The history behind the making of Palace on Wheels

Much has been said and written about the Palace on Wheels, a luxury train that takes guests on a heritage tour across selected destinations of Rajasthan. The destinations that are visited, the facilities available aboard and even the itinerary as well, information on everything connected to the train has possibly been written about many times. Is there anything that we still need to know about it and that has not been written about so far? May be, maybe not. However, we still strive to offer you something new, something interesting. Through this article, let us just delve deep into history... the history that will tell us how the concept of developing a luxury train in India was born...;
Palace on Wheels takes pride in itself as being the first ever luxury train in India. Although train services have been plying within the various Indian destinations for over one century, the concept of a luxury train never actually materialized before the Palace on Wheels started its operations in 1982. A brainchild of Indian Railways, the train was launched to promote tourism in Rajasthan.
The inspiration for designing a train journey fit enough for a king was derived from India itself! Yes, the royalty that was so much an integral part of ancient India; inspired the makers of this luxury India train. No wonder the train is a clear depiction of that royalty. Each of the 14 coaches of the train has been named after the erstwhile Rajput states, giving an all the more authentic feel to the journey. Kishangarh, Jaipur, Alwar, Bikaner, Sirohi, Dholpur, Dungarpur and Kota are a few of them to name in the order.
The train first started its operations on January 26, 1982. The date has national significance as the republic day of India is celebrated on this day. When it started off, services of this train were restricted only for foreign nationals. However over the time, these regulations were relaxed and Indian nationals looking for a luxury vacation option also began to be entertained here. The destinations that the Palace on Wheels travels through include Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Sawai Madhopur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Bharatpur, and Agra, besides Delhi being the first and the last stop. The journey aboard the Palace on Wheels is an 8-day journey.
This luxury train guarantees a never before experience to its guests with 2 restaurants, a bar, a gift shop, and a relaxing lounge serving the guests round the clock. A beauty salon and laundry services aboard the train contribute towards making the journey all the more comfortable and pleasurable. To top it all, a 'khidmatgar' literally translating to an assistant, happily serves the guests and also offers valuable information about the destinations and the train. What else? The train also has mailbox facilities instituted within the train for all guests traveling! New additions to the original services set up for the train has increased the pleasures of traveling for the guests by manifolds.
The Palace on Wheels still continues to rule the roost when it comes to attracting guests looking for a luxury vacation option, here in India.