Roll back the pages of time for one magnificent week, re capture the pomp and pageantry of a royal past in royal style. Step aboard the Palace on Wheels, once the personal railway coaches of the erstwhile rulers of the princely states of Gujarat and Rajputana, the viceroy of British India and the Nizam of Hyderabad. Travelling on the famed Palace on Wheels is one of the most memorable ways to explore India's stately splendour. Unquestionably it's an unparalleled experience to ride the replica carriages refurbished to look like the original saloons of the Maharajas, the erstwhile rulers of India.

The Palace on Wheels is one of India's most fascinating sojourns covering the pink state capital Jaipur, the golden citadel Jaisalmer, the blue city of Jodhpur, the National Park Ramthambhor, the symbol of chivalry Chittorgarh, romantic city of Lakes Udaipur, the bird sanctuary Bharatpur and the mughal capital Agra before returning to Delhi. The Palace on Wheels has been rated one of the ten best luxurious train journeys in the world. Originally the train had 12 fully furnished non-air conditioned saloons, once owned by former Maharajas, Governor Generals and Viceroys of the British period.

The Palace on Wheels started as sole holiday concept hauled by a steam engine with its inaugural trip on 26th January,1982. In 1991, a new air-conditioned meter gauge Palace on Wheels on the lines of the old heritage train was launched. The interiors of the current 14 saloons are authentic replicas of the historic coaches.

Each saloon is equipped with twin- bedded cabins, each with channel music, intercom, with attached baths and running hot and cold water and a shower. The Palace on Wheels has been rated one of the ten best comfortable train journeys in the world. Originally the train had 12 fully furnished non-air conditioned saloons, once owned by former Maharajas, Governor Generals and Viceroys of the British period. The Palace on Wheels started as unique holiday concept hauled by a steam engine with its inaugural trip on 26th January,1982. In 1991, a new air-conditioned meter gauge Palace on Wheels on the lines of the old heritage train was launched.

The interiors of the current 14 saloons are authentic replicas of the historic coaches. Each saloon is equipped with twin- bedded cabins, each with channel music, intercom, with attached baths and running hot and cold water and a shower. The coaches are named after erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan, recalling bygone grandeur and pageantry. Everything matches, even the ambiance which is totally soaked in the colorful tradition of Rajasthani art. Panels and ceilings are covered with miniature and traditional motifs reflecting the pageantry of courtly life.

Each saloon has a mini pantry and a lounge to ensure availability of beverages and refreshments and a place to relax and go together. Before dinner, most fellow passenger meets at the well-stocked bar. The bartender mixes cocktails and serves soft alcoholic beverages. This is the place to sit and be seen sitting and talking while sipping a drink or simply watching the countryside through large panoramic windows. Attached to the comfortable bar lounge are two equally exquisite restaurants, the Maharaja and the Maharani respectively, with opulent draped curtains, elegantly crafted lights and stylish dining is among the highlight of the journey. Apart from the chef's special of the day there is delicious choice of local Rajasthani, Chinese and Continental cuisine.

THE COMMON FACILITIES ON PALACE ON WHEELS

The Train
The Palace On Wheels India is the only regularly operating Luxury Train in India, at present this heritage train of Rajasthan comprises 14 well appointed inter-connected passenger coaches, which have been named after Kota, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Alwar, Sirohi, Kishangarh, Bundi, Dungarpur, Bharatpur, Jhalawar and Dholpur. Besides, there are two Dining Cars in Palace on Wheels India, with fresh food being cooked in onboard kitchen; One bar-cum-lounge car & four service cars. This luxury train of India also has a small library, mini-gym & beauty parlour. This luxury train, Palace on wheels is fully airconditioned.

Coaches on the Palace of Wheels:
You'll be delighted you chose to see Rajasthan by the Palace-On-Wheels. On board, you'll feel like an erstwhile monarch, traveling in regal splendor. Each Coach named after the erstwhile princely state. It has 4 twin-bedded chambers, thoughtfully decorated in ethnic Rajasthani décor. Channel music, intercom, attached toilets, running hot and cold water, shower and wall-to-wall carpeting are some of the facilities to make you feel at home. Each saloon has personal attendants or Khidmatgars, who are at your beck and call to extend a courteous helping hand, should you need anything.

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.

The Dining Cars
There are two dining cars in Palace on wheels that have been tastefully bedecked in the authentic Rajasthani style in this heritage train of Rajasthan. The Maharaja and Maharani restaurants have seating arrangement in groups of two and four near the windows. Continental and Indian cuisine are prepared by the master chef. Mouth-watering Rajasthani specialities are also served. The finger-licking food, together with the excellent hospitality, yields a perfect meal. Travelling by Palace on Wheels India is a delight that would surely fascinate you.

Lounge
At the end of each coach is a separate lounge where passengers can relax when they wish to move out of their bedrooms. Here they can unwind with a book or magazine, engage in conversation, or simply watch the panoramic vista of the great Indian country side.

The Bar
The Bar-cum-Lounge in Palace on Wheels, is furnished with period furniture to create the royal ambience. It is spacious and beautifully decorated. The bar is stocked with a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. You can select from the finest collection of spirits and wines. From scotch to cocktails, Palace on wheels serves them all.

Bed Room
Each coach has four coupés, done in colors reminiscent of the state, and highlighted by its royal emblem. Two of the Coupes feature double beds while the other two have train beds. A third bed, for an additional person, or an accompanying child, is in the form of a fold-away bed on a higher tier. Each compartment has an attached bath with running hot/cold water and showers, built-in wardrobes, overhead and night lights, piped music, reading lights etc.