India’s Award-Winning Luxury Train

The Palace on Wheels is one of India’s most famous luxury trains. It began running in 1982, created by Indian Railways and the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation. The train was designed to bring back the royal style of travel once enjoyed by the Maharajas of Rajasthan, the Nizam of Hyderabad, the ruler of Baroda, and the British Viceroy of India.

Inside, the train combines the beauty of the past with modern comfort. Its coaches are designed like royal carriages, with elegant décor and all the facilities needed for a comfortable journey. The route takes you through Rajasthan’s most famous places, such as Jaipur’s grand forts and Udaipur’s beautiful palaces.

In 2024, the Palace on Wheels was named the World’s Best Luxury Train in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. Today, it continues to be a top choice for travellers who want to enjoy a mix of comfort, history, and the culture of Rajasthan.

Palace on Wheels Train Route

(Delhi – Jaipur – Sawai Madhopur – Chittorgarh – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Bharatpur – Agra – Delhi)
7 Nights / 8 Days

The Palace on Wheels takes you on a 7-night, 8-day journey through some of the most famous destinations in Rajasthan and North India. This luxury train combines royal comfort, warm hospitality, and the rich history of India. Each day brings a new city, new sights, and a new story from India’s heritage.

Highlights of the Journey

Delhi: The adventure begins in the bustling capital city, where the train departs for a week filled with comfort and culture.
Jaipur (The Pink City): Visit the City Palace, Hawa Mahal, and Jantar Mantar. Explore the Amber Fort, a 16th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site set in the Aravalli Hills.
Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambhore National Park): Enjoy a jungle safari at one of India’s most famous tiger reserves. You may see Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, and many other wild animals.
Chittorgarh: Discover the grand Chittorgarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India, known for its history of bravery and Rajput legends.
Udaipur (City of Lakes): Explore the beautiful City Palace, Saheliyon Ki Bari, and the Crystal Gallery. Take in the scenic lakes and enjoy shopping in the local markets.
Jaisalmer (Golden City): Walk through golden sand dunes, visit Jaisalmer Fort, see the Havelis, and enjoy the desert charm of Rajasthan.
Jodhpur (Blue City): Visit Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, and the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum. Spend time in the colourful local bazaars.
Bharatpur (Keoladeo National Park): A paradise for bird lovers, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to hundreds of native and migratory bird species.
Agra: The final stop before returning to Delhi includes a visit to the Agra Fort and the world-famous Taj Mahal, a symbol of love and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

After these memorable stops, the train returns to Delhi, marking the end of an unforgettable journey filled with royal comfort, cultural experiences, and timeless beauty.

Palace on Wheels Itinerary (7 Nights / 8 Days)

(Delhi – Jaipur – Sawai Madhopur – Chittorgarh – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Bharatpur – Agra – Delhi)

Day 1 – Begin your trip in Delhi and Jaipur

Your Palace on Wheels journey starts in New Delhi. Guests arrive at Safdarjung Railway Station. This happens at four o’clock in the afternoon. A special welcome awaits you there. You will see garlands, music, and traditional rituals. This sets the scene for your luxury train trip.

After checking in easily, go to your cabin. Your cabin blends royal style with comfort. The train leaves Delhi at half past six in the evening. Your luxury trip through Rajasthan begins now. The first stop is Jaipur, the Pink City. This is a key Palace on Wheels destination.

In the evening, guests eat dinner. You will dine in the Maharaja or Maharani cars. Chefs prepare a grand multi-course meal. They use Indian and international flavours. Fresh ingredients and old methods are used.

After dinner, relax in your suite. The Palace on Wheels moves through the countryside. This journey combines culture and elegance. It promises an unforgettable adventure. You will explore India’s royal heartland.

Day 2 – The Pink City of Jaipur: A Rajasthani Marvel

The Palace on Wheels train reaches Jaipur early. This is around three forty-five in the morning. Jaipur is Rajasthan’s beautiful capital city. It is called the Pink City due to its buildings. This stop is the first major one on your trip.

Start your day with a lovely breakfast. This is served in the train’s dining car. It happens at seven in the morning. Soon after, at eight, you get a traditional welcome. There will be music, flowers, and aarti. This is a warm welcome to Jaipur’s culture.

At eight-thirty, a guided tour begins. You will travel in an air-conditioned coach. Visit famous places like Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). See Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the grand City Palace. This was once home to the royal family. Enjoy free time in colourful local markets. These markets sell jewellery, fabrics, and crafts.

Next, you will go to the impressive Amber Fort. This is a highlight of the trip. You will ride an elephant up the hill. Inside the fort, see the beautiful Sheesh Mahal. Enjoy a royal lunch at a historic place. It offers great views.

After exploring the fort, return to the train. Be back by six in the evening. Relax in your private cabin. A grand dinner is served on board. This happens at eight in the evening. Enjoy Indian and international food.

The train leaves Jaipur at half past eleven at night. Your luxury journey continues. It heads towards Sawai Madhopur. This is near Ranthambore National Park. Sleep soundly as the train takes you there.

Day 3 – Sawai Madhopur & Chittorgarh: Old Forts, Wild Animals

Day three of your Palace on Wheels trip offers excitement. It mixes wildlife adventure with Rajput grandeur. This truly shows you the royal Rajasthan experience. At five-thirty in the morning, the train reaches Sawai Madhopur. This is home to Ranthambore National Park. It is a top wildlife reserve in India. This is a key stop on your royal train journey.

At six in the morning, go on a Ranthambore safari. You might see Bengal tigers and leopards. Look for deer and many exotic birds. The jungle landscape of Rajasthan is beautiful. This special experience makes train travel in India unique.

After your wildlife trip, return to the train. Enjoy a lovely breakfast at nine-fifteen. Then, relax on board. The Palace on Wheels leaves for Chittorgarh at ten-thirty. Have a scenic lunch during the journey. Watch the countryside pass by your windows.

You will arrive at Chittorgarh by four in the afternoon. This historic city is famous for its large fort. At four-thirty, take a guided tour of Chittorgarh Fort. It is one of India’s biggest. Walk through huge gates and ancient palaces. Each place tells stories of Rajput pride.

As evening comes, enjoy tea at the fort. Then, at six, watch a Light and Sound Show. This show tells stories of royal bravery. It uses dramatic words and bright lights.

Return to the Palace on Wheels at seven-thirty. Relax in your elegant suite. At eight, have a luxurious dinner on the train. Master chefs prepare a gourmet meal. It perfectly ends a day combining wildlife and history. This day shows the timeless elegance of Palace on Wheels trips.

Day 4 – Udaipur- City of Lakes

The Palace on Wheels leaves Chittorgarh at two in the morning. Your royal train trip through Rajasthan continues. By eight in the morning, the train reaches Udaipur. This city is famous for its lakes. It is a beautiful stop on the Palace on Wheels journey. Udaipur is known for its calm waters and grand palaces.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast on the train at eight-fifteen. This prepares you for a full day in Udaipur. At nine, start your guided city tour by coach. Begin with a calm walk through Sahelion Ki Bari. This is a peaceful garden with lotus pools. It has marble pavilions and fountains.

Next, explore the local markets. You will find colourful fabrics and small paintings. There are also handicrafts and silver jewellery. Then, visit the splendid City Palace. This large complex has royal homes and museums. It looks over Lake Pichola. You get amazing views and learn about Udaipur’s history.

After this, see the Crystal Gallery. Here, you will find a rare collection of crystal items. This is a special part of any luxury train tour.

At one-thirty, enjoy a royal lunch. This is at the Fateh Prakash Palace Hotel. It is a historic lakeside place. Taste gourmet Rajasthani and international dishes. You will dine in a palace where Maharajas once ate.

After lunch, take a calm boat ride. This happens on Lake Pichola at two forty-five. See stunning views of Jag Mandir and Jag Niwas. These are grand palaces on the lake. This peaceful ride shows you Udaipur’s royal life.

Return to the station by three in the afternoon. Reboard the Palace on Wheels train. You can relax in your comfortable cabin. At three-thirty, enjoy afternoon tea. Light snacks are served in the lounge or your suite.

Soon after, the train leaves for Jaisalmer. This is Rajasthan’s famous Golden City. Settle in and watch the desert unfold. The sun will set over the dry landscape.

Dinner is served on board at seven-thirty. Enjoy a lovely meal made by the train’s chefs. This elegant dinner ends a day full of history and royal experiences in Rajasthan.

Day 5 – Jaisalmer: Rajasthan’s Golden City

Your day begins at seven-thirty in the morning. Enjoy a lovely breakfast on board the Palace on Wheels. You will arrive in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan’s Golden City.

At nine-fifteen, leave the train for a guided tour. Start with the peaceful Gadsisar Lake. Then, see the impressive Jaisalmer Fort. This is a living fort with great views. It overlooks the Thar Desert.

Explore the detailed havelis (mansions) in the old city. Visit Patwon Ki Haveli. Walk through busy markets. They offer textiles, crafts, and Rajasthani goods.

Return to the Palace on Wheels by one-thirty in the afternoon. Enjoy a relaxing lunch in the luxurious dining car.

At three-thirty, the adventure changes from buildings to nature. You will head to the grand Sam Sand Dunes. This is a key part of any luxury desert experience. Here, ride a camel across the Thar Desert. The rolling dunes and golden colours create a stunning view. As the sun sets, enjoy evening tea in the open desert. Take in the beautiful surroundings. This is an unforgettable moment on your luxury train trip.

By seven in the evening, return to the train to get ready. At seven forty-five, you are welcomed at HRH Gorbandh Palace. Enjoy an elegant dinner and cultural show. It features traditional Rajasthani music and dance. This lively performance shows the true royal Rajasthan experience.

At eleven forty-five at night, the Palace on Wheels leaves. It departs for Jodhpur. You can go to your cabin for a restful journey. The train travels through the desert night.

Day 6 – Jodhpur: Rajasthan’s Glorious Blue City

At seven in the morning, the Palace on Wheels arrives. It reaches Mandor, near Jodhpur. Jodhpur is known as Rajasthan’s Blue City. Its blue houses and royal past make it a key stop. Start your day with a big breakfast at seven-thirty. This prepares you for a great Jodhpur tour.

By nine in the morning, leave for Mehrangarh Fort. This is one of India’s largest forts. Explore its grand palaces inside. See Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, and others. They all have beautiful carvings and old items. These show Jodhpur’s royal history.

Next, visit the peaceful Jaswant Thada. This white marble memorial has neat gardens. Then, go to the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum. It displays old cars and royal items. This offers more insight into Rajasthan’s heritage.

At one-thirty, enjoy a gourmet lunch. This is at Hanumant Palace. It is a luxurious place combining old and new styles. After lunch, return to the train. Be back by two forty-five in the afternoon. Relax in your private cabin.

The Palace on Wheels leaves for Bharatpur at three-thirty. You can relax and think about Jodhpur’s beauty. End the day with a delicious dinner on board. This is at seven-thirty in the evening. The train moves through the desert under the stars. It continues your Indian luxury train journey.

Day 7 – Bharatpur & Agra: A Blend of Grandeur and Royal Love

Your day starts early as the Palace on Wheels arrives. It reaches Bharatpur at five in the morning. This city is rich in nature and history. At six, you will go on a morning trip. Visit Keoladeo National Park, a famous bird sanctuary. Explore this park with a guide. Many birds fill the skies here. It’s a must-see for nature lovers.

Return to the train by eight-thirty for breakfast. Then, the journey continues to Agra. This city holds India’s most famous symbol of love. At ten-thirty, you will arrive at Agra Fort Railway Station. Get ready for a memorable day of sightseeing in Agra.

Begin by visiting Agra Fort at eleven in the morning. This huge fort from the Mughal era is a UNESCO site. It shows grand old architecture. See its palaces, courtyards, and mosques. This gives a deep look into India’s Mughal history.

At one-thirty, enjoy a lavish lunch. This is at the ITC Mughal Hotel. You can taste classic Mughlai food and international dishes. The setting is very refined.

After lunch, go to the amazing Taj Mahal at three in the afternoon. Admire this white marble wonder. Notice its perfect shape, delicate carvings, and calm gardens. Learn about the sad love story. It’s about Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. This story charms visitors worldwide.

By five-thirty, enjoy shopping in Agra’s busy markets. They are known for marble work and leather goods. You can also find carpets and handicrafts. These are perfect souvenirs from your Palace on Wheels tour.

Return to the train for a gourmet dinner at eight in the evening. It is served in the elegant dining car. At eleven at night, the Palace on Wheels leaves Agra. It begins its last journey back to Delhi. Settle into your cabin. Reflect on a day full of history, beauty, and new discoveries.

Day 8 – Delhi: Journey’s End

At four in the morning, the Palace on Wheels arrives. It reaches Safdarjung Railway Station. This is the final stop of your amazing trip. You have journeyed through royal Rajasthan and Mughal India.

By seven in the morning, enjoy your final breakfast on board. This is a last luxurious meal in the dining car. You can think about your week of grand experiences. It was full of luxury and discovery. This is a perfect end to your Palace on Wheels tour. You were surrounded by elegance and great hospitality.

At seven-thirty, finish the checkout process. Then, leave the train at Safdarjung Station. This gracefully ends your remarkable luxury train journey in India. You will say goodbye to other travellers and the helpful staff. You will take with you memories of palaces, forts, wildlife, and delicious food. You will remember the timeless charm of the Palace on Wheels trip.