Just a few days ago, we celebrated the 63rd year of the Indian Republic. But for the connoisseurs of luxury train travel, the 26th January, 2013 also marks the 31st anniversary of the famous Palace on Wheels train. The train completed 31 years of its legendary run. Launched on 26th January, 1982, Palace on Wheels is a luxury tourist train introduced as a joint initiative between Rajasthan Tourism and Development Corporation (RTDC) and the Indian Railways.

The luxury train was launched with the motive of providing a heritage excursion across former princely states of Rajasthan along with a halt in Agra. The 168 hours long journey costs around $ 3150 per person and is all inclusive of sightseeing tours, on board accommodation, dining and drinks. The week long itinerary of this luxury train covers Jaipur, Ranthambore, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra.

This Indian luxury train was originally designed with the refurbished guest carriages of erstwhile Indian maharajas, the Nizams of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of India. The journey offers a mesmerizing glimpse of the Rajputana history, valor, chivalry, forts, palaces, wildlife and desert sand dunes. The luxury train has a huge demand among the overseas travelers especially European and American travelers. Let me a give you a brief into the exclusive insider experiences offered by Palace on Wheels through this blog post –

•    A grand elephant safari to the Amber fort.
•    A lavish dinner at the Jai Mahal Palace.
•    A jungle safari in the Ranthambore National Park
•    Evening tea and spectacular Son-et-Lumiere inside the Chittorgarh fort
•    A grand lunch at a heritage hotel in Udaipur
•    A boat ride on the Lake Pichola
•    Evening camel safari and cultural program in the Sam sand dunes.
•    Safari ride in the Keoladeo Ghana National Park
•    Light and Sound show in the Agra Fort

RTDC is planning to allow charter bookings for wedding in the off season. The concept is something that the wedding group will have to pay only for 95 seats for booking a full capacity departure. The wedding package, which is still under construction, will include a grand royal welcome, arranging pre-marriage functions, priest on board ( as per your religion), a cocktail party in the evening and the honeymoon suite for the couple.