Palace on Wheels is one of the most luxurist tarins . To promote tourism in Rajasthan this train was lauched by the the Indian Railways. This train is very popular from the day it was launched. In August 2009, train service was renovated and re-launched with a new decor, cuisine and itinerary. The train was firstly started on Republic Day i.e on 26th January in the year 1982. This train is considered among the best 4 luxury trains. The concept was taken from the royal background of coaches. These coaches were meant to be the personal railway coaches for the Maharajas of royal states of Rajasthan, Gujrat etc. Fourteen coaches are there in this train. Each of these were named according to the Royal Pasts.
This train is provided by many facilities like: four air conditioned saloons are there inside the train, attached with washroom with cold and hot water and showers in it. The modern conveniences have been thoughtfully provided inside train, sofas are provided to sit and see the huge plate glass windows to watch the countryside roll past.
Fully furnished and decorated saloons are also there with comfortable beds. Wall to wall carpeting and other amenities are also there. A bar is also there inside the train with T.V. facility in it. Each traveler is provided with one kit which includes stationary items, brouchers, cards, etc in it. Two beautifully designed restaurants are also there inside the train which are named as “The Maharaja” and “The Maharani” which serves continental cuisines food in it. Here accompanying chefs serve up a delicious choice of Indian, including Rajasthani, Continental and even Chinese cuisine that are a feast for the palate. An attendant is always there besides you for taking care of your travelling needs. Some of indoor games are also provided inside the train like chess, cards, carom board etc. for disabled person’s special wheel is also provided. For relaxation, get together, making friends in a longue is also there. No need of coolies is there as your luggage is taken by the staff only to your respective saloons. First aid is also available on the train for free consultancy for 1 hour in the bar or lounge. Water which is provided inside the train is fully filtered and purified. Smoking is not allowed inside the train. Newspaper and some magazines are also there in train. All essential things in toilet are available like soap, shampoos etc. Some safety arrangements are made for your personal belongings in the train itself. Laptop with Internet facility is also provided to the travelers if they need. One can celebrate Royal Wedding, Business meetings, conference also in the train.
Departure of train takes place from Delhi and it usually goes for eight days journey and it travels around Rajasthan. It covers the places like: Jaipur, Jodhpur, Agra, Sawai Madhopur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Bharatpur.
Earlier, as decided by the Government of India, Indians were not allowed to travel in this train, it was only available for foreigners, but later it was opened for Indians also. But even today for booking tickets tariffs are taken in US Dollars.
All the rooms in the palace of wheels are of same size and considered as made in heritage style. There are total 54 rooms in the train. The rooms are single, double as well as triple occupancies are also there, the train at a time can occupy 104 passengers. 20% of the fare is to be paid by the passenger at the time of the booking if he is making a booking 65 days before.
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