Palace on Wheels Package

The Palace on Wheels offers a luxurious journey through India’s most iconic destinations, including Rajasthan’s royal cities. This exclusive train is designed to provide passengers with an experience akin to that of Indian royalty. With its opulent interiors, attentive service, and gourmet dining options, it’s more than just travel—it’s a taste of true grandeur.

The Palace on Wheels package includes a 7-night, 8-day itinerary covering cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Sawai Madhopur, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra, with stops at popular attractions such as the Amber Fort, City Palace, and the Taj Mahal. Each stop offers guided tours, cultural performances, and local delicacies, ensuring travelers get a well-rounded experience.

The package covers all onboard amenities, including meals, drinks (excluding alcohol), cabin accommodations, sightseeing charges, and entrance fees. The cabins are equipped with modern facilities, blending heritage aesthetics with contemporary comforts. Passengers also enjoy access to spa treatments, lounges, and a bar for relaxation.

Overall, it’s perfect for travelers seeking an unforgettable and hassle-free journey through India’s heritage, with the added benefit of luxurious convenience.

HISTORY of Palace on Wheels

India’s first luxury train, the Palace on Wheels, has always stayed true to its core concept: offering comfortable overnight travel in air-conditioned cabins while arranging guided sightseeing tours by day in air-conditioned buses.

Looking back in time, these elegant coaches were once used by the royal families of Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad, and even the Viceroy of British India. However, post-independence, these royal carriages were left unused for about 25 years. It wasn’t until 1981-82 that the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, in collaboration with Indian Railways, revived these luxurious coaches as a special heritage train, delivering a truly unique travel experience for visitors to Rajasthan.

The name Palace on Wheels is inspired by the regal heritage of the coaches. Over the years, the train’s infrastructure has been upgraded while preserving its royal ambiance. In the late 1980s, the original saloons were replaced by meter-gauge coaches with air-conditioned cabins and shared bathrooms. By 1996, following the conversion of India’s railway tracks, a broad-gauge version of the train was introduced, complete with private attached bathrooms in every cabin.

In September 2017, further upgrades were made to enhance the guest experience. The new carriages offer more space and the choice between Deluxe and Super Deluxe cabins, bringing a new level of comfort to this iconic train journey.

Facilities of Palace on Wheels

The Palace on Wheels presents a unique blend of luxury, comfort, and cultural immersion. It continues to stay true to its original concept, offering overnight journeys in air-conditioned cabins while arranging guided daytime sightseeing tours in air-conditioned buses. This experience ensures that travelers enjoy a seamless and comfortable journey while exploring India’s heritage.

Key Highlights of Palace on Wheels

• 39 Deluxe Cabins and 2 Super Deluxe Cabins are designed with a royal touch, offering cozy bedding, elegant décor, and modern amenities.
• Restaurant Cars with Bar Lounges serve an array of gourmet Indian and international cuisines, paired with an extensive selection of wines, spirits, and cocktails.
• A dedicated Spa Car offers various massage therapies and wellness treatments, adding an extra layer of relaxation to the journey.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi keeps passengers connected, allowing them to share their experiences and access information during the trip.
• Each cabin comes with an exclusive butler, ensuring personalized service, from morning tea to evening cocktails.

Additional Details

• The train is equipped with an electric supply of 110/230 AC volts, with multiple plug points available in both cabins and bathrooms. Bringing your own adapter is recommended, based on your electronic devices.
• Laundry services are available on selected days, allowing guests to freshen up their wardrobe without hassle.
• As cabin storage is limited, travelers are advised to pack soft-top luggage that meets standard international airline carry-on size requirements.
• The train maintains a central temperature of 22°C for a consistently comfortable onboard experience.
• Smoking is strictly prohibited, ensuring a safe and healthy environment throughout the journey.

These features make the Palace on Wheels an exceptional way to experience India’s royal history, offering the grandeur of a bygone era coupled with modern comforts.

Palace on Wheels Itinerary: 7-Night, 8-Day Journey

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the Palace on Wheels Package, offering a luxurious 7-night, 8-day itinerary across India’s most iconic destinations. Designed to provide the best in comfort and royal hospitality, this train tour lets you travel overnight in opulent cabins, followed by guided tours to India’s rich cultural landmarks. Let’s take a closer look at this exceptional itinerary:

The Palace on Wheels Itinerary

Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days

Day 1 (Wednesday) : Depart from New Delhi

Your journey with the Palace on Wheels Package begins at Safdarjung Railway Station, where you’ll be greeted with a traditional welcome featuring garlands, tikka, and turbans. After check-in formalities, enjoy a photoshoot with the staff dressed in traditional attire. A personal attendant will guide you to your cabin for a briefing, followed by a welcome drink in the Bar Lounge. The train departs at 6:30 PM, with dinner served onboard.

Day 2 (Thursday) : Jaipur, The Pink City

After breakfast onboard, experience a royal elephant welcome at Jaipur Railway Station. Explore the St. Albert Museum, City Palace, and Jantar Mantar—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll also visit the Hawa Mahal for a brief photo stop before heading to the Amber Fort for an elephant ride up the steep ramparts. Savor lunch at the 1135 AD Boutique Restaurant inside the fort. After exploring the fort’s grandeur, visit the vibrant local market before returning to the train for dinner.

Day 3 (Friday) : Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve & Chittorgarh

Start early with a safari in the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve, home to tigers, sloth bears, and diverse wildlife. After lunch onboard, arrive at Chittorgarh Fort, India’s largest hill fort. Enjoy a sound and light show before dinner onboard as the train departs past midnight.

Day 4 (Saturday) : Udaipur, The City of Lakes

The Palace on Wheels Package take you to Udaipur, where you’ll visit the City Palace complex and the Crystal Gallery. Enjoy a boat ride around Lake Pichola’s famous Lake Palace Hotel, followed by lunch at Fatehprakash Palace Hotel. Later, visit Saheliyon Ki Bari before boarding the train for dinner.

Day 5 (Sunday) : Jaisalmer, The Golden City

Explore Jaisalmer Fort, a living fort that seems straight out of a fairytale. Visit Patwon Ki Haveli and the Jain Temples, followed by lunch at a 5-star hotel. Enjoy a camel ride at Sam Sand Dunes, a cultural program, and dinner before returning to the train.

Day 6 (Monday) : Jodhpur, The Heart of Marwar

Arrive in Jodhpur to explore the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, and Umaid Bhawan Palace. Savor lunch at Hanwant Mahal Boutique Restaurant before departing for the next destination.

Day 7 (Tuesday): Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary & Agra

Early morning, visit the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary for a rickshaw ride to witness the rich avian diversity. In Agra, explore the Agra Fort and the iconic Taj Mahal. Lunch at ITC Mughal Hotel is followed by shopping and dinner onboard.

Day 8 (Wednesday): Return to New Delhi

The Palace on Wheels Package conclude as the train returns to Safdarjung Railway Station by 5:30 AM. After breakfast, check out by 7:15 AM, ending your journey through India’s royal past.

Additional Information

• The onboard management of the Palace on Wheels Package may adjust timings for local logistics.
• Meal locations may vary based on availability.

This luxury train tour combines heritage, comfort, and adventure, making it a perfect way to explore India’s timeless beauty.