Best Activities During Your Palace on Wheels Trip

Palace on Wheels is India’s first luxury train. It started in 1982 and even won the PATA Gold Award in 1987. Since then, it has become a symbol of royal travel in India.

This train gives you a feel of how kings and queens once travelled. From the time you board the train until you step off, the service, food, and stay are made to feel special.

You can relax, enjoy the views, or go on fun tours. Inside the train, you get comfort and care. Outside, you visit some of India’s best tourist places.

Everything is designed to give you a rich and smooth journey. The train has many great features like clean cabins, dining cars, a bar, and friendly staff. In this blog, we will share the top things you should try while on the Palace on Wheels.

Feel the Comfort of a Luxury Trip

Palace on Wheels is built for comfort and style. Every coach looks like a royal carriage once used by Indian princes. At the same time, it has all the modern features you need to travel with ease. Inside, you’ll see local art, handmade décor, and traditional designs that show the culture of each region.

Food on the train is a special treat. There are two restaurants that serve Indian, Continental, and European dishes. After sightseeing, you can relax in the lounge with a drink or book. If you want to unwind even more, the spa on board offers massages and other treatments to help you feel fresh and relaxed.

Relax with a Spa on the Train

Palace on Wheels is known for offering top comfort, and that includes its spa. The spa has a calm and quiet space where you can relax your body and mind. You can pick from many treatments like Ayurvedic massages, hot stone therapy, Thai oil massage, and special spa packages. Each one is meant to help you feel refreshed and stress-free during your journey.

Palace on Wheels Takes You on a Jungle Adventure

A road block by a male tiger and his cubs on a jungle trail in an evening safari at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, India

One of the best parts of travelling on the Palace on Wheels is the range of trips it includes. A key highlight is the jungle safari. The train takes you to two famous wildlife spots – Ranthambore National Park and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.

At Ranthambore, you may get the rare chance to see a Royal Bengal Tiger in the wild. It’s one of India’s top tiger reserves. Then at Bharatpur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can spot hundreds of birds. Both local and migratory birds live here, along with some small animals. It’s a peaceful place and great for bird lovers.

Enjoy Rajasthani Food on the Train

You don’t have to leave the train to enjoy the taste of Rajasthan. On board, there are two restaurants with stylish interiors that serve real Rajasthani food. The meals are full of local flavour and made with care.

You can also choose from other dishes like Continental and European cuisine. If you prefer, you can pick your meal from an à la carte menu. The train also has a bar with a good mix of drinks. It serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, including Indian and international brands.

Fun and Adventure on a Desert Safari

A desert safari in Jaisalmer is one of the most exciting parts of the Palace on Wheels journey. You’ll ride across the famous Sam Sand Dunes, where the golden sands stretch as far as the eye can see.

You can enjoy a camel ride, which is fun and full of adventure. As the sun begins to set, the views turn magical. Later, you’ll have dinner outdoors with a warm bonfire nearby and the cool desert breeze around you.

The evening ends with a live cultural show under the stars – a true taste of Rajasthan’s music and dance.

See Rajasthan’s Heritage on the Palace on Wheels

Rajasthan is known for its rich history, and the Palace on Wheels lets you explore it in comfort. The train takes you through cities like Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Bharatpur.

Each city has its own stories and old buildings that show the beauty of past times. You’ll see grand forts, royal palaces, and stunning architecture. These places are not just old—they are reminders of how skilled and creative people were in the past.

The Taj Mahal: A Wonder of India

While travelling on the Palace on Wheels, you also get to visit the Taj Mahal — one of the most famous landmarks in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of love and beauty.

Seeing the Taj Mahal in person is a moment you won’t forget. Its white marble, fine details, and peaceful setting make you stop and admire it. You may find yourself quietly looking at it, lost in your own thoughts.

Watch the Light and Sound Show at Agra Fort

Agra Fort is another important stop on the Palace on Wheels journey. This grand fort, built during the rule of Emperor Akbar, was home to many Mughal kings. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walking through the fort is like stepping into history. The walls, halls, and courtyards all tell stories of the past. In the evening, you can watch a light and sound show inside the fort. The show shares the fort’s history in a lively and colourful way, making the visit even more special.

Explore the Old City of Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is one of the best preserved collections of the Mughal architecture in India. UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sun shining through the columns of the five-story palace Panch Mahal.

Fatehpur Sikri, also known as the City of Victory, is another highlight of the trip. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was once the capital of the Mughal Empire under Emperor Akbar.

Though it was only used for a short time, the city still has many grand buildings. These include palaces, halls, and courtyards that show a mix of Mughal and Persian design. Walking through Fatehpur Sikri feels like stepping back in time, with every corner showing fine art and history.

Rajasthan’s Famous Shopping Spots

Rajasthan is a great place for shopping, especially if you like traditional and handmade items. The local markets are full of colour and culture. You can find everything from handicrafts and jewellery to shoes and clothes.

Some well-known markets include Tripolia and Johari Bazaar in Jaipur, Sadar Bazaar and Bada Bazaar in Jaisalmer, and Mahatma Gandhi Road in Bikaner. These places are perfect for picking up souvenirs and gifts that remind you of your journey.

Puppet Shows That Make You Smile

While in Rajasthan, you’ll also get to enjoy a traditional puppet show. These shows are simple, fun, and full of local charm. The stories often tell tales of kings, queens, and old legends from the region.

Puppet shows are a big part of Rajasthan’s culture and are loved by both children and adults. Watching one during your Palace on Wheels trip is a great way to enjoy the local art and storytelling.