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HERITAGE TRAIN DETAIL

Palace on Wheels

Launched in 1982, Palace on Wheels pioneered luxury rail tourism in India by combining royal-inspired accommodation with a journey through Rajasthan's historic destinations.

Route
Delhi – Jaipur – Sawai Madhopur – Chittorgarh – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Bharatpur – Agra – Delhi
State
Delhi, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh
Year started
1982
UNESCO status
Not UNESCO-listed; heritage luxury train visiting several major historic and UNESCO-recognised destinations

Palace on Wheels is one of India's most recognisable luxury trains and played a pioneering role in the development of luxury rail tourism in the country.

The train was inspired by the royal railway carriages historically associated with Indian rulers and dignitaries.

Its journey begins in Delhi and travels through Rajasthan, visiting destinations including Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bharatpur before visiting Agra and returning to Delhi.

The train's coaches and interiors are designed to evoke Rajasthan's royal heritage while providing modern accommodation and hospitality.

Palace on Wheels itself is not a UNESCO World Heritage property. However, its itinerary is strongly centred on India's architectural, cultural and royal heritage.

Its success helped establish the model later followed by several other Indian luxury tourist trains.

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