Palace on Wheels
The Palace on Wheels is a luxury tourist train. It was launched by the Indian Railways in association with Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation to promote tourism in Rajasthan.
The train service was refurbished and relaunched in August 2009 with a new decor, itinerary and cuisine. It was voted the 4th luxurious train in the world in 2010.
Interiors
Each saloon highlights the cultural ethos of the state, represented through the use of furniture, handicrafts, painting and furnishings. Delhi-based interior designer Monica Khanna did the interiors of the train.
Facilities
There are 23 coaches in the train. 104 tourists can travel in train. Each coach is named after former Rajput states and matches the aesthetics and interiors of the royal past: Alwar, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Bundi, Dholpur, Dungargarh, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Jhalawar, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Kota, Sirohi and Udaipur. Each coach has four cabins (named chambers or saloons by the company) with luxury amenities and Wi-Fi internet. The train has two restaurants, The Mahārāja and The Mahārāni, with a Rajasthani ambience serving continental, Chinese cuisine, one bar cum lounge, 14 saloons and a spa.
Route
The train has a 7 nights & 8 days itinerary departs from New Delhi (Day 1), and covers Jaipur (Day 2), Sawai Madhopur and Chittaurgarh (Day 3), Udaipur (Day 4), Jaisalmer (Day 5), Jodhpur (Day 6), Bharatpur and Agra (Day 7), return to New Delhi (Day 9).
Taking you on a journey through the magical destinations of Rajasthan like Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh and Udaipur, Palace on Wheels is officially India’s most luxurious train. This royal coach embarks on a journey of the ever-so-regal Jaipur; the naturally opulent, Ranthambhore National Park; and architecturally affluent Chittorgarh, Udaipur, and Jodhpur beginning from the capital city of India. With the halts at the desert city of Jaisalmer; the beautiful Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary; and the land of majestic Taj Mahal, Agra, the voyage is made more special.
While keeping you immersed in complete luxury in Palace on Wheels, a visit to all these destinations provides you a glimpse into the culture and heritage of Rajasthan. It is one place where fabulous sightseeing and exploration meets royal pampering. Offers a peerless luxury train travel experience in India, Palace on Wheels is simply magic.
One of the memorable ways to explore India’s stately splendor is by travelling on the Palace on Wheels. It’s interesting to note that the carriages have been refurbished as replicas of the original saloon carriages of the Maharajas. Watch the tapestry of the Rajasthan countryside unfold as you enjoy international cuisine, relax in the library, have a drink at the bar, or just retreat into your extensive cabin.
Palace on Wheels is undoubtedly a not-to-miss experience in the country being an inspiration for lavish heritage travel in India. This heritage luxury train is best to see the Royal Rajasthan on wheels, once used as transport means for the Maharajas of Rajasthan and the Nizams of Hyderabad. This regal wagon casts its spell through heart-warming hospitality, splendid transport facility, and meticulously curated itineraries promising a voyage full of exuberance. Palace on Wheels is the way to explore the royal side of India being an absolute experience.