Difference between Palace On Wheels and Passenger Train
Indian trains have fascinated everyone since time immemorial. One can not only enjoy the train journey, but also get a chance to explore the diverse Indian landscape by peeping at it through train windows. Palace On Wheels is one such train that is endowed with several facilities like delicious food and offers royal travel to people traveling to Rajasthan. Trains have always been a great aspect of Indian culture ever since they were introduced in 1853 by British raj. Although many new trains have been introduced and several changes made in trains, everyone loves to travel in trains. Trains cover longer inter-state routes and also run on shorter city routes in cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Calcutta. Trains of India appease one with extraordinary facilities like meals and timely travel. Trains run on both steam and electricity like the fast bullet trains of Japan.
Facilities
Now, every passenger train does not have the ambiance of the state to which it travels. But, every coach in the Palace On Wheels has been designed after the erstwhile Rajput states and is compatible with the aesthetics of the Rajasthani royal history. It also does not have restaurants although packed meals are provided to the passengers in Rajdhani. But Palace On Wheels has two restaurants The Maharani and the Maharaja. These restaurants offer all kinds of cuisines from Chinese, Rajasthani to Indian.
Air-Conditioned Cabins
All the cabins in a train are not air conditioned although some deluxe cabins in passenger trains contain this facility. But in Palace On Wheels all the cabins are air conditioned with intercom, twin beds, availability of channel music and have adjoined toilets that provide both cold and hot water.
The train also has a bar. It also includes a lounge with collection of televisions, books and DVD players.
Fares
Fares of this train are also comparatively higher than the passenger trains. It all depends on the money that you are willing to expend. Earlier the travel in this train was only restricted to foreigners. But, now government of India has allowed travel to Indian nationals also.
Its tariffs are stated in US dollars as compared to all the other trains where tariffs are quoted in Indian currency.
Summary
Route-The Palace On Wheels also only covers one route in India which includes an eight day journey from Delhi to Rajasthan. It includes nine destinations en-route like Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Chittaurgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Bharatpur, Udaipur, and Agra.
Existence-Passenger trains arrived in India a long time ago. But Palace On Wheels, a luxury train made an entry on 26th January, 1982.
Booking of tickets-Palace On Wheels is one of the most luxurious trains in the world. A normal train travel is not that enjoyable. Palace On Wheels also does not allow purchase of tickets on the day of travel. Rather the tickets have to be booked in advance.
