Palace on Wheels: A Regal Journey Through Rajasthan and Beyond
The Palace on Wheels is India’s iconic luxury train journey, offering travellers a unique blend of royal heritage, opulent comfort, and rich culture. Launched in 1982, this train is a joint initiative by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) and Indian Railways, designed to reflect the splendour of princely India while presenting modern amenities.
Taking you through majestic forts, serene lakes, desert landscapes, national parks, and the timeless Taj Mahal, Palace on Wheels is more than just a train ride—it’s a moving heritage hotel.
Route & Itinerary: 7 Nights / 8 Days of Royal Splendour
The complete journey begins at Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi, every Wednesday evening and winds through the most legendary destinations of Rajasthan and adjoining areas. Here’s a day-wise breakdown:
| Day | Route / Key Destinations | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | New Delhi → Jaipur | Grand welcome at the station; onboard dining; settle into your cabins. |
| Day 2 | Jaipur, the Pink City | Visits to Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Albert Hall Museum, Jantar Mantar, lunch at Amber Fort followed by an elephant ride. |
| Day 3 | Ranthambhore / Sawai Madhopur → Chittorgarh | Early morning wildlife safari in Ranthambore National Park; later, Chittorgarh Fort and palaces. |
| Day 4 | Udaipur | City of Lakes: palatial architecture, lakeside views, romantic ambience. |
| Day 5 | Jaisalmer | The Golden City: desert, forts, havelis, maybe a camel safari & folk performances. |
| Day 6 | Jodhpur | Majestic Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, bazaars, blue houses & local flavours. |
| Day 7 | Bharatpur → Agra | Bird-watching in Keoladeo Ghana National Park, then the grandeur of Agra: Red Fort and Taj Mahal. |
| Day 8 | Return to New Delhi | Disembarkation; final breakfast onboard; memories to take back. |
Facilities & On-Board Experiences
To make the journey truly luxurious, Palace on Wheels is equipped with:
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Coaches & Cabins: Fourteen saloons, each name-themed on former princely states; majority are Deluxe Cabins, with a few Super Deluxe Cabins, all air-conditioned, with en suite baths (hot/cold water, showers), wardrobes, reading lights.
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Restaurants & Dining: Two main restaurant cars (often called “Maharaja” & “Maharani”), offering Rajasthani, Indian, Continental (and sometimes international) cuisines. Regional specialties, royal recipes, often in grand surroundings.
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Lounge, Bar & Spa: A bar-cum-lounge for relaxing evenings; spa facilities offering massages & rejuvenation treatments; common lounges in saloons for socializing.
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Pantry & Service: Each saloon has a pantry for hot/cold beverages & snacks; service is attentive, with turban-clad attendants & guides who accompany during off-train tours.
History & Heritage
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Origins: Established on 26 January 1982, Palace on Wheels was one of India’s first luxury trains aimed at promoting tourism.
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Design Inspiration: The train’s coaches draw from former royal carriages of Rajputana, Baroda, Nizam, etc. Interiors are richly decorated with traditional arts like ornamental mirror-work (from the Sheesh Mahal of Amber Fort), Tigri work, etc.
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Upgrades & Heritage Status: Revamped in 2017 when it was rebranded “Heritage Palace on Wheels”, with upgrades in decor, services, and itinerary.
Who Should Travel & Best Time to Go
Ideal for:
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Culture and history lovers
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Luxury travellers who prefer immersive experiences over fast travel
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Nature & wildlife enthusiasts (with safari options)
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Photographers & people who enjoy architecture, landscapes and off-beat luxury
Best season:
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September to April — weather is pleasant, nights are cooler, desert landscapes vivid, fewer travel-disrupting rains.
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Avoid harsh summer months (May-June) and monsoon season for maximum comfort.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Journey
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Book in Advance: Slots fill fast, especially in peak-seasons / around festivals.
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Pack Smart: Layers for cool nights, comfortable shoes for exploring forts & palaces, sun protection.
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Carry Binoculars & Camera: Wildlife, especially at Ranthambore and bird sanctuary Bharatpur, offers great sights.
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Respect Local Customs: Some sites require modest attire; also, tipping the staff (khidmatgars) is customary but check official guidance.
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Health Precautions: If prone to motion sickness or with health sensitivities, plan accordingly; the train journey is luxurious but still rail-based.
The Palace on Wheels remains one of India’s most unforgettable journeys—where every dawn dawns in a different palatial city, each sunset brings new royalty, and every moment feels cherished. If you seek a vacation that’s part history lesson, part dreamscape, this is it.
