Palace On Wheels - India's Best Luxury Train - Part I

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India has fascinated millions of tourists from far and wide for its enigma surrounding ancient legends, ascetic culture and architectural splendor. India has it all enchanting landscapes, astounding historic monuments, magnificent temples and traditional as well as modern cosmopolitan cities.

India one of the world's top destinations has not steeped back to give the best means of transport to its tourists. India has the second largest rail network in the world. Tourists who wish to experience a special journey can travel in the most luxurious trains. India's best luxurious train till date is the world-renowned Palace on Wheels. It is also rated amongst the 10 most prestigious trains of the world. Here are some of the interesting facets of the train read to explore the extraordinary train with historic enamour and modern expediency.

Brief History

The Palace on wheels was first constructed for the erstwhile Indian royalty before independence. This heritage train comprised of personal coaches of the former rulers of the princely states of Gujarat and Rajputana. Due to its very rich and traditional interiors, the luxury train was abandoned until the early 1980s. It made its inaugural trip as a unique holiday train only on 2nd January 1982. The regular operation started to roll from October 1982.

The Tourism Development of Rajasthan and the Indian Railways decided to introduce it as a special heritage tourist train to Rajasthan. Since then, the train has entertained people from all over the world. Earlier the Palace on wheels was restricted only to the foreign tourists, but to day it is opened to all genres of people. However, prices till date are quoted in US $. Indian passengers can pay in equivalent Rupee (INR) amount, at the exchange rate prevalent at the time of payment.

Interior and exotic destinations
Palace on wheels comprises luxurious cabins, wall-to-wall carpeting, a well stocked bar, two dining cars and a personalized service for a week. The carriage has been individually designed at the integral coach factory at Perambur in South India. Fourteen fully air-conditioned deluxe saloons are dressed in delicate cream with fine borders of flowers. 14 saloons are made up of 104 passenger berths in double - bedded cabins. The 14 coaches of this luxury train are named after the princely states of Rajasthan Alwar, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Bundi, Dholpur, Dungarpur, Jaipur, Kota, Sirohi and Udaipur.

Each saloon is designed with mini pantry and a lounge to ensure availability of hot and cold beverages and refreshment. There is also a place to relax and get together. Each saloon has personal attendants or Khidmatgars who are at the service around the clock. The train is fully air-conditioned shooting four-channel music, interconnected telephone system in the train, comfortable coupes with the privacy of attached bathrooms and two special bathrooms. It is also equipped with two restaurant coaches and a bar with an attached library.

The train departs from New Delhi and travels around Rajasthan, with stops in Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur, and Agra. The trip includes visits to a number of sights, including Hawa Mahal, Ranthambhore National Park, Jag Niwas, the Jag Mandir, Keoladeo National Park, and the Taj Mahal.

The magnificent palace of the erstwhile Maharaja offers the luxury and comfort unparallel and unmatched by any other luxury train all over the world. Although it may be a bit expensive it is worth more than the amount for one lifetime experience. Corporate companies that combine pleasure with business are offered special tour packages too. Be there to furnish a royal living for a week.