The palace on Wheels is the most luxurious train in India. It is also the oldest train in India. The popularity of this train can only be judged by the fact that tourists from far of continents book tickets of this train more than an year in advance. It has been running successfully for more than twenty five years and is considered to be amongst the best luxuriant train travels in the world.
Traveling on this train is like going back about a century in time as you wander through the magnificent castles in Rajasthan. The train will take you to several cities of Rajasthan during the night and you will be given guided tours of the respective cities during the day. The officials of this train leave no chance to make you feel like a Lord or a royal personality yourself.
History of Palace on Wheels: This marvelous train was inaugurated on January 26, 1982 (The Indian Republic Day). This concept of deluxe train is based on majestic background of the train carriages. These majestic carriages were earlier personal train coaches of the former rulers or lords of the princely states of Gujarat, Rajputana, Hyderabadi Nizams as well as the British Viceroys of India under colonial rule.
The prominent features of Palace On Wheels: This train has fourteen coaches. Each of these coaches have been named after prominent cities of Rajasthan. The interiors of the coaches are exact historic replications of the train carriages once belonging to the Maharajas of Rajasthan. The Palace on Wheels has all kind of luxuries that one can only dream of in a train.
There are two comfortable restaurants and a lounge bar kind of den area. The two restaurants are called ‘The Maharaja’ and ‘The Maharani’, they serve several cuisines such as Chinese, Indian, Rajasthani as well as Continental. The travelers can eat, drink and relax as they soak in the beautiful view from the train windows. The bar has a good variety of Indian as well as international spirits. The lounge area has a small library, TV screens with DVD players and a nice collection of DVDs.
The compartments are centrally air-conditioned with double beds, music, an intercom and attached bathrooms with hot as well as cold water. The train has typical Rajasthani ambience with draperies and handcrafted lamps.
The route and the itinerary:
The Palace on Wheels starts from Delhi on Wednesday at 4pm. The train travels through several Rajasthani cities which includes, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur and Bharatpur. It stops in Agra before reach back to Delhi.
The duration of the entire journey is seven nights. The train reaches back at the Delhi station at 6am the next Wednesday.
The cost: It costs $419 per head, for each night, double occupancy from the month of October till March. The prices are reduced during the months From September till April to $322. Total journey will cost $3000 per head during peak season and $2250 during off season. The above stated cost includes the stay, food, and sightseeing expense, entrance fees to various monuments, elephant ride and other cultural treats. You must carry some additional money for taking home some beautiful hand crafted items from Rajasthan.
Before you start planning your trip on Palace on Wheels let me warn you that this train has heavy advance booking. Good luck in getting your tickets!
Happy Travel!
