Imagine chugging along scenic routes coupled with historical landmarks in one of the top 10 trains of the world. Nothing can beat the romanticism of Palace on Wheels travel. A Palace on Wheels tour provides a matchless old world charm. At Palace Wheels, your premium online travel site, you have the option of traveling in one of the most luxurious trains of the world where world-class comfort meets subtle elegance. For sheer entertainment and opulence, Palace on Wheels travel is the last word for those who enjoy the finer things in life.

One of the most luxurious and, indeed, prestigious trains in the world, the palace On Wheels is steeped in history. Its history is impossibly legendary and vivid. The carriages which today form this famed train have a history of their own. These coaches were once operating as the personal Railway coaches of the erstwhile rulers of the princely states of Rajasthan, Gujarat as well as of the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India.

It is truism that a train whose carriages were associated with the royalty must be entrenched in mystery and intrigue. In reality the various carriages of the train have been the scenes of history and intrigue.

After Indian Independence in 1947, these coaches ceased to be used, as it was not viable to include these in the normal passenger trains due to their gorgeous furnishings on the interiors of their walls. The Palace On Wheels made its inaugural trip as a steam engine train on 26th January 1982. It started chugging the distances regularly from October 1982.

The Rebirth of a Legend

In 1991, a new air-conditioned meter gauge Palace On Wheels was launched with 13 salons, 2 restaurants, kitchen car, Bar cum lounge and 4 service cars on the lines of the old heritage train. You will be provided a facility of 'Khidmatgars' or personal attendants, in each cabin who take care of your needs round the clock. Surely enough, when it comes to sheer grandeur, there are few train travels in the world, which compares with a trip on the Palace On Wheels.

Palace on wheels has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. Winner of the PATA gold award in 1987, the train has been counted as one of the ten best luxurious rail journeys in the world. It has also caught the attention of the world's media including BBC, MTV, National Geographic, Zee TV, MDR of Germany and many others. It has carried 36096 tourists in 578 trios up to April 2002.

The Palace On Wheels is composed of 14 fully air-conditioned deluxe salons, well equipped with international level world-class amenities to enhance the comfort of your travel. The coaches are made up of 104 passenger berths in double bedded cabins, each with channel music, intercom, attached toilet, running hot and cold water and a shower.

The coaches are named after former Rajput states matching the aesthetics and interiors of the royal past. Each salon has a mini pantry and a lounge making available the hot and cold beverages, refreshments and a place to relax and a cool get together.

The two dining cars of the train have been aptly named "The Maharaja" and "The Maharani" keeping in mind the royal legacy. These restaurants serve a mix of Indian, Chinese, Continental and traditional Rajasthani cuisines. The bar at the Royal Orient Train has a wine list that will impress even the choosiest connoisseur. The bar is well stocked with finest of Scotch and Indian malt whiskies and liquors, wines, rums and vodkas. Each coach has a good collection of books for the bibliophiles.

The renovation of the Palace On Wheels takes place at regular intervals. The décor in the salons and bar lounge keeps changing, keeping in mind, the traditionally aesthetic yet modern, Palace On Wheels. Each salon lounge has been equipped with a color television and a CD player. You will soon get a satellite phone which will enable you communicate anywhere in the world from the train.

As you leave far behind the busy streets and crowded highways, and enter a realm of sheer luxury and comfort, you'll realize why a Palace On Wheels tour at Palace Wheels is simply one-of-a-kind.