'Palace on Wheels' steams out on its journey

New Delhi, Aug 5 (ANI): India's premier tourist luxury train, 'Palace on Wheels' steamed out of New Delhi on Wednesday.

To woo more tourists, the train has been refurbished with an added spa and variety of cuisines on its menu.

Forty-one passengers, including foreigners, boarded the train.

"We had actually heard about this train long back and we planned with our European friends to come here but unfortunately we could not manage but this time we decided to go on this train with our whole family," Murli Adnani, a passenger.

The joint operators of this exclusive train-Indian Railways and the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC)-- expressed hope that the added facilities would attract tourists.

"Now this time after two to three years, refurbishing has been done. All the saloons, cabins and lounge cars have new curtains, new tapestry, new carpets; all have been changed. We have added a spa car this year apart from this, the cuisine, now we have Indian, Chinese, Continental, Italian, Mexican, Thai, sea food every thing is there," said Pramod Sharma, General Manager, Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation.

The journey by the Palace on Wheels covers all the famous royal palaces, museums, sanctuaries and the Thar Desert in Rajasthan over a period of seven days.

Guests on the Palace on Wheels are taken around the rich cultural heritages, including architecturally renowned palaces in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Chittorgarh and Jaisalmer.

Inaugurated in 1982, the 'Palace on Wheels' has been a hit with tourists.

The fully air-conditioned train has 14 deluxe saloons in which the Maharajas of yore traveled.

In tune with modern trends, all saloons are equipped with five star amenities like channel music, intercom, running hot water, double beds and wall-to-wall carpeting.

The interiors of most coaches reflect the glory and elegance of various dynasties of Indian history. (ANI)