4 Possible Destinations to Spiritualize the Palace on Wheels Experience

It’s not that we are complaining! Looking at the accolades and awards won by the Palace on Wheels train in last 30 years, it would be foolish on my part to find faults in this luxury tourist train. The itinerary of this Indian luxury train has been well planned and tourists get ample time to explore each of the destinations included in it. In fact, the variety of destinations included in the train journey offer a dash of culture, heritage, wildlife and desert sand dunes. However, after a keen observation, I have come to this conclusion that the Palace on wheels journey can be given a spiritual aspect if RTDC (Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation) could add a few destinations to its itinerary. Read on..

Dargah Shariff, Ajmer

I personally feel that the inclusion of Dargah Shariff , Ajmer, will incur lump sum  bookings of overseas travelers for the Palace on Wheels train. A sizeable chunk of foreign tourists visit India to benefit from the spiritual and cultural aspect of this country. What could be a better place than Ajmer Shariff to experience that as it brings people of diverse religious faith under one roof. Dargah Shariff is the resting place of saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti who died in 1256 AD following a six day prayer in isolation. These 6 days are celebrated every year in the name of Urs fair. Built entirely of marble, the tomb of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti was built under the patronage of Mughal ruler Humayun.

Brahma Temple, Pushkar

One  of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in Rajasthan, the Brahma temple in Pushkar receives a lot  of tourist attention being the only temple of the creator god. The temple stands on the bank of the pristine waters of Lake Pushkar and was built originally in the 14^th century on a raised platform. It would be a great experience for the foreign travelers on board Palace on Wheels as they get to know the status of Hindu creator god, which undermined in comparison to other gods. During the months of October and November, at the time of Pushkar festival, the temple is thronged by thousands of pilgrims. They visit Pushkar to take a dip in the holy waters of Pushkar Lake.

Jain Temples, Ranakpur

Famous for its Jain temples in Rajasthan, Ranakpur is located just a few miles away from both Udaipur and Jodhpur. These temples are constructed with white marble and amber stone and more than 144 pillars support the temple. Each pillar has been differently carved and no two pillars are identical in structural pattern. The main temple is the Chamukha temple, which is dedicated to the Tirthankara Rishabdeoji. Another popular temple is the Surya Temple, which has a beautiful idol of sun god standing on his beautiful chariot drawn by seven horses.

Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu

A sacred place for Jain pilgrims, Dilwara Jain temples are five in number and built purely in white marble. These temples were built between the 11^th and the 13^th centuries AD. They are located 2.5 kilometers away from Mount Abu, Rajasthan’s only hill station and a popular tourist destination. For those who are interested in luxury train travel aboard Palace on Wheels, the inclusion of Mount Abu will be a rejuvenating delight. The intricately carved descriptions over the ceilings, pillars, panels and doorways are just awe-inspiring.