History of the Palace on Wheels & Its Revamping
The Palace on Wheels in India brings luxury train travel for today’s curious traveller to an entirely new level. The railway coaches were originally created for past rulers and royalty of the states of Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India when occupied by the British.
After India became independent in the mid 1900’s, Indian Railways no longer used the coaches because of their extravagant, rich, and traditional interiors originally created for royalty. It wasn’t until 30 years later that these coaches were re-introduced as the Palace on Wheels in 1982. Since then, the train has evolved and now holds 14 saloons (each named after one of the 14 states in Rajasthan, India), cabins with showers, a lounge, library, bar, and dining cars.
Journey In Style Like A Maharaja on the Palace on Wheels
Today, the Palace on Wheels offers a 7-8 day tour which takes you through and around the romantic and mystical land of Rajasthan in northwest India. Today, the tour takes you through: New Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Ranthambore, Udaipur, Agra, and back to Delhi.
Each of the Palace on Wheel’s saloons has 4 sleeping rooms with attached toilets, a saloon captain valet, an attendant to take care of the needs of the saloon’s passengers, as well as a pantry with tea, coffee, and snacks. Each cabin and saloon is richly decorated in furniture and objects, to emphasize the depth and royal savour of India.
You will truly feel like a Maharaja on board the Palace on Wheels!