Overall Train Rating
Based on 3 reviews
Guest review summary
Itinerary
Accommodation
Food & Beverage
Facilities
Staff
Value for Money
Palace on Wheels - Best way to tour Rajasthan
By: K.Sri, Canada on 11-10-2011
The train decor transport you almost 50 years back when maharajas used to rule the roost in Rajasthan. Although the train is not as dated but it definitely needs modernization. But anyways the interiors are full of character and the crew was simply amazing.The food and service was above average and there was plenty to suit the taste buds. The compartments, though small, contained everything you needed. Silk bedspreads in cabins, nicely done dark wood, elegant décor and private bathroom. Unending shopping trips at almost every destination is a big bother. Overall a clean and hassle free way to visit Rajasthan and some of the most popular tourist attractions in India. Definitely recommended.
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| Date of Journey: 15-09-2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recommended to friends/acquaintance:
 Yes
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Account of my journey on the first palace on wheels 1982
By: Doreen Richardson, United Kingdom on 16-09-2011
I am happy to review my memories of the first journey made on the Palace on Wheels in 1982.I arrived in Delhi and after arriving at my hotel (I was traveling alone) I found out that the palace on wheels was due to make its first journey. I arrived in Delhi from the UK (I was traveling alone). When I arrived at the hotel I found out that the newly renovated palace onn wheels was due to take its first journey in two days and there was accomadation for four people in the observation carriage available
At dinner that evening three men who had travelled on the same flight from the uk spoke about the palace on wheels and I told them that there was room for four persons and they decided they too would like to take the trip and could leave there business agenda till after the trip.
The morning of the trip was really exciting when we arrived at the Rail way station and had our first glimpse of the train it looked amazing the ivory colured carriages gleaming in the sunlight and of cause the hundreds no thousands of people on the platform where she stood ( I say she as I am sure with all that glamour she must be a lady )
We were shown to our observation carriage by two young men respelnded in the uniform of the bygone days when the Maharaja would be traveling on the train. Our room at the end of the train was really special leading on to the outside observation platform (best place on the train). We left our cases on our individual sleeping compartments. There were really nice and gathered in our lounge to a great send off we were our way there were so many press from all over the world with the huge cameras that were necessary 40years ago and it was then that I realized I was the only female on board.
The boys asked us before the train left to follow them to the dineing car which all those years ago meant we had to leave our carriage and walk back along the platform. We were shown the dinning car and the small bar area in which we decided to have a drink we sat down and to our Surprise the train pulled out of the station at that stage we did not realise that there was no way to get back to our compartment and were Informed we would have to wait till the train stopped. So we settled down to wait I think we were able to run back to our cabins along platform about two hours later. Our boys were quite relived to see us and asked if they could get us anything. The oldest man in our party said I think champagne would be nice to celebrate our trip.
The boys set off down the platform (the train was still stationary) and appeared with the bottle and an ice bucket and the next few minutes will be forever etched in my memorie, they placed the champagne bucket on the floor picked up the bottle and looked totally perplexed they whispered to each other turned the bottle upside down and tried to screw the bottle into the bucket making the ice spill out we all did our best not to laugh or make them look silly so with great tact our companion gently asked them if they would like some help they were so happy and watched in amazement when the cork flew into the air (not as high as they did). I think that was there first experiance of exploding bottles.
The rest of the trip was for me brilliant. Apart from all the press telling me to pose leaving the train getting back on and of cause every where we went which was every day I felt like a movie star but loved every minute and have told countless people about the Palace on wheels and some have done the trip. I hope that I will be able to see the new train but I bet I will still always remember the first one. If I can come let me know when the best time is.
With very best wishes for the future of the train
Doreen Richardson
| Guest's rating for this train | Facilities present on board? | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Date of Journey: 26-01-1982 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Recommended to friends/acquaintance:
Yes
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Recommended but Far From 5 Star Luxury
By: Daniel Lund, Sweden on 20-04-2011
Palace on Wheels has the reputation of being one of the most luxurious train journeys of the world. So it was with some trepidation and anticipation that I arrived to board this train. We were greeted with traditional "namaskar" and the "third eye" (a sandalwood paste dot in mid-forehead) on board to embark and "relive the splendor of erstwhile Maharajas of Rajasthan". Well the interiors of the train endeavor best to recreate the ambience reminiscent of the pomp of erstwhile princes. The Kidmatgars (personal attendant assigned to us) clad in traditional starched uniforms hovered amicably to ease our burden and lead us to our respective cabins. A bit cramped for space but considering that it is a train, there was ample space inside the cabin. A functional bathroom with hot shower was good to find. The beds were properly turned down each night during our journey and the cleanliness on board was really commendable.Overall the service provided by train staff is worthy of recommendation. They were always helpful and friendly and service was well coordinated. At each destination we were timely met by our tour guides and conveyance. And the offsite excursions were really well thought of. I especially liked the Elephant Safari at Amber and highly recommend it. Each excursion was a fulfilling experience the only disappointment being that our safari group was unable to spot the tiger at Ranthambore.
Dining was also up to the mark. Although the menu on board is quite limited when it comes to variety, the off-train venues for lunch are literally 5 Star hotels, read Rambagh Palace in Jaipur and Lake Palace in Udaipur, both run by prestigious Taj Groups. The menu was sumptuous and eclectic concoctions of cuisines were available for our platter.
With the benefit of hindsight I could say that these journeys acquire a treasured place in our memories when we look back and reminiscence over it. It's like the wine really. The older it gets, the better it becomes. One thing for sure is that travelling on board this luxury train in India is quite an experience. With red carpet being rolled out and a royal treatment at each destination and facilities although not at par with 5 star hotels yet up to mark, Palace on Wheels is definitely worth its dough.
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| Date of Journey: 06-10-2010 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Recommended to friends/acquaintance:
Yes
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