Palace on Wheels History

The best way to enjoy the regal destination of India is by boarding the royal Palace on Wheels, which will take you on a historical voyage of elegance and royal pampering, which was accustomed to the kings of India, in the past. The train journey focuses on exploring the heritage, history, nature and culture of Rajasthan.

The train started its maiden journey on 26th of January, 1982. The official train tours started in October, of the same year. The train was managed by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and the train gets its name from the fact that the train actually uses refurbished royal carriages of the kings and British Viceroys of India. Those carriages were not in use after independence due to increase in maintenance cost and the tourism department decided to preserve the heritage of the land by emerging it as a luxury train. In the yesteryear, those carriages were exclusively held for the royal kinsmen and now, everyone who travels in this train would be treated like royal kinsmen. Promoting luxury tour with the cabins of royal bloods of India was a huge hit and became popular among travelers looking for royal experience. To honor the historic rule in Rajasthan, each cabin is named after the princely state of Rajasthan, which were ruled by the Rajputs.

Just in five years from the maiden run, the train was able to bag many awards and recognitions. It was named as the Best Train in Asia in 2009, PATA Gold Award in 1987 and was even ranked fourth in the best luxury train category by the Conde Nast Magazine survey in 2010. The most recent award is the 2018 PATWA award under the category of Tourist train. To accommodate the upgrading technology and new amenities, the train has been modified several times in the past and the major change came in 1990, when the train ran with four service cars, 13 saloons, restaurants with kitchen car, bar car and lounge. In 2009, the train was re-modified with new décor, upgraded itinerary and relishing new cuisines.

Taking a trip in Palace on Wheels means that you are in for a vacation of royalty and pampering. Starting from sublime cabins to multi-cuisine restaurant, you get to live the life of royal heir. With the world-class amenities and exclusive destinations, you would be on a Palace, which‘Is On Wheels’. Passengers could enjoy a serene travel; make merry, sing, dance and party in the comforts of the luxury train as it pulsates through unique terrains of the royal Rajasthan.


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