Trip to Palace on wheels, a train of luxury and grandeur, is an experience that anyone can cherish life long. Reminiscing the era of imperial kings of Rajasthan, the train fascinates the passengers to their hearts content. Days have gone, but this luxurious train Palace on Wheels and its cruising still throws light on the majestic style, the style which kings of the bygone era would have lead. Palace on Wheels houses exquisite cabins, wall -sized carpeting, a well equipped bar, dining cars and a cordial service and many more which would make them feel like top of the world.

Therefore Palace on Wheels proves to be the foremost sojourn which takes one to an all round journey for seven days. It encompasses places like Jaipur, the pink city of India and state capital of Rajasthan, the golden fort of Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and also interesting locales like the National Park of Ramthambore, Chittorgarh with its breathtaking beauty, Udaipur, the romantic city of lakes and palaces, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, Fatehpur Sikri. One cannot miss the wonders of the world, Taj Mahal at Agra before returning to Delhi from where it had started its historic journey.

The Palace on Wheels constitutes fourteen wholly air-conditioned luxurious `saloons`, stocked with amenities that are at par with international standards thereby enhancing the joy of commuting and travelling. Named after the Rajput states, these exquisite coaches match the aesthetics and royal interiors of the erstwhile era. Each saloon consists of a small pantry and also a lounge, which ensures accessibility of both hot and cold drink, and `refreshments`, and to top its all a place for relaxation and amusement.

Each and every coach is nicely decorated enhancing the joyous mood of the passengers. A coach has four double-bedded rooms embellished in the typical Rajasthani style. Facilities like Channel Music, intercom, attached toilets, running hot & cold water shower and wall carpeting makes one feel at home away from home .The smiling attendant, locally referred to as Khidmatgars are always at the doorstep of passengers whenever the need arises. One cannot ask for anything more

To be specific, a coach named Alwar has a ceiling which is beautifully created blending cone works and oil in relief. A regal emblem and a miniature painting are incorporated in the décor of this lounge. Delicate pink coloured tones create an ambience of romance and dream.

Reflecting the vivacity of nature`s presence in Bharatpur, a Rajput state, the relief work on the coach of Palace on Wheels, bearing the same name, portrays numerous bird species `on the tree of life`. Another piece of enhancement inside this coach is a replica of the regal crest of Bharatpur that decorates the cornice of the screens. White cedar inlay work of birds and decorated peacocks highlight the nature`s theme. The colour scheme, with its plethora of beige and aqua green, reminds one of lush green forests of Bharatpur and its surrounding regions.

The state crest of the royal family is placed on the pelmet along with some Rajasthani handiworks. The ceiling is adorned with relief works and an oil painting which depicts the legendary lovers Dhola and Maru on the back of a camel. The artistry of this lounge is influenced by Mughal style of Bikaner School of Art.

The Bundi coach of the Palace on Wheels is adorned by the paintings of its marvellous palace. Beautiful oil painting in the style of well-known Bundi paintings called Ragmala, also known as Rag Raginiare is placed on the roofs. The regal crest is painted on the pelmet. In choosing the colour scheme and in the overall decoration of the coach, including a charmingly frescoed ceiling, the tradition of Bundi School is reflected in every inch and bounce of it.

The Dholpur coach is noted for lattice artworks and pictures of palaces. The railings of the balcony are nicely decorated. Artistic acumen is highlighted in the way these balcony rails are made using teak ply. The pelmet is embellished with Dholpur crest in zardozi work.

The ceiling of Dungargarh coach is decorated with relief and mirror works following the `lep` work as followed by the tribal community. The majestic state crest, intricately embellished with the works of zardozi, adorns the pelmet screen.

The Palace on wheels has a coach named Jaisalmer, whose ceiling is full with intricately carved `jharokhas`. Resembling the facades of the ancient palaces of Jaisalmer, these structures are made of teak wood backed by mirror base. Jawahar Niwas façade, which is quite far famed, is highlighted in the state lounge cone, metal, copper and silver medium. The royal emblem adorns the pelmet of the screens. Beige colours of the sands of desert areas dominate as the colour scheme.

The state lounge ceiling of Jaipur coach is adorned with `Phad` or foil artwork, which displays scenes of some of the joyful festivals namely Gangaur, Teej, Holi, Diwali and many more. The valance is decorated with the regal state emblem in exquisite zardozi work. Famous miniature paintings of famous Jaipur School of Painting beautify the walls. The ceilings have painted frescoes drawn on the roofs with the use of complementary colours especially Blue and Gold which were the colour schemes of the then Jaipur state.

Jhalawar coach has been named after Jhalawar state which has a ceiling worked out in a medium as used by the local populace for their home decoration. An ambience of colour and romance is created with the display of colours and stunning mirror works. Plaster of Paris has been used as the medium. The royal crest of the former Jhalawar state, thronged with zardozi work is placed on the pelmet. Exclusive handicrafts support the tabletops of the lounge which enhances the beauty to greater heights.

The Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur with its fascinating pointed arcades and the exquisite designs of Moti Mahal revivified in nacre work, adorn the ceilings of Jodhpur coach. The royal crest and miniature paintings of Jodhpur School of Art deck up its valance.

Kishangarh coach of the Palace on Wheels has a charm of its own. Well-known Bani Thani paintings of Kishangarh with their speciality of drawing inflated body features like eyes, fingers are highlighted on the paintings of the ceiling. Here paintings are made using enamel and foils. Window screens are decorated with crest emblems of zardozi works, while paintings of Kishangarh school of Art highlight the wall of the state lounge. The décor of Kota coach follows the style of Kota school of designing. The distinguishing features of this school are emphasized in the oil paintings namely " Raja aur Praja" (The Monarch and his subjects) that beautifies the ceiling.

The décor of the Sirohi coach reflects the Indo-European style that is widely reflected in framed artworks and also in the colour scheme and its room ambience. There are gold foils and glass works decked with semi precious stones. A medium using cone and painting embossed in particle boards are used for this purpose. The royal emblem has been notably placed. Mounted miniatures that are created using the Sirohi School of style lend an exclusive fervour to its décor.

In the decoration of the Udaipur coach lounge of the Palace on wheels, influence of `Mor Chowk` or the Peacock Court is quite apparent. Combination of the relief work and Patra or oxidized white metal work is used as a medium. The royal crown of the state, in attractive zardozi work, is placed on the valance of the screens.

"The Maharaja" and "The Maharani" are two restaurants that are lavishly decorated and serve sumptuous Continental, Chinese, Indian and Rajasthani cuisines. Seating arrangements are made near the windows where a group of 2 and 4 can enjoy delicious dishes while beholding the beautiful scenery outside. In the attached pantry, devoted chefs are seen busy preparing some of the food delicacies for their treasured passengers. Palace on Wheels also houses a bar which is well stocked. To sum up, Palace on Wheels enthralls its passengers with all its comforts and efficient services- all that is needed for travelling in luxury and comfort.