Luxury train tours in India are synonymous with the Palace on Wheels. The history of the luxury train travelling in India goes back to the days of Maharajas and their fascination with the James Watt’s invention – Steam Engine. Born and brought up in an ambience where royalty was a institution and opulence an afterthought, the Maharajas of India vied with each other to possess the most luxurious rail carriages. At the time of its conception, Palace on Wheels was composed entirely of the personal carriages of these rulers of various princely states of India.
Launched in 1982, Palace on Wheels journey and the train itself has come a long way. This Indian luxury train has been voted the 4th Best Luxury Train in the World and happens to be the most revered luxury train in India. A week look journey on board the train covered destinations like Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Sawai Madhopur, Bikaner and Chittorgarh among others. The train ran on narrow gauge line.
To keep up with the development in technology and infrastructure, the original cabins of the Palace on Wheels were replaced with replica carriages equipped with modern amenities and same ethnic decor reminiscent of the elegance and opulence of the personal carriages of erstwhile princes. The refurbished luxury train was launched in 1996 by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) in collaboration with the Indian Railways.
The current train runs on broad gauge and is composed of 14 guest carriages with capacity of carrying 88 guests. This luxury train in India is equipped with state of the art facilities like Wi-Fi internet, attached bathrooms, direct dial phones, restaurants, bar and even a spa. The restaurants serve both international and Indian cuisines whereas the bar on board serves both home brand and international labels of premium alcoholic beverages. While the food and home brand of liquor are served table d’hote, guests have to pay for the international brand of liquours.
The tastefully crafted week long itinerary of the Palace on Wheels include attractions such as the Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, Keoladeo National Park (bird sanctuary), Amber Fort, Mehrangarh, Jantar Mantar, Ranthambore National Park and a fascinating camel safari in the desert sand dunes of Thar. The cost of off-train excursion is included in the fare of the Palace on Wheels. Transportation from the train to the attractions and a guide is also made available at each halt of the train.
A journey on board the Palace on Wheels is reminiscent of a royal era of Indian Maharajas known for their opulence and indulgence. With gracious hospitality, vibrant destinations and pampering facilities, Palace on Wheels is arguably one of the most special luxury trains in the world. Foray into a week long journey reverberating of romance and grandeur. Step inside and enter into a more gracious age of elegant traveling. An ethereal voyage characterized by grace and romance of a bygone era into the ‘land of maharajas’ Rajasthan beckons!
Suite of the Palace on Wheels
Bar on board the Palace on Wheels
Wildlife excursion in Ranthambore National Park is a part of Palace on Wheels itinerary
