Place On Wheels

If you want to experience the grand and enchanting royal journey through one of the exotic region in the world- royal Rajasthan, exquisite Agra and glaring Delhi- then The Palace On Wheels is your best bet. Palace on Wheels which has been rated amongst the top ten luxury trains of the world. Traveling on this royal cruise gives you the kind of experience that only the Maharajas of yesteryears could have perpetuated and enjoyed.

The majestic interiors of the train are completely in sync with the charm and splendor of the places that you will be visiting on board. The exquisite and exclusive Palace On Wheels has luxurious cabins, wall to wall carpeting, a well stocked bar, two dining cars and a very personalized service. More to say, traveling this train is almost like living in paradise for seven days!! Set your foot on this majestic train and delight in the lifestyles of the kings of yesteryears and listen to the silent tales of glory and heroism told by the majestic forts and splendid palaces of Rajasthan.

History:
The Palace on Wheels was an effort providing the tourists of Rajasthan an unforgettable and treasured experience. Palace on Wheels started its journey for the first time in January 1982, under the aegis of Rajasthan Tourism and Indian Railways. The train started operating on a regular basis from October 1982. The old train was replaced by the new, air-conditioned Palace of Wheels, in the year 1991. It comprised of 13 salons, 2 restaurants, a kitchen car, a bar-cum-lounge and 4 service cars. Numerous renovations were carried later on. Today, Palace on Wheels rates amongst the top ten luxury trains of the world.

Coaches:
The Palace on Wheels is decorated of lavish interiors with beautiful paintings and comfortable furniture, providing you the comforts and splendor of a real palace. It has a total of 14 fully air-conditioned deluxe coaches or saloons, 2 restaurants cum kitchen cars, one bar cum lounge and 4 service cars.
To give you feeling like a five star hotel, all the coaches of the Palace on Wheels are well equipped with all modern amenities. The onboard facilities available in the coaches of the Palace on Wheels include the bath & shower facility, H/C water supply, attached toilets, channel music, intercom, interesting games for children and wall-to-wall carpeting. To enhance the pleasure of your journey, each coach has 4 twin-bedded cabins attached to it. From the train, you can communicate anywhere in the world by using the Satellite phone service. In addition, there is a friendly and smiling attendant or 'Khidmatgar' on each coach, to cater all your traveling requirements. The coaches of the Palace on Wheels derive their names from the erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan namely Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Alwar, Udaipur, Bundi, Kota, Jhalawar, Dungarpur, Dholpur, Bharatpur, Sirohi, and Kishangarh. Each coach is decorated in accordance with the culture and characteristics of the respective places.
On the palace on Wheel, all traditional Indian, Rajasthani, Continental and Chinese cuisine is offered by the two restaurants cum kitchen cars- the Maharaja and the Maharani. The finger-licking food, together with the excellent hospitality, yields a perfect meal. At the end of each coach, there is separate lounge is attached that provides travelers a tranquil atmosphere and striking sights of the great Indian landscape as well as opportunity to explore the Indian rich culture. Traveling by Palace on Wheels India is a delight that would surely fascinate you.

Facilities:
Traveling on the place on Wheels is gives you no less experience than a five star luxuty hotel as it provides host of facilities to make your journey comfortable, enjoyable and unforgettable. You will get the following facilities:

• You can shop around and certain handicrafts and other special items of Rajasthani origin can be bought while you visit the places covered by the Palace - on - Wheels and a Catalogue of typical Rajasthani items is also available on board.
• Each guest is provided with an arrival kit consisting of stationery items, brochures, cards etc. Anything additional can be asked for, from the attendant, always available at your service.
• Mail box is provided on board, which discharges your mail with utmost care and efficiency.
• First aid is available on the train, whereas a doctor can be arranged on call at the very next station.
• An attendant or 'Khidmatgar' is always available at your service, to take care of your travel needs.
• Indoor games like Chess, Playing Cards, Chinese Checkers, Carrom Board and Crossword Puzzles are available.
• To keep you fit, a health club comprising of the latest equipment is available.
• Adequate safety arrangements are made for you as well as your personal belongings in the train itself.
• All essential toiletries like soaps, shampoos, moisturizers etc. are provided in the train.
• A well-stocked bar serves wine, liquor and spirits of Indian and international make, to keep you in High Spirits.
• The leading dailies and newspapers greet you every morning over a simmering hot cup of tea or beverage of your choice. Also available for you is a large collection of magazines.
• There is special assistance available in the form of wheel chairs, creches and a special attendant for manual assistance.

Destination Covered:
The royal journey by Palace On Wheels promises to be the most vivacious and vibrant week of your life. The royal retreat takes you through the hues of the pink city, city of lakes, national park and the elegy of love. The deluxe Palace on Wheels starts its royal journey on every Wednesday from Delhi Cantonment Railway Station during the cooler months of September to April. The train doesn't operate from May to August due to hot and humid climate as well as to renovate and maintain. Spend your eight days and seven nights in magnificent and royal style which takes you to:

• he indispensable trip to Taj Mahal at Agra - one of the Seven Wonders of the World and symbol of undying love.
• The pink city of Jaipur
• The exquisitely attractive Chittaurgarh
• Udaipur with its picturesque lakes and lake palaces
• Sawai Madhopur for its wilderness of Ranthambore National Park
• Jaisalmer, veritably the jewel of the dessert
• The majestic stronghold of Jodhpur
• Bharatpur with its remarkable and lively bird sanctuary
• The red stone city of Fatehpur Sikri

Cultural Attractions:
Palace On Wheels is not only acclaimed for its royal and deluxe treat but also for its rich cultural activities. Tourists, apart from royal comfort, can also enjoy a variety of cultural programs onboard the train and on arrival and stay at every destination. In 8 days and 7 nights tour, you will be entertained in everyway and you will be surprised to see designed programs as well as will be astounded that this kind of train is still possible!!.

At Delhi and Jaipur, guests are treated with a warm and royal reception. At Jaipur, a shehnai recitation and a herd of colorfully decorated elephants greet them. Many colorful dance and music programs are organized during your travel in the lounge car of the Palace on Wheels. Guests of the Palace on Wheels can enjoy the finest regional dance and music performances by talented artists at every destination of the train. Live performances of Rajasthani folk dances such as Ghoomar, Chari Dance, Fire Dance, Terah Thali, Kachhi Godhi, Kalbelia, Agni Nritya and colorful and exciting puppet shows provide you a unique experience and much needed refreshments. When you spent seven days in this paradise of paradise, you will definitely get the impression 'Am I dreaming or is this for real??'. But, this tour reveals the real magic, the romance and the essence of Rajasthan, Delhi and Agra.