In the days before independence and the abolition of the kingdoms, the Indian princely rulers had custom-made, opulent trains for their exclusive use. With independence and the removal of princely privileges, many of the accoutrements of royalty went into decline while some were cleverly transmuted into modern tourist attractions and facilities. A number of forts and palaces were transformed into heritage hotels echoing the grandeur of yore, while some trains were converted to undertake regal journeys; an immersion and participation in splendor for those willing to pay the price.The coaches were parked and remained in a state of neglect till the 1980s, when the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways collaborated to launch a special heritage tourist train, aimed at providing a unique and memorable experience. Palace on Wheels was born. Today there are other similar options, but PoW definitely remains the trail-blazer. Winner of the PATA gold award in 1987, the train is touted as “one of the ten best luxurious rail journeys in the world”
Care was taken to keep the original aesthetics and interiors of the palatial past alive. The coaches are named for the different princely states. Every saloon has a mini pantry/bar and a lounge where hot and cold beverages and refreshments are served throughout the day. Each coach is also stocked with interesting reading material, and is individually decorated with an overall authenticity of period, ambience and style.
Today PoW has been equipped to travel on broad-gauge tracks. It is air-conditioned, comprising of four saloons, two restaurants-cum- kitchen cars, one bar-cum-lounge and four service cars. Each of the fourteen de-lux cabins, fitted out with every modern amenity, has an ensuite bath and shower. The coaches are made up of 104 passenger berths in double bedded cabins, each with attached toilet, running hot and cold water, shower.
All the saloons feature channel music, intercom, color TV and CD players. Plans are in progress to install satellite telephones.
A lounge, library and bar, complete the facilities all serviced by extremely hospitable "khidmatgars" (attendants), who are dressed in character and exude the mannerisms of old-world Rajasthani honor, respect and care for the guest. The concept of Athiti Devo Bhavo, (the guest is God) is fully borne out.
The two dining cars, inscaped in true Rajasthani style are aptly named "The Maharaja" and "The Maharani". A choice of Indian, Chinese, Continental and delicious, traditional Rajasthani food is on offer.
The 7 Nights/8 Days journey is a round-trip covering New Delhi › Jaipur › Sawai Madhopur › Udaipur › Jaisalmer › Jodhpur › Bharatpur › Agra. Each day’s adventure through the colorful country-side, each halt along the route brings its own unique wonder, with visits to forts, palaces, temples and gardens. The atmosphere is redolent of historic valor, chivalry, battles won and lost. Exotic culinary confections in ethnic surrounds, rides on caparisoned elephants and camels, trolling the mind-blowing bazaars and emporia, evocative and mystic entertainment by local tribes and artists, and visits to bird and wildlife reserves; the visual and sensory smorgasbord is overwhelming and endless.
Finally, the added bonus of the culminating visit to the Taj Mahal and the Mughal jewels at Agra before the return to New Delhi.
What better way to experience Rajasthan – “the land of kings”? Relive yesterday – the bygone era when the magical aura of true Rajasthani magnificence, charm and majesty was alive - in this odyssey through the dramatic pageantry of varied desert sands, and vibrant, colorful, culturally and ethnically rich towns and villages.
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