Wheels journey tariff includes:
- Accommodation on board.
- All meals including morning tea, breakfast, lunch, evening tea and dinner.
- Soft beverages.
- Guided sightseeing tours.
- Entrance fee to monuments.
- Service of a personal attendant.
- Cultural entertainment.
Q-4. Which are the services not included in the train tariff?
Ans: The Palace on Wheels ticket tariff doesn't include:
- Any optional tours as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Taxes, insurance and gratuities.
- Pre and Post journey accommodation.
- Charges for alcoholic beverages.
- Laundry, video camera charges and charges for other items of personal nature.
- Arrival and departure transfers.
- Air tickets.
Q-5. Is there any reduction in tariff for children?
Ans: For the children below 5 years, only 10% of the prevailing tariff would be charged; for children in the age group of 5-12, 50% of the prevailing tariff would be charged.
Q-6. What is the duration of journey aboard Palace on Wheels?
Anwort: The journey aboard Palace on Wheels lasts for 7 nights and 8 days during which period the train covers some of the prominent tourist destinations of north-central India - Delhi, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra.
Q-7. Can Palace on Wheels be chartered?
Ans: The luxury train Palace on Wheels can be chartered by booking all the 54 cabins on a particular tour departure. The charter can be booked on the existing itinerary. Any diversion outside the Rajasthan is permissible only after prior approval of Indian Railways. This invites an extra payment of 20% of the charter value. Charter can also be booked in advance during Christmas and New Year period subject to 100% advance deposit with additional 10% of the tariff at the time of booking during season.
Q-8. When does the train operate?
Ans: The Palace on Wheels operates from September to April each year. This is the best time to visit India as the country comes to life with its different festivals like Dussehra, Diwali, Christmas, New Year etc.; the weather also remains conducive during this part of the year. Being off season months, special discounts may be availed for September and April.
Q-9. From where does the luxury train embark and disembark?
Ans: The Palace on Wheels both begins and ends its journey in Delhi, the capital of India. Delhi is well connected to the different parts of the globe via air transportation.
Q-10. Can I smoke on board the train?
Ans: Smoking is strictly prohibited on board Palace on Wheels. The Indian Government has implemented laws according to which smoking in public places such as hotels, restaurants, markets, shopping malls, buses, trains etc. is a punishable offence.
Q-11. Is emergency medical support available on board?
Ans: The train has a paramedic on board, who offers emergency medical assistance if required. It is always recommended that guests already on medication carry enough supply of their specific medicines while journeying.
Q-12. Is there any special arrangement for specially abled travelers?
Ans:A separate cabin has been specially designed to cater to the specially abled guests on board. Additionally, facilties such as wheelchairs, creches and a personal attendant are also available.
Q-13. Is internet connectivity available on board?
Ans: The Palace on Wheels offers its guests access to high-speed internet connectivity inside the train. This enables them to stay in touch with the world even while journeying onboard the train.
Q-14. Is spa facility available aboard Palace on Wheels?
Ans: The Palace on Wheels has a well-appointed spa car - the Royal Spa, which offers various massages, therapies and rejuvenating treatments to the guests amidst a splendid ambience. All the therapists in the spa center are well trained and offer revitalizing within the limited space of the train.
Q-15. Are my valuables secure inside the train?
Ans: Adequate security arrangements are made for you as well as your personal belongings in the train itself so that you can enjoy the journey without worrying for your belongings. Each cabin has electronic lockers where you can keep your valuables.
Q-16. How much luggage I can carry while travelling on Palace on Wheels?
Ans: As each cabin in the train has limited space, you are requested to carry luggage as per the international airline standards. It is also advisable to carry soft topped baggage which is easy to carry and store.
Q-17. Does the crew aboard speak in English?
Ans: The train crew is well versed in English and speaks the language quite well.
Q-18. What are the highlights of the journey?
Ans: Some of the prominent highlights of Palace on Wheels journey are:
- Professional and compassionate services by the train staff having more than 30 years of on board experience.
- Elephant ride in Jaipur.
- Game drive in Ranthambore by canters.
- Light and Sound show at Chittorgarh.
- Boat ride on Lake Pichola in Udaipur.
- Camel ride at Sand Dunes.
- Barbeque dinner accompanied by Rajasthani folk performance at the Sand Dunes of Jaisalmer.
- Rickshaw ride in Bharatpur.
- Separate lounge in each saloon to relax.
Q-19. What type of food do the restaurants aboard Palace on Wheels serve?
Ans: The Palace on Wheels has two dining cars - Maharaja and Maharani, serving mouthwatering cuisines from around the world. Along with Indian, Continental and oriental varieties, the restaurants serve some signature Rajasthani cuisines.
Q-20. Is there any arrangement for on board entertainment?
Ans: The train has indoor games including Chess, Cards, Chinese Checker, Carom Board and Crossword Puzzle. Each saloon has a lounge for relaxing, interacting, making friends, getting together and playing games.
The train also houses a well-stocked bar, with live television, serving wine, liquor and spirits of Indian and international make to keep your spirits high.
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