Among the most luxurious trains in the world, Palace on Wheels, is India's first tourist train. Launched in 1982 by the efforts made by Indian Railways and the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, the train takes you on an unparalleled tour through the enchanting countryside and the splendid monuments of the land of Maharajas, Rajasthan.Once ruled by kings whose presence lingers on in forbidding fortresses and fairytale palaces, now converted into museums, hotels, and restaurants where retainers serve truly royal repasts. The 14 coaches of the Palace On Wheels are named after former Rajput States. Each evokes visions of those royal kingdoms. The names are romantic, mesmerizing... Kota, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Alwar, Sirohi, Kishangarh, Bundi, Dungarpur, Bharatpur, Jhalawar and Dholpur. It has been rated one of the ten best luxurious train journeys in the world.

The journey on Palace - on - Wheels

earlier constituted of these erstwhile royal coaches. But 9 years later, these coaches were declared misfit for smooth rail - journey. Hence in 1999, meter gauge Palace of Wheels were introduced, whose designs were based on the coaches and were also air - conditioned. In 1995 they were converted into broad - gauge, air - condition Palace on Wheels. The train houses 14 saloons, 4 coupes with two beds each with attached bath, shower, channel music, fully carpeted and specially designed furniture. Mini pantries are situated in each saloon which provides hot as well as cold beverages and refreshment throughout the journey. The train also has an exquisite lounge along with a fine bar car. This magnificent trains with adorned interiors, is a royal treat, informing about the erstwhile Rajput Kingdoms. Each of the 14 coaches in the train, is a reminder of the former Empires of Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kota, Jaisalmer, Bundi, Bikaner, Bharatpur, Alwar, Sirohi, Kishangarh, Dungapur, Jhalawar and Dholpur. Each coach is made of 4 coupes ornated in the colours which are reminders of the kingdom and house the royal emblem. The coaches have a distinctive character of these royal kingdoms.

Among the four compartments two contain double beds and fold away bed for a third person or a child (if accompanied by). The rooms have attached bath, with hot as well cold water and showers. The rooms have also have built in wardrobes, piped music, reading light, night light and various other amenities. The splendid interiors are fully carpeted and ornated with fantastic furniture. A lounges at the end of each coach is a place where passengers read, relax, converse or enjoy the rolling by countryside which provides an excellent view of the deserts and the Aravalli ranges. Excellent continental and Indian delicacies are available in the Maharaja & Maharani restuarants. Chefs dressed traditionally prepare these dishes in the attached pantry and are always ready to help. Soft and alcoholic beverage are available on the bar - lounge here created specially for this coach.

The train departs from Delhi and halts at Jaipur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra. The traveling is at night times and the touring is during the daytime. At every stop the passengers are taken for sight seeing of the place.

THE SALOONS

The names of the saloons are based on the princely states of Rajasthan - Jaipur, Jodhpur, Alwar, Bundi, Kota, Jhalawar, Dungarpur, Dholpur, Bharatpur, Jaisalmer, Sirohi, Bikaner, Udaipur and Kishangarh.

The decor of each saloon has highlighted the cultural ethos of the state, represented through the use of furniture, handicrafts, paintings and furnishings. The ceiling in the lounge is of particular interest. Each coupe is different but the over all ambience of the decor of the saloons has been taken care of to provide continuity. Each saloon has cream yellow color on its exterior walls and bears the Coat of Arms (logo) of the erstwhile princely states.

Each saloon has 4 coupes (sleeping rooms) with attached bath and toilet. In every saloon, there is one saloon captain and 2 attendants to look after the personal needs of its guests. Each saloon has a mini pantry properly equipped to provide ready tea/coffee and snacks.

SERVICES ON BOARD

• 14 saloons attached with bath and shower
• An additional upper berth is available in case 3 persons wish to travel together.
• Each Saloon is equipped with a Lounge.
• Separate Dining Car offering Continental and Indian Cuisine and snacks with the Chef's special variety of the day
• Separate Lounge-cum-Observation car with a Bar.
• Each cabin has its own wash basin with mirrors and sockets for shavers and dryers.
• Saloon captain in each Saloon for personalized service.
• Sound system for announcements and music.
• Laundry service is available in Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur.
• First aid facilities and foreign exchange counter is also provided.
• A well stocked bar serving Indian liquor and variety of scotch, wine and cocktails
• Games for children
• A souvenir shop "The Bazaar" in the Lounge where souvenirs and gift items are sold bearing the insignia of the POW.