Far from your imagination... A majestic creation...
That's Palace on Wheels!
Palace on Wheels, the epitome of luxury and comfort, beckons you to travel back in time to the era of raja-maharajas. A feather in the cap of Rajasthan, Palace on Wheels is one of the most luxurious trains in the world. Reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan, the train offers a heritage tour high on luxury. It was once the personal railway coaches of the Maharajas of the princely states of Rajasthan, Gujrat and the Nizam of Hyderabad.
Embark on this royal journey, get treated like a 'king' and explore several enchanting destinations of North India. Offering 7 nights/8 days of a royal journey, the train covers Jaipur (the Pink city), Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Ranthambhor National Park, Chittorgarh, Udaipur (the city of Lakes), the Bharatpur bird sanctuary and the symbol of love and romance, Agra, before returning to Delhi, the capital of India.
History
The pride of Indian Railways, Palace on Wheels has a glorious history. Its luxury coaches were once used by the? raja-maharajas of the bygone era. Recapturing the "royal era", the train mirrors the rich heritage of the princely states of India. Occupying a prized place among the most luxurious trains in the world, Palace on Wheels started as a fascinating holiday train on 26th January, 1982. And became operational in October of the same year.
Palace on Wheels was the brainchild of Indian Railways and Rajasthan Tourism. To recreate the charm of the glorious era, thirteen carriages from different princely states were brought together and renovated. This luxurious train was launched with unmatched facilities and services to offer its passengers a journey soaked in royalty and luxury.
Facilities
Royal Accommodation
For a majestic experience, the train offers 14 fully air conditioned deluxe saloons named after the princely states of Rajasthan. Each saloon has 4 cabins fitted with bath and shower, intercom, channel music, satellite phones, wall to wall carpeting and other amenities. Adorned like a palace, the saloons offer a truly royal experience.
Attendant
To take care of your every need, an attendant or 'Khidmatgar' is available at your service round the clock.
Restaurants
Done to perfection, the two restaurants namely “The Maharaja” and "The Maharani" serve lip-smacking Rajasthani, Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine.
Bar
Well stocked with Indian and international brands of alcohol, the bar remains open round the clock.
Lounge
Each coach has an attached well maintained lounge for passengers to enjoy their leisure. Each lounge provides amenities like colour TV, CD player, news papers, magazines and other books.
The Bazaar
The train also offers "The Bazaar" (a shop) where you can shop for a variety of handicrafts.
To make your stay comfortable, the other facilities and services provided on board are laundry services, barbershop, beauty parlours, indoor games, medical aid, mailbox, luggage collection, arrival kit, mineral water etc.
The train also offers special assistance for disabled persons. Wheel chairs, cr?ches and a special attendant are provided for assistance.
Attractions
Although Palace on Wheel is a great attraction in itself but to add more entertainment to your journey, it has something more in store for you. It offers cultural programmes on board and on arriving at destinations such as regional dance performances and puppet shows. These especially designed cultural programs provide a refreshing effect to the passengers. At every halt, your get an excellent opportunity to see the finest performances performed by talented artists.
Enjoy overwhelming dance performances like:
Ghoomar Dance
It is a community dance performed by women in groups on auspicious occasions. In this simple dance, ladies move gracefully in circles.
Chari Dance
Chari means 'a pot'. The dance includes dancing with a pot, on one's head where an illuminated lamp is placed.
Fire Dance
This dance involves a huge fire in which men of Jasnathi community jump in the fire. The dance is performed with the sound of drumbeats.
Terah Thali
In this dance, men play a Chau-tara, a four-stringed instrument and women hold a sword between their teeth. It also involves placing of pots with illuminated lamps on their heads.
Kalbelia Dance
This dance is performed by Kalbelia women who dance gracefully and as the accompanying music rises in tempo, it makes the dance more vigorous.
