Palace on wheels is a journey worthy of Kings. No wonder the experience is labelled the Palace on Wheels. With its cream saloons, with a border of flowers, chug through Rajasthan on a journey through the former royal kingdom of this state. Once ruled by kings whose presence lingers on its forbidding fortress, and fairytale palaces, now converted into museums and hotels, and restaurants where retainers serve truly royal repasts. Newly assembled at the coach factory in Madras, it is fully vestibuled and centrally airconditioned, truely a palace on wheels.

Each Coach named after the former princely states, has 4 twin bedded chambers, thoughtfully decorated in ethnic Rajasthani décor. Channel Music, Intercom, Attached washrooms with hot & cold water and Wall to Wall carpeting are some of the Amenities to make you feel at home. Each saloon has personal attendants or Khidmatgars, who are at your beck and call to extend a courteous helping hand, should you need anything.

These Coaches include:
Alwar Saloon:
Located strategically, Alwar is the gateway to Rajasthan from Delhi. With a turbulent history spanning back to the medieval era. Alwar has been an important place of trade and commerce. Bestowed by nature with a unique habitat comprising of forests and deep valleys. Alwar is home to several species of flora and fauna. The ceiling of the Alwar Saloon lounge has been done aesthetically in mix-media of cone work, and oils in relief, depicting a hunting scene. The royal emblem and a miniature adorn the lounge. Subtle tones of pink enhance the romantic ambience of the lounge.

Bharatpur Saloon:
Maharaja Suraj Mal, the valiant Rajput King who was admired for his chivalry and courage, had his abode here, in Bharatpur. Once a fortified township, Bharatpur is now an ornithologist paradise, and well known for the Bharatpur water-bird sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to over 376 avian species. Echoing the vividness of nature's gift to Bharatpur the relief work on this Saloon depicts various species of birds on the tree of life. A replica of the royal crest of Bharatpur adorns the valance of the blind. The 'nature' theme is further endorsed by the white cedar inlay work depicting birds and painted peacocks, sitting on a haveli worked on a mirror. The color scheme, with its profusion of beige and aqua green, is a vivid reminder of lush green forests of Bharatpur and Ghana.

Bikaner Saloon:
The state of Bikaner came into being 1486 A.D. when Rao Bika set out to carve a separate kingdom for himself. The color scheme of the lounge has been motivated by the opulent coronation rooms in burning red and gold of the Anup Mahal and Padam Mahal of the Junagarh fort. The royal state crest is placed on the valance along with some handicrafts of Rajasthan. The ceiling is done up in relief work and oil painting on canvas depicting the legendary lovers Dhola & Maru on Camel back. The artwork in the lounge belongs to the Mughal influenced Bikaner School of Art styles.

Bundi Saloon:
The quaint little state of Bundi lies cradled on the hills, east of Mewar. The palace complex of Bundi towers above the township. An imposing structure; it is approached by long paved ramp that ascends to the Hathi Pol, and is depicted in water color work in one of the bedrooms. The famous Ragmala also called Rag Ragini, paintings of Bundi have been highlighted through oil paintings on canvas and are placed on the ceilings. The royal crest is highlighted on the valance. The famous Bundi School of painting is depicted in the famed and mounted art pieces and also serves as the basis for the color scheme and overall décor, including a delightfully frescoed ceiling.

more...  

more...