RAJASTHAN4U ¤ Palace on Wheels ¤ History of Train

History of Train

The Palace on Wheels has been rated one of the ten best luxurious train journeys in the world. Originally the train had 12 fully furnished non-air conditioned saloons, once owned by former Maharajas, Governor Generals and Viceroys of the British period. The Palace on Wheels started as unique holiday concept hauled by a steam engine with its inaugural trip on 26th January,1982.

In 1991, a new air-conditioned meter gauge Palace on Wheels on the lines of the old heritage train was launched. The interiors of the current 14 saloons are authentic replicas of the historic coaches.

Each saloon is equipped with twin- bedded cabins, each with channel music, intercom, with attached baths and running hot and cold water and a shower.

Times have changed and winds have shifted, but the Palace on Wheels cruises along in royal style, the kind only the Maharajas of yesteryear could have perpetuated and enjoyed. Today, of course, each traveller on board is treated like royalty in his or her own right.

We welcome you aboard to "Re-live" the Royal Experience of the Maharajas of Rajasthan and if you are really looking for a holiday of a lifetime, the Palace On Wheels is for you...

The passenger coaches which were originally meant to be the personal railway coaches of the erstwhile rulers of princely states of Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India.

These coaches were not being used by the Indian Railways after independence in normal passenger trains on account of very rich and traditional interiors.

The name "Palace-on-Wheels" (POW) was derived from its royal back-ground of the coaches. A new meter gauge air conditioned Palace-on-Wheels was introduced in 1984 & had 13 Saloons, 2 Restaurant cum Kitchen car, one Bar cum Lounge and 4 Service Cars.

In order to further increase the amenities on the train and due to over all gauge conversion in the state, a new broad gauge Palace-on-Wheels has been constructed & has been running since 1996.

It's 14 Saloons are inter-connected, the interiors of the saloons reflect the aesthetics of the former Royal states of Rajasthan.

The exquisite and exclusive Palace on Wheels has luxurious Cabins, wall to wall carpeting, a well stocked bar, two dining cars (The Maharaja and Maharani) and a very personalized service... in fact, almost everything that could comprise of heaven on earth for seven days !

In the past 20 years of operations, the Palace-on-Wheels has been rated as one of the best ten luxurious rail journeys in the world.


History of Train, Palace on Wheels Reservation Form

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