Palace on Wheels will complete 32 years of its inception tomorrow on January 26, 2014. The first luxury train of India Palace on Wheels operated by RTDC and IR to promote tourism in Rajasthan was launched on 26th of January 1982. Palace on Wheels was launched as an initiative to showcase the royal heritage of India to tourists from overseas. It was the first luxury train to be introduced in India.
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| A week in royal land of Rajasthan aboard Palace on Wheels |
A brainchild of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC), this Indian luxury train begun its journey as a joint venture between the RTDC and the Indian Railways. The 168 hours journey all-inclusive journey costing US $ 3150 per person starts and concludes in New Delhi.
The week long itinerary of Palace on Wheels includes tours to Jaipur, Ranthambore, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra. All meals are complimentary and cost includes off train excursions, guides, and complimentary welcome kit which include a royal Rajasthani turban.
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| Trainspotting – The well stocked bar aboard Palace on Wheels |
Palace on Wheels was originally composed of the refurbished personal carriages of erstwhile maharajas of India and ran on narrow gauge. The train travelled across destinations in Rajasthan offering guests a mesmerizing glimpse of the Rajput warrior history, desert castles and vibrant culture.
The success story of Palace on Wheels, its craze amongst overseas tourists and connoisseurs of luxury traveling and the huge demand for this kind of elegant train traveling led to introduction of similar luxury trains in India over the years the latest being Maharajas Express which is also considered Asia’s most luxurious rail ride.Nowadays there are 5 luxury trains in India offering a total of 11 pan-Indian pre packaged, all-inclusive rail tours to the most alluring destinations in India. For more on luxury trains in India feel free to visit the website of the Indian Luxury Trains.
To get a sneak peek into these elegant train, you may also like to visit the online photo stream of the Indian Luxury Trains on Flickr. Check out Palace on Wheels video to get a glimpse in the life aboard this elegant rail journey.
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