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.
Facilities of Palace
on Wheels
This is a journey of the body and the spirit,
travelling into the heart of India's Shangri-La.
The Common Facilities on Palace on Wheels
The Train

The
Palace On Wheels India is the only regularly operating Luxury Train in India,
at present this heritage train of Rajasthan comprises 14 well appointed inter-connected
passenger coaches, which have been named after Kota, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer,
Jodhpur, Bikaner, Alwar, Sirohi, Kishangarh, Bundi, Dungarpur, Bharatpur, Jhalawar
and Dholpur. Besides, there are two Dining Cars in Palace on Wheels India, with
fresh food being cooked in onboard kitchen; One bar-cum-lounge car & four
service cars. This luxury train of India also has a small library, mini-gym
& beauty parlour. This luxury train, Palace on wheels is fully airconditioned.
Coaches on the Palace of Wheels
You'll be delighted you chose to see Rajasthan by the Palace-On-Wheels. On board,
you'll feel like an erstwhile monarch, travelling in regal splendour. Each Coach
named after the erstwhile princely state. It has 4 twin-bedded chambers, thoughtfully
decorated in ethnic Rajasthani décor. Channel music, intercom, attached
toilets, running hot and cold water, shower and wall-to-wall carpeting are some
of the facilities to make you feel at home. Each saloon has personal attendants
or Khidmatgars, who are at your beck and call to extend a courteous helping
hand, should you need anything.
The Saloons
The names of the saloons are based on the princely states of Rajasthan - Jaipur,
Jodhpur, Alwar, Bundi, Kota, Jhalawar, Dungarpur, Dholpur, Bharatpur, Jaisalmer,
Sirohi, Bikaner, Udaipur and Kishangarh. The decor of each saloon has highlighted
the cultural ethos of the state, represented through the use of furniture, handicrafts,
paintings and furnishings. The ceiling in the lounge is of particular interest.
Each coupe is different but the over all ambience of the decor of the saloons
has been taken care of to provide continuity. Each saloon has cream yellow color
on its exterior walls and bears the Coat of Arms (logo) of the erstwhile princely
states.

Each
saloon has 4 coupes (sleeping rooms) with attached bath and toilet. In every
saloon, there is one saloon captain and 2 attendants to look after the personal
needs of its guests. Each saloon has a mini pantry properly equipped to provide
ready tea/coffee and snacks.
The Dining Cars
There are two dining cars in Palace on wheels, that have been tastefully decorated
in the authentic Rajasthani style in this heritage train of Rajasthan. The Maharaja
and Maharani restaurants have seating arrangement in groups of two and four
near the windows. Continental and Indian cuisine are prepared by the master
chef. Mouth-watering Rajasthani specialities are also served. The finger-licking
food, together with the excellent hospitality, yields a perfect meal. Travelling
by Palace on Wheels India is a delight that would surely fascinate you.
Lounge
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.
The Bar
The Bar-cum-Lounge in Palace on Wheels, is furnished with period furniture to
create the royal ambience. It is spacious and beautifully decorated. The bar
is stocked with a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. You can
select from the finest collection of spirits and wines. From scotch to cocktails,
Palace on wheels serves them all.
Bed Room
Each coach has four coupés, done in colors reminiscent of the state,
and highlighted by its royal emblem. Two of the Coupes feature double beds while
the other two have train beds.

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.
Restaurants
Two lavish and beautifully done restaurants; "The Maharaja" and "The
Maharani" serve mount - watering Continental, Indian and Rajasthani cuisine
that would definitely make way to your heart through your stomach.
Shopping
Certain handicrafts and other special items of Rajasthani origin can be bought
while you visit the places covered by the Palace - on - Wheels and a Catalogue
of typical Rajasthani items is also available on board.
Accommodation
14 fully air conditioned deluxe salons, each a combination of 4 twin bedded
chambers with channel music, intercom, attached toilets, running hot and cold
water, shower, wall to wall carpeting and other amenities.