Palace
on Wheels
Roll back the pages of time for one glorious week, re capture the pomp and pageantry
of a royal past in royal style. Step aboard the Palace on Wheels, once the personal
railway coaches of the erstwhile rulers of the princely states of Gujrat and
Rajputana, the viceroy of British India and the Nizam of Hyderabad. See Rajasthan
in all its splendour and the TajMahal at Agra..a celebration of everything that
is beautiful..A journey into the past on a luxury train
Travelling on the famed Palace on Wheels is one of the most memorable ways to
explore India's stately splendour. Unquestionably it's an unparalleled experience
to ride the replica carriages refurbished to look like the original saloons
of the Maharajas, the erstwhile rulers of India. The Palace on Wheels is one
of India's most fascinating sojourns covering the pink state capital Jaipur,
the golden citadel Jaisalmer, the blue city of Jodhpur, the National Park Ramthambhor,
the symbol of chivalry Chittorgarh, romantic city of Lakes Udaipur, the bird
sanctuary Bharatpur and the mughal capital Agra before returning to Delhi.
Luxurious Salloons
The Palace on Wheels has been rated one of the ten best luxurious train journeys
in the world. Originally the train had 12 fully furnished non-air conditioned
saloons, once owned by former Maharajas, Governor Generals and Viceroys of the
British period. The Palace on Wheels started as unique holiday concept hauled
by a steam engine with its inaugural trip on 26th January,1982.
In 1991, a new air-conditioned meter gauge Palace on Wheels on the lines of
the old heritage train was launched. The interiors of the current 14 saloons
are authentic replicas of the historic coaches. Each saloon is equipped with
twin- bedded cabins, each with channel music, intercom, with attached baths
and running hot and cold water and a shower.
These Coaches include:
Alwar Saloon:
Located strategically, Alwar is the gateway to Rajasthan from Delhi. With a
turbulent history spanning back to the medieval era. Alwar has been an important
place of trade and commerce. Bestowed by nature with a unique habitat comprising
of forests and deep valleys. Alwar is home to several species of flora and fauna.
The ceiling of the Alwar Saloon lounge has been done aesthetically in mix-media
of cone work, and oils in relief, depicting a hunting scene. The royal emblem
and a miniature adorn the lounge. Subtle tones of pink enhance the romantic
ambience of the lounge..
Bharatpur Saloon:
Maharaja Suraj Mal, the valiant Rajput King who was admired for his chivalry
and courage, had his abode here, in Bharatpur. Once a fortified township, Bharatpur
is now an ornithologist paradise, and well known for the Bharatpur water-bird
sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to over 376 avian species. Echoing the vividness
of nature's gift to Bharatpur the relief work on this Saloon depicts various
species of birds on the tree of life. A replica of the royal crest of Bharatpur
adorns the valance of the blind. The 'nature' theme is further endorsed by the
white cedar inlay work depicting birds and painted peacocks, sitting on a haveli
worked on a mirror. The colour scheme, with its profusion of beige and aqua
green, is a vivid reminder of lush green forests of Bharatpur and Ghana.
Bikaner Saloon:
The state of Bikaner came into being 1486 A.D. when Rao Bika set out to carve
a separate kingdom for himself. The colour scheme of the lounge has been motivated
by the opulent coronation rooms in burning red and gold of the Anup Mahal and
Padam Mahal of the Junagarh fort. The royal state crest is placed on the valance
along with some handicrafts of Rajasthan. The ceiling is done up in relief work
and oil painting on canvas depicting the legendary lovers Dhola & Maru on
Camel back. The artwork in the lounge belongs to the Mughal influenced Bikaner
School of Art styles.
Bundi Saloon:
The quaint little state of Bundi lies cradled on the hills, east of Mewar. The
palace complex of Bundi towers above the township. An imposing structure; it
is approached by long paved ramp that ascends to the Hathi Pol, and is depicted
in water colour work in one of the bedrooms. The famous Ragmala also called
Rag Ragini, paintings of Bundi have been highlighted through oil paintings on
canvas and are placed on the ceilings. The royal crest is highlighted on the
valance. The famous Bundi School of painting is depicted in the famed and mounted
art pieces and also serves as the basis for the colour scheme and overall décor,
including a delightfully frescoed ceiling.
The Train
The coaches are named after erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan, recalling
bygone grandeur and pageantry. Everything matches, even the ambiance which is
totally soaked in the colourful tradition of Rajasthani art. Panels and ceilings
are covered with miniature and traditional motifs reflecting the pageantry of
courtly life.
Each saloon has a mini pantry and a lounge to ensure availability of beverages
and refreshments and a place to relax and go together.
Before dinner, most fellow passenger meet at the well-stocked bar. The bartender
mixes cocktails and serves soft alcoholic beverages. This is the place to sit
and be seen sitting and talking while sipping a drink or simply watching the
countryside through large panoramic windows. Attached to the comfortable bar
lounge are two equally exquisite restaurants, the Maharaja and the Maharani
respectively, with opulent draped curtains, elegantly crafted lights and stylish
dining is among the highlight of the journey. Apart from the chef's special
of the day there is delicious choice of local Rajasthani, Chinese and Continental
cuisine.
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