Palace on Wheels

The ‘Palace on Wheels’ is an opulent tourist train. It was started by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways to promote Rajasthan tourism.

The train was re-launched and renovated in August 2009 with a fresh itinerary, cuisine and décor. In 2010, it got the vote as the fourth luxurious train in the world.

History –

The Palace on Wheels was a concept derived from the coaches’ royal background. The coaches were intended to be the personal railway coaches of the past rulers of princely states like Gujarat, Rajputana, Hyderabad Nizam, and the Indian Viceroy.

Each saloon throws light on the cultural ethos of the state. This is embodied by the use of paintings, furnishings, furniture and handicrafts. The interiors of the train were done by Monica Khanna, an interior designer based in Delhi.

Facilities –

The train consists of 14 carriages. These carriages are named after former Rajput states and match the beauty and interior design of the regal past: Bharatpur, Alwar, Bundi, Bikaner, Dholpur, Bundi, Dungar Garh, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jhalawar, Jodhpur, Kota, Kishangarh, Udiapur and Sirohi. Every coach has four cabins with luxury amenities.

The train features two restaurants: the Maharani and the Maharaja having a Rajasthani atmosphere serving Chinese, Continental cuisine, spa saloon and one lounge cum bar.

Route –

The train has 7 nights and 8 days itinerary departing from New Delhi (Day one) and travels via Jaipur (Day two), Sawai Madhopur and Chittorgarh (day 3), Udaipur (day 4), Jaisalmer (day 5), Jodhpur (day 6), Agra and Bharatpur (Day 7) and return to New Delhi (day 8).

New Delhi: It is the capital of India and seat of legislative, judicial and executive branches of the Indian government. The metropolis of India is home to 23 million.

Sawai Madhopur: A city in Rajasthan state. It houses the Ranthambore National Park and also the Ranthambore Fort, which happens to be deemed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Chittorgarh: A city of Rajasthan, it lies on the Berach River. It is home to the largest fort in India- Chittorgarh Fort. It is the site of many battles and home to legendary warriors.

Udaipur: Called as the City of Lakes, it is the historic capital of the Mewar Kingdom. Mewar was ruled by the Rajputs’ Sisodia clan and its capital was changed from Chittorgarh to Udaipur, led by Maharana Udai Singh. The city is famous for its Rajput era palaces such as the Lake Palace.

Jodhpur: It is the second largest city in Rajasthan. It features many temples, forts and palaces. It is called ‘Sun city’ for its sunny and bright weather. The city was ranked number one in the list of the Most Extra-Ordinary Places to Stay (2014) by travel publication- Lonely Planet.

Bharatpur: City in Rajasthan state, it was once the capital of the Jat kingdom. It is known as the Eastern Gateway to Rajasthan and renowned for Keoladeo National Park.

Agra: Famous for Mughal Era buildings like the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Fatehpur Sikri, which are all World Heritage sites deemed by UNESCO. Agra is covered by the Golden Triangle Tourist Circuit along with Jaipur and Delhi.

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