123/A, Miranda City Likaoli
Prikano, Dope
Travel Like Indian Royalty
The Palace on Wheels is unlike any other train journey you’ll ever take. More than just a mode of transport, it stands as one of India’s most celebrated luxury travel experiences — a moving palace that carries you through the heart of royal Rajasthan in style and comfort.
The train draws its inspiration from the private coaches once used by the Maharajas of India, and that regal spirit is felt in every detail on board. Since its launch in 1982 — a joint venture between the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways — it has earned its place among the finest luxury trains in the world, winning accolades that span decades of exceptional service.
What makes this journey truly special is how effortlessly it brings everything together. Rich cultural heritage, warm Indian hospitality, gourmet dining, and thoughtfully arranged sightseeing all come wrapped into a single, smooth experience. For those visiting from abroad, or for anyone who simply wants to see India through a different lens, this isn’t just a trip from one city to another — it’s a deep, immersive encounter with a way of life that very few ever get to witness up close.
Journey Highlights
→ A grand traditional welcome ceremony at Safdarjung Railway Station in Delhi sets the tone right from the start
→ An unforgettable elephant ride through the grounds of Amber Fort in Jaipur
→ An exclusive jeep safari into Ranthambore National Park in search of the wild tiger
→ A visit to the awe-inspiring Chittorgarh Fort, steeped in centuries of Rajput history
→ A peaceful boat ride across the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola in Udaipur
→ A camel safari across the sweeping Sam Sand Dunes in Jaisalmer
→ Exploration of Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace in the Blue City of Jodhpur
→ A morning of bird watching at the famous Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
→ A visit to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort — both proud UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Palace on Wheels runs its seasonal journeys from September through April each year. Every Wednesday, the train sets off from Safdarjung Railway Station in New Delhi on its designated travel dates. Passengers are kindly asked to arrive at the station for check-in, which opens at 4 pm ahead of the train’s onward journey.
To secure your spot, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and reserve your tickets at least three months before your preferred departure. Simply pick a date that works for you to head over to the booking page, and fill in your travel details to get your reservation underway.
If you have something special in mind — be it a wedding celebration, a corporate getaway, or any other private occasion — the Palace on Wheels can be exclusively chartered to suit your requirements. Feel free to reach out to the team directly for more information on custom arrangements.
MONTH | DATES | ||||
Sept 2026 | 02 | 09 | 16 | 23 | 30 |
Oct 2026 | 07 | 14 | 21 | 28 | – |
Nov 2026 | 04 | 11 | 18 | 25 | — |
Dec 2026 | 02 | 09 | 16 | 23* | 30* |
MONTH | DATES | ||||
Jan 2027 | 06 | 13 | 20 | 27 | — |
Feb 2027 | 03 | 10 | 17 | 24 | — |
March 2027 | 03 | 10 | 17 | 24 | 31 |
April 2027 | 07 | 14 | 21 | 28 | — |
Please note that GST will be applied on top of the listed tariff as per prevailing government rates. If your travel dates fall over the Christmas or New Year period, an additional surcharge of 10% will be added to the fare.
Families travelling with young children will be glad to know that children under 5 years of age are welcomed on board at no extra charge, as long as they share a cabin with their parents or guardians. For children aged between 5 and 12 years, the fare is charged at half the adult rate, provided they share the accommodation with an adult. Each cabin is designed for two adult occupants, though an additional mattress can be arranged for infants or children under 12 years of age, subject to the train’s standard policy.
Indian nationals travelling with a valid Indian passport or an OCI card are eligible for the Indian currency tariff — just make sure the relevant documents are submitted at the time of booking. If the documentation doesn’t match the required criteria, the US Dollar rate will apply instead.
Finally, it’s worth keeping in mind that the operating team, in coordination with RTDC, holds the right to revise fares at any point without prior notice. It’s always a good idea to confirm the current rates at the time of booking to avoid any surprises.
| Category | Sept. 2026 & April 2027 (Per Night) | Oct. 2026 to March 2027 (Per Night) |
|---|---|---|
| Presidential Suite (Per Cabin) | USD 3,223 | USD 3,510 |
| Suite (Per Cabin) | USD 2,629 | USD 2,748 |
| Super Deluxe Cabin (Per Cabin) | USD 2,350 | USD 2,500 |
| Single Occupancy Deluxe Cabin (Per Pax) | USD 1,328 | USD 1,501 |
| Double Occupancy Deluxe Cabin (Per Pax) | USD 864 | USD 976 |
| Category | Sept. 2026 & April 2027 (Per Night) | Oct. 2026 to March 2027 (Per Night) |
|---|---|---|
| Presidential Suite (Per Cabin) | INR 277,178 | INR 301,860 |
| Suite (Per Cabin) | INR 226,094 | INR 236,328 |
| Super Deluxe Cabin (Per Cabin) | INR 202,100 | INR 215,000 |
| Single Occupancy Deluxe Cabin (Per Pax) | INR 114,208 | INR 129,086 |
| Double Occupancy Deluxe Cabin (Per Pax) | INR 74,304 | INR 83,936 |
Dining in the Maharaja restaurant feels like sitting down to a feast in a royal court. Deep blue upholstered seating, richly detailed wall panelling, and an atmosphere that’s both grand and welcoming set the scene beautifully. The menu travels across flavours — from traditional Rajasthani dishes and classic Indian cuisine to continental favourites — so there’s always something to look forward to at mealtimes.
If the Maharaja leans into drama, the Maharani offers something a little more serene. Warm beige tones across the walls and ceiling create a calm, unhurried atmosphere, while intricate wooden carvings and ornate detailing add quiet elegance to every corner. It’s the kind of space where a long, leisurely dinner feels entirely natural.
Whether you’re in the mood for a quiet read, a pre-dinner drink, or a good conversation with fellow travellers, the bar lounge is the place to settle into. The seating is plush, the interiors are refined, and the overall vibe strikes just the right balance between lively and relaxed. Many guests find themselves spending more time here than they expected.
After a full day of sightseeing, there’s something deeply restorative about stepping into the onboard spa. A range of treatments and therapies are on offer, delivered by professional therapists who know their craft well. It’s one of those touches that reminds you this isn’t just a train — it’s a travelling retreat.
For those who like to keep up with their fitness routine even while on holiday, the onboard gym makes that easy. The equipment is modern, the space is comfortable to move around in, and having it available means you never have to feel like travel has thrown your routine completely off track.
You can travel on some of the most celebrated luxury trains in the world, but what consistently stands out in guest reviews of the Palace on Wheels is the people who run it. The staff here don’t just do their jobs — they anticipate needs, remember preferences, and bring a warmth to their service that feels genuinely personal. It’s the kind of hospitality that’s difficult to put into words but impossible to forget once you’ve experienced it.
Make your way to Safdarjung Railway Station in Delhi and aim to arrive before 4:00 pm. You’ll be greeted with a warm traditional welcome — think garlands, a tilak on the forehead, and a ceremonial turban — before the check-in process gets underway. Your cabin attendant will walk you to your private quarters, hand you a welcome drink, and give you a quick rundown of everything the train has to offer. By 6:30 pm, the Palace on Wheels glides out of Delhi toward Jaipur. Dinner is served in one of the two elegant onboard restaurants — The Maharajah or The Maharani — as the city lights fade behind you.
You’ll pull into Jaipur in the morning, and breakfast is ready by 7:00 am. Step off the train at 8:00 am to a lively Rajasthani welcome complete with flower garlands and the spirited Kali Ghodi dance. The morning is packed with sightseeing — you’ll visit the Albert Hall Museum, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, the iconic Hawa Mahal, and the magnificent Amber Fort. Lunch is served at 1:30 pm inside the historic 1135 AD restaurant within the fort itself.
The afternoon continues at Amber Fort, where an elephant ride adds a royal touch to the experience. As evening rolls around at 5:00 pm, you’ll head into Jaipur’s bustling local markets — famous for their jewellery, handicrafts, and trinkets — before returning to the train by 7:00 pm. Dinner follows at 7:30 pm, and the train moves on toward Sawai Madhopur by 8:00 pm.
Friday kicks off earlier than usual. The jeep safari into Ranthambore National Park begins at 6:00 am — well before breakfast — giving you the best chance to spot tigers and soak in the park’s rich wildlife and greenery. Back on the train, breakfast is served at 10:00 am, and the journey toward Chittorgarh begins at 10:20 am, with lunch served along the way.
The train arrives in Chittorgarh by 3:00 pm. After a short rest, you’ll head out at 4:00 pm to explore the legendary Chittorgarh Fort — a place that still echoes with tales of Rajput valor. High tea is served within the fort premises, and at 6:00 pm, the dramatic sound and light show brings the fort’s history vividly to life. You’ll return to the train by 8:00 pm for dinner, with an overnight stay on board.
Leaving Chittorgarh behind, the train arrives in Udaipur by 7:00 am. Breakfast is served at 7:30 am, and sightseeing begins at 9:00 am. The morning takes you through Saheliyon ki Bari, the stunning City Palace, the Crystal Gallery, and some time for shopping before lunch at 1:00 pm at the elegant Fateh Prakash Hotel.
The afternoon highlight is a serene boat ride across Lake Pichola to Jag Mandir Palace, where high tea awaits. You’ll return to the train by 3:30 pm, and by 4:00 pm, the journey continues toward Jaisalmer. Dinner is served on board as the Rajasthan landscape rolls by outside your window.
Breakfast is served at 7:30 am as the train approaches Jaisalmer, arriving by 9:00 am. Sightseeing starts at 9:30 am, covering Gadisar Lake, the intricately carved Nathmal Ji Ki Haveli, Patwon Ki Haveli, the grand Jaisalmer Fort, and a leisurely heritage city walk. Lunch is back on the train, followed by a short break.
At 4:00 pm, you’ll head out for a camel safari across the golden Sam Sand Dunes — easily one of the most memorable moments of the entire trip. Tea is served before the ride back, and by 7:00 pm you’ll be at the Gorbandh Palace for dinner paired with a live cultural performance. The train departs for Jodhpur close to midnight.
The train rolls into Jodhpur in the morning, and breakfast is ready at 7:30 am. Coaches depart at 9:00 am for a morning of sightseeing — Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, and Jaswant Thada are on the list, along with some time to browse local shops if the schedule allows. Lunch is served at 1:30 pm at the lavish Ajit Bhawan Palace.
You’ll be back on the train by 4:00 pm, and the rest of the afternoon is yours to unwind and enjoy the train’s amenities. The onward journey to Bharatpur begins at 4:30 pm, dinner is served at 7:30 pm, and it’s another relaxed overnight on board.
An early start again — by 6:30 am, you’ll be heading into Keoladeo National Park (also known as Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary) for a peaceful rickshaw safari. With over 380 species of resident and migratory birds, it’s a paradise for nature lovers. Back on the train by 8:45 am, breakfast is served shortly after, and by 9:00 am the train is on its way to Agra.
Arriving at Agra Cantonment at 11:00 am, the group heads straight to Agra Fort for exploration before lunch at 1:30 pm at a deluxe hotel nearby. The afternoon belongs to the Taj Mahal — one of the Seven Wonders of the World — followed by a final round of shopping until 6:00 pm. Dinner is served at 7:30 pm while the train remains in Agra, before beginning its return journey to Delhi at 8:45 pm.
The Palace on Wheels pulls back into Safdarjung Railway Station at 2:30 am. Breakfast is served from 6:00 am, and checkout begins at 7:30 am. Once all formalities are wrapped up, you’re free to disembark at your own pace — carrying with you memories of a journey through the heart of royal Rajasthan.
Everything you need to know before booking India’s premier luxury train journey
The Palace on Wheels is a luxury train in India that takes you on a royal journey through Rajasthan. It was launched in 1982 and is jointly run by Rajasthan Tourism and Indian Railways. Think of it as a moving five-star hotel — every cabin is beautifully designed, the service is warm and attentive, and the destinations are absolutely stunning.
Each carriage is named after a famous Rajasthani fort or palace. The rich décor, royal interiors, and personalized service make you feel like you’re actually staying inside a palace — just one that moves. That’s exactly where the name comes from.
The train covers 9 iconic destinations across Rajasthan and beyond:
Delhi — Start and end point
Jaipur — The Pink City
Ranthambore — Tiger safari country
Chittorgarh — Ancient Rajput fort
Udaipur — City of Lakes
Jaisalmer — The Golden Desert City
Jodhpur — The Blue City
Bharatpur — Famous bird sanctuary
Agra — Home of the Taj Mahal
The tour is open to all — Buddhist pilgrims, spiritual seekers, history enthusiasts, and curious travelers of any nationality or faith. There are no religious prerequisites to participate.
The train operates from September to April every year, departing every Wednesday. Check-in starts at 4 pm at Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi.
Yes. A separate INR tariff is available for Indian nationals. Just submit a valid Indian passport or OCI card at the time of booking. Without valid documents, the USD rate will apply.
Booking is simple. You can:
Fill out the enquiry
Call, email, or message directly with your travel dates and cabin preference
Pay via bank transfer or credit card once availability is confirmed
Book at least 3 months in advance — the train fills up quickly, especially in peak season.
There are four options to choose from:
Deluxe Cabin — Comfortable and well-equipped, available in single or double occupancy
Super Deluxe Cabin — More spacious with upgraded interiors
Suite — Larger, more luxurious, great for a premium experience
Presidential Suite — The finest accommodation on the train, perfect for those who want the absolute best
All cabins have private attached bathrooms, air conditioning, and a dedicated attendant.
The train is packed with everything you need:
Two elegant restaurants — Maharaja and Maharani
A well-stocked bar lounge
Spa for relaxation
Gym for fitness enthusiasts
Full central air conditioning throughout
24-hour attendant service in every saloon
Your ticket covers almost everything:
✔ All meals on board
✔ Non-alcoholic beverages and bottled water
✔ Guided sightseeing at all destinations
✔ Monument entrance fees and still camera charges
✔ Transfers in air-conditioned coaches
✔ Round-the-clock attendant service
No, personal liquor is not allowed on the train. The onboard bar is well-stocked with wines, spirits, beers, and cocktails — so you’re well taken care of throughout the journey.
Yes. All onboard staff, called Khidmatgars, are trained in English and experienced in serving international guests. Communication is smooth and effortless throughout the journey.
At least 3 months before your travel date is strongly recommended. Peak season dates between October and March — especially December — book up very fast.
Yes, children are welcome. Here’s the fare structure for young travelers:
Under 5 years — Free of charge (sharing cabin with parents)
5 to 12 years — Half the adult fare (sharing with an adult)
12 years and above — Full adult fare applies
An extra mattress can be arranged for infants or young children if needed.
Yes. The Palace on Wheels has accessible cabins and a layout that makes movement easier for guests with mobility challenges. Please mention any special requirements clearly at the time of booking so the team can arrange everything in advance.