Palace on Wheels Luxury Train : Costliest train in India

The Palace on Wheels is more than just a luxury train—it’s the costliest train in India, offering an experience of true opulence and royalty. This renowned train takes passengers on an elegant journey through Rajasthan’s most stunning historic sites, providing top-tier amenities along the way.

From the moment you board, you’re immersed in luxury, with beautiful décor and personalized service that make you feel like royalty. Each cabin showcases the grandeur of Indian palaces, creating a unique, regal ambiance. Passengers can indulge in gourmet dining, relax in the onboard spa, and enjoy guided tours at iconic destinations.

While several luxury trains operate in India, the Palace on Wheels remains the costliest train in India, offering an exclusive travel experience that matches its price. For those seeking an unforgettable journey filled with unmatched luxury and personal touches, the Palace on Wheels is the ultimate choice.

History of the Palace on Wheels : The Costliest Train in India

India’s first luxury train, the Palace on Wheels, combines overnight journeys in comfortable, air-conditioned sleeper cabins with daytime sightseeing tours on AC buses for an unforgettable experience. This unique train began with a touch of history, as its original coaches once carried the royalty of Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad, and British officials. After India’s independence, these carriages were preserved until 1981-82, when the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways transformed them into the Palace on Wheels, offering travelers a taste of royal elegance.

Recognized as the costliest train in India, the Palace on Wheels has evolved while keeping its royal charm. In the late 1980s, the original coaches were replaced with newer air-conditioned cabins that included shared bathrooms, and by 1996, upgrades allowed for private, attached bathrooms in all cabins. In 2017, further enhancements introduced larger carriages and the choice between Deluxe and Super Deluxe cabins, ensuring that the Palace on Wheels remains the costliest train in India, providing a one-of-a-kind travel experience.

Facilities of The Palace on Wheels Luxury Train

The Palace on Wheels is designed to offer a luxurious journey, living up to its status as the costliest train in India. Each cabin is fully air-conditioned and comes with a private bathroom, Wi-Fi, a mini pantry, a music channel, a secure safe, and plush wall-to-wall carpeting. Every saloon has a personal attendant, or “khidmatgar,” ensuring your experience is as royal and comfortable as possible.

Inspired by Rajasthan’s iconic palaces and forts, the train’s interiors are crafted in opulent shades of ruby, turquoise, and pearl, creating an atmosphere of pure regal charm. Onboard, guests can unwind in two resto-bar lounges, indulge in Ayurvedic spa treatments, and stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi. The Maharaja and Maharani dining cars serve freshly prepared international cuisine from the onboard kitchen, adding to the sophisticated experience.

The concept is simple yet extraordinary: sleep in comfort on this luxury train by night, and explore India’s breathtaking sites by day. The Palace on Wheels continues to be a top choice for travelers seeking a journey of unmatched luxury on the costliest train in India.

Key Highlights:

39 Deluxe Cabins and 2 luxurious Super Deluxe Cabins
Elegant restaurant cars with bar lounges
A dedicated spa car for relaxation and rejuvenation
Complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the train
Personal butler service for every cabin

Additional Details:

Electric supply: 110/230 AC volts with plug points in cabins and bathrooms (remember to bring adaptors if needed)
Laundry service is available on select days
Limited storage in cabins; soft luggage (similar to airline standards) is recommended
The train is climate-controlled at a comfortable 22°C, with a strict no-smoking policy

The Palace on Wheels Luxury Train Route

Day 1 (Wednesday): Departure from New Delhi

Your adventure kicks off at Safdarjung Railway Station in New Delhi. Arrive by 4:30 PM to be greeted with a warm, traditional welcome, complete with garlands, tikka, and a turban. After check-in, you’ll have a chance to take photos with the elegantly dressed staff of the Palace on Wheels, renowned as the costliest train in India. Your personal attendant will guide you to your luxurious saloon cabin and introduce you to the onboard amenities. Relax with a welcome drink in the Bar Lounge before the train departs at 6:30 PM, and savor your first dinner onboard.

Day 2 (Thursday): Exploring Jaipur, The Pink City

Wake up to a delightful breakfast onboard as the train rolls into Jaipur. Step onto the platform to a grand elephant welcome, setting the scene for a day of history and charm. Start with visits to the St. Albert Museum, the regal Pink City Palace, and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar observatory. After a quick photo stop at the iconic Hawa Mahal, make your way to the famous Amber Fort, also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

At Amber Fort, enjoy a scenic elephant ride up to the fort and indulge in a memorable lunch at the 1135 AD Boutique Restaurant. Wander through this architectural marvel that blends Rajput and Mughal styles, then browse Jaipur’s vibrant local markets. By 6:00 PM, return to the costliest train in India as it heads to the next destination, with dinner served onboard.

Day 3 (Friday Morning): Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve

Start your day early with a 6:30 AM arrival at a forest lodge near the famous Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. Here, you’ll embark on an exciting jungle safari in a 15-seater canter, exploring one of India’s most renowned wildlife reserves. The reserve’s diverse ecosystem is home to majestic tigers, panthers, sloth bears, pythons, marsh crocodiles, deer, and a rich variety of bird species—a paradise for nature and wildlife enthusiasts. After your safari, return to Sawai Madhopur Railway Station to reboard the costliest train in India, ready for a freshly prepared lunch onboard as the train departs around 10:00 AM.

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

Arriving in Udaipur by 8:00 AM, you’ll enjoy breakfast onboard before heading out to explore this beautiful lakeside city. Start your day at the 17th-century City Palace, a grand complex with eleven ornate Mahals, stunning balconies, towers, and cupolas. You’ll also visit the fascinating Crystal Gallery, which houses a rare collection of items from the Maharaja of Udaipur. Next, take a serene boat ride around the iconic Lake Palace Hotel, set on a small island in the picturesque Lake Pichola. Lunch will be served at the royal Fatehprakash Palace Hotel, followed by some free time to shop and relax in the peaceful Royal Gardens at Saheliyon Ki Bari. By 3:00 PM, return to the train, where dinner will be served as the Palace on Wheels moves to its next destination.

Day 5 (Sunday): Jaisalmer, Oasis in the Desert

After breakfast onboard, head out at 9:30 AM to explore Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising 100 meters above Jaisalmer, this 15th-century golden fort looks like something straight out of a storybook. Wander through the lively courtyards and admire the sweeping views across the desert.

Next, visit the beautifully carved Patwon Ki Haveli, a stunning five-story mansion, and then make your way to the nearby Jain Temples, famous for their intricate carvings and ancient library of India’s oldest manuscripts. Lunch will be served at a 5-star hotel, with time for a quick rest back on the train afterward.

At 4:30 PM, venture out to the Sam Sand Dunes in the Thar Desert for a magical sunset camel ride. Enjoy a cultural program and dinner at a luxury hotel, then return to the train by 10:00 PM, ready for the next leg of your journey.

Day 6 (Monday): Jodhpur, Heart of Marwar

Arriving in Jodhpur by 8:00 AM, start your day with breakfast onboard before heading out to the impressive Mehrangarh Fort. This 16th-century fortress, perched 125 meters above the city, boasts defensive gates crafted to repel enemies. Inside, explore beautiful rooms that open into grand courtyards with breathtaking views. The fort museum showcases royal attire and medieval weaponry, offering a glimpse into Jodhpur’s history.

Nearby, visit Jaswant Thada, a serene cluster of white marble cenotaphs from the late 1800s. Then, explore the museum at Umaid Bhawan Palace, home to fascinating artifacts from Jodhpur’s royal family. Enjoy lunch at the charming Hanwant Mahal Boutique Restaurant, and by 3:30 PM, return to the costliest train in India to unwind. Dinner will be served onboard as the journey continues.

Day 7 (Tuesday Morning): Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Begin the day with an early morning visit to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary at 6:30 AM. Take a peaceful rickshaw ride through this renowned sanctuary, home to 375 bird species, including migratory birds from Sri Lanka, Europe, Siberia, China, and Tibet. After a quiet morning of bird-watching, return to the train for breakfast as it departs by 8:45 AM.

Day 7 (Tuesday Noon): Agra, City of the Taj Mahal

Reaching Agra around 10:30 AM, start with a visit to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former seat of the Mughal Empire. Enjoy lunch at the luxurious ITC Mughal Hotel before heading to the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Spend some time shopping before returning to the train, where dinner will be served as the Palace on Wheels embarks on the final leg of the journey.

Day 8 (Wednesday): Return to New Delhi

The journey aboard India’s costliest train concludes as the Palace on Wheels arrives at Safdarjung Railway Station in New Delhi by 5:30 AM. After an early breakfast, check out by 7:15 AM, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure.