One of the best tourism experiences in India is offered on board the Palace on Wheels, the most well known among the luxury trains of India. The train offers unmatched luxury in its splendid coaches while taking the passengers to the magnificent tourist destinations in Delhi, Agra, and the various tourist places in Rajasthan.

History:
The erstwhile rulers of the princely states of India like the immensely wealthy Nizam and the rulers of Rajputana, and Gujarat, maintained their own railways with lavish coaches for their journeys within their estates. After the states were merged in to India upon independence, these coaches became redundant. In 1981-82, the tourism authorities in Rajasthan decided to integrate a few of these coaches and start a luxurious train. This is how the Palace on Wheels was born, making its maiden journey on 26th January 1982. soon, the train received wide media attention and became an instant success. Since then there have been many modifications in the train, and constant efforts are being made to maintain its status as one of the most luxurious trains of the world.

The Coaches:
The coaches of The Palace on wheels have been named after the princely states to which they belonged. Therefore, the coaches have names like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Alwar, Udaipur, Bundi, Kota, Jhalawar, Dungarpur, Dholpur, Bharatpur, Sirohi, and Kishangarh. The 14 saloons offer unmatched luxury and passengers are treated like kings. Two coaches, aptly named Maharaja and Maharani, serve as dining cars and kitchen offering traditional Rajasthani and international cuisine. The lounge car serves as the observation post from where you can get splendid views of the rustic countryside as the Palace on wheels rushes past them.

Other Facilities:
The facilities provided in the train include attached baths with luxurious bath accessories, channel music, intercom, wall to wall carpeting, and even a satellite phone. The personal attendant, reminiscent of the old days of the British Raj, takes care of all the needs of the passengers. Itinerary:

Day 1 – Wednesday - Start From Delhi Cantonment

Day 2 –Thursday – Jaipur – including Rambagh Palace Hotel Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar Nahargarh fort, and Amber fort.

Day 3 – Jaisalmer – Golden Fort, havelis ( mansions ), sand dunes.

Day 4 – Jodhpur – Mehrangarh Fort, Phool Mahal, Moti Mahal, Sileh Khana,Sheesh Mahal and Daulat Khana.

Day 5 – Sawai Madhopur – wildlife safari in Ranthambore National Park and Ranthambore Fort , Chittorgarh – Chittor

Day 6 – Udaipur - Lake Palace ,Jag Mandir ,Lake Pichola ,Lake Palace Hotel

Day 7 – Bharatpur - Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Agra - Fatehpur Sikri Taj Mahal, Agra Fort.

Day 8 – Return to Delhi.

Touristplacesinindia.com offers all inclusive information about Palace on Wheels, and the other Luxury Trains of India.