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 Ajmer History
Historically, Ajmer always had great strategic importance and
was sacked by Mahumud of Ghazni on one of his periodic forays
from Afghanistan. Later it became a favorite residence of the
great Moghula. One of the first contacts between the Moghula and
the British occurred in Ajmer when Sir Thomas Roe met with
Jahangir here in 1616. The city was subsequently taken by the
Scindias and, in 1818, it was handed over to the British,
becoming one of the few places in Rajasthan controlled directly
by British rather than being part of a princely state.
See Rajasthan in its entire splendor and the Taj Mahal at Agra. A celebration of everything that is beautiful. A journey into the past on a luxury train.
The Palace on Wheels has been rated one of the ten best luxurious train journeys in the world. Originally the train had 12 fully furnished non-air conditioned saloons, once owned by former Maharajas, Governor Generals and Viceroys of the British period. The Palace on Wheels started as unique holiday concept hauled by a steam engine with its inaugural trip on 26th January,1982.
In 1991, a new air-conditioned meter gauge Palace on Wheels on the lines of the old heritage train was launched. The interiors of the current 14 saloons are authentic replicas of the historic coaches. Each saloon is equipped with twin-bedded cabins, each with channel music, intercom, with attached baths and running hot and cold water and a shower. Each saloon has a mini pantry and a lounge to ensure availability of beverages and refreshments and a place to relax and go together.
The coaches are named after erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan, recalling bygone grandeur and pageantry. Everything matches, even the ambiance which is totally soaked in the colourful tradition of Rajasthani Art. Panels and ceilings are covered with miniature and traditional motifs reflecting the pageantry of courtly life.
Before dinner, most fellow passenger meets at the well-stocked bar. The bartender mixes cocktails and serves soft alcoholic beverages. This is the place to sit and be seen sitting and talking while sipping a drink or simply watching the countryside through large panoramic windows. Attached to the comfortable bar lounge are two equally exquisite restaurants, the Maharaja and the Maharani respectively, with opulent draped curtains, elegantly crafted lights and stylish dining is among the highlight of the journey. Apart from the chef's special of the day there is delicious choice of local Rajasthani, Chinese and Continental cuisine
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