Step aboard the Palace on Wheels, once the personal railway coaches of the erstwhile rulers of the princely states of Gujrat and Rajputana, the viceroy of British India and the Nizam of Hyderabad.

See Rajasthan in all its splendour and the Taj Mahal at Agra a celebration of everything that is beautiful..A journey into the past on a luxury train.

Travelling on the famed Palace on Wheels is one of the most memorable ways to explore India's stately splendour.

Unquestionably it's an unparalleled experience to ride the replica carriages refurbished to look like the original saloons of the Maharajas, the erstwhile rulers of India.

The Palace on Wheels is one of India's most fascinating sojourns covering the pink state capital Jaipur, the golden citadel Jaisalmer, the blue city of Jodhpur, the National Park Ramthambhor, the symbol of chivalry Chittorgarh, romantic city of Lakes Udaipur, the bird sanctuary Bharatpur and the mughal capital Agra before returning to Delhi.

History
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 and a very personalized service... in fact, almost everything that could comprise of heaven on earth for seven days !

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.

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.

Coaches
Alwar Saloon Coach
Alwar is home to several species of flora and fauna.The ceiling of the Alwar Saloon lounge has been done aesthetically in mix-media of cone work, and oils in relief, depicting a hunting scene.The royal emblem and a miniature adorn the lounge.Subtle tones of pink enhance the romantic ambience of the lounge.

Bharatpur Saloon Coach
Once a fortified township, Bharatpur is now an ornithologists paradise, and well known for the Bharatpur water-bird sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to over 376 avian species. Echoing the vividness of nature’s gift to Bharatpur the relief work on this coach depicts various species of birds on the tree of life. A replica of the royal crest of Bharatpur adorns the valance of the blind. The ‘nature’ theme is further endorsed by the white cedar inlay work depicting birds and painted peacocks, sitting on a haveli worked on a mirror. The colour scheme, with its profusion of beige and aqua green, is a vivid reminder of lush green forests of Bharatpur and Ghana.

Bikaner Saloon Coach
The royal state crest is placed on the valance along with some handicrafts of Rajasthan. The ceiling is done up in relief work and oil painting on canvas depicting the legendary lovers Dhola & Maru on camel back. The artwork in the lounge belongs to the Mughal influenced Bikaner School of Art style.

Bundi Saloon Coach
The royal crest is highlighted on the valance. The famous Bundi school of painting is depicted in the famed and mounted art pieces and also serves as the basis for the colour scheme and overall décor, including a delightfully frescoed ceiling.

Dhaulpur Saloon Coach
The rails in the coach are made in teak ply to depict the fine craftsmanship as done in stone. The Dholpur crest decorates the valance in zardozi work.

Dungarpur Saloon Coach
Dungarpur literally means " hill town " in local dialect. The Lounge roof reflects the Bhil tribal areas in coloured glass form.

Jaipur Saloon Coach
The ceiling of the state lounge has been created using the famed ‘Phad’ or foil work, depicting festivals like Teej, Gangaur, Holi, Diwali etc. The royal emblem of the state is worked out in Zardozi work on the valance. The walls have been decorated with miniature paintings of the famous Jaipur style of painting. The ceilings have painted frescoes, done in complimentary colours, reflecting the state’s colour scheme of Blue & Gold.

Jaisalmer Coach
There are intricately carved jharokhas on the lounge ceiling. It is done on teak wood with a mirror backing. The famous Jawahar Niwas facade has been depicted in the state lounge using cone, metal, copper and silver medium. The royal insignia adorns the valance of the blind. The colour scheme reflects the beige of the desert sands.

Jhalawar Coach
The ceiling has been worked out in a medium used by the local inhabitants of Jhalawar to decorate their home. A play of colours and mirror work has been used in the medium of Plaster of Paris to create a unique ambience. The royal insignia of the erstwhile state in Zardozi work is seen on the valance along with handicrafts supporting the table tops of the state lounge.

Jodhpur Coach
Mughal influenced designs of the Moti Mahal are recreated in mother of pearl work on the ceiling. The royal crest is highlighted on the valance along with the miniature paintings in the lounge which is typical of the Jodhpur School of art.

Kishangarh Coach
The Banio Thani paintings of the state with their exaggerated features like eyes and long fingers, are well-known. One of these famous paintings is recreated on the ceiling in acrylic, painted with enamel and foil. The crest appears in zardozi work on the blinds of the window with the Kishangarh School of Art highlighted in an artwork on the wall of the state lounge.

Kota Coach
Kota is well known for Kota school of design. These elements have served as the basis for designing the décor of this coach. The distinctive features of the Kota school of art can be seen in the oil paintings titled “Raja aur Praja” (The Monarch and his subjects on the ceiling. It depicts Raja Ram Singh II (1826-66) of Kota amidst a royal procession.

Sirohi Coach
This erstwhile state has earned an enviable reputation the world over for its gold fort and with coloured glass work that is done near Pratapgarh. The style of work has a typically Indo-European flavour as European influence is quite conspicuous. The rooms highlight this style through the framed works of art done in the same styles through the framed works of art done in the same styles. The ambience and colour scheme has also been designed in keeping with this school of Art. The Gold foil and glass work also has semi precious stones embedded in it, and has been done in a mix media created from cone and paint embossed particle boards. The royal insignia has been placed prominently. Mounted miniatures done in the Sirohi school style lend a unique character to the décor.

Udaipur Coach
The state lounge and bedrooms take their colour schemes-dominant blue and white. The lounge décor is influenced by the ‘Mor Chowk’ or the Peacock Court. The medium used is a combination of relief work and Patra or oxidized white metal work. The royal crest of the state, in alluring zardozi work is set on the valance of the blinds.

Facilities

Palace on Wheels and the facilities on board the train are marked by affluence and exuberance. The train is self-sufficient with all the modern amenities.

However, the décor speaks of the culturally rich past of Rajasthan. The paintings, carved furniture and elegant handicrafts represent Rajasthan's fascinating heritage of art and craftsmanship. Period furniture and the elaborate costumes of the attendants make up the royal ambience.

Dining "Palace on Wheels"
The Maharaja and Maharani restaurants offer seating arranged in groups of twos and fours near the windows.

Chefs in the attached pantry prepare Continental and Indian specialities, with an emphasis on the cuisine of Rajasthan.

Bar "Palace on Wheels"
The bar-lounge is embellished in period furniture, created especially for this coach. The bar has ample space and choice of soft and alcoholic beverages on offer.

Bed Room "Palace on Wheels"
The 14 Saloons are made up of 104 passenger berths in Twin Bedded Cabins. A third bed, for an additional person, or an accompanying child, is in the form of a fold-away bed on a higher tier.

Each compartment has an attached bath with running hot/cold water and showers, built-in wardrobes, overhead and night lights, piped music, reading lights etc.

Lounge "Palace on Wheels"
At the end of each coach is a separate lounge where passengers can relax when they wish to move out of their bedrooms.

Here they can unwind with a book or magazine, engage in conversation, or simply watch the panoramic vista of the great Indian country side.