The ancient India is known for its emperors and empresses ruling their reigns living in their royal forts and palaces consuming edibles in gold and silver utensils. This royal experience can be re-lived by anyone who boards the Palace on Wheels train of India which really exemplifies the Palace running on the wheels.

Launch of the Palace on Wheels

In the eighties, the Indian Railways and Rajasthan Tourism Department got united to resurrect some of the forgotten symbols of its historic heritage. Thirteen carriages from different princely states were gathered and refurbished giving shape to the royal Palace on Wheels. A luxurious train that revived the past with modern facilities and created a journey that was on offer to people around the world-wannabe princes who could be royals for their week of the journey.

For, along with the restored carriages came liveried attendants, attached kitchen, a lounge, and a dining car. The Palace on Wheels tour has a fixed itinerary. The journey begins and terminates in Delhi. En route, the train travels through princely stae of Rajasthan covering Jaipur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Bharatpur as its principal highlights. Each morning, guests wake up with bed tea and breakfast service on board. After this, one can opt for a hot water bath, and then see the sights and colors of Rajasthan. In the meanwhile, the train halts in. After gazing the forts and palaces, temples, the bazaars thronging with people, the incredible, amazing celebration of colour, visitors can sleep in their own palace. Even if it is a palace on wheels, day by day they can visit the very sites that have made these palaces possible. It is an experience not to be missed out.

Lush Interiors

 The railway coaches have different names derived from the former princely states that provide the link for the coat of arms and the decor inside. Within each carriage are comfortable showers, built-in wardrobes with full-length mirrors, overhead and night-lights, piped music, service bells and public address system. The rooms and corridors are carpeted, the furniture inlaid and upholstered especially for the train. Blinds drape large windows, which frame views across the desert and the passing arid landscape. At the end of each coach is a lounge.

Wood paneled walls, painted stained glass skylights, and liveried attendants who respond to every call, make the experience of the journey unforgettable. However, the vestibule coaches also connect with two restaurants, the Maharaja and the Maharani, and the bar where a range of cocktails is on offer. Damasks drape the tables, and the rear romantic lights and exclusive tableware, which makes the perfect setting for Indian, Continental, and occasionally Chinese meals, served on board.

Certainly this would have been the ways adopted by Maharajas to enjoy life and personal moments. For sheer romance, the Palace on Wheels is the most luxurious way to tour Rajasthan