In a country as large as India travelling by train is the optimum way to get around. The country has an extensive rail system as a remnant from the days when it was under British rule, and with an estimated 9,000 miles of track there is certainly a lot to be seen whilst on a train holiday in India.

Palace on Wheels

Of all the luxury trains in India the Palace on Wheels is probably the best known, and along with the Orient Express is considered one of the top ten luxury trains in the world. However, the Palace on Wheels is more than just a luxury vehicle; it is like taking a step back in time to the bygone days of the Maharajah, with styling and service that is fit for a King. However, a luxurious interior isn’t the only thing that puts the palace train in India’s top three category, the train takes in some of the countries best known attractions making a train holiday in India the perfect way to explore the country.

The Palace on Wheels departs from the bustling capital of Delhi and travels overnight to Jaipur, the first stop on your Indian train holiday. Whilst in Jaipur you can explore the famous ‘pink city’ at your own pace, but be sure to take an elephant ride up to the famous Amber Fort, an experience that simply shouldn’t be missed. The breathtaking Palace of the Winds is also located in the rose-hued city and as the wind blows through the many windows of the Palace creating a whistling sound akin to bird song, you will soon understand just how this building received its nickname.

After you’ve visited the stunning sites of Jaipur it’s time to board your Indian train and journey overnight into the Great Indian Desert. When you awake in the morning you will have the option of visiting Jaisalmer’s Sandstone Fort which towers over the Thar Desert, a name which literally translates to mean ‘abode of the dead’. Jaisalmer is a traditional Rajasthani town and whilst here you can take part in traditional past-times from taking a camel ride over the imposing sand dunes to enjoying an evening meal at a typical Rajasthani restaurant, whilst folk musicians and dancers provide the evening’s entertainment.

The next stop on your train holiday in India is the town of Jodhpur which is known as both the ‘blue city’ and the birthplace of the horse-riding leggings of the same name. The Mehrangarh Fort is the area’s best-known monument and also one of the largest forts in the whole of India. Battle scars of the building can be easily observed, as can the Fatthepol, a victory gate built to commemorate the defeat of the Mughals. In this area you can also view cenotaphs of the past rulers of the area.

The Palace on Wheels train then journey’s to India’s Rathambhore National Park where you can take a tiger safari with the hope of finding one of the area’s elusive Bengal tigers. If you aren’t lucky enough to spot one of these beautiful big cats then don’t worry as the area also has plenty of other wildlife for you to spot from cheetals and antelopes, to crocodiles blissfully lazing next to a watering hole.

After three subsequent stops in Chittaurgarh, Udaipur and Bharatpur, your train journey’s to India’s most well-known landmark and one of the Seven Wonders of the World: The Taj Mahal. Visiting the Taj Mahal is a once in a life-time experience and makes for an incredible end to your train journey in India.

Darshi Chohan is a holiday expert for Tropical Locations, a specialist operator providing Indian train journeys as well as holidays in India’s Golden Triangle, the Far East, Indian Ocean & Arabia. Tropical Locations has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants ready to share their knowledge and help you to plan and book your ideal holiday.

Article Source: ArticleSpan

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