Far from your imagination... A majestic creation...
That's Palace on Wheels!
Palace on Wheels, the epitome of luxury and comfort, beckons you to travel back in time to the era of raja-maharajas. A feather in the cap of Rajasthan, Palace on Wheels is one of the most luxurious trains in the world. Reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan, the train offers a heritage tour high on luxury. It was once the personal railway coaches of the Maharajas of the princely states of Rajasthan, Gujrat and the Nizam of Hyderabad.
Embark on this royal journey, get treated like a 'king' and explore several enchanting destinations of North India. Offering 7 nights/8 days of a royal journey, the train covers Jaipur (the Pink city), Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Ranthambhor National Park, Chittorgarh, Udaipur (the city of Lakes), the Bharatpur bird sanctuary and the symbol of love and romance, Agra, before returning to Delhi, the capital of India.
History
The pride of Indian Railways, Palace on Wheels has a glorious history. Its luxury coaches were once used by the? raja-maharajas of the bygone era. Recapturing the "royal era", the train mirrors the rich heritage of the princely states of India. Occupying a prized place among the most luxurious trains in the world, Palace on Wheels started as a fascinating holiday train on 26th January, 1982. And became operational in October of the same year.
Palace on Wheels was the brainchild of Indian Railways and Rajasthan Tourism. To recreate the charm of the glorious era, thirteen carriages from different princely states were brought together and renovated. This luxurious train was launched with unmatched facilities and services to offer its passengers a journey soaked in royalty and luxury.
07 Nights - 08 Days
Day 1 (Wednesday): New Delhi Depart
Report by 4:30PM at Safdarjung Railway Station for traditional welcome including garlanding, tikka and turban & check-in formalities for the ‘Week in Wonderland’ train tour. Time free for photo-shoot with traditionally attired Palace On Wheels staff. Be escorted to your saloon cabins by personal attendant for briefing on cabin facilities. At leisure, proceed to Bar Lounge for complimentary welcome drink. The train departs at 6:30PM & dinner served onboard.
Day 2 (Thursday): Jaipur, The Pink City
Breakfast is on-board, followed by royal elephant welcome at Jaipur Railway Station. Then proceed to visit St. Albert Museum, Pink City Palace & UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jantar Mantar (sun observatory).
After brief photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace Of winds), the sightseeing tour reaches the excursion to UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hill Fort Palace of Amber in the afternoon. Enjoy an elephant ride up the steep ramparts of the fort. Lunch is held in the 1135 AD Boutique Restaurant, located in Fort premises.
Later discover the beauty of 16th century well preserved Fort Palace, with huge courtyard’s and built in rare fusion of combined Rajput and Mughal architecture.
At around 5pm, visit the vibrant local market for shopping. Return to Palace on Wheels train around 6:00PM & depart for the next destination. Dinner is served on-board.
Day 3 (Friday Early Morning): Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve
After an early morning at 6:30 AM in a forest lodge, proceed to jungle safari in 15-seater canters inside Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. One of the most popular reserves in India with a rich history; the jungle is home to Tigers, Panthers, Sloth bears, Pythons, Marsh crocodiles, hundreds of deers and numerous birds. Truly a delight for wildlife lovers.
Return back to Sawai Madhopur Railway Station and depart on train by 10:00 AM. Lunch is prepared onboard.
Day 3 (Friday Afternoon): Chittorgarh Hill Fort
At 04:00PM the Palace on Wheels train reaches Chittorgarh Railway Station. Begin excursion to UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hill Fort of Chittorgarh, spread over a huge plateau - with history dating back to 11th century. It is considered to be the largest fort of India.
In the Evening, enjoy Sound & Light program in fort complex & later return to train for dinner. The train departs post midnight.
Day 4 (Saturday): Udaipur, the City of Lakes
Train arrives by 08:00AM. After onboard breakfast proceed to visit 17th Century built - City Palace complex with eleven constituent Mahals, balconies, towers and cupolas. Also visit Crystal Gallery - housing personal collection of H.H. of Udaipur.
Later enjoy boat ride around the world famous "Lake Palace Hotel" atop a small island in the middle of Lake Pichola. Lunch is held at the majestic Fatehprakash Palace Hotel.
Later, you get time free for shopping followed by a visit to the Royal Gardens at Saheliyon Ki Bari. return to train by 3 pm & depart. Dinner onboard.
Day 5 (Sunday): Jaisalmer, Oasis in the Desert
After onboard Breakfast proceed by 09:30AM to UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jaisalmer Fort, which seems straight out of an Arabian Nights fable. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the 15th century built living Fort complex, standing at a height of hundred meters over Jaisalmer town & glows golden in the afternoon sun. The fort is entered through a forbidding series of massive gates leading to a large courtyard.
Then visit Patwon ki Haveli, one of the largest and most elaborate mansion houses .-which is five storey high & extensively carved. Nearby is located a group of 15th century built Jain Temples, which are beautifully carved & have a library hosting some of the oldest manuscripts of India.
Proceed for Lunch to 5-Star Hotel & later return to train for brief rest and tea. At 4:30PM proceed for excursion to Sam sand Dunes in Thar Desert for Camel joy ride during sunset. Later enjoy Cultural Program & Dinner at 5-Star Hotel. Return to train by 10:00PM & depart.
Day 6 (Monday): Jodhpur, Heart of Marwar
Train arrives at 08:00 AM in Jodhpur and after on-board breakfast proceed for sightseeing of 16th century built Mehrangarh Fort, atop a rocky hill which soars 125 Mts. above Jodhpur town. The Palace complex it is approached by a series of gateways set at an angle so that enemy armies could not charge, with any success. Once past the Fort gates, you have access to breath taking Palatial Apartments (Mahal), overlooking wide courtyards. Inside the fort complex is a museum having wide & impressive collection of Royal dresses & Medieval weapons. Nearby the Fort complex is located, late 19th century built Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble. Later visit museum at Umaid Bhawan Palace, displaying personal artifacts of H.H. Maharaja of Jodhpur. Lunch is served at Hanwant Mahal Boutique Restaurant.
Return to Palace on Wheels train and depart by 3:30PM. Dinner is served on-board.
Day 7 (Tuesday Early Morning): Bhatarpur Bird Sanctuary
At 06:30 AM proceed to UNESCO world Heritage Site of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary& enjoy cycle rickshaw ride to view many of 375 species of both local & migratory birds (from places like Sri-Lanka, Europe, Siberia, China and Tibet). Return to train for breakfast & depart by 08:45 AM.
Day 7 (Tueday Noon): Agra, City of the Taj Mahal
Train drops you at Railway station on outskirts of Agra at 10:30 AM. The sightseeing tour starts with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Agra Fort, the seat of power of the once mighty Mughal Empire.
Lunch at ITC Mughal Hotel is followed by a visit to the majestic Taj Mahal, one of seven wonders of modern world & a flawless architectural wonder built in white marble. Afterwards, guests have some time free for shopping.
Then return to train for onboard dinner & depart.
Day 8 (Wednesday): New Delhi Return
The Palace on Wheels train returns to Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station by 05:30AM. Check-out by 07:15 AM after early breakfast.
TOUR ENDS
Day 1 (Wednesday): New Delhi Depart
Report by 4:30PM at Safdarjung Railway Station for traditional welcome including garlanding, tikka and turban & check-in formalities for the ‘Week in Wonderland’ train tour. Time free for photo-shoot with traditionally attired Palace On Wheels staff. Be escorted to your saloon cabins by personal attendant for briefing on cabin facilities. At leisure, proceed to Bar Lounge for complimentary welcome drink. The train departs at 6:30PM & dinner served onboard.
Day 2 (Thursday): Jaipur, The Pink City
Breakfast is on-board, followed by royal elephant welcome at Jaipur Railway Station. Then proceed to visit St. Albert Museum, Pink City Palace & UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jantar Mantar (sun observatory).
After brief photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace Of winds), the sightseeing tour reaches the excursion to UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hill Fort Palace of Amber in the afternoon. Enjoy an elephant ride up the steep ramparts of the fort. Lunch is held in the 1135 AD Boutique Restaurant, located in Fort premises.
Later discover the beauty of 16th century well preserved Fort Palace, with huge courtyard’s and built in rare fusion of combined Rajput and Mughal architecture.
At around 5pm, visit the vibrant local market for shopping. Return to Palace on Wheels train around 6:00PM & depart for the next destination. Dinner is served on-board.
Day 3 (Friday Early Morning): Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve
After an early morning at 6:30 AM in a forest lodge, proceed to jungle safari in 15-seater canters inside Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. One of the most popular reserves in India with a rich history; the jungle is home to Tigers, Panthers, Sloth bears, Pythons, Marsh crocodiles, hundreds of deers and numerous birds. Truly a delight for wildlife lovers.
Return back to Sawai Madhopur Railway Station and depart on train by 10:00 AM. Lunch is prepared onboard.
Day 3 (Friday Afternoon): Chittorgarh Hill Fort
At 04:00PM the Palace on Wheels train reaches Chittorgarh Railway Station. Begin excursion to UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hill Fort of Chittorgarh, spread over a huge plateau - with history dating back to 11th century. It is considered to be the largest fort of India.
In the Evening, enjoy Sound & Light program in fort complex & later return to train for dinner. The train departs post midnight.
Day 4 (Saturday): Udaipur, the City of Lakes
Train arrives by 08:00AM. After onboard breakfast proceed to visit 17th Century built - City Palace complex with eleven constituent Mahals, balconies, towers and cupolas. Also visit Crystal Gallery - housing personal collection of H.H. of Udaipur.
Later enjoy boat ride around the world famous "Lake Palace Hotel" atop a small island in the middle of Lake Pichola. Lunch is held at the majestic Fatehprakash Palace Hotel.
Later, you get time free for shopping followed by a visit to the Royal Gardens at Saheliyon Ki Bari. return to train by 3 pm & depart. Dinner onboard.
Day 5 (Sunday): Jaisalmer, Oasis in the Desert
After onboard Breakfast proceed by 09:30AM to UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jaisalmer Fort, which seems straight out of an Arabian Nights fable. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the 15th century built living Fort complex, standing at a height of hundred meters over Jaisalmer town & glows golden in the afternoon sun. The fort is entered through a forbidding series of massive gates leading to a large courtyard.
Then visit Patwon ki Haveli, one of the largest and most elaborate mansion houses .-which is five storey high & extensively carved. Nearby is located a group of 15th century built Jain Temples, which are beautifully carved & have a library hosting some of the oldest manuscripts of India.
Proceed for Lunch to 5-Star Hotel & later return to train for brief rest and tea. At 4:30PM proceed for excursion to Sam sand Dunes in Thar Desert for Camel joy ride during sunset. Later enjoy Cultural Program & Dinner at 5-Star Hotel. Return to train by 10:00PM & depart.
Day 6 (Monday): Jodhpur, Heart of Marwar
Train arrives at 08:00 AM in Jodhpur and after on-board breakfast proceed for sightseeing of 16th century built Mehrangarh Fort, atop a rocky hill which soars 125 Mts. above Jodhpur town. The Palace complex it is approached by a series of gateways set at an angle so that enemy armies could not charge, with any success. Once past the Fort gates, you have access to breath taking Palatial Apartments (Mahal), overlooking wide courtyards. Inside the fort complex is a museum having wide & impressive collection of Royal dresses & Medieval weapons. Nearby the Fort complex is located, late 19th century built Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble. Later visit museum at Umaid Bhawan Palace, displaying personal artifacts of H.H. Maharaja of Jodhpur. Lunch is served at Hanwant Mahal Boutique Restaurant.
Return to Palace on Wheels train and depart by 3:30PM. Dinner is served on-board.
Day 7 (Tuesday Early Morning): Bhatarpur Bird Sanctuary
At 06:30 AM proceed to UNESCO world Heritage Site of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary& enjoy cycle rickshaw ride to view many of 375 species of both local & migratory birds (from places like Sri-Lanka, Europe, Siberia, China and Tibet). Return to train for breakfast & depart by 08:45 AM.
Day 7 (Tueday Noon): Agra, City of the Taj Mahal
Train drops you at Railway station on outskirts of Agra at 10:30 AM. The sightseeing tour starts with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Agra Fort, the seat of power of the once mighty Mughal Empire.
Lunch at ITC Mughal Hotel is followed by a visit to the majestic Taj Mahal, one of seven wonders of modern world & a flawless architectural wonder built in white marble. Afterwards, guests have some time free for shopping.
Then return to train for onboard dinner & depart.
Day 8 (Wednesday): New Delhi Return
The Palace on Wheels train returns to Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station by 05:30AM. Check-out by 07:15 AM after early breakfast.
TOUR ENDS
Palace on Wheels for the season 2022-2023 & 2023-2024 as follows:
Palace on Wheels starts its journey on every Wednesday of the week from Delhi.
Prices in US$:| Category | Sep 2022, 2023 and Apr 2023, 2024 (Per Night) |
Oct 2022 to Mar 2023 Oct 2023 to Mar 2024 (Per Night) |
| Super Deluxe (Per Cabin) | US$ 1560 | US$ 2079 |
| Single Occupancy (Per Pax) | US$ 945 | US$ 1155 |
| Double Occupancy (Per Pax) | US$ 578 | US$ 751 |
The tariff is fixed in Indian Currency for the guests having Indian Passport as under:
| Category | Sep 2022, 2023 and Apr 2023, 2024 (Per Night) |
Oct 2022 to Mar 2023 Oct 2023 to Mar 2024 (Per Night) |
| Super Deluxe (Per Cabin) | INR 115440/- | INR 153846/- |
| Single Occupancy (Per Pax) | INR 69930/- | INR 85470/- |
| Double Occupancy (Per Pax) | INR 42772/- | INR 55574/- |
Tariff Policy
- GST as per rules will be charged.
- 10 % additional shall be levied on the tariff for the trips having christmas 25th december and New year (01st January).
- Children age below 5 years 10% tariff will be applicable on respective booking amount.
- Children age above 5 years up to 12 years 50% tariff will be applicable on respective booking amount.
- 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.
Facilities
Royal Accommodation
For a majestic experience, the train offers 14 fully air conditioned deluxe saloons named after the princely states of Rajasthan. Each saloon has 4 cabins fitted with bath and shower, intercom, channel music, satellite phones, wall to wall carpeting and other amenities. Adorned like a palace, the saloons offer a truly royal experience.
Attendant
To take care of your every need, an attendant or 'Khidmatgar' is available at your service round the clock.
Restaurants
Done to perfection, the two restaurants namely “The Maharaja” and "The Maharani" serve lip-smacking Rajasthani, Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine.
Bar
Well stocked with Indian and international brands of alcohol, the bar remains open round the clock.
Lounge
Each coach has an attached well maintained lounge for passengers to enjoy their leisure. Each lounge provides amenities like colour TV, CD player, news papers, magazines and other books.
The Bazaar
The train also offers "The Bazaar" (a shop) where you can shop for a variety of handicrafts.
To make your stay comfortable, the other facilities and services provided on board are laundry services, barbershop, beauty parlours, indoor games, medical aid, mailbox, luggage collection, arrival kit, mineral water etc.
The train also offers special assistance for disabled persons. Wheel chairs, cr?ches and a special attendant are provided for assistance.
Attractions
Although Palace on Wheel is a great attraction in itself but to add more entertainment to your journey, it has something more in store for you. It offers cultural programmes on board and on arriving at destinations such as regional dance performances and puppet shows. These especially designed cultural programs provide a refreshing effect to the passengers. At every halt, your get an excellent opportunity to see the finest performances performed by talented artists.
Enjoy overwhelming dance performances like:
Ghoomar Dance
It is a community dance performed by women in groups on auspicious occasions. In this simple dance, ladies move gracefully in circles.
Chari Dance
Chari means 'a pot'. The dance includes dancing with a pot, on one's head where an illuminated lamp is placed.
Fire Dance
This dance involves a huge fire in which men of Jasnathi community jump in the fire. The dance is performed with the sound of drumbeats.
Terah Thali
In this dance, men play a Chau-tara, a four-stringed instrument and women hold a sword between their teeth. It also involves placing of pots with illuminated lamps on their heads.
Kalbelia Dance
This dance is performed by Kalbelia women who dance gracefully and as the accompanying music rises in tempo, it makes the dance more vigorous.
