India’s Railway Heritage – Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, earlier known as Palace on Wheels is a luxury heritage train journey across the state of Rajasthan. The travelers get to experience the land of regal splendour, Rajasthan with Royal Rajasthan on Wheels while enjoying contemporary royal living. This luxury heritage train is counted amongst the top 10 luxury train rides across the world.

Rajasthan, earlier the abode of numerous kingdoms, is even today replete with those stories of valour, tales of love and an impressive history. The makers of this impressive legacy have charmed the ages with their style and lavishness and have embellished the history of Rajasthan. With their flamboyant style, the Rulers of princely states of erstwhile Rajputana, created their own luxurious coaches with tasteful and magnificent interiors. The royal families employed the loyal Khidmatgars (attendants) to serve them. With these coaches began a new era of extravagant hospitality. These coaches were the “palaces on wheels” of the royals and were adorned with sparkling chandeliers, Persian carpets and intricately carved silverware. Here, was laid the foundation of ‘The Palace of Wheels.’

The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and the Indian Railways jointly undertook a venture in 1982 to revive the glorious history of royal carriages. The Palace on Wheels was conceptualized with 14 luxurious coaches on meter gauge with all modern amenities, plush interiors, finest wines, sumptuous cuisines and diligent attendants. The train journey was designed as a seven day passage through arid landscapes, historic forts and fortress, culturally and ethnically rich places in this most majestic land.
With detailed improvisations in 1995, the Palace on Wheels was shifted to the broad gauge was renamed‘Royal Rajasthan On Wheels’.

The train journey on Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is of 8 days and 7 nights and travels through Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jaipur, Khajuraho, Varanasi and Agra. However, the train ride begins and ends in New Delhi (Safdarjung station).

There are two types of suites (or saloons) on the train – Super Deluxe and Deluxe Saloon.

Super Deluxe Saloon, called the Bravura Suite offers a spacious living with complete comfort of royal suite. The exquisite silk and velvet bedspreads and draperies take the guest to the era of munificent living. The finely carved wooden furniture in the super-deluxe suite adds to your experience. The bed in the cabin is large and comfortable with colour-coordinated draperies. The ottoman, sofa-chairs and writing table have been provided to make guests’ stay more comfortable. The suites have been named after the two precious stones, Emerald and Diamond.

Deluxe Saloon, called the Extraordinary Suite has been designed to live up to the grandeur of contemporary princely living with elegant silk furnishings for a befitting aesthetic appeal. These saloons have been thematically designed with co-ordinated colour schemes and textures to augment their splendour. The chamber offers luxuries with meticulously chosen bedding and upholstery, writing-table and chair to make the stay more comfortable. The furnished saloon gives sufficient mobility within the coupe. The saloons have been created in three different themes in hues of exquisite jewels, Ruby, Sapphire and Pearl.

This magnificent train has re-written the ethos of luxury travel and has set high standards of hospitality and service in India. The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is not just an excursion but an unforgettable experience. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) has been receiving overwhelming responses from all those who have enjoyed this royal journey. The reservations for travel run ahead and the train occupancy stands full every season.

So come, experience what Indian luxury and royalty is all about on this incredible journey on Royal Rajasthan on Wheels!!