1. Palace on Wheels: India's Pioneer Luxury Heritage Train
Launched in 1982 as a joint venture between the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) and Indian Railways, the Palace on Wheels is the pioneer luxury tourist train of India. Originally constructed using the authentic vintage personal salon cars of the erstwhile Maharajas of Rajputana, the Nizam of Hyderabad, and the Viceroy of India, the train was completely modernized with broad-gauge luxury coaches while preserving its authentic regal aesthetic.
Each of the train's 14 guest coaches is named after a historic Rajput princely state—such as Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Udaipur, and Jaisalmer. Each coach accommodates only 8 guests across four deluxe staterooms, attended by two dedicated Khidmatgars (royal valets) dressed in traditional Rajasthani attire and turbans.
Authentic schedules and tariffs are managed via palaceonwheels.rajasthan.gov.in. Beware of unauthorized overseas ticketing aggregators charging excessive agency surcharges. Packages include all monument entry fees, royal cultural performances, camel desert safaris, and luxury palace luncheons.
2. The Classic 7-Night / 8-Day Royal Rajasthan Circuit
The Palace on Wheels operates an iconic circular route departing every Wednesday evening from Safdarjung Station in New Delhi:
- Day 1 (Wednesday): Delhi Departure: Red-carpet reception at Delhi Safdarjung at 04:30 PM with Shehnai music, flower garlands, and welcome cocktails before departure at 06:30 PM.
- Day 2 (Thursday): Jaipur: Royal elephant ride at Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, and royal banquet lunch at a heritage palace hotel.
- Day 3 (Friday): Ranthambore & Chittorgarh: Early morning 4x4 open-top tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park, followed by an afternoon tour of the monumental hilltop Chittorgarh Fort with evening light-and-sound show.
- Day 4 (Saturday): Udaipur: Morning tour of City Palace, Jagdish Temple, and private boat cruise on Lake Pichola, with lunch at Jagmandir Island Palace.
- Day 5 (Sunday): Jaisalmer: Walking tour of the living Golden Fort (Sonar Qila), intricately carved Patwon ki Haveli, and sunset camel safaris on the Sam sand dunes with folk dances under the stars.
- Day 6 (Monday): Jodhpur: Visit the colossal Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, and Umaid Bhawan Palace museum, followed by shopping in the old blue city.
- Day 7 (Tuesday): Bharatpur & Agra: Early morning birdwatching rickshaw safari at UNESCO Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur, followed by afternoon visit to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.
- Day 8 (Wednesday): Delhi Arrival: Return to Safdarjung Railway Station at 07:30 AM after breakfast.
3. Itemized Tariff Table: Lean vs Peak Season Pricing
Palace on Wheels tariffs vary between the Lean Season (September and April) and the Peak Season (October through March). Rates include full board, guided excursions, and luxury transport.
| Cabin Type | Occupancy | Peak Season Tariff (7N/8D) | Lean Season Tariff (7N/8D) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Cabin | Double / Twin Share | ₹7,50,000 / $9,000 (per cabin) | ₹5,50,000 / $6,600 (per cabin) |
| Deluxe Cabin | Single Occupancy | ₹5,60,000 / $6,750 | ₹4,15,000 / $5,000 |
| Super Deluxe Suite | Double Occupancy | ₹10,50,000 / $12,600 | ₹8,20,000 / $9,850 |
| Commercial Tax / GST | Mandatory | 5% Govt Service Tax | 5% Govt Service Tax |
4. Onboard Saloon Living: The Maharaja Restaurant & Spa
Life aboard the Palace on Wheels combines old-world colonial luxury with Rajasthani hospitality:
- The Maharaja & Maharani Restaurants: Two lavish dining saloons featuring antique crystal chandeliers and traditional Rajasthani wall murals, serving authentic Rajasthani (Laal Maas, Dal Baati Churma), Mughlai, and European gourmet cuisine.
- The Royal Lounge Bar: Stocked with fine wines, imported spirits, and single malts, providing an inviting club atmosphere for evening conversations.
- Onboard Ayurvedic Spa: A dedicated wellness saloon offering Ayurvedic massages, reflexology, and rejuvenation therapies after dusty desert sightseeing.
5. Essential Packing Tips, Climate & Reservation Deadlines
Because the train travels through diverse microclimates—from crisp desert nights in Jaisalmer (temperatures dropping to 5°C in December) to sunny afternoons in Agra—guests should pack versatile layers:
Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the massive cobblestone ramps of Mehrangarh, Chittorgarh, and Amber Fort. Evening dining saloons require smart casual or elegant ethnic wear. Cabins feature 220V electric sockets, hair dryers, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
6. The Heritage Saloon Coaches & The Khansama Culinary Legacy
Each of the 14 guest carriages aboard the Palace on Wheels is named after an erstwhile princely state of Rajputana: Alwar, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Bundi, Dholpur, Dungarpur, Jaisalmer, Jhalawar, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Kota, Sirohi, Udaipur, and Jaipur. Carriages replicate the exact interior styling, wall crests, miniature murals, and carved woodwork of that princely state's royal court.
Each saloon coach is attended by two Khidmatgars (personal royal valets) dressed in ceremonial turbans and achkans, maintaining an unbroken tradition of personalized hospitality. Morning bed tea is poured from sterling silver teapots, while the two ornate dining cars—The Maharaja and The Maharani—serve heirloom Mewari and Shekhawati recipes handed down from royal palace kitchens, alongside European fine dining paired with sommelier-curated international wines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the Palace on Wheels tour?
The classic Palace on Wheels tour lasts 7 nights and 8 days, departing every Wednesday evening from Delhi Safdarjung and returning the following Wednesday morning.
What destinations are covered by Palace on Wheels?
The route covers Delhi, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore), Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur bird sanctuary, and Agra (Taj Mahal).
What is the cost of a cabin on Palace on Wheels?
Tariffs range from ₹5,50,000 (lean season) to ₹7,50,000 (peak season) per Deluxe Cabin on twin sharing, reaching ₹10,50,000 for Super Deluxe Suites.
Are off-train monument entries and safari costs included?
Yes. All entrance fees to forts, palaces, the Ranthambore tiger safari, camel rides in Jaisalmer, and luxury palace lunches are fully included in the package.
Is Wi-Fi available aboard the Palace on Wheels?
Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available across all saloon cars and lounges, though internet speeds may fluctuate while traversing remote desert sectors.