If I were to define the experience on Palace on Wheels in a single sentence I would sum it all up and describe it as an exhilarating lavish trip around some of the most captivating sights in Rajasthan. This trip is a dream cherished by a zillion people, but only few are lucky enough to experience the royal flavour.

In the Palace of Wheels you will experience a unique style of roaming across Rajasthan to the Thar Desert, stunning palace and beautiful havelis. The ride begins from the capital, Delhi and then navigates through various destinations that include Jodhpur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur and also Agra. But the travel is hardly the entire story; the 5-star luxury inside the Palace on Wheels also feels like an enchanting fairy-tale.

The beautiful interiors, the culinary skills of the cooks, the hospitality of the hosts are all meticulously planned to keeping in mind the sheer essence of magnificent Rajasthan. All coaches of this mobile palace are named after each of the Rajasthani towns and are decked up with delicate Rajasthani artwork. The train houses several recreation spots like the lounge and areas to sit and enjoy the beautiful view of the Desert over some refreshing coffee.

The rooms in the Palace on Wheels are fully air-conditioned and is bejeweled with elegant décor and furnishing with finest of amenities a royal guest would beckon for. This forerunning luxury train also boasts of two restaurants that are rightly named The Maharani and The Maharaja. These restaurants not only serve lip-smacking authentic Rajastani food but all cuisine from around the world. The bar here is well-stocked with the finest of wines and spirits which keep up the spirits of the guest in the Palace of Wheels.

The train traverses across some of the most delightful sites in North India. As Delhi is a junction that is well-linked to all parts of the world, the guests are welcomed here from where the journey begins. As you are taken through a number of popular destinations mentioned in a travel book about India, you can paint a beautiful picture of India in your mind which will remain forever. Each destination, be it Jaipur or Udaipur has a magnificent story to tell that gives the guests an exquisite experience and feel of India. It is more than just a culture and heritage tour. It is a journey of a lifetime.

Palace on Wheels--half the passengers got food poisoning

A friend and I boarded the train on April 1, 2008.

It is not luxurious by western standards. It is shabby at best. The food is very mediocre.

But I could have stood all this. By the last few days of the trip, half the people on the train had food poisoning!

Now, my friend and I had traveled all over Southern India prior to getting on the train, eaten in all sorts of places, and never got sick. So, it was definitely something on the train.

I would not recomend this trip under any circumstances.

Megan Dana-Wallace