For years, the Palace on Wheels provided the ultimate in opulent train journeys—14 regal saloons, twin-bedded cabins, grand dining, intercom, attached baths. But now, the Rajasthan government, through the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC), is ready with a sequel to the original. On Sunday, RTDC, in collaboration with the Indian Railways, rolls out what is being billed as a better, advanced version of the Palace on Wheels—the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels. The Royal Rajasthan will set off from Delhi’s Safdarjung railway station every Sunday evening and take the same route as the Palace on Wheels—a journey where Rajasthan’s forts, havelis, lakes and wildlife will provide the perfect backdrop. From Delhi, the train goes to Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur and Agra before returning to Delhi the following Sunday.

The Royal Rajasthan is a golden-black beauty with 21 coaches—14 passenger saloons, two restaurant-cum-bars, a kitchen, a staff car, a store-cum-staff car and two power cars. Thirteen of the 14 passenger saloons have been named after various forts in Rajasthan—Ummed Palace, Surya Mahal, Sukh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Padmini Mahal, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal, Jogi Mahal, Kishori Mahal, Kumbha Mahal, Lalgarh Mahal and Moti Mahal. These 13 saloons have three deluxe cabins each: Ruby, Sapphire and Pearl. Each of these cabins can accommodate two people and is equipped with a study table, a cupboard and bed-lamps. The sole super-deluxe saloon—named ‘Taj Mahal’—has two cabins, the ‘Emerald’ and the ‘Diamond’. The Royal Rajasthan is all set to become the first Wi-Fi enabled train in the country. In another two-three months, it will also offer a spa-cum-beauty parlour-cum-ayurvedic massage centre.

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