India’s iconic heritage train, the Palace on Wheels, set off on its first trip of the season from New Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station on September 25. Known for its grandeur and deep connection to Rajasthan’s royal past, the train provides a window into the state’s cultural past. On Wednesday, the train was officially flagged off by Sushma Arora, Managing Director of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, alongside Executive Director Rajendra Singh Shekhawat.
One of Indian Railways’ top tourist trains is on its way to some of Rajasthan’s most well-known cities, including Jaipur, known for its pink-hued buildings, Jaisalmer with its golden sand and the historic cities of Jodhpur and Udaipur.
This time around, the train carries 32 passengers, including five from both the United Kingdom and the United States, two each from Singapore, Spain and Australia and one from Poland, Ukraine and Sri Lanka. The rest, 12 in total, were from India. The train can host up to 82 guests in total.
The Palace on Wheels takes passengers on an eight-day trip, spanning seven nights, with departures from Delhi at 4 p.m. on select days each month. The ticket price for the Palace on Wheels varies depending on the season and type of accommodation. The months from October to March are seen as the peak season for the train, thanks to the pleasant weather in Rajasthan and Gujarat during this time.
The Presidential Suite is priced at INR 20,39,310, while the Super Deluxe option costs INR 15,96,588, per cabin. For the full trip, Single Occupancy is INR 8,72,081, and Double Occupancy is set at INR 5,67,056, per passenger.
The train has been given a new look and feel after mechanical and design work over the last three months. The private group now running the train has spent INR 2 crore to improve its aesthetics.
Bhagat Singh Lohagarh, overseeing the train’s operations, noted that about 400 seats have been booked for the season, which runs from September to March, according to TOI.
Launched 42 years ago in 1982, the Palace on Wheels was a collaborative effort between Indian Railways and the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation. This luxurious train has played a significant role in boosting tourism in Rajasthan and has helped raise its profile internationally.
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