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 Logo of the Palace on Wheels | |
| Entered service | January 26, 1982 - present |
| Operators | Indian Railways |
The Palace on Wheels is a luxury tourist train. It was launched by the Indian Railways to promote tourism in Rajasthan, and has been highly popular since its launch. Palace on Wheels comprises 14 deluxe air-conditioned saloons, completely self-sufficient and tastefully equipped to impress modern travellers. Each compartment is equipped with hot and cold water, attached toilet, shower, intercom, wall-to-wall carpeting and soothing channel music while the passengers enjoy their well-deserved sleep.
Following its success, other luxury and tourist trains have been started on other routes in the country.
The train service was refurbished and relaunched in August 2009 with a new decor, itinerary and cuisine.
History
The Palace on Wheels, started on January 26 in 1982, was voted the 4th luxurious train in the world.
The concept of the Palace on Wheels was derived from the royal background of the coaches, which were originally meant to be the personal railway coaches of the erstwhile rulers of the princely states of Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India.
Each carriage of Palace on Wheels convey a history of its own; once used as the delicate railway coaches of the rulers of Rajasthan, Gujarat, the Nizams of Hyderabad and the Viceroys of India, today all the carriages are presenting stunning examples of bygone days regality accompanied by modern day classiness.
After India got independence in 1947, all the royal rail carriages were ceased to be used. Because of their rich artistry on the inner walls, it was not possible to include these in the fleet regular passenger trains. It was only on 26th January 1982, that Palace on Wheels pioneered the tradition of luxury train journey in India and made its maiden voyage as a luxury steam engine train. This luxury Indian train started operating in a regular basis from October 1982.
In the year 1991 Palace on Wheels had been refurbished again and this time it appeared as a meter gauge train having 13 salons, kitchen car, 2 luxuriously appointed restaurants, a bar with a lounge and 4 service cars. To make the journey all the more magical, the train introduced the concept of personal 'Khudmatgars' or attendants who are made available to the service of the guests round the clock.
The delightful journey aboard Palace on Wheels earned PATA Gold Award in the year 1987 and also caught the attention of the world media including BBC, MTV, MDR of Germany, National Geographic and several others. Over the years this Indian luxury train had went through several renovations so that a more pleasant experience can be shared with the guests. High tech and avant-garde amenities were introduced that ensures a regal voyaging experience amid soul tempting lavishness.
At present the train has 14 salons which replicates the original coaches used by erstwhile maharajas and viceroys of India. The train comes equipped with en-suite bathroom, two multi-cuisine restaurants, a bar with a great collection of Indian and international brands of wine, a lounge with a relaxing ambience and a spa car.
Facilities
There are 14 coaches in the train. Each 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. Facilities include a bar with select Indian and international spirits, a lounge with a good collection of books, and a television and DVD player.
Each coach has four cabins (named chambers or saloons by the company) with twin beds, wall-to-wall carpeting, air-conditioning, DTH satellite television, intercom, attached toilets, running hot and cold water, with personal attendants.
The train has two restaurants, The Mahārāja and The Mahārāni, with a Rajasthani ambiance serving continental, Chinese cuisine.
Route
The train departs from New Delhi and during its eight day journey, travels around Rajasthan with stops in Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur, and Agra.
Earlier, tickets for the Palace on Wheels were restricted to foreign nationals by the Government of India, with Indian natives not allowed on board. However, it was later opened up to Indians, although the tariffs are still quoted in US Dollars.
Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi
Reach the Safdarjung Railway Station Delhi on day 1 to begin your royal tour to India aboard Palace on Wheels After check in formalities, savor a traditional Indian welcome by the train staff with garlanding, tika and turban Afterwards, you will be escorted to your cabin The journey will begin in the evening Dinner and sleep onboard while the train move towards its next destination, Jaipur
Day 2: Jaipur
While you enjoy a leisurely morning breakfast onboard, the train will enter the terrain of Jaipur Disembark the train and set out for an explorative tour to Jaipur visiting the Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds first Then move towards Jantar Mantar, the 18th century astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II Next make a visit to City Palace; once the home of the rulers of Jaipur, it now serves as a royal museum Lunch at Amber Fort; if you want, you can also take a ride on decorated elephant After lunch, explore the beauty of Amber Fort By the late evening, return to the train to continue the journey to Sawai Madhopur Dinner and overnight stay on board Palace on Wheels
Day 3: Sawai Madhopur – Chittorgarh
Early morning reach the tiger terrain of Sawai Madhopur and disembark the train for jungle safari to Ranthambore National Park Return to the train after safari to relax and unwind Breakfast and then lunch onboard as the train move towards its next destination Chittorgarh As you reach Chittorgarh, de-board the train and make a visit to the Chittorgarh Fort which still revive the stories of Rajputana valor before the eyes The evening tea accompanied by a light and sound show will be arranged at the Chittorgarh Fort Later return to the train for dinner and overnight stay onboard
Day 4: Udaipur
Reach the city of Udaipur early in the morning After having the breakfast, set out to witness the floating beauty of City Palace Be a part of a grand feast in the afternoon at the Palace Hotel Savor a romantic boat ride on Lake Pichola accompanied by the mild lapping of the breeze Return to the train to continue this journey to Jaisalmer Dinner will be served onboard
Day 5: Jaisalmer
Breakfast onboard, the train will enter the shimmering terrain of Jaisalmer As you reach Jaisalmer, disembark the train for a city tour Lunch in a deluxe hotel at Jaisalmer A high evening tea in the sand dunes followed by a camel ride will form the crescendo of the day Enjoy the colorful cultural program over a glass of wine and barbeque dinner in the sand dunes Late evening, return to the train for an overnight stay and to continue the journey to Jodhpur
Day 6: Jodhpur
Reach the blue city of Rajasthan, Jodhpur, by the morning Post breakfast, set out for a sightseeing tour to the city of Jodhpur Lunch will be arranged in a luxurious resort in the city Return to Palace on Wheels for a ride to Bharatpur Dinner and overnight stay will be arranged onboard
Day 7: Bharatpur – Agra
Early morning, leave the train for a safari to the Keoladeo Ghana National Park which is most famous among the bird watchers After the safari, enjoy a grand breakfast in a jungle lodge Return to the train for onward journey to Agra Reach Agra by the afternoon and set off for an explorative tour to the majestic World Wonder, Taj Mahal followed by a regal lunch in a deluxe hotel in Agra In the evening, witness a light and sound show about Taj Mahal Journey back to Delhi
Day 8: Delhi
Reach Delhi in the morning of the 8th day After a leisurely breakfast onboard, bid farewell to this magic expedition and continue your onward journey back home.Palace on Wheels Itinerary.
Other tourism trains
- Maharaja Express
- The Golden Chariot
- Indian Maharaja
- Deccan Odyssey
- Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
- Fairy Queen
References
- "NPalace on wheels - Exclusive Indian train was originally used by royalty". Times of India. October 13, 2012.
- "New-look Palace on Wheels set to chug off on Aug 5". Times of India. August 2, 2009.
- "Palace on Wheels fourth best in the world". The Times Of India. June 21, 2010.
- Have a look at the coaches (four pages)
- See the bar
- See the “chambers”
- "Watch Dish TV on Palace on Wheels". DNA.
- Though the word खिदमतगार - khiḍhmatgār (servant, steward) is used by the company, it is there to evoke a luxurious past.
- See the restaurants
- Link text, additional text.
External links
- Official website of Palace On Wheels
- More about the “Palace-on-Wheels”
- Palace on Wheels Indian Railway
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