Palace On Wheels Coaches

Alwar, situated strategically, is the gateway from Delhi to Rajasthan. Alwar was a major place of commencement of trade and commerce. The city is also bestowed with natural habitat that includes forests and deep valleys. Additionally, the city also provides shelter to various conserved and threatened species of flora and fauna. The Alwar Coach features a delightful mix of oils and cone work. The lounge is adorned by the royal emblem and a miniature painting. Moreover, the subtle tones of pink add to the romantic ambience.

Bharatpur was the abode of Maharaja Suraj Mal, who was the valiant Jat king and admired for his courage and chivalry. Erstwhile fortified township is today a paradise for ornithologists due to the Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary. About 376 avian species, including both native and migratory, find shelter here. The same is reflected in the Bharatpur coach. There are works that depict various bird species on the life tree. The coach is designed according to the ‘nature’ theme. The color scheme, aqua green and beige, is a stunning reminisce of the lush green forests of Ghana and Bharatpur.

In 1486 A.D., Bikaner came into existence with set out of Rao Bika for a separate kingdom. The Bikaner lounge has a color scheme, which is inspired from by the luxurious coronation rooms in gold and burning red of the Padam Mahal and Anup Mahal of the Junagarh fort. The handicrafts of Rajasthan also adorn the coach. The oil painting on canvas and relief work on ceiling is also featured in the coach. The canvas depicting legendary lovers Dhola & Maru on camelback is also featured in the coach. The artwork is in Mughal, highly influenced by Bikaner School of Art.

The Bundi palace complex is situated above the township. The magnificent structure is accessible through the paved ramp that ascends towards the Hati Pol. The same is depicted in beautiful water color work in one of the bedrooms featured in Bundi Coach. The popular Rag Ragini or Ragmala oil paintings are also featured in the coaches. The color scheme is also praiseworthy as it depicts the royal charm of bygone era. The decoration of the coaches also includes delightfully frescoed ceiling that mesmerize the onlookers.

The locally quarried sandstone makes Dholpur a popular city. The sandstone was used for lattice work for balcony railings and building palaces. Teak ply is used in the construction of Dholpur Coach. The fine craftsmanship, same as that on the sandstone is showcased on teakwood. The zardozi work adorns the Dholpur Coach at its best.

The unique architecture and the Bhil tribals make the ″hill town″, Dungargarh, very popular. The ceilings of the coach are also adorned with mirror and relief work along with ‘lep’ work. Further to add a royal feel, the coach is also adorned with intricate zardozi work.

Jaisalmer, the fort city was founded in 1156 A.D. by Rao Jaisal. The havelies, cobbled streets, and ancient Jain temples make Jaisalmer a popular royal city. The coaches features carved jharokhas on the ceiling that are inspired from intricately latticed havelies with beautiful facades. The entire work is showcased on teakwood and to further enhance the work, mirror backing is provided. The color scheme of the coach is beige that reflects the desert sands.

Jaipur, the Pink City, was founded in 1727 A.D., by Maharaja Swai Jai Singh. The Maharaja instructed architect Vidhyadhar about the planning and designing of the city. The city is dotted with numerous beautiful palace, monuments and gardens. The old world charm could also be experienced in the vibrant fairs and festivals in Jaipur. The ceiling of the Jaipur Coach is made of the famed foil work or ´Phad´, describing festivals such as Teej, Holi, Gangaur, Diwali, etc. The coach is also adorned with the royal emblem of the state, made in Zardozi work. The walls are also adorned with miniature paintings inspired from popular Jaipur style. Contemporary colors such as gold and blue are used in the frescoes painted on the ceiling.

Jhalawar was a powerful kingdom of the Jhalas (a tribe of brave Rajputs). This kingdom was created in 1838 A.D. The charm and natural beauty have made the land very popular amidst the erstwhile royals of Rajasthan. Some beautiful temples and Buddhist caves are also featured here. The ceiling of the Jhalawar is decorated alike the homes of the locals. A colorful play of shades and mirror work on plaster of paris helps in creating a unique ambience. The zardozi work is also showcased along with traditional handicrafts.

The Mehrangarh Fort, dominating Jodhpur city, is fascinating due to the cusped arcades and Moti Mahal, designed according to the Mughal style of architecture. The ceiling of the coach showcases the same craftsmanship. Miniature paintings are also adorned in the coach that reflect the old world charm and unspoilt royalty.

On the ceilings of the Kishangarh Coach, you could find the popular Bani Thani paintings. These paintings mesmerize the onlookers with excellent combination of colors and i8ntricate designing. The special feature of this painting style is the exaggerated appearance like eyes and long fingers. The painting on the ceiling is made using enamel and foil. The zardozi work is also showcased on the wall of the lounge.

Kota, the prosperous Rajput state, is picturesquely situated along the Chambal River and bordered by lush green forests and picnic gardens. Among the major attractions, the City Palace is one of the popular. The Hati Pol is used for entrance into the palace. The Pol is painted brightly featuring figures of elephants. The Kota Coach is decorated with oil paintings of “Raja aur Praja” (The Monarch and his subjects). These paintings on the ceilings describe Raja Ram Singh II (1826-66) of Kota in the royal procession.

The Gold Fort made the city of Sirohi popular all across the globe. The colored glass work within the fort was one of the remarkable features. The fort was constructed according to the typically Indo-European style of architecture. The rooms of the Sirohi Coach feature the same work. The setting and color scheme of the coach has also been designed to keep the old world charm alive. The decoration of the coach includes gold foil and glass work, along with semi-precious stones embedded in it. Mounted miniatures are also showcased in the coach.

Udaipur was once the capital of Sisodia Rajputs. The city is beautifully set on the edge of the Pichhola Lake. The Udaipur coach is influenced by the palace and thus, the color scheme of blue and white is adopted in the Udaipur Coach. The decor of the lounge is also influenced by the ´Mor Chowk´ or the Peacock Court. The fascinating Patra or oxidized white metal work and relief work is showcased in the coach. The zardozi work is also used to decorate the Udaipur coach.