India’s foremost and world famous luxury train Palace on Wheels (POW) will chug on its first commercial journey of the season 2013-14 from Delhi to Rajasthan, covering some of the amazing destinations like Taj Mahal. On 4th September, 2013, about 34 guests from different parts of the world will travel onboard.

Palaces on Wheels Train

Mr. Vinod Ajmera, MD of RTDC (Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation) said, “It is a concrete step towards making the presence of the state in the field of “Rail Tourism” for which Chief Minister Mr. Ashok Gehlot, Tourism Minister Mrs. Bina Kak and RTDC Chairman Mr. Randeep Dhankhar are working tirelessly.” He also added “Over the years we have been very sensitive to expectations of each guest. We have compiled feedback and are now acting on it to give the incredible Palace on Wheels a refurbishment that should raise the richly royal looks to still greater heights. We have extensively researched princely lifestyles of the royals and the Palace on Wheels will sport a new heritage look with the finest in luxury trappings, reflecting the exclusive lifestyle of maharajas.”

Mr. Ajmera also informed about the recognition of the Palace on Wheels with the award with “Today Traveler Award 2013”, as the best luxury train of north India in the category of domestic tourism. This award was given by the Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Mr. Oscar Fernandes. Mr. Ajmera said the Palace on Wheels, known for giving its guests a magnificent experience of a royal Indian lifestyle, was undergoing a facelift as per the global tourists’ interests.” Further, he added, “All facilities including water purifiers in washrooms and other modern conveniences such as communication and entertainment are being modernized. Even the dining cart, the bar and lounge will take on a wonderful new look with the planned refurbishment at a huge investment.”

A representative of the Palace on Wheels added, “Even the spa and health club will receive major upgrades. We are working on plans to introduce more and please our guests.” He also added “The Palace on Wheels is rated the number 4 luxury train in the world and we plan to make it even better, redefining vintage royalty.”

The Palace On Wheels ensures one of the amazing and royal tour, covering destinations like Delhi, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra. The entire sojourn is a lifetime experience for the guests onboard. The guests enjoy the journey as the train passes through rivers, mountains, sand dunes and forests, ensuring the presence of element of lavishness throughout the trip.

Mr. Ajmera also reported, “On quite a few occasions the Palace on Wheels has hosted richly royal weddings and for people who plan to wed the way maharajas did, we will be offering more such events once the train undergoes the transformation. The new look will be the best ever and we will use only the finest to recreate richly royal interiors down to the minutest detail. We are confident it will be stunning, a reflection of stately elegance and a gracious tradition of a bygone era that comes to life. When people think of royal train tours in India, The Palace on Wheels is the first to come to mind.”

Mr. Pramod Sharma, GM of RTDC, said, “The Palace on Wheels would start its journey on every Wednesday for 7 days between the months of September 2013 to April 2014 from Delhi. In 34 trips for the season, 3,000 passengers are expected to travel on this royal train.”

He also added, “In order to provide the World Class journey with the five star facilities in the train Palace on Wheels has luxuries and modern facilities including Royal spa and gym for the passengers. The train has 23 coaches comprising of 14 Saloon’s, one Spa Coach, two restaurants known as Maharaja and Maharani and one reception-cum Bar. The itinerary for the season would be Delhi – Jaipur – Sawaimadhopur – Chittorgarh – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Bharatpur – Agra – Delhi. The capacity of POW is to carry 104 passengers at a time.”

“An additional coach is added with the name Royal SPA where the guests will enjoy Ayurvedic and Non-Ayurvedic massage. This year the Palace on Wheels will provide delicious Indian and foreign foods to its guests,” said Mr. Sharma.