Launched on 26th January 1982, the Palace on Wheels train is one of the most luxurious train journeys in India. This luxury train transports you to the era of Rajas and Maharajas, when India was renowned as the Golden Sparrow. The main objective behind introducing this luxury train was to promote tourism in the land of Maharajas, Rajasthan.
As the name suggests, a journey on Palace of Wheels lets you experience royal living on the go. All its 14 coaches have been gracefully adorned underlining the richness of India in the past. Guests are welcomed on a kingly ride and served with world class services by the professional staff deployed onboard.
Routes
Delhi – Jaipur – Sawai Madhopur – Chittorgarh – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Bharatpur – Agra – Delhi
Earlier, the luxury trains were used only by royalties like the rulers of Rajputana, Gujarat and the Nizam of Hyderabad, and the Viceroy of British India. Later, the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways together launched a special heritage tourist train.
It is the royal history of the coaches that inspired the name, ‘Palace on Wheels’. Several infrastructural changes were amended in the coaches eventually, but the décor and the interior of the coaches were kept unchanged to a certain extent.
In the late 1980’s, the original passengers’ saloons of Ex Maharajas were replaced by Metre Gauge train. A Broad Guage version of the Palace On Wheels train was introduced in 1996, where all the Cabins had private attached bathrooms. It was in September 2017 that more spacious new carriages to the train were introduced.
Facilities
Designed in a way to recreate the era of royalty, the 14 coaches of the train have been named after the popular princely states of Rajputana. The coaches include Alwar, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Bundi, Dholpur, Dungargarh, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Jhalawar, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Kota, Sirohi and Udaipur.
Each coach has 4 twin bedded chambers that are embellished with exquisite Rajasthani interiors. A personal attendant 'Khidmatgar' is available for each guest who caters to all your needs. The interiors of the coaches are spectacular and they include all modern day amenities, including television, DVD player and a small library.
The train has 2 dining cars that serve gourmet meals to the guests prepared by a professional team of chefs. Dining on the Palace on Wheels lets you experience the most lip smacking Indian dishes in traditional cutlery. The train is also equipped with Spa Car, Lounge Car and a Bar Car.
Other facilities available on board are indoor games, wheelchair assistance, internet, events on board, newspaper/magazines, arrival kit, medical aid, a souvenir shop and a royal spa.
Attractions Covered
As the name suggests, a journey on Palace on Wheels is like living in one of the palaces. The train takes you to the exotic destinations of Rajasthan, like Jaipur, Udaipur, Ranthambore etc, along with a visit to the magnificent Taj Mahal.
Other Information
The Palace on Wheels is operational from September to April. It departs every Wednesday from Safdarjung Railway Station in New Delhi.
The Tariff for different occupancy are listed below -
Single Occupancy –
For International Travellers - USD 865 Per Night (approx)
For Indian Nationals - INR 51900 Per Night (approx)
Double Occupancy-
For International Travellers - USD 650 Per Night (approx)
For Indian Nationals – INR 39000 Per Night (approx)
Super Deluxe (SUITE)-
For International Travellers - USD 1800 Per Night (approx)
For Indian Nationals – INR 108000 Per Night (approx)
