
Palace on wheels:
The Palace on Wheels was India's first train luxury train. It was launched by the Indian Railways to promote tourism in Rajasthan, and has been highly popular since its launch.
Following its success, another luxury train named Royal Rajasthan on Wheels has been launched on the same route. Nowadays, there are a few tourism oriented luxury trains being operated by the Indian Railways in different parts of the country
History of palace on wheels:
The Palace on Wheels was started on January 26, India's Republic Day, in 1982.
The concept of the Palace on Wheels was derived from the royal background of the coaches, which were originally meant to be the personal railway coaches of the erstwhile rulers of the princely states of Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India.
Facilities in palace on wheels:
There are 14 coaches in the train. Each of them is named after former Rajput states and matches the aesthetics and interiors of the royal past. Facilities include a bar with the choicest Indian and international spirits, a lounge with a good collection of books and televisions and DVD players.
Cabins are air-conditioned with twin beds, channel music, intercom, and attached toilets running hot and cold water.
The train has two lavish restaurants, "The Maharaja" and "The Maharani", with a Rajasthani ambience and serving continental, Chinese, Indian and Rajasthani cuisines.
Route of palace on wheels:
The train departs from New Delhi and during its eight day journey, travels around Rajasthan with stops in Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur, and Agra.
Earlier, tickets for the Palace on Wheels were restricted to foreign nationals only by the Government of India, with Indian natives not allowed on board. However, it was later opened up to Indians as well, although even today tariffs are quoted in US Dollars.
Source: wikipedia