Nothing can beat the romanticism of the royal train tour on Palace on Wheels that chugs along the scenic routes coupled with historical landmarks. The history of Palace on Wheels is as interesting and fascinating as its journey itself. A definite tribute to the royal tradition of Indian Maharajas, this train travels down to the heart of India's rich cultural and historical heritage, Rajasthan. Dotted with forts, palaces, lakes, sand dunes and green forestry, Rajasthan is the land where the folklores of yore are still alive.
Under the aegis of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways, Palace on Wheels was introduced on January 26, 1982. One of the prestigious luxury trains in the world, Palace on Wheels derives its name from the royal background of its guest coaches which are the replica of the personal carriages used by the Maharajas, Nizams & the Viceroys.
After India got independence in 1947, all the royal carriages were ceased to be used as it was not feasible to include these in the normal passenger trains because of their valuable furnishings of the train interiors which required heavy upkeeping cost. Thus, with a view to promote tourism in Rajasthan and to provide the world travelers a royal experience of traveling, Palace on Wheels was launched in the year 1982. The motive was noble, to promote tourism in the train as well as to preserve the private cars of the erstwhile Nizams, Maharajas and Viceroys of India. Within just few years of its inception, the train caught the global fancy and was awarded the PATA Gold Award in 1987.