Solving Mystery of History with Royal Rajasthan on Wheels - Part II

During this tour we also covered Sawai Madhopur and Jodhpur, the two other important destinations of India. Each of the destinations offered a different experience. We explored Mehrangarh Fort, Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana. We also visited Umaid Bhawan. We have read enough about these places and even we had been there earlier also but visiting these places by Royal Rajasthan on Wheels was a fairy-tale experience. We were feeling like princesses who were travelling from our one palace to another and Royal Rajasthan on Wheels was our royal caravan.

Moti Mahal

After Rajasthan, the train moved towards Madhya Pradesh, the heart of India. Located in almost middle of the country, Madhya Pradesh was new for us. We had never been to this beautiful state. After spending another night in that moving palace, we were in Khajuraho temples. Fine architecture of these temples made us wonder that without any technology and tools how did they carve such amazing sculptures? Although we were exploring the amazing temples of Kahjuraho yet I was missing the luxury on board. I was not able to understand what was the magic that was dragging me towards train. I guess it was luxury and the decoration. Exclusive Bar, Spa Facilities, Personalized Services, Splendid Saloons, Royal Decoration and Personalized Attendant, all these facilities were not allowing me to concentrate on the world outside the train.

As we boarded the train, I got that princely feel again. I could not realize that I was even behaving in a royal manner. Suddenly Heena made me realize that we were on the train just for a week. I was a bit low after realizing the fact that five days of the tour were over. I did not notice when I fell asleep in the cozy beds of the train. I woke up in the morning. Heena told me that she could not sleep due to the luxurious environment as she was living there as a dream.

Agra Fort

The moment we got down in Varanasi, we felt that no combination can be better than travelling in luxury to the Varanasi. Calm ambience and enchantment of mantras took my heart away. I did not know why but Varanasi was always on my list of must visit places. After stepping in the holy region I could realize that there lies a heaven on the earth. We visited different Ghats and temples there and all of them were amazing. A whole day in spiritual aura was not allowing us to leave the place but finally luxury of the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels won and we were back on the train.

Next destination was Agra, the land that houses the symbol of love. A full day in the city made me realize that the love of these emperors was also royal like them. Gloriously standing Taj Mahal is the evidence of the fact. We explored Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort as well. Finally, we left for Delhi. The tour was about to over and we were not in a mood to step out of this world class luxury.

On Sunday, we de-boarded the train early morning. It was really hard for us to come out of that luxury experience but we had to. There was no choice. Soon, we would be planning another luxury train tour.

Solving Mystery of History with Royal Rajasthan on Wheels - Part1

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

I often travel in train even I would say travelling in train is a part of my life. Whenever I get a chance, I explore a new place. I always had a dream to experience the royalty in the journey as well. I asked my best buddy Heena to join me on this excursion. As it was going to be a planned trip, so we gathered all the information and finalized Royal Rajasthan on Wheels. The train remains in operation between November and March and offers a week long journey that starts from Sunday.

We booked the tour after understanding different aspects of the tour including itinerary, destinations, meals and everything else. Be it food, services or sightseeing, everything was covered in the tour package. The only thing we were told to be careful about reaching Safdarjung station, Delhi on time.

The day approached. I and Heena were extremely excited. We reached Safdarjung around 4:30 pm, an hour before departure time of the train, which is 5:30 pm. As it was Sunday, there was no traffic on the roads of Delhi. We were ready to experience the luxury travel.

The moment we boarded the train, our eyes were pleased with the surprise. The decoration made us felt as if we had entered a palace. I was so lost in the decoration of the train that Heena alone settled the baggage in our booked coach. It was a Deluxe Saloon. The train also has Super Deluxe Saloons. I came back to my senses when I found that a traditionally dressed person came in front of me. He asked me to take a seat so as to avoid the hindrance for other passengers.

The journey began, I was still lost in the imperial décor of the train that was dipped in royalty of bygone era. That night I could not sleep as it was hard to believe that I am on a luxury train not in any palace.

Next morning, we were in Jaipur, the 'City of Palaces'. It was not first time that we were in Jaipur. We had been to this royal city earlier also but with a luxury tour on Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, it was completely different. We explored Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh Fort and Amber Fort. After a day's excursion, we were back in the train. Heena and me both are very fond of traditional items. Be it clothing, decoration or anything else, we never miss a chance to hit the market and to shop a lot. How it was possible that we were in Jaipur and did not shop? We were back with some heavy baggages as we did not realize that we bought numerous traditional items from Jaipur.

While I was packing all that stuff, Heena was occupied in arranging the pictures that we clicked during Jaipur visit. After that, we took rest for a while. As we did not have snacks in the evening we were feeling hungry so we headed towards the lavishly decorated restaurant of the train. Sheesh Mahal and Swarn Mahal are the two restaurants on board. We chose Sheesh Mahal. It is an amazing place, which is decorated with splendid floor lamps along with crystal pelmets. Fine work of wood and crystal left us speechless. That day I did not know what we had in dinner as we both were soaked in that royal ambience. Excellent service and fairy-tale aura was treating us as the princess.

Excellent Service

Our next day was dedicated to Udaipur and Chittorgarh. We visited Lake Pichola, City Palace and Saheliyon ki Bari in Udaipur. While in Chittorgarh, we marked our presence at Rana Kumbha Palace, Chittorgarh Fort and Padmini's Palace. Palaces were amazing. There we came to know that why people visit these wonderful destinations. All these are jewels of time that are carrying the golden charm of vintage era.

We had dinner on the train as we wanted to live every moment on the train. It was such an amazing feeling that could not be expressed in words. It is mandatory to board the train for this royal feel. Night was telling us to snuggle in the cozy beds of the coach but our heart was still stuck in the luxurious aura of the train and the attractions, we visited.

                                                                                             To be continued...