A joint collaboration of the Indian Railways and Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, was first launched on January 26, 1982. Since then the Luxury Train carriages and mechanisms has undergone re-constructions to provide guests with latest amenities.
The trains regular maintained works happens to keep up with its competitors across Indian Luxury Train Travel. Historical kings traveled in the same coaches which were personal to them. The Nizams and Viceroys of British Raj, and foreign dignitaries also traveled to places in the luxury train.
Palace on Wheels Awards
Guests get to travel like the Maharajahs of Yore in these carriages. Moreover, the welcome ceremonies, warm hospitality, royal interiors, lavish facilities, are only few of the reasons to choose Palace on Wheels as a luxury train. The goal of the train management is to give each and every traveler on-board the luxury train, a royal pampering experience of the Maharajahs of ancient times.
The pioneer of Indian luxury travel ‘Palace on Wheels’ is the winner of several prestigious awards. With the first award in 1987 – PATA Gold Award, the luxury train won another award called the ‘Worlds Fourth Best Luxury Train Award’ in the year 2010.
Presently, the most recent update is that Palace on Wheels has been nominated for the prestigious PATA International Award for ‘tourist train of the year’. The Pacific Area of Travel Writers Association official award ceremony will be held at Berlin on March 9, 2018.
Palace on Wheels Itinerary
The royal Palace on Wheels snakes its way through all types of terrain that is dotted with historical architectural marvels making sure to provide guests with a smooth journey. The 7N/ 8D journey takes guests through the top tourist destinations of India. Guests may feast their eyes on the marble wonder called Taj- Mahal, eat at premium luxury hotels where celebs stay, watch wild life at National Park Safaris and Bird Sanctuaries, visit historical palaces in a city inside walls in Rajasthan, etc. The Palace on Wheels Itinerary is a tribute to the rich culture of rulers of ancient India.
Inside Palace on Wheels
While inside the train, hospitable staff dressed in traditional attire would make sure about guests every need from daily meals, snacks, beverages including alcoholic /non-alcoholic, toiletries, guided and organized off-boarding excursions/ tours, etc. Guests may spend all their time looking out of the window at the passing landscape through villages and architectural structures, or read a book / magazine and even play board games at the lounge.
Carriages & Accommodations
Super Deluxe Carriage
The Palace on Wheels Super Deluxe Carriage called – Taj Mahal has two Suites – Emerald & Diamond, each having a queen size comfortable bed and a writing desk. The royal interiors are made from exquisite furnishings including rare silks & shiny velvet reflecting the type of decor that the Kings of Yore used for their living purposes.
The furniture is finely carved and the designs used on the furnishings/ sheets & screens are the Hallmarks of Super Deluxe Cabins in the Palace on Wheels. Guests are taken on off-board sightseeing tours / excursions in exclusive Air Conditioned Cars to the destinations.
Deluxe Carriages
The 13 Palace on Wheels Deluxe Cabins are named after 13 famous palaces of Rajasthan, each containing 3 Deluxe Cabins – Ruby, Pearl And Saphire furnished with a twin bed. The 13 carriages are Kumb Palace, Moti Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Umaid Palace, Chandra Mahal, Sukh Mahal, Jogi Mahal, Kishori Mahal, Lalgarh Palace, Jal Mahal, Padmini Mahal, Jogi Mahal & Phool Mahal.
The interiors give a relaxed yet vibrant ambiance to make guests feel like a King. While sightseeing on off-board excursions or tours, guests from Deluxe Carriages are taken by A/C Coach buses.
Special Facilities
The Palace on Wheels beats the rest of luxury trains in terms of added facilities that includes a sitting lounge in the guest salon – to catch up with your friends, family and co-passengers. In addition, there are comfortable arm- chairs and sofas where you may watch live TV or play a DVD. You may read a book or take a magazine or newspaper to go with your morning tea.
As smoking in public places is banned in India, you may want to speak with the tour manager about the same. There are Security and safety arrangements for guests and their personal belongings. If a traveler requires wheelchair assistance then please contact tour manager as there are special arrangements in the form of creches, attendants, and for differently able.
In case of a medical emergency, there is first – aid and medical assistance with a doctor – on call at each arriving destination. Intercom facility and internet Wi-Fi is provided to guests, along with a welcome kit that includes brochures and stationary items. Guests may rejuvenate their body, mind, and soul at the royal on-board spa which is one of the unique facilities of the Palace on Wheels.
Special events can be organized on-board including special meetings, business conferences and royal weddings, for this please contact Palace on Wheels tour manager. Guests can indulge in a special shopping activity onboard the Palace on Wheels at the souvenir shop. There are traditional ethnic dresses made from exquisite royal fabric, ancient handicrafts & artifacts and curios to shop for.
Why choose Palace on Wheels as a luxury train?
The pioneer of luxury train in India unique appeal and regal grace never fails to charm its guests. Along with the off-board sightseeing tours and main itinerary there are many interior modifications and technological advancements to accommodate latest facilities and services to its guests. The special hospitality and royal interiors of the train clubbed with a vibrant ambiance makes Palace on Wheels one of the top trains in the world to travel in luxury. The train has successfully carried out and continues to carry out the royal traditions and Kingly culture of India courtesy for over three decades.
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