Rajasthan is the magnificent land of numerous kingdoms, majestic forts and palaces, diverse cultures, varied It stands on its tracks; a gleaming sealed carriage, every bit is royal. The air-conditioning works silently, creating a space where only the excitement of the history of the Rajput kingdoms permeates through, clearly captured in a contemporary mode. In all, there are fourteen saloons, each equipped with four twin-bedded chambers, with attached baths that have running hot and cold water and showers. The modern conveniences have been thoughtfully provided, sofas to sink into, strategically placed lights to read by, wonderfully appointed beds with comfortable furnishings, inbuilt wardrobes for the storage of one’s clothes and bags, and huge plain glass windows to watch the countryside roll past.
Outside the bedrooms, each coach also has a seating lounge where passengers can get together, just sit watch the cities as they glide past outside the windows, or enjoy a quiet cup of tea. An attached pantry with each saloon helps provide beverages and refreshments to the accompaniment of soothing piped music.
There is the comfortable bar cum lounge where you can relax over your favourite drink, burrow in a book or converse with fellow passengers. Attached to it are two restaurant cars, Maharaja and Maharani respectively, with opulently draped curtains, exquisitely crafted lights and table settings. Here accompanying chefs serve up a delicious choice of Indian, including Rajasthani, Continental and even Chinese cuisine that are a feast for the palate.
The train chugs out of Safdarjung Railway Station New Delhi on a week-long run through Rajasthan every Wednesday night, with a trip also inbuilt to Agra and the Taj Mahal. Turban-wearing attendants take over from the moment you arrive at the platform, assigning you your coupes and detailing all the facilities that are on board. The train moves by night and arrives each morning at a new destination where new experiences await you
The point of embarkation and disembarkation for the specific journeys is as follows:
Journeys | Check-in Venue | Departure Station | Arrival Station |
The Palace on Wheels | Safdarjung Railway Station, Delhi At 1600 hrs. | Safdarjung Railway Station, Delhi 1830 hrs. | Safdarjung Railway Station, Delhi 0730 hrs. |
The guests are given a traditional welcome at the Safdarjung Railway Station at 4 PM where they proceed with the check-in formalities. At 6.30 PM the vibrantly decorated Palace on Wheels begins its eight-day odyssey cutting across the scenic landscapes and rich heritage of India with its first stop at Jaipur. A sumptuous dinner is served on board.
The guests enjoy a delectable breakfast aboard The Palace on Wheels as it royally marches into the pink city. After a grand welcome by shenai and garlands, the guests depart by coach to experience the treasure trove of art effects at the Albert Hall Museum followed by a host of architectural marvels – Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, City Palace etc. A pleasant lunch is served around 1.30 PM at 1135 AD Restaurant followed by a visit to the Amber Fort – adorned with red sandstone and marbles standing testimony to its perennial charm. At 3PM the guests can shop in the buzzing atmosphere of the local markets that sell a huge array of items including handicrafts, sweets and savouries pertaining to the local culture. Around 8PM the travelers return back to the train for dinner on board. The odyssey continues to Sawai Madhopur from Durgapura Railway Station in Jaipur at 8PM.
The guests disembark for a safari in the Ranthambore National Park located in the heart of the Aravalli and Vindhya Range. Amidst picturesque locales, the sanctuary offers a fine view of the animals, in particular the Bengal tigers which could be seen in their natural habitat. The entourage leaves for Chittorgarh at 10.20 AM with breakfast served on board. During the course of the journey, guests can have a leisure time at the bar, enjoy a few drinks and converse with fellow passengers over their inherent love for travel. The Palace on Wheels reaches Chittorgarh at 3 PM and on arrival the guests explore the forts and castles of a bygone era that echoes the heroism and pride of the Rajput clan. The guests go for a quick exploration of the city, revelling in the various sightings the city has to offer and return to the fort for Tea and a fun-filled light and sound programme. Dinner is served on board the train.
The entourage leaves for Udaipur at 2AM in the morning and breakfast at 7.30AM. The guests are taken for a tour around the city’s historical garden – Saheliyon Ki Bari regarded as the most popular tourist space replete with kiosks, a lotus pool and marble elephants followed by a visit to the city palace and the crystal gallery that provide a breath-taking view of its cultural significance. A sumptuous lunch awaits the guests at the Fateh Prakash Hotel after which they proceed to a boat ride to the resplendent Jagmandir Palace for tea. The Palace on Wheels set on its journey cutting across Rajasthan and moving towards its north western frontier of Jaisalmer at 4 PM.
The last princely bastion of Rajasthan, tucked deep in the Thar Desert, The Palace on Wheels reaches the quaint city of Jaisalmer around 9.00 AM. The guests embark on a sightseeing tour to the serene spot of Gadsasir Sagar Lake, stunning forts and the innumerable havelis– including the eponymous Patwonki Haveli and the Nathmaljiki Haveli – that project the strong valour of its rulers and an aesthetic representation of its times. The guests get to enjoy refreshing lunch on board and embark for camel rides and tea on the samsand. At 11.45 PM the prestigious Palace on Wheels leaves Jaisalmer and heads towards Jodhpur.
The Palace on Wheels journeys into the Blue City of Jodhpur at 7 AM and breakfast is served at 07.30AM. Upon reaching, the guests explore the architectural and magnificent marvel of Mehrangarh Fort and the surrounding cenotaph of Jaswanth Thada. Celebrate a glimpse of the history at the Umaid Bhavan Museum and cap it all off by shopping in the nearby local markets. A grand lunch is served at the royal Ajit Bhawan Palace. The train sets off for Bharatpur soon after.
The train arrives in the early hours of the morning for a recreational visit to the Keola Deo National Park, the erstwhile duck hunting reserve of the Maharajas for bird-watching and photography. The guest is served breakfast on board the train and depart for the onward journey to Agra at 9AM. On arrival at Agra Railway Station around 11 AM, the guests visit the historic Agra fort. At 3 PM, the journey moves to the famed marvel of Mughals – Taj Mahal. A delightful lunch is served at Hotel Clarks Shiraz at 1.30PM. This is followed by shopping and exploration of the local markets. The Palace on Wheels begins its journey towards Delhi at 8.45 PM.
The incredible travel aboard the Palace on Wheels reaches its finale on arrival at the Safdarjung Railway Station at 2.30 AM. The guests are served breakfast at 6.00 AM after which the staff bid a fond farewell to the travelers.
Season 2019-20 | |
Months | Departure Dates |
March, 2020 | 4, 11, 18 & 25 |
April, 2020 | 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 |
Season 2020-21 | |
Months | Departure Dates |
September, 2020 | 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 |
October, 2020 | 7, 14, 21 & 28 |
November, 2020 | 4, 11, 18, & 25 |
December, 2020 | 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 |
January, 2021 | 6, 13, 20 & 27 |
February, 2021 | 3, 10, 17 & 24 |
March, 2021 | 3, 10, 17 & 24 |
April, 2021 | 7, 14, 21 & 28 |
Season 2021-22 | |
Months | Departure Dates |
September, 2021 | 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 |
October, 2021 | 6, 13, 20 & 27 |
November, 2021 | 3, 10, 17, & 24 |
December, 2021 | 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 |
January, 2022 | 5, 12, 19 & 26 |
February, 2022 | 2, 9, 16 & 23 |
March, 2022 | 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 |
April, 2022 | 6, 13, 20 & 27 |
Occupancy | September & April | October to March | Description |
Single | US$ 900 per night | US$ 1100 per night | Single Cabin |
Double/Twin | US$ 550 per person per night | US$ 715 per person per night | Twin Sharing Cabin |
Super Deluxe | US$ 1485 per cabin per night | US$ 1980 per cabin per night | Double Super Deluxe Cabin |
10% of ticket value 90 days or more prior to departure date
20% of ticket value between 89 to 30 days prior to departure date.
100% of ticket value 29 days prior to departure date.
For USD bookings: The payable amount in INR should be credited in our account as per the rate of exchange
(ROE) of the previous day of the date (www.rbi.org.in) of transferring the amount by the agent.