About This Journey
Overview
The Palace on Wheels — operated by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation with Indian Railways — was launched in 1982 as India's first luxury heritage train. Its 14 coaches, each themed after a former princely state, carry just a handful of guests in four cabin categories — Deluxe, Super Deluxe, Suite and the Presidential Suite — with saloon-style décor, en-suite bathrooms and personal climate control. Onboard, two fine-dining restaurants serve regional Rajasthani and continental cuisine, complemented by a well-stocked lounge bar, a library and an onboard spa. The circular 07 night / 08 day route departs from Safdarjung Station, New Delhi, and sweeps through the forts of Jaipur, the tiger trails of Ranthambore, the UNESCO citadel of Chittorgarh, the lakes of Udaipur, the golden dunes of Jaisalmer, the Blue City of Jodhpur, the bird sanctuary of Bharatpur and the Taj Mahal at Agra — each stop greeted with the pageantry of Rajasthan's royal past. The season runs October to March, with pre-scheduled departures and limited cabins per run.
Duration
07 Nights / 08 Days · Delhi to Delhi
Tour Type
Luxury Rail · Heritage · Wildlife · Cultural
Region
Rajasthan & Agra — Delhi · Jaipur · Udaipur · Jaisalmer · Jodhpur
UNESCO Sites
Amber Fort · Chittorgarh · Keoladeo · Taj Mahal
Onboard
14 Coaches · 4 Classes · 2 Restaurants · Spa · Lounge Bar
Season
October – March · Pre-booked cabins
Top Experiences
Highlights
Amber Fort & the Pink City
Ride up to Amber Fort's ramparts, explore the City Palace and Jantar Mantar, and wander the bazaars of Jaipur — the jewel of Rajasthan
Ranthambore Tiger Safari
Morning jeep safaris through Ranthambore National Park — one of India's finest chances to spot the Bengal tiger among ancient fort ruins
Chittorgarh Fort
The largest fort in India, steeped in Rajput legend — palaces, towers of victory, temples and an evening light-and-sound show
Udaipur — City of Lakes
Boat ride across Lake Pichola to Jag Mandir, a heritage lunch, and the City Palace mirrored in the still lake waters
Jaisalmer & the Sam Sand Dunes
The golden fort and carved havelis of Jaisalmer, then a camel safari across the Thar's dunes with dinner under the desert sky
The Taj Mahal at Agra
After a bird-watching safari at Keoladeo Bharatpur, reach Agra to stand before the white marble of the Taj Mahal at its golden hour
Visual Journey
The Royal Train at a Glance
What's Covered
Includes / Excludes
✓ Included
- Accommodation in your chosen cabin class — Deluxe, Super Deluxe, Suite or Presidential Suite
- All meals — breakfast, lunch & dinner served in the two onboard restaurants
- Afternoon high tea, evening canapés & onboard entertainment
- Complimentary mineral water, tea & coffee throughout the journey
- Sightseeing excursions with expert English-speaking guides
- Entrance fees, Ranthambore jeep safaris, camel safari & cultural performances
- Porterage at stations, welcome receptions & butler-style service in your cabin
- Pre/post hotel stays & airport transfers arranged on request
✕ Not Included
- Airfare / rail transfers to the boarding station at Delhi
- Alcoholic beverages (except in Suite & Presidential Suite)
- Optional spa treatments
- Laundry, telephone & other personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities & tips
- Anything not listed under inclusions
Day by Day
The Royal Journey — 07 Nights / 08 Days
Day01
Delhi — Boarding & Royal Welcome
Safdarjung Station · Embarkation evening
- Arrival & welcome: Arrive at Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi, and board the Palace on Wheels to the sound of shehnais and a traditional Rajasthani welcome — turbans, garlands and a tika on the forehead.
- Evening: Settle into your cabin, meet your on-board hosts and enjoy welcome drinks followed by a royal dinner as the train rolls out of Delhi.
- Overnight: On board, en route to Jaipur.
Day02
Jaipur — The Pink City
Amber Fort · City Palace · Jantar Mantar
- Morning: Enjoy breakfast on board, then drive to the magnificent Amber Fort — ride up to the fort on elephant back and explore its mirrored Sheesh Mahal and Diwan-i-Aam.
- Afternoon: Tour the City Palace complex and the Jantar Mantar observatory, then browse the bazaars of the Pink City for textiles, gems and handicrafts.
- Evening: Optional heritage dinner hosted at a palace hotel before rejoining the train for the overnight run.
- Overnight: On board, towards Sawai Madhopur.
Day03
Sawai Madhopur & Chittorgarh
Ranthambore Tiger Safari · Chittorgarh Fort
- Early morning: Board jeeps for a safari through Ranthambore National Park — look out for the Bengal tiger, leopards, sambar and crocs around the ancient fort.
- Afternoon: Rejoin the train and continue to Chittorgarh, visiting the vast hilltop fort — Vijay Stambh, Rana Kumbha's palace and the Rani Padmini palace — a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Evening: Attend the sound-and-light show that brings Chittorgarh's legends of valour to life.
- Overnight: On board, towards Udaipur.
Day04
Udaipur — The City of Lakes
Lake Pichola · Jag Mandir · City Palace
- Morning: Breakfast on board, then set out to explore the "City of Lakes" — the marble City Palace, its museums and the crystal gallery.
- Afternoon: Cruise across Lake Pichola to the island palace of Jag Mandir for a heritage lunch, and join a hands-on miniature painting class with local artists.
- Evening: Wander the lakeside ghats and return to the train as it departs for Jaisalmer.
- Overnight: On board, across the Thar Desert.
Day05
Jaisalmer — The Golden City
Jaisalmer Fort · Havelis · Sam Sand Dunes
- Morning: Breakfast on board, then visit the living Jaisalmer Fort, the ornately carved Patwon and Salim Singh ki Havelis, and the Jain temples within the citadel.
- Afternoon: Drive into the Thar Desert for a camel safari across the Sam Sand Dunes — golden sands stretching to the horizon.
- Evening: Special dinner under the desert sky with folk music and dance before returning to the train.
- Overnight: On board, towards Jodhpur.
Day06
Jodhpur — The Blue City
Mehrangarh Fort · Jaswant Thada
- Morning: Arrive in Jodhpur to a welcome by the royal brass band, then ascend to the mighty Mehrangarh Fort — its palaces, museums and panoramic views over the blue-painted old city.
- Afternoon: Visit Jaswant Thada, the white marble cenotaph, and the bustling Clock Tower market for spices and handicrafts.
- Evening: Rejoin the train for the overnight run to Bharatpur.
- Overnight: On board.
Day07
Bharatpur & Agra
Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary · Taj Mahal
- Morning: Safari through the Keoladeo National Park at Bharatpur — a UNESCO wetland teeming with migratory birds, from Siberian cranes to painted storks.
- Midday: Breakfast at the heritage Mahal Khas, then transfer to Agra.
- Afternoon: Visit the Taj Mahal and, time permitting, the Agra Fort — Mughal grandeur at its finest.
- Evening: Return to the train for the final overnight run back to Delhi.
- Overnight: On board.
Day08
Delhi — Disembarkation
Arrival by morning · Journey concludes
- Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast on board as the Palace on Wheels glides back into New Delhi.
- Disembark: Bid farewell to your hosts and continue to your onward journey with memories of royal Rajasthan.
Onboard Stays
Choose Your Cabin Class
Deluxe Cabin
Classic royal comfort
Twin or double berth, en-suite bathroom, personal climate control
Twin or double berth, en-suite bathroom, personal climate control
Super Deluxe Cabin
Extra space & style
Deeper cabins with a sofa area and larger picture windows
Deeper cabins with a sofa area and larger picture windows
Suite
Separate living & sleeping
In-cabin dining service, premium amenities and dedicated host attention
In-cabin dining service, premium amenities and dedicated host attention
Presidential Suite
The pinnacle of Indian rail
The largest suites with a luxurious bath and personal butler
The largest suites with a luxurious bath and personal butler
We will arrange and confirm your cabin class and berths as per the trip and budget — cabins are not fixed and can be customised to your preference. Contact us for details
Good to Know
FAQs
Which route does the Palace on Wheels follow?
- The classic 07 night / 08 day circular journey departs Delhi and covers Jaipur · Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore) · Chittorgarh · Udaipur · Jaisalmer · Jodhpur · Bharatpur · Agra, returning to Delhi on Day 8.
What cabin classes are available?
- The train carries 14 coaches across four cabin categories — Deluxe Cabin, Super Deluxe Cabin, Suite and the exclusive Presidential Suite — each with an en-suite bathroom and personal climate control.
When does the train operate?
- The season runs October to March each year with pre-scheduled weekly departures and limited cabins per run — early booking is strongly recommended, especially for Suites and the Presidential Suite.
Are meals and beverages included?
- Yes — all meals are served in the two onboard restaurants, with afternoon high tea and evening canapés. Selected beverages are included in the Suite and Presidential Suite categories.
How do I book my journey?
- Message us on WhatsApp with your preferred departure date and cabin class — we will handle the reservation, pre/post hotel stays, transfers and any special requests, and confirm availability for your dates.
Where the Rails Run
The Royal Rajasthan Circuit