Imagine sitting in a royal cabin filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, gazing out the window at the golden desert landscape. After a day exploring Rajasthan’s forts and temples, you’ll return to the train, worthy of Royalty alone for the evening, enjoying the fine dining experience it has to offer. That’s the magic of Palace on Wheels! One of India’s finest luxury train experiences.
The Palace on Wheels luxury train in India offers travelers a chance to experience the country’s rich heritage and culture while traveling in first class. Inspired by the royalty of India’s kings and maharajas, the luxury Palace on Wheels offers world-class service and accommodation, sightseeing opportunities, excellent food and much more. From first-time travelers to luxury train enthusiasts, this guide has everything you need to know about the Palace on Wheels itinerary, the Palace on Wheels booking process, the luxury experience and why it’s worth every penny.
What is the Palace on Wheels?
The Palace on Wheels train is India’s premier luxury heritage train, offering travelers the opportunity to experience Rajasthan in unparalleled comfort.
A joint venture between the Rajasthan Government and Indian Railways, this luxury train was launched in 1982. Modeled after the personal railways of the maharajas, nizams and viceroys, the Palace on Wheels is one of India’s most well-known and well-established luxury train services.
Instead of staying in various hotels, Palace on Wheels passengers can enjoy the luxury of the train as it travels from one location to another overnight. You’ll wake up in a different city each morning, explore its rich history and culture and enjoy first-class amenities.
The seven-night journey typically begins and ends in Delhi, with excursions to destinations such as Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Chittorgarh, Bharatpur, Ranthambore National Park and Agra.
Few train journeys can rival the luxury and rich culture of Rajasthan that Palace on Wheels offers. Read on to find out why the Palace on Wheels is India’s most sought-after luxury train.
Why is Palace on Wheels India’s Most Luxurious Train?
The Palace on Wheels offers more than beautiful cabins fit for a king and queen. It offers unique and personalized services, world-class cuisine and exceptional experiences you won’t find anywhere else on the planet. Here are just some of the luxuries the Palace on Wheels has to offer.
Royal-Inspired Interior in All Coaches
Beautifully furnished, each coach is a masterpiece of modern luxury blended with royal elegance. Inspired by Rajasthan’s royal palaces, all the coaches have been named after the princely states of Rajasthan.
You can explore the rich history of Rajasthan as you travel from one city to another in one of the world’s most unique luxury accommodations. The coaches offer travelers a taste of old-world luxury merged with modern-day luxury hotels.
Butlers’ Personalized Attendant Service
One of the most popular aspects of the luxury train experience is the personal attendant or butler known as a ‘khidmatgar.’ Your personal attendant will cater to all your needs throughout your journey. From helping you with your morning tea to seeing you off to bed, nothing is too good for you during your Palace on Wheels experience.
This personalized luxury railway service is unmatched by any other travel experience in the world.
Luxury Cabins Featuring Attached Bathrooms
Each cabin combines the old-world charm with modern-day luxury amenities. The cabins offer
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Twin or double beds
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Attaching private bathrooms
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Air-conditioning
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Writing desk
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Wardrobe
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Vanity mirror
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Luxury toiletries
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Large windows
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Climate control
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Wi-Fi access in select cabins
These are just some of the luxury amenities each cabin features to assure guests of a comfortable stay.
Award-Winning Culinary Experience Featuring World-Class Cuisine
The dining experience on the Palace on Wheels is one of the most unique experiences money can buy.
The Palace on Wheels features beautifully decorated restaurants that serve Indian, Rajasthani, Chinese, Continental and other cuisines. Sample delicacies such as lavish breakfast buffets, multi-course lunches, candle-lit dinners and traditional Rajasthani cuisine. The train’s kitchen also prepares vegetarian meals, vegan delicacies and Indian wines for your dining pleasure.
The fine dining experience ensures you enjoy a delectable meal with a view after a day exploring the historical forts and palaces of Rajasthan.
Delightful Lounge & Bar
Following a day exploring the cultural heritage of Rajasthan and a lavish meal at the train’s restaurant, unwind at the bar and experience the luxury of India’s royal past. Savor exotic cocktails and whiskey as you mingle with fellow travelers from around the world in one of the most remarkable settings in India.
Spa & Wellness
Various itineraries include wellness and spa treatments. Soak your worries away as you indulge in relaxing spa treatments.
Curated Cultural Experiences
The Palace on Wheels also offers world-class entertainment.
You can enjoy
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Folk performances
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Puppet shows
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Royal welcome
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Heritage walks
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Palace dinners
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Cultural performances
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Local craft visits
These are just some of the cultural experiences you’ll enjoy on this unique and exciting journey.
Palace on Wheels Itinerary: A Royal Expedition Through Rajasthan
The Palace on Wheels itinerary is one of the most unique and enriching experiences money can buy. Over eight days, travelers can experience the magnificence of India’s most iconic destinations without the stress of finding hotels and transportation.
Destinations include the rich history, world-class cuisine and natural beauty of Rajasthan’s forts, palaces and wilderness.
Day 1 (Wednesday): Departure from New Delhi
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Arrive by 4:30 PM at Safdarjung Railway Station for a traditional welcome featuring garlanding, tikka application and a turban ceremony, followed by check-in procedures for the ‘Week in Wonderland’ train journey.
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Enjoy free time for photographs with Palace on Wheels staff dressed in traditional attire. A personal attendant will escort you to your cabin, providing an overview of its amenities.
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You may then relax or visit the Bar Lounge for a complimentary welcome drink. The train departs at 6:30 PM, with dinner served on board.
Day 2 (Thursday): Jaipur – The Pink City
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Begin the day with breakfast on the train, followed by a royal welcome at Jaipur Railway Station, complete with an elephant procession.
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Visit the Albert Hall Museum, the City Palace and Jantar Mantar, the historic astronomical observatory. Make a brief stop at Hawa Mahal before heading to Amber Fort in the afternoon, where an optional elephant ride takes you up the steep incline.
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Enjoy lunch at the 1135 AD Boutique Restaurant within the fort complex. Later, explore the grand 16th-century Fort Palace, notable for its blend of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles.
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At 5:00 PM, experience the local bazaar with some shopping before returning to the train by 6:00 PM. Departure follows, with dinner served en route.
Day 3 (Friday Morning): Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve
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Rise early for a 6:30 AM departure from a forest lodge to begin a jungle safari in 15-seater canters through Ranthambhore National Park.
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One of India’s most renowned wildlife reserves, it shelters tigers, leopards, sloth bears, pythons, marsh crocodiles, deer and a wide variety of bird species—an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.
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Return to Sawai Madhopur Railway Station by 10:00 AM and rejoin the train. Lunch is served onboard as the journey continues.
Day 3 (Friday Afternoon): Chittorgarh Fort
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The train arrives at Chittorgarh at 4:00 PM. Embark on a tour of the Chittorgarh Hill Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spread across a vast plateau and recognized as India’s largest fort, with origins dating back to the 11th century.
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In the evening, attend a sound and light show within the fort complex before returning to the train for dinner.
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The train departs after midnight.
Day 4 (Saturday): Udaipur – The City of Lakes
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Arrival in Udaipur is at 8:00 AM. After breakfast onboard, visit the 17th-century City Palace, a sprawling complex of eleven interconnected palaces featuring balconies, towers and domes.
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Also explore the Crystal Gallery, showcasing the private collection of the Maharana of Udaipur.
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Later, take a boat ride around Lake Pichola, passing the iconic Lake Palace Hotel situated on an island. Lunch is served at the grand Fateh Prakash Palace Hotel.
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The afternoon includes free time for shopping and a visit to Saheliyon Ki Bari, the Royal Garden. Return to the train by 3:00 PM and depart.
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Dinner is served onboard.
Day 5 (Sunday): Jaisalmer – Desert Oasis
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After breakfast on board, arrive at Jaisalmer Fort at 9:30 AM, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 15th-century golden-hued fortress invites leisurely exploration through its massive gates and courtyards.
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Visit Patwon ki Haveli, an elaborate merchant residence and nearby Jain temples from the same era, which house ancient manuscripts.
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Enjoy lunch at a five-star hotel before returning to the train for a short rest.
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At 4:30 PM, head to Sam Sand Dunes for a camel ride at sunset. The evening concludes with a cultural performance and dinner at a luxury hotel.
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Return to the train by 10:00 PM.
Day 6 (Monday): Jodhpur – Heart of Marwar
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The train reaches Jodhpur at 8:00 AM. After breakfast, visit Mehrangarh Fort, perched 125 meters above the city.
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Its strategically designed gates were built to resist enemy attacks. Inside, discover ornate palace apartments and a museum displaying royal costumes and medieval weaponry. Nearby lies Jaswant Thada, a 19th-century white marble memorial dedicated to Jodhpur’s rulers.
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Also visit the museum at Umaid Bhawan Palace, home to artifacts from the royal family.
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Lunch is served at Hanwant Mahal Boutique Restaurant.
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Return to the train by 3:30 PM. Dinner is served onboard.
Day 7 (Tuesday Morning): Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
At 6:30 AM, proceed to the UNESCO-listed Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Take a cycle rickshaw ride through the park to observe over 375 species of birds, including migratory visitors from Sri Lanka, Europe, Siberia, China and Tibet. Return to the train for breakfast and depart at 8:45 AM.
Day 7 (Tuesday Afternoon): Agra – City of the Taj Mahal
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Arrive at a railway station on Agra’s outskirts at 10:30 AM. Begin sightseeing with a visit to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former seat of Mughal power.
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After lunch at ITC Mughal Hotel, proceed to the Taj Mahal—one of the modern world’s seven wonders and a masterpiece of white marble architecture.
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Guests then have free time for shopping before returning to the train for dinner and departure.
Day 8 (Wednesday): Return to New Delhi
The Palace on Wheels arrives back at Safdarjung Railway Station in Delhi by 5:30 AM. Check-out is completed by 7:15 AM following an early breakfast.
What’s Included in the Palace on Wheels Package?
Considering the luxury and unique experiences of the Palace on Wheels, you might wonder what’s included in its price package.
Most commonly, your Palace on Wheels package will include
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Luxury accommodation onboard
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All meals during the journey
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Tea, coffee and bottled water
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Guided sightseeing tours
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Air-conditioned transportation during excursions
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Monument entry fees
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Wildlife safari
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Cultural performances
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English-speaking guides
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Welcome ceremony
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Assistance throughout your journey
Since most aspects of your trip are combined in one package, you can enjoy the luxury train experience without having to worry about extra costs.
What is the Palace on Wheels price?
One of the most common questions travelers ask is about the Palace on Wheels price.
Since this is a premium luxury train, pricing reflects the exclusive experience, personalized service, luxury accommodations, gourmet dining and guided sightseeing included throughout the journey.
The Palace on Wheels cost varies depending on several factors, including:
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Cabin Category
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Single or Double Occupancy
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Seasonal Pricing
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Taxes and Government Charges
Travelers should always request a complete quotation before confirming their reservation.
When is the Best Time to Take the Palace on Wheels?
If you’re wondering when the best time to experience the Palace on Wheels is, consider traveling between October and March when Rajasthan enjoys pleasant weather.
During these months, you’ll enjoy moderately warm days and cool evenings – the perfect time to explore Rajasthan’s historical and cultural heritage sites. The pleasant weather also makes it easier to enjoy wildlife safaris and nature walks during your journey.
The months are also marked by several local festivals such as the Diwali festival, Pushkar camel fair, Christmas and New year events – all of which attract international travelers.
While the Palace on Wheels operates year-round, the cooler months are the most sought-after time to take the luxury train journey.
Why Book Palace on Wheels Journey with Janu Private Tours?
A luxury train experience such as the Palace on Wheels requires exceptional travel expertise and knowledge. At Janu Private Tours, we specialize in providing you with the best luxury travel experiences in India. We understand that a luxury train journey requires more than just a ticket. That’s why we offer you a range of travel solutions to complement your luxury Palace on Wheels journey.
Our expert travel consultants can assist you with everything from choosing the most suitable Palace on Wheels itineraries to helping with Palace on Wheels booking. We also offer our clients private airport transfers, luxury hotel accommodation, professional English-speaking guides, tailor-made Golden Triangle tours and 24/7 travel assistance throughout your journey.
Whether you are a first-time visitor to India or an avid traveler, Janu Private Tours wants to provide you with the best luxury Palace on Wheels experience in India.
