

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 2 twin bedded and 2
double 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 facilities 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 colour 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 colour
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 colour 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 colour scheme and overall décor,
including a delightfully frescoed ceiling.