
It
was in the eighties when indian Railway and Rajasthan Tourism decided
to work together on a project to resurrect some of these forgotten
symbols of its historic heritage. Thirteen carriages from different
princely states were brought together and refurbished, and the Palace
on Wheels was launched. A superb train that evoked the past with
modern facilities and created a journey that was on offer to people
around the world-wannabe princes who could be royals for their week
of the journey.
For, along with the restored carriages-some still glowing with their
original teakwood panels intact-came liveried attendants, royal
repasts from the attached kitchen, a lounge, and a dining car. The
Palace on Wheels had become so popular and there is and would always
be resistance to any move to discontinue it. The result was a spanking
new train that faithfully recreated the old one, but much more comfortable,
and intended to provide a smoother ride. However, this too was on
the meter gauge being used for yet another exotic journey in the
form of the Royal Orient Express that travels from Delhi to parts
of Rajasthan, but is used primarily to discover the neighboring
state of Gujarat.
Palace on Wheels:
History
of Palace on Wheels,
Coaches
of Palace on Wheels,
Itinerary
for Palace on Wheels,
Facilities
Provided by Palace on Wheels