Top interesting Facts About the Palace on Wheels – Luxury Train

The Palace on Wheels is one of India’s most famous luxury trains. It runs a well-planned 8-day, 7-night journey across Rajasthan and Agra. Inside the train, you’ll find elegant cabins, fine dining restaurants, a cosy bar, relaxing spa services, helpful butlers, and expert tour guides – all designed to give you a comfortable and rich experience.

This journey isn’t just about seeing new places. It’s about experiencing India’s royal side – the colourful culture, traditional food, local customs, spiritual sites, clothing styles, and warm hospitality. The train takes you through some of the most well-known and beautiful places in northern India.

If you’re thinking of booking a trip on the Palace on Wheels, here are top interesting facts that will amaze you even before you board the train.

A Glimpse into Life Aboard the Palace on Wheels

The Palace on Wheels isn’t just a luxury train with stylish rooms to sleep in. Its cabins are inspired by the ones once used by Indian royalty, and they’ve been carefully restored to keep that grand, regal feel. Each cabin comes with large windows, a private bathroom, entertainment features, and everything you need to relax in comfort.

But the experience goes far beyond your cabin. The train also has a spa carriage, where trained professionals offer relaxing treatments. If you need to take care of work, there’s a business area with everything you need to stay connected. You can enjoy delicious meals made fresh on board in the dining cars, or spend some quiet time in the library.

There’s also a lounge where you can unwind, an observation car for scenic views, and a well-stocked bar for drinks and conversation. Every part of the train is designed to make your journey smooth, rich, and memorable.

A Royal Tribute: Themed Coaches of the Palace on Wheels

The Palace on Wheels train has 14 coaches, and each one is named after a former princely state of Rajasthan. Long ago, these states had their own cultures, traditions, and ways of life. Today, they form the region we know as Rajasthan. To honour their history, every coach on the train is decorated to reflect the unique style of the state it represents.

For example, the Alwar coach has a rich design that reflects the royal past of the region. The ceiling features cone work and oil-based carvings that show hunting scenes – a major part of Alwar’s old traditions. The coach is painted in shades of pink, a colour often used in Alwar’s romantic-style buildings. You’ll also find miniature paintings inside, showing the royal lifestyle and love of hunting in ancient Alwar.

The Bharatpur coach is designed with an aqua green theme, representing the area’s rich wildlife and bird life. Bharatpur is famous for its bird sanctuary, so the coach includes images of rare birds. The interiors use white cedar wood with inlay designs, giving the coach a fresh, forest-like feel that matches the region’s green landscape and deep connection with nature.

Each coach on the train tells a story — not just through words, but through colours, art, and design. It’s like stepping into a small world shaped by the culture of royal Rajasthan.

Dining on the Palace on Wheels: A Taste of Tradition and Variety

Food is a big part of any holiday, and trying local dishes is a great way to learn about a place’s culture. On the Palace on Wheels, you’ll enjoy a wide range of meals – from traditional Rajasthani dishes to international favourites and other Indian classics.

The chefs on board take great care in preparing each meal. At some stops, they even pick up fresh local ingredients to make certain special dishes. This gives you an authentic taste of the regions you travel through.

Dining on the train is not just about the food – it’s also about the royal experience. The meals are served in elegant dining cars, styled to reflect how kings and queens once dined in their palaces.

As the journey lasts eight days, you’ll get to enjoy eight different menus – each day bringing something new and delicious to try. Whether you’re tasting a spicy Rajasthani curry or a rich international dessert, the food is sure to be a highlight of your trip.

A Shared Journey with Space for Everyone on the Palace on Wheels

The Palace on Wheels is designed as a group tour experience for up to 86 guests. During each journey, the train welcomes travellers from around the world who share an interest in culture, comfort, and adventure.

If you prefer to keep things private, you can enjoy the journey quietly in your own cabin, dine with your family or friends, and make the most of the onboard services at your own pace.

But if you enjoy meeting new people, the train also offers plenty of ways to socialise. There’s a lounge with games, a friendly bar, and often celebrations or events that bring people together. Whether you choose quiet time or shared moments, there’s space for every kind of traveller on board.

Smoking Policy on the Palace on Wheels

The Palace on Wheels has a strict no-smoking policy throughout the train, including inside private cabins. However, if you do wish to smoke, there is a designated smoking area available upon request.

It’s your holiday, and the staff do their best to make sure you feel comfortable – while also keeping things pleasant for all guests on board.

Everything Taken Care of on the Palace on Wheels

Your main job is to arrive at New Delhi railway station a few hours before the train’s departure. From that moment on, everything else is taken care of for you.

Over the next eight days, the tour manager and crew will handle all the details – from sightseeing and travel arrangements to meals, water, entrance tickets, and guided tours. You can simply relax and enjoy the journey, knowing that every part of your trip is in safe hands.

See More Without the Rush on the Palace on Wheels

Visiting more than eight places in eight days might sound like a lot – and you might wonder if you’ll spend the whole week just travelling. But that’s not the case on the Palace on Wheels.

Most of the long-distance journeys happen at night, while you relax or sleep in your cabin. When you wake up each morning, the train will have arrived at a new destination, ready for a full day of sightseeing.

The crew will be there to guide you through each place, making sure you don’t miss the highlights. In the evening, you return to the train, enjoy your dinner, and then the train quietly moves on to the next city while you rest.

It’s a smooth and efficient way to see many parts of Rajasthan and beyond, without feeling rushed or tired.

A Smooth and Relaxed Ride on the Palace on Wheels

Sleeping or moving around on a train isn’t always easy – especially when it’s running at full speed. That’s why the Palace on Wheels travels at a gentle, slower pace, much lower than the speed of regular trains.

This smooth ride means the chefs can cook fresh meals on board, and you can enjoy the facilities without feeling rushed or unsteady. It also lets you take in the scenery through the windows, walk around the train comfortably, and get a good night’s sleep.

Everything on board is designed to make your journey as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.

Souvenirs and Local Shopping on the Palace on Wheels

Markets and Shopping jaisalmer rajasthan

Every cultural destination is known for its local crafts and unique souvenirs. Many travellers like to take home a small piece of India – whether as a gift or a special keepsake from their journey.

To make this easy, the Palace on Wheels has its own souvenir shop on board, offering a range of handpicked items. In addition, the itinerary includes shopping stops at places like Jaipur, Agra, and other key destinations, where you can browse local markets and pick up beautiful handicrafts.

It’s a lovely way to remember your trip – and to share a bit of India with your loved ones back home.

A Journey Tailored to Your Needs on the Palace on Wheels

While the Palace on Wheels follows the same route and schedule each week, every trip can feel different. That’s because the experience is flexible and can be shaped around your personal needs and interests.

You can customise your meals, whether you prefer vegan, lactose-free, kosher, or other special diets – just let the team know in advance. If you’d rather explore a city on your own, you can skip the group sightseeing and create your own plan. Want to stay back and relax on the train instead? That’s perfectly fine too.

Some guests even charter the entire train for special events like weddings or corporate trips. So, whether you’re looking for a cultural getaway or a private celebration on wheels, the journey can be made just right for you.

Award-Winning Luxury Aboard the Palace on Wheels

The Palace on Wheels fare reflects its place as India’s first luxury train. But it’s not just about being the first – over the years, the train has earned several prestigious awards and recognitions for the quality of its service and experience.

These include Conde Nast Traveller’s ‘Best Luxury Train in the World’, the PATWA Award for Tourist Train of the Year (2018), the Best in Asia Award (2009), the PATA Gold Award, and many others.

These honours highlight the care, attention, and excellence that have gone into making every journey on the Palace on Wheels something truly special.

A Grand Welcome Aboard the Palace on Wheels

Your royal experience on the Palace on Wheels begins even before you step on board. At the station, the crew welcomes guests with a red-carpet ceremony that includes traditional music, cultural performances, and staff dressed in classic Rajasthani attire.

As you arrive, you’re greeted with a flower garland and given a welcome kit to start your journey. It’s a special moment that sets the tone for the days ahead – filled with comfort, culture, and thoughtful service.

A Comfortable Journey for All Ages on the Palace on Wheels

The Palace on Wheels itinerary is designed to be enjoyable for all age groups. Whether you’re travelling with children or older family members, the journey is made to feel safe, smooth, and comfortable.

Families with children can enjoy a worry-free holiday, with plenty of sights and experiences to keep everyone engaged. At the same time, the train offers support for those who may need a little extra care, including wheelchair assistance, medical help, and more.

Everyone is looked after – so you can relax and enjoy the journey, no matter your age or needs.

No Language Barriers on the Palace on Wheels

India is home to many languages, and this rich mix is a proud part of the country’s culture. But while you travel on the Palace on Wheels, you won’t need to worry about language barriers.

All the staff who interact with guests – including your butler, waiter, and tour manager – are fluent in English as well as the local languages. When you go on guided city tours, you’ll be with an English-speaking guide, making it easy to follow along, ask questions, and enjoy the experience.

So, whether you’re on the train or out exploring, communication is simple and smooth – leaving you free to focus on the journey.

A Relaxing and Enjoyable Journey on the Palace on Wheels

The bar on the Palace on Wheels is well-stocked with a wide range of top international and Indian spirits, wines, and beers. But if you don’t drink alcohol, you’re still welcome to join the fun. You can order non-alcoholic drinks, fresh juices, or tasty snacks, and enjoy the company of others in a relaxed setting.

The bartender is also happy to mix you a signature cocktail or prepare a special drink of your choice – just ask!

Beyond the bar, there are many little touches that make this journey feel special. Each morning, you’ll wake up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, delivered right to your cabin along with the day’s newspaper or a magazine.

You can also plan your trip to suit your budget by choosing the right season and cabin type. Plus, there are often special offers available that make the experience even more worthwhile.

Truthfully, there are too many small surprises and elegant details to list – and that’s part of the charm. The best way to understand what makes this journey so special is to experience it for yourself.

How about planning your next trip? The Palace on Wheels runs every Wednesday from September to April, with each itinerary offering something new to enjoy.