Rajasthan

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Palace On Wheels

Planning A Trip To Rajasthan? All About the Most Luxurious Tourist Train in India - Palace on Wheels

The Palace on Wheels is a royally furnished train that takes the guests on a tour of Rajasthan for seven days in the train. With its exceptionally maintained class, tastefully decorated coaches and service that pampers you like the royalty itself, Palace on Wheels signifies its name in the true sense. It is a little expensive for the average Indian pocket, but completely worth the experience. So what are you waiting for? Put that international tour on hold and hop onto this palace that is bound to make for an experience of a lifetime.

History and Introduction

Photograph by Nikita Kapoor

The abode of numerous kingdoms, Rajasthan has numerous tales of bravery, power and love to narrate to its patrons. Rich in culture and colours, the Indian state has the potential to transport you into a world that evokes traditions and is luxurious in its own right. The makers of this inspiring bequest have enchanted the people of different countries, states, ethnicity and age groups with their style and extravagance and have glorified the history of Rajasthan. With their glitzy style, the Rulers of princely states of old Rajputana formed their own deluxe coaches with discerning and splendid interiors. The royal families engaged the loyal Khidmatgars (also known as attendants) for their service. These profligate coaches gave birth to a new era of exclusive hospitality. These luxuriously crafted coaches were what we call today, the “palaces on wheels” of the royals.

The imperial carriage of Rajasthan, Palace on Wheels, has been captivating its travellers with a majestic charm for more than two decades now. The charisma of Rajasthan has been tantalizing merrymakers to explore the grandeur of the royal Rajasthan. To recreate the spell of gallantry and royalty, the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and the Indian Railways jointly embarked on an undertaking in 1982 to recuperate the splendid history of royal carriages.

Outfitted with all modern amenities, posh interiors, fine wines, sumptuous cuisines and diligent khidmatgars, The Palace on Wheels evokes the vintage magic with 14 tastefully designed coaches. The essence of the antique train still lingers in the modern coaches, delicately designed to experience royalty in a seven day trip through barren landscapes, famous forts and fortresses, culturally and ethnically rich places in the stately land.

With meticulous modifications in the year 1995, the Palace on Wheels was taken to the broad gauge. This vintage train has re-created the character of luxury travel and has set unmatched standards of hospitality and service. Palace on Wheels is not just a pleasure trip but a remarkable experience that is sure to keep you spell bound. With massive response from the patrons who enjoyed the journey, The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) has been constantly improving its services.

Reservations and Tariff

Photograph by Rajasthan Tourism

Reservations

The reservations for travel generally run ahead and the train occupancy is already near saturation for coming couple of years. Owing to the increasing demand for this sight of luxury, RTDC has introduced online bookings for the same. Those interested in booking their seats can do so via online bookings/RROW or RTDC reservation offices, through General sales agent or through your travel agent.

Tariffs

Two types of Trains are available for travel and the tariff varies depending upon the type of train you choose and also upon the season you wish to travel. Another exciting option for the luxury seekers is Royal Rajasthan on the wheels.

If you go for Palace on Wheels, you can expect anything between 600$-900$ per person depending upon the plans you go for. You can choose a single room for triple/double/single occupancy.