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Palace
on Wheels
Palace on Wheels has graced the Rajasthan
tourism and Indian railways since 26th January
1982 when it made its inaugural operations
from October 1982. It initially comprised of
saloons that were used by the royalties of
India.
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Palace
on Wheels has been rated as one of the best
ten luxurious rail journeys in the world.
It offers you a heart-rending trip to the
splendid forts and palaces of Rajasthan in
just seven days. Also discover the royal
history of Taj Mahal in Agra. The journey to
the hinterland of the desert starts every
Wednesday evening at 1800 hrs from Delhi and
ends on the following Wednesday early in the
morning at 0730 hrs.
Palace on Wheels has gained remarkable success
and attained worldwide acclaim including the
PATA gold award in 1987.
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About the Train
It stands on its tracks; a gleaming sealed
carriage, every bit as royal as the
original, and perhaps more. The
air-conditioning works silently, creating a
space where only the excitement of the
history of the Rajput kingdoms permeates
through, clearly captured in a contemporary
mode. |
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In
all, there are fourteen saloons, each equipped
with two twin-bedded and two double-bedded
chambers, with attached baths that have
running hot and cold water and
showers. The modern conveniences have been
thoughtfully provided, sofas to sink into,
strategically placed lights to read by,
wonderfully appointed beds with comfortable
furnishings, inbuilt wardrobes for the
storage of one’s clothes and bags, and
huge plate glass windows to watch the
countryside roll past.
Outside the bedrooms, each coach also has a
seating lounge where passengers can get
together, just sit watch the cities as they
glide past outside the windows, or enjoy a
quiet cup of tea. An attached pantry with each
saloon helps provide beverages and
refreshments to the accompaniment of soothing
piped music.
The train chugs out of Delhi cantonment on a
weeklong run through Rajasthan every Wednesday
night, with a trip also inbuilt to Agra and
the Taj Mahal. Turban-wearing attendants take
over form the moment you arrive at the
platform, assigning you your coupes and
detailing all the facilities that are on
board. The train moves by night and arrives
each morning at a new destination where new
experiences await you. If you are an early
riser, you will see the sun rise over the
horizon of the desert, a golden orb that
flames in pastel colors before it ignites into
brilliant orange as it mounts higher. So it
has done for million years, and so it has been
watched on its journey for thousands of them
by the residents of the desert; Suryavanshi
and Chandravanshi, descended from the Sun and
the Moon - incredible how easy it is to
believe it all possible! |
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Should you seek company, there is the
comfortable bar cum lounge where you can relax
over your favorite drink, burrow in a book or
converse with fellow passengers. Attached to
it are two restaurant cars, Maharaja and
Maharani respectively, with opulently draped
curtains, exquisitely crafted lights and table
settings that would do a modern city
restaurant proud. |
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Here accompanying chefs
serve up a delicious choice of Indian,
including Rajasthani, Continental and even
Chinese cuisine that are a feast for the
palate.
The saloons and the Lavish Interiors
The names of the saloons given are based on
the princely states of Rajasthan- Jaipur,
Jodhpur, Alwar, Bundi, Kota, Jhalawar,
Dungarpur, Dholpur, Bharatpur, Jaisalmer,
Sirohi, Bikaner, Udaipur and Kishangarh.
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You will find that each saloon highlights
the cultural ethos of the state, represented
through the use of furniture, handicrafts,
painting and furnishings. The ceiling in the
lounge is of particular interest. Each
saloon is different but the overall ambience
of the décor of the saloons has been |
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taken
care of to provide continuity and harmony.
Each saloon has cream yellow color on its
exterior walls and bears the Coat of Arms
(logo) of the erstwhile princely states.
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Facilities on board
Apart from 14 saloons, each having 4 cabins
attached with bath and shower, the Palace on
Wheels has two restaurants cum kitchen cars
offering traditional Indian, Continental and
Chinese cuisine with the Chef's special
variety of the day. It’s well stocked bar
serves Indian liquor and variety of scotch,
wine and cocktails. It has piped music in
every saloon, and interesting games for
children. |
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Apart from this, the other services on
request include laundry services, and Doctor
on call at each station, barbershop &
beauty parlor. The lounge also has a
souvenirs shop 'The Bazaar' where souvenirs
and gift items are sold bearing the insignia
of the POW. |
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