It was in the eighties when Indian Railway and Rajasthan Tourism decided to work together on a project to resurrect some of these forgotten symbols of its historic heritage. Thirteen carriages from different princely states were brought together and refurbished, and the Palace on Wheels was launched. A superb train that evoked the past with modern facilities and created a journey that was on offer to people around the world-wannabe princes who could be royals for their week of the journey.

For, along with the restored carriages-some still glowing with their original teakwood panels intact-came liveried attendants, royal repasts from the attached kitchen, a lounge, and a dining car. The Palace on Wheels had become so popular and there is and would always be resistance to any move to discontinue it. The result was a spanking new train that faithfully recreated the old one, but much more comfortable, and intended to provide a smoother ride. However, this too was on the meter gauge being used for yet another exotic journey in the form of the Royal Orient Express that travels from Delhi to parts of Rajasthan, but is used primarily to discover the neighboring state of Gujarat.

The Palace On Wheels started as a unique holiday train hauled by a steam engine with its inaugural trip on 26th January, 1982. It started to roll on its regular operations from October 1982.

The Palace on Wheels, on broad gauge, is clearly the pride of the Indian Railways. It is luxurious, and it is modern. The coaches have different names derived from the former princely states and that provides the link for the coat of arms and the decor inside. Within each carriage are comfortable of showers, built-in wardrobes with full-length mirrors, overhead and night-lights, piped music, service bells and public address system. The rooms and corridors are carpeted, the furniture inlaid and upholstered especially for the train. Blinds drape large windows, which frame views across the desert and the passing arid landscape. At the end of each coach is a lounge.

About palace on wheels

Palace on wheels is a journey worthy of Kings. No wonder the experience is labelled the Palace on Wheels. With its cream saloons, with a border of flowers, chug through Rajasthan on a journey through the former royal kingdom of this state. Once ruled by kings whose presence lingers on its forbidding fortress, and fairytale palaces, now converted into museums and hotels, and restaurants where retainers serve truly royal repasts. Newly assembled at the coach factory in Madras, it is fully vestibuled and centrally airconditioned, truely a palace on wheels.

Each Coach named after the former princely states, has 4 twin bedded chambers, thoughtfully decorated in ethnic Rajasthani décor. Channel Music, Intercom, Attached washrooms with hot & cold water and Wall to Wall carpeting are some of the facilities to make you feel at home. Each saloon has personal attendants or Khidmatgars, who are at your beck and call to extend a courteous helping hand, should you need anything.

These Coaches include:

Alwar Saloon:
Located strategically, Alwar is the gateway to Rajasthan from Delhi. With a turbulent history spanning back to the medieval era. Alwar has been an important place of trade and commerce. Bestowed by nature with a unique habitat comprising of forests and deep valleys. Alwar is home to several species of flora and fauna. The ceiling of the Alwar Saloon lounge has been done aesthetically in mix-media of cone work, and oils in relief, depicting a hunting scene. The royal emblem and a miniature adorn the lounge. Subtle tones of pink enhance the romantic ambience of the lounge..

Bharatpur Saloon:
Maharaja Suraj Mal, the valiant Rajput King who was admired for his chivalry and courage, had his abode here, in Bharatpur. Once a fortified township, Bharatpur is now an ornithologist paradise, and well known for the Bharatpur water-bird sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to over 376 avian species. Echoing the vividness of nature's gift to Bharatpur the relief work on this Saloon depicts various species of birds on the tree of life. A replica of the royal crest of Bharatpur adorns the valance of the blind. The 'nature' theme is further endorsed by the white cedar inlay work depicting birds and painted peacocks, sitting on a haveli worked on a mirror. The colour scheme, with its profusion of beige and aqua green, is a vivid reminder of lush green forests of Bharatpur and Ghana.

Bikaner Saloon:
The state of Bikaner came into being 1486 A.D. when Rao Bika set out to carve a separate kingdom for himself. The colour scheme of the lounge has been motivated by the opulent coronation rooms in burning red and gold of the Anup Mahal and Padam Mahal of the Junagarh fort. The royal state crest is placed on the valance along with some handicrafts of Rajasthan. The ceiling is done up in relief work and oil painting on canvas depicting the legendary lovers Dhola & Maru on Camel back. The artwork in the lounge belongs to the Mughal influenced Bikaner School of Art styles.

Bundi Saloon:
The quaint little state of Bundi lies cradled on the hills, east of Mewar. The palace complex of Bundi towers above the township. An imposing structure; it is approached by long paved ramp that ascends to the Hathi Pol, and is depicted in water colour work in one of the bedrooms. The famous Ragmala also called Rag Ragini, paintings of Bundi have been highlighted through oil paintings on canvas and are placed on the ceilings. The royal crest is highlighted on the valance. The famous Bundi School of painting is depicted in the famed and mounted art pieces and also serves as the basis for the colour scheme and overall décor, including a delightfully frescoed ceiling.


Facilities of Palace on Wheels

The Common Facilities

The Train
The Palace On Wheels India is the only regularly operating Luxury Train in India, at present this heritage train of Rajasthan comprises 14 well appointed inter-connected passenger coaches, which have been named after Kota, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Alwar, Sirohi, Kishangarh, Bundi, Dungarpur, Bharatpur, Jhalawar and Dholpur. Besides, there are two Dining Cars in Palace on Wheels India, with fresh food being cooked in onboard kitchen; One bar-cum-lounge car & four service cars. This luxury train of India also has a small library, mini-gym & beauty parlour. This luxury train, Palace on wheels is fully airconditioned.

Coaches on the Palace of Wheels
You'll be delighted you chose to see Rajasthan by the Palace-On-Wheels. On board, you'll feel like an erstwhile monarch, travelling in regal splendour. Each Coach named after the erstwhile princely state. It has 4 twin-bedded chambers, thoughtfully decorated in ethnic Rajasthani décor. Channel music, intercom, attached toilets, running hot and cold water, shower and wall-to-wall carpeting are some of the facilities to make you feel at home. Each saloon has personal attendants or Khidmatgars, who are at your beck and call to extend a courteous helping hand, should you need anything.

The Saloons
The names of the saloons are based on the princely states of Rajasthan - Jaipur, Jodhpur, Alwar, Bundi, Kota, Jhalawar, Dungarpur, Dholpur, Bharatpur, Jaisalmer, Sirohi, Bikaner, Udaipur and Kishangarh. The decor of each saloon has highlighted the cultural ethos of the state, represented through the use of furniture, handicrafts, paintings and furnishings. The ceiling in the lounge is of particular interest. Each coupe is different but the over all ambience of the decor of the saloons has been taken care of to provide continuity. Each saloon has cream yellow color on its exterior walls and bears the Coat of Arms (logo) of the erstwhile princely states.
Each saloon has 4 coupes (sleeping rooms) with attached bath and toilet. In every saloon, there is one saloon captain and 2 attendants to look after the personal needs of its guests. Each saloon has a mini pantry properly equipped to provide ready tea/coffee and snacks.

The Dining Cars
There are two dining cars in Palace on wheels, that have been tastefully decorated in the authentic Rajasthani style in this heritage train of Rajasthan. The Maharaja and Maharani restaurants have seating arrangement in groups of two and four near the windows. Continental and Indian cuisine are prepared by the master chef. Mouth-watering Rajasthani specialities are also served. The finger-licking food, together with the excellent hospitality, yields a perfect meal. Travelling by Palace on Wheels India is a delight that would surely fascinate you.

Lounge
At the end of each coach is a separate lounge where passengers can relax when they wish to move out of their bedrooms. Here they can unwind with a book or magazine, engage in conversation, or simply watch the panoramic vista of the great Indian country side.

The Bar
The Bar-cum-Lounge in Palace on Wheels, is furnished with period furniture to create the royal ambience. It is spacious and beautifully decorated. The bar is stocked with a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. You can select from the finest collection of spirits and wines. From scotch to cocktails, Palace on wheels serves them all.

Bed Room
Each coach has four coupés, done in colors reminiscent of the state, and highlighted by its royal emblem. Two of the Coupes feature double beds while the other two have train beds. A third bed, for an additional person, or an accompanying child, is in the form of a fold-away bed on a higher tier. Each compartment has an attached bath with running hot/cold water and showers, built-in wardrobes, overhead and night lights, piped music, reading lights etc.

Restaurants
Two lavish and beautifully done restaurants; "The Maharaja" and "The Maharani" serve mount - watering Continental, Indian and Rajasthani cuisine that would definitely make way to your heart through your stomach.

Shopping
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.

Group Photograph
To cherish these special moments of glory and to remind you of these times when you walk down memory lane a few years from now, we take a group photograph which is given to you as a souvenir.

Mail Box
A mail box is provided on board, which discharges your mail with utmost care and efficiency.

Medical Aid
Your health, obviously tops the chart of our priority list. First aid is available on the train, whereas a doctor can be arranged on call at the very next station.

Indoor Games
Chess, Playing Cards, Chinese Checkers, Carrom Board and Crossword Puzzles are available.

Facilities ( Individual Facilities )
Accommodation
14 fully air conditioned deluxe salons, each a combination of 4 twin bedded chambers with channel music, intercom, attached toilets, running hot and cold water, shower, wall to wall carpeting and other amenities.

Luggage Collection
Your luggage is picked up and taken to your respective salons without your worrying about it.

Arrival Kit
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.

Attendant Khidmatgar
An attendant or 'Khidmatgar' is always available at your service, to take care of your travel needs.

Meals
An exotic array of dishes to choose from - Continental, Chinese, Indian and Rajasthani cuisines are available on the Palace-On-Wheels.

Mineral Water
We make sure, the greatest gift of nature bestowed on us i.e. Water is made available to you in its purest form. Mineral water is made available to you all through the journey.

Newspapers/Magazines
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.

Security
Adequate safety arrangements are made for you as well as your personal belongings in the train itself.

Toiletries
All essential toiletries like soaps, shampoos, moisturizers etc. are provided in the train.

Wine
A complimentary bottle of fine Indian wine to the royal guests (per cabin), courtesy Palace-On-Wheels.

For Disabled Persons
There is special assistance available in the form of wheel chairs, crèches and a special attendant for manual assistance.