Coaches of dreams The Palace On Wheels train added new destinations to its journey. The train will now offer six days of spiritual journey boarding from Delhi to Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Mathura and Vrindavan. As per the department officials, the tour will begin from May and will be conducted twice a month. Having earned the fame of India's fourth-most and world's second-most luxurious train has a fascinating history behind it.
Introduction:
The Palace On Wheels initially started as a unique holiday concept hauled by steam engine on 26th January 1982 by Indian Railways in collaboration with Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC). The luxurious train started with the aim to promote Rajasthan tourism and to attract tourists from all over the world to a single destination. The train has luxury coaches which have royal interior designs that give a royal feeling to tourists onboard. It makes one to feel like a king or queen on the journey.
Why it is called Palace On Wheels?
It is known as Palace on Wheels because the guest coaches are images of personal carriages used by royal Kings, Nizams and Viceroys. The coaches were named after the Rajputana states and to preserve these carriages that were ceased after Independence, Rajasthan Tourism Corporation thought to convert them into luxury trains. The tourists are provided with all amenities while moving throughout the journey. Thus, it is called as Palace On Wheels.
Inside the train:
The warm hospitality and facilities provided at Palace on Wheels will make you feel like a king onboard. From check-in to the cabins, cuisine, restaurants, bars and additionally spa and gym speak luxury. The train has luxury air-conditioned coaches which showcase royal cultures and designs with an attendant always available at service, to cater all requirements. Every coach has cabins, referred to as chambers or saloons. The cabins are made to meet the high standards of luxury with modern facilities that will make you to stay comfortable throughout the stay. A special attendant is available to cater all the needs of tourists. The cabins also have attached bathrooms and pantry to it. Everything inside cabins from art to silk fabrics to luxury furniture takes back in time when the region was once a royal province.
Additionally, The Maharaja and Maharani are two lavish dining options available in train with Rajasthani ambience highlighting Rajasthani cuisine and serving other popular world cuisines. The food is served according to the tourist's needs. Both veg and non-veg food is available with all types of varieties from desserts to soups, drinks, and salads can taste in these two restaurants.
What's new on Palace on Wheels?
Previously, the tour was conducted with a captivating 7 nights and 8 days itinerary now will be of six days offering sacred destinations. The journey now will begin from Delhi to Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Mathura, and Vrindavan. Until now, the train was operated by RTDC now the management has been handed over to a Gujarat-based private company for seven years.
As per the director, the train is in its fourth generation. Therefore, it has been renovated fourth time by the company and expanding offerings by adding sacred destinations. The train is equipped with all the amenities. The tours will be scheduled soon for the tourists and the company has started accepting bookings.
During the journey, only vegetarian food will be served, and non-vegetarian and alcohol will be abstain. Onion and garlic will also be excluded from the vegetarian cuisine. The melodious chants of Ram and Krishna will resonate during the pilgrimage trips, creating a spiritual atmosphere. This ambience is to increase the travel experience beyond sightseeing and foster deeper relations with India's religious and cultural heritage.