The Palace - on

India's premier luxury train has to be The Palace-on-Wheels. And, that's exactly what it is- a mobile palace. During the days of the Raj, its fourteen coaches belonged to the royal Rajput families, who would make journeys to the Delhi Durbars in splendid, sedentary style.

Today, the train is run not for Royals or by Royals, but by the rather prosaic Tourism Department, the Government of India. And this time round, travel is for suitably well off plebs; in other word, the new Royalty of India.

Right Royal Treatment

The fourteen coaches are named after former royal Rajput kingdoms like Jodhpur, Bikaner, Udaipur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Alwar et al. Each coach is decorated in the colours of these former Princely states. All the coaches are sumptuously appointed, with liveried personal attendants attached to each of them.

The attendants cater to your any whim with old world courtesy and charm. On the rare occasion that you'd rather not get dressed to breakfast in the dining car, the attendants will be happy to rustle up an omelette or two, in the privacy of your coach. It is quite an experience eating a typically Continental breakfast of toast, orange juice and chive omelettes while being served by men dressed in turbans and angarakhas.

Tradition and Modernity

This happy confluence of tradition and modernity continues in the way the train has been renovated. There are modern conveniences like central air conditioning, an interconnected telephone system, and four channels playing softly piped music. Each coach has a separate pantry and lounge. The coupes have attached bathrooms. Top class cuisine is served in the dining car with something to satisfy every picky palate. In addition, there are two specialty restaurants, named rather aptly, 'Maharaja' and Maharani'. Indian and Continental cuisine is served in these restaurants. There is also a bar for those long, hot summer nights. For those with less 'spirited' tastes, there is a mini- library of sorts with a reading and relaxing coach attached.

Duration and Destinations

The Palace-on-Wheels travels by night. Each morning, the train pulls into a new destination. The day is then filled with sight seeing, local entertainment, shopping and meals at five star hotels.

A trip usually lasts for a duration of eight days. The train starts from Delhi every Wednesday. It then does the loop via Jaipur, Chittor, Udaipur, Sawai Madhopur (here is located the Ranthambore National Park famed for its tigers), Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra, before heading back to Delhi again.

What We've Heard About It: The Inside Scoop

The only ones who can afford the luxury of travelling on The Palace-On-Wheels, are foreigners (who enjoy the benefit of the lousy exchange rate of the Indian rupee) and a miniscule percentage of super-rich Indians. Sometimes, people just can't believe there's actually an Indian who can afford to pay the exorbitant costs. Be prepared for some disbelieving looks if you're a brown skin, 'You're actually a part of Palace-On-Wheels?' will be a standard question.! They're not being rude or racist, the locals are just being realistic. Apart from that little hiccup, it's pure luxury; definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity. Also, try eating a breakfast in your coach at least once. I swear I have never eaten such creamy scrambled eggs in my life before (and believe me, I have seen a lot of scrambled eggs in my lifetime)!

How Much The Experience will cost you?

Gulp! Gulp! Gulp! Before you know it, you're out of pocket. Only bread and water for the next three years, as you indulge a sybaritic side you never thought you had. Indeed, it's not too surprising that The Palace- on-Wheels is a very costly affair. The Tariff- Per person per night is:

1. Single Occupancy - US$ 425
2. Double Occupancy - US$ 300
3. Triple Occupancy - US$ 240

*Children between the ages of 5 and 12 years are charged half fare.
*Indian passengers have to pay in Rupees (equivalent to the above-mentioned amount) at the prevailing exchange rate.

Tariff is exclusive of miscellaneous personal expenses like liquor and laundry.

For more information, contact: indianrailways

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