Inspired by the personal royal carriages of Maharajas of yore and the Viceregal carriage which carried the Viceroy of India through the plains of India, Palace on Wheels was designed to enable tourists to travel like royalty as they explored the historical places in the state of Rajasthan. The cabins inside the palace on wheels train mimic the private saloons of erstwhile kings and viceroys of India.

History

Palace on Wheels began its journey in the year 1982 when it was introduced as a joint venture between Indian Railways and Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation. The train received the PATA Gold Award in the year 1987. The train was refurbished to include the modern technological facilities and other five star amenities and was relaunched in August 2009. The aim of the palace on wheels luxury train tour is to promote tourism in Rajasthan and give a chance to tourists to experience royal comforts in the manner of kings.

Interior decor

Palace on Wheels has 14 luxury coaches with each coach named after a kingdom in the erstwhile Rajputana state. Each luxury coach represents the cultural heritage of that particular kingdom through paintings, handicrafts, royal furniture, frescoes, glass works, metal works, etc. The kingdoms after which the coaches have been inspired and named are Alwar, Bharatpur, Bundi, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Dholpur, Dungargarh, Jhalawar, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Udaipur, Kota, Kishangarh and Sirohi.

Cabin designs

Deluxe Cabins of Palace on Wheels are 13 in number and have been named after the various royal palaces in Rajasthan such as Chandra Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Umaid Mahal, Sukh Mahal, Jal Mahal, Kumbha Palace, Suyra Mahal, Moti Mahal, Padmini Mahal, Phool Mahal, Jogi Mahal, Lalgarh Palace and Kishori Mahal. These are twin bedded cabins with an area of 12.6 x 77 feet.

The Super Deluxe Suites are 2 in number. They have been named Diamond and Emerald. The suites have an area of 18 x 7.7 feet have queen sized double beds. Antique furnishing and royal fabrics are other features of the suites.

Amenities

When you travel by palace on wheels, you get access to free Wi-Fi, onboard medical assistance, spa and gym, personal safe, indoor game facilities, lounge equipped with TV, sofa and DVD players, personal attendants many other amenities.

Destinations covered

The palace on wheels luxury train tour starts from Delhi and covers many historical destinations in Rajasthan such as Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Jaisalmer, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaipur and Bharatpur. Overall, the major centres of Rajasthani culture and heritage are covered under the tour.