Palace on Wheels Day 1-7
Great way to see Rajasthan, just don't expect it to be like the Orient Express. The train is over 20 years overdue for a full refit and is frankly a bit tatty. The dining cars and bar are in better condition and they have a certain old world Indian charm. The bathroom is functional but again needs a major refit but we found that the shower had enough hot water for no more than a 5 min shower each and at least a 10 min. interval.
Somehow the train arrived on time at all destinations and we were met by tour coaches and guides without any delays or incidents....not accidents!
The Elephant ride up to an old fort and the camel ride in the desert were great fun, we were told that there was a tigress in the wild in Rathambore but no luck for us, we did see her paw prints though. The organized shopping trips were unnecessary and annoying although it was an opportunity to rest in an air conditioned area and drink a free coke, coffee or beer whilst trying to avoid the over-priced goods. Tourist traps!!
Sleeping on the train is an acquired art that takes a couple of days, it rocks and rolls like a cattle truck and stops several times a night. Keeping phones, cameras and games charged is a challenge with one power socket and the wardrobe is like a letterbox, only smaller. Most passengers dress 'casual smart' for dinner, as there simply isn't the room in the cabin to get dressed up.
When compared to the real luxury offered by Oberoi, Leela and Taj hotels in India and considering the cost, it really should be in better condition and a TV in the room or even WIFI should not be too much to ask. But the staff make up for almost all these shortcomings and trying to cover the same ground using a car and hotels would have been a challenge of heat, dust, traffic and checking in/checking out hassle.
We are still glad we did it.
Read MoreSomehow the train arrived on time at all destinations and we were met by tour coaches and guides without any delays or incidents....not accidents!
The Elephant ride up to an old fort and the camel ride in the desert were great fun, we were told that there was a tigress in the wild in Rathambore but no luck for us, we did see her paw prints though. The organized shopping trips were unnecessary and annoying although it was an opportunity to rest in an air conditioned area and drink a free coke, coffee or beer whilst trying to avoid the over-priced goods. Tourist traps!!
Sleeping on the train is an acquired art that takes a couple of days, it rocks and rolls like a cattle truck and stops several times a night. Keeping phones, cameras and games charged is a challenge with one power socket and the wardrobe is like a letterbox, only smaller. Most passengers dress 'casual smart' for dinner, as there simply isn't the room in the cabin to get dressed up.
When compared to the real luxury offered by Oberoi, Leela and Taj hotels in India and considering the cost, it really should be in better condition and a TV in the room or even WIFI should not be too much to ask. But the staff make up for almost all these shortcomings and trying to cover the same ground using a car and hotels would have been a challenge of heat, dust, traffic and checking in/checking out hassle.
We are still glad we did it.
