Coaches
Palace On Wheels Coaches
Each coach of the luxury train Palace On Wheels borrows its name from the princely state of the former days of Rajputana. Each coach is decked with traditional Rajasthani decor and offers 4 twin bedded chambers.
Other facilities in the guest cabin include, 24*7 running hot and cold water, intercom services, channel music, attached toilet and bath and wall to wall carpeting for a comfortable living while you travel.
Furthermore, every coach comes with its very own Khitmadgar or an attendant to attend to every need of the guests, available throughout the day. Every guest coach is decorated with the aesthetics it is named after.
The saloons each come with a mini pantry, a lounge area with a television, a DVD player and a small library. The guests can get a place to relax while they enjoy their refreshments and beverages on-board the Palace on Wheels train.
The Palace on wheels Coaches are named as:
Alwar
The city of Alwar is placed right in between Delhi and Rajasthan and has played an important role in trade and commerce. The city also has a rich heritage and is reserves some of the rarest biodiversity of flora and fauna. The Alwar coach inspired by the city itself features a mix of oils and cone work owing to Alwar’s history and traditions. The lounge also features a miniature painting that is highly detailed along with the royal emblem of the state and has touches of pink on its walls that perfectly complements the decor and the ambiance.
Bharatpur
Known for the famous bird sanctuary situated at this city, the former princely state of Bharatpur was the abode of Maharaja Suraj Mal, a Jat King that ruled the city. He was highly admired for his valor and military prowess. The fortified township of the bygone era has now been transformed into an ornithologist’s dream. The Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary houses more than 376 species of migratory birds as well as those that reside there permanently. So, the coach’s interior is aptly designed surrounding the nature theme. Pictures and motifs of birds around the life tree are depicted. The color scheme used is reminiscent of the forest with colors like aqua and beige and paint a true picture of the forest of Ghana and Bharatpur.
Bikaner
Established by Rao Bika in 1486 AD as a separate kingdom, the Bikaner coach is designed in a true royal style. The colors of coronation like gold adorn the interiors and the vibrant reds of Padam Mahal and Anup Mahal of the Junagarh fort can be seen right in the middle of this luxury train coach. Other notable pieces include the oil painting of the legendary lovers Dhola and Maru on camelback which is drawn in Mughal style that is inspired by the Bikaner school of art. Other handicrafts and paintings also fill the room and are a feast for one’s eyes.
Bundi
A beautiful watercolor depicts the Hati Pol and the Bundi palace complex in the bedroom of the Bundi coach. Famous paintings like the Rag Ragini and the Ragmala are also featured in the walls within the Bundi coach. The coach also features beautiful frescoed ceiling and depict a color scheme in tune with the royal heritage of Bundi that can charm the onlookers.
Dholpur
Dholpur is popular due to its local quarries of sandstone. Sandstone finds its place within palaces and havelis as lattice work for railings and in balconies. The Dholpur coach is made of the beautiful teak ply wood. The sandstone charm is expressed in the teakwood with fine craftsmanship and a beautiful zardosi work wraps the coach all around that will take your breath away.
Dungargarh
The hill town of Dungargarh is the land of the Bhil tribals that make this town the popular ‘hill town’ known to people. The coach of Dungargarh is decorated with the famous lep work and is adorned with mirrors and relief work throughout the walls. A beautiful zardosi work further adds a touch of the royal charm to the coach.
Jaisalmer
Founded by Rao Jaisal in 1156 AD the fort city is famous for its havelis, cobbled streets, and ancient Jain temples. The coach of Jaisalmer features similar curved Jharokas, on the ceiling that are inspired from the beautiful latticed havelis with their amazing facades. The intricate work is also made in teakwood. Mirror backing further adds a touch of royal glamour on the walls. The beige color scheme is in tune with the color of the sand of the desert in Jaisalmer.
Jaipur
The capital city of the royal city of Rajasthan, was founded in 1727 AD Maharaja Swai Jai Singh, the namesake for the place. The beautiful city of Jaipur was planned and designed by the architect Vidyadhar as per the Maharaja’s orders. The beautiful monuments, gardens and fairs and festivals make Jaipur one of the most interesting cities in Rajasthan. The Jaipur coach has an eclectic ceiling design featuring the famed foil work called ´Phad´, which showcases the popular Rajasthani festivals like Teej, Holi, Diwali, Gangaur and more. The royal emblem of the state is embossed on the coach with vibrant Zardosi work. Miniature paintings adorn the walls that are inspired by the popular Jaipuri style. There are frescoes on the ceiling painted in gold and blue adding a contemporary touch.
Jhalawar
The name Jhalawar is derived from the Jhala tribe in Rajasthan, a popular royal clan of the state. The kingdom was established in 1838 AD. The ceiling of the Jhalawar coach is decorated much like the homes of the natives of the city. A unique ambience is created within the coach with colorful play of mirrors and shades decorated on plaster of Paris. Zardosi works on the walls, along with traditional handicrafts decorate the place in quintessential Rajputana style.
Jodhpur
The Mehrangarh Fort marks the most famous landmark of the royal city of Jodhpur. It is a fascinating structure made with coveted cusped arcades. The Moti Mahal, stands out within the campus as it was designed according to the Mughal style of architecture, due to the relationship of the royal family with the Mughals. Fine craftsmanship and attention to detail is seen in the ceiling of the coach. Rajasthani miniature paintings adorn the coach walls that is reminiscent of the romanticism of old world charm of the bygone era.
Kishangarh
The well-known Bani Thani paintings find their humble abode on the ceilings of this unique train coach. Interesting use of colors and patterns will leave you mesmerized while inside the Kishangarh coach. The exaggerated appearance of features like the eyes and long fingers are unique to the Kishangarh style of paintings. The wall in the lounge showcases the popular zardosi work. Yet another interesting feature is the fact that, the paintings on the ceiling is made using enamel and foil that adds another dimension to the flat paint.
Kota
Kota is situated along the Chambal River and is picturesquely bordered by lush green forests and large picnic gardens. The City Palace is the most popular site in Kota. The infamous Hati Pol is used to enter into the palace. Oil paintings of "Raja aur Praja" (The Monarch and his subjects) decorate the walls of the Kota coach. Raja Ram Singh II (1826-66) of Kota in the royal procession is depicted in a painting in Rajasthani style on the ceiling of the coach.
Sirohi
The city of Sirohi is popular all across the world for its infamous Gold Fort. One of the most unique features of the fort are the colored glasses that envelope the fort. The fort architecture is based on the Indo-European style which is starkly different from traditional Rajasthani architecture. The Sirohi Coach feature the same charm in every room within the coach with similar Indo-European styles. Gold foil and glass work, decorate the walls of the coach interiors lending it a glitzy charm. There are several semi-precious stones embedded in the walls too in keeping with the royal heritage. Miniature paintings in Rajasthani style bring pop of color into the coach. The setting and color scheme is in tune with the old world charm and the city’s heritage.
Udaipur
Udaipur the most popular tourist city of Rajasthan was the home of the famous Sisodia Rajputs. The city called as the “city of lakes” is set beautifully by the Lake Pichola. Its glistening waters form the center of attraction for those that visit the city. A color scheme of blue and white has been adopted in the Udaipur Coach decor which is inspired by the city palaces and several lakes. The famous ‘Mor Chowk’ or the "Peacock Court" formed the inspiration for the lounge of the Udaipur coach. The coach is decorated with the unique Patra or oxidized white metal work and several relief works dot the walls of the coach. Zardosi work is also featured in the coach interiors in keeping with the Rajasthani style.