The Palace on Wheels as the name suggests offers one of the most luxurious travel experiences in India and provides tourists with a travel experience that’s unbelievably exotic. Rated as one of the top ten luxury train travel experiences of the world, the Palace on Wheels helps tourists relive the amazing lifestyle experiences of ancient India royalty.

Passengers can experience firsthand the glorious experience of traveling in royal carriages in the lap of total luxury. The venture was initiated by the joint efforts of the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and the Indian Railways in 1982. Since then the journey has undergone many improvisations to reach its present standards of impeccable quality, exceptional service, and warm hospitality.

The journey which is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime-experience begins from Delhi and weaves through the former princely states of Rajasthan – Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittor, Sawai-Madhopur, and Jaipur. There are various historical tourist destinations that the journey covers en-route.

History

The Palace of Wheels was a unique concept when it was devised by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and the Indian Railways. The royal design and concept were derived from the personal railway coaches that the erstwhile rulers of the princely states used for their travel and convenience. These coaches were once used by the rulers of the states of Rajputana, Gujarat, and the Nizam of Hyderabad. The Viceroy of British India also used these luxurious coaches for their personal and official travel needs. 

After remaining idle for more than 25 years, these coaches were refurbished and launched as a part of a special heritage tourist train. The idea was to provide a truly royal, luxurious, and lavish travel experience to Rajasthan to both Indian and international tourists.

Coaches

There are 14 luxury coaches with each one names after the erstwhile Rajputana states. The interiors and the décor reflect and culture of these states. The coaches are named Dungargarh, Alwar, Bharatpur, Bundi, Jodhpur, Dholapur, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Bikaner, Kishangarh, Kota, Sirohi,  Jhalawar, and Udaipur.

Each coach has two twin-bedded and two double bedded chambers, decorated using ethnic Rajasthani themes and decor. The chambers also have running hot and cold water showers, attached toilets, intercom, exquisitely designed wall to wall carpeting, and channel Music. Personal attendants or Khidmatgars service each saloon and help you with your specific needs right through the journey.

Facilities

The facilities on the Palace of Wheels are unmatched when compared to the various luxury trains running in India. The 14 fully air-conditioned coaches come with twin beds, attached washrooms, hot and cold shower and water, wall to wall carpeting, and various other luxury amenities designed to make your journey extremely comfortable and relaxing. The guests are welcomed with a glass of fine wine and a kit of various utility items such as brochures, cards, stationery, etc. They are free to call upon the attendants for any kind of service and items available on board.

There are other thoughtfully provided features like a lounge for relaxation, luggage collection, on-board mailbox, Government-managed on-board shopping outlets which sell exquisite handicrafts of Rajasthani origin, and others. Passengers can avail of the internet Wi-Fi facility with laptop for work and entertainment. There are special lounges provided exclusively for passengers at each station.

Accommodation

Passengers can travel in air-conditioned comfort in one of the most luxurious coaches in absolute regal ambiance and comfort. Each coach represents the culture of the specific princely state after which it is named with furniture, handicrafts, paintings, and other furnishings from the era adorning the saloon. Spa saloon facility can be ordered for Ayurvedic massages that keep passengers refreshed throughout tour. A doctor is available on call and laundry services are also offered. Souvenirs and gifts such as Coffee Table Book and items bearing the crest of Palace On Wheels are made available for passengers.

Restaurants

The Palace on Wheels has two beautifully done restaurants aptly named “The Maharaja” and “The Maharani”. They are at the service of passengers offering exotic and mouthwatering Continental, Chinese, and Indian Rajasthani cuisines guaranteed to satiate the gastronomic needs of even the most demanding passengers.

Bar

Passengers can access a well-appointed bar that stocks the best of wines, cocktails, and Indian and International spirits to make their journey truly satisfying on all fronts. However, the Palace on Wheels is a no-smoking train.

Business Center

Those who wish to catch up on their pending or urgent work can use the free Wi-Fi internet facility available on board. There is a proposal to provide ATM and satellite phones too. Conferences and business meetings can be organized on the train.

Lounge

The ultra-luxury travel experience comes with a beautifully done lounge that provides the perfect setting for fun and relaxation.

Other Amenities Available on Board

• Indoor games such as chess, carom board, playing cards, crossword puzzles, and Chinese checkers are available
• There are special attendants, wheel chairs, and crèches available.
• First aid and an on-call doctor are available for free consultancy for one hour.
• The purest form of mineral water is available in abundance throughout the journey.
• Passengers can read newspapers and choose from a large collection of magazines.
• All essential toiletries are available on board.

Schedule

The Palace on Wheels runs from September to April. The train departs from New Delhi and travels around Rajasthan with stops in Jaipur, Agra, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Chittaurgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Udaipur, and Bharatpur during its eight day journey.

Destination

The royal journey starts from Safderjung Railway Station, New Delhi, and covers the following stations en-route:

• Jodhpur

• Udaipur
• Chittorgarh
• Sawai Madhopur
• Jaipur
• Khajuraho
• Varanasi
• Agra

Booking Procedure

The bookings for the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels can be made through:

• Online Booking
• RROW / RTDC Reservation Office
• General Sales Agents