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Revision as of 12:13, 21 December 2012
| The Palace on Wheels | |
|---|---|
| [REDACTED] Logo of the Palace on Wheels | |
| Entered service | January 26, 1982 - present |
| Operators | Indian Railways |
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The Palace on Wheels is a luxury tourist train. It was launched by the Indian Railways to promote tourism in Rajasthan, and has been highly popular since its launch. Palace on Wheels comprises 14 deluxe air-conditioned saloons, completely self-sufficient and tastefully equipped to impress modern travellers. Each compartment is equipped with hot and cold water, attached toilet, shower, intercom, wall-to-wall carpeting and soothing channel music while the passengers enjoy their well-deserved sleep.
Following its success, other luxury and tourist trains have been started on other routes in the country.
The train service was refurbished and relaunched in August 2009 with a new decor, itinerary and cuisine.
History
The Palace on Wheels, started on January 26 in 1982, was voted the 4th luxurious train in the world.
The concept of the Palace on Wheels was derived from the royal background of the coaches, which were originally meant to be the personal railway coaches of the erstwhile rulers of the princely states of Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India.
Each carriage of Palace on Wheels convey a history of its own; once used as the delicate railway coaches of the rulers of Rajasthan, Gujarat, the Nizams of Hyderabad and the Viceroys of India, today all the carriages are presenting stunning examples of bygone days regality accompanied by modern day classiness.
After India got independence in 1947, all the royal rail carriages were ceased to be used. Because of their rich artistry on the inner walls, it was not possible to include these in the fleet regular passenger trains. It was only on 26th January 1982, that Palace on Wheels pioneered the tradition of luxury train journey in India and made its maiden voyage as a luxury steam engine train. This luxury Indian train started operating in a regular basis from October 1982.
In the year 1991 Palace on Wheels had been refurbished again and this time it appeared as a meter gauge train having 13 salons, kitchen car, 2 luxuriously appointed restaurants, a bar with a lounge and 4 service cars. To make the journey all the more magical, the train introduced the concept of personal 'Khudmatgars' or attendants who are made available to the service of the guests round the clock.
The delightful journey aboard Palace on Wheels earned PATA Gold Award in the year 1987 and also caught the attention of the world media including BBC, MTV, MDR of Germany, National Geographic and several others. Over the years this Indian luxury train had went through several renovations so that a more pleasant experience can be shared with the guests. High tech and avant-garde amenities were introduced that ensures a regal voyaging experience amid soul tempting lavishness.
At present the train has 14 salons which replicates the original coaches used by erstwhile maharajas and viceroys of India. The train comes equipped with en-suite bathroom, two multi-cuisine restaurants, a bar with a great collection of Indian and international brands of wine, a lounge with a relaxing ambience and a spa car.
Facilities
There are 14 coaches in the train. Each is named after former Rajput states and matches the aesthetics and interiors of the royal past: Alwar, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Bundi, Dholpur, Dungargarh, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Jhalawar, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Kota, Sirohi and Udaipur. Facilities include a bar with select Indian and international spirits, a lounge with a good collection of books, and a television and DVD player.
Each coach has four cabins (named chambers or saloons by the company) with twin beds, wall-to-wall carpeting, air-conditioning, DTH satellite television, intercom, attached toilets, running hot and cold water, with personal attendants.
The train has two restaurants, The Mahārāja and The Mahārāni, with a Rajasthani ambiance serving continental, Chinese cuisine.
Route
The train departs from New Delhi and during its eight day journey, travels around Rajasthan with stops in Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur, and Agra.
Earlier, tickets for the Palace on Wheels were restricted to foreign nationals by the Government of India, with Indian natives not allowed on board. However, it was later opened up to Indians, although the tariffs are still quoted in US Dollars.
Palace on Wheels begins its journey on every Wednesday and functions for an entire week leaving the guests back at Safdarjang Train Station, New Delhi early in the morning. This luxury train in India is preferred the most by rich desiring to enjoy India travel and thus bookings for the train are done well in advance. Thus one must plan a tour to Palace on Wheels months earlier to actually be able to enjoy the experience. The bookings are done on single, twin and triple sharing basis and the prices thus differs. However the most convenient way of booking for Palace on Wheels is through agents or opting for online bookings. One can also opt for tele-booking method. The train is functional all through out the year except the months of summers i.e. from May-July in India.
Tour Highlights
Jaipur: In Jaipur the sightseeing tour will include a visit to Hawa Mahal. Also, known as Palace of Winds, this semi- octagonal edifice is an erstwhile regal residence of royal ladies. The city tour will include a visit to an elegant fortification known as Amber Fort followed by visit to Rajasthali- the only Rajasthan Government Emporium which sells exquisite traditional handicrafts. Post lunch visit to City Palace is availed which is followed by a visit to Jantar Mantar a royal observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh II.
Jaisalmer: The sightseeing tour in the city of Thar Desert takes the passengers to various scrupulously fretted mansions or havelis. The tour of the city will include a visit to Nathmalji- Ki- Haveli, Patwon- Ki- Haveli and Salim Singh- Ki- Haveli. Travellers are escorted to Rajasthali at Jaisalmer which is the only Government emporium exhibiting beauteous pattu shawls, famous embroidered articles, silver jewellery and mirror work. An exciting camel ride on the sand dunes of Sam is scheduled for the evening.
Jodhpur: In Jodhpur the sightseeing tour will include first a visit to the famous landmark of the city, Mehrangarh Fort. Visit to grand palaces present inside the fort is scheduled on this day including visit to Moti Mahal, Sheeh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana examples of magnificent architecture. A royal cenotaph, Jaswant Thada is next on this tour of the city. Shopping excursion will provide an opportunity to shop for famous breeches, colourful juttis, silverware and paintings also for dye fabrics.
Sawai Madhopur: On arrival at Sawai Modhopur travellers are taken for a wildlife safari in Ranthambhor National Park. Covering an area of 392 sq. kms Ranthambore National Park is home to a wide variety of carnivorous population.
Chitttaurgarh: The sightseeing tour of this city includes visit to renowned Chittaurgarh Fort to explore its regal premises indulging in complete classic splendour.
Udaipur: The City of Palaces, Udaipur will open up a gateway to world’s most extravagant palaces. The sightseeing tour of Udaipur will bring an opportunity to visit Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir situated on the azure waters of Lake Pichola. Post lunch the tour guide takes visitors to view City Palace.
Bharatpur: In the city of birding tour, Bharatpur travellers will visit the renowned Bharatpur National Park. The sanctuary houses verdant flora and numerous species of birds such as Egrets, Siberian Cranes, water birds and various other migratory birds. Agra: The first halt in Agra will be the red sandstone structure of Fatehpur Sikri to view the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti built by Mughal Emperor Akbar. Moving on to Red Fort, travellers will finally reach the ultimate emblem of love, Taj Mahal.
Other tourism trains
- Maharaja Express
- The Golden Chariot
- Indian Maharaja
- Deccan Odyssey
- Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
- Fairy Queen
References
- "NPalace on wheels - Exclusive Indian train was originally used by royalty". Times of India. October 13, 2012.
- "New-look Palace on Wheels set to chug off on Aug 5". Times of India. August 2, 2009.
- "Palace on Wheels fourth best in the world". The Times Of India. June 21, 2010.
- Have a look at the coaches (four pages)
- See the bar
- See the “chambers”
- "Watch Dish TV on Palace on Wheels". DNA.
- Though the word खिदमतगार - khiḍhmatgār (servant, steward) is used by the company, it is there to evoke a luxurious past.
- Palace on Wheels Facilities
External links
![[REDACTED]](https://u3vuiephb.global.ssl.fastly.net/File:Palace_on_Wheels_logo.gif){kind=link}
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