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THE LEGENDS
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.
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 world wide acclaim including the PATA gold award in 1987.
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. 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 week-long 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 colours 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!
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. Its 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.
Apart from this, the other services on request include laundry services, and Doctor on call at each station, barber shop & beauty parlour. 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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