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: and their lunch and dinner is organised at the best hotels in that town. Since the trains cater mainly to foreign tourists, there are also cultural programmes and shopping trips that are the other attractions of the package.

Living up to their names, the trains also offer facilities that would be deemed as luxury on any other train running in the country. Each saloon has a mini bar and a television. Additionally, there are restaurants on board, which serve an array of Indian and Continental cuisines. Facilities such as a bar, gym and beauty parlour are also available on the train. For those who cannot stay away from their work even on vacation, there is a conference room too. Soon a satellite phone is also going to be installed on the Palace on Wheels. And what’s more, each passenger also has a personal attendant to look after his/her needs.

Summing up the theme of these trains, a state government official said: “Our basic aim is to provide not only a sight-seeing package but also amenities and comforts which five star hotels provide as we target mainly the high income foreign tourists.” Another criteria kept in mind by the organisers is that the trains would be suitable only for those tourists who have ample time on them.” Typically the train package is for seven-eight days. Realistically, only travellers with about two to three weeks time in India would like to spend an entire week sight seeing by train,” the official added.

However with the average Indian earning more and spending more, the trains are looking at expanding their target base. Says GN Bhatt joint director, Rajasthan Information Centre, “We are now also offering packages to Indian companies and encouraging their employees to travel on these trains as part of their LTC.”

It is primarily the state tourism departments that are responsible for running the trains. Tickets for these journeys can be booked through any of their authorised general sales agents all over the world. Alternatively, they can also be booked at state tourism offices or online.