Tourists walk up to the Umaid Bhawan at Jodhpur in India's desert state of Rajasthan on March 6, 2007. Newly-wed British actress Elizabeth Hurley arrived in India with husband Arun Nayar on Monday for a traditional Indian-style wedding later this week at an ancient palace in Rajasthan. The newly-weds were expected to attend receptions in Mumbai before heading to Jodhpur in Rajasthan, renowned for its opulent palaces, for a traditional Indian wedding.
Former union minister Motilal Bohra, Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Mahadeo Singh Khandela and Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) Chairman Randeep Dhankhar flagged off the train on its unforgettable week-long journey.
Lawmakers from Rajasthan and other dignitaries were also present at the event.
The Palace on Wheels starts its journey on every Wednesday for seven days unforgettable journey between the months of September, 2012 to April, 2013 from Delhi.
Pramod Sharma, the general manager of the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC), said it is a concrete step towards making the presence of the state in the area of "Rail Tourism" for which Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Tourism Minister Bina Kak are working tirelessly.
The train has 23 coaches comprising of 14 Saloon''s, One "Spa" Coach, two Restaurant known as "Maharaja" & "Maharani" & one "Reception cum Bar".
The itinerary for the season would be Delhi-Jaipur-Sawai Madhopur-Chittorgarh-Udaipur-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Bharatpur-Agra-Delhi.
The capacity of POW is of carrying 104 passengers at a time.
In 34 rounds from September 2012 to April 2013, 3100 passengers are expected to travel in this royal train.