Palace on Wheels – Royal Rajasthan Luxury Train

PALACE ON WHEELS · A LEGENDARY JOURNEY THROUGH ROYAL RAJASTHAN

Palace on Wheels – Royal Rajasthan Luxury Train

Experience Rajasthan's royal cities, Ranthambore, the Thar Desert and the Taj Mahal on an iconic 8-day luxury train journey from Delhi.

8 Days / 7 Nights Price on Request 7 Nights Aboard Palace on Wheels

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Overview

Palace on Wheels is one of India's iconic luxury rail journeys, offering an extraordinary 8-day exploration of Rajasthan together with Ranthambore, Bharatpur and the Taj Mahal in Agra. Beginning in New Delhi, the journey travels into the heart of Rajasthan, revealing the Pink City of Jaipur, the wilderness of Ranthambore, the formidable fort of Chittorgarh and the romantic lakes and palaces of Udaipur. The landscapes change again as the train travels west towards Jaisalmer, where golden sandstone architecture rises from the Thar Desert, before continuing to Jodhpur and its magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. Nature takes centre stage once more at Bharatpur's Keoladeo National Park before the journey reaches Agra for a memorable encounter with the Taj Mahal and the architectural legacy of the Mughal era. Between destinations, Palace on Wheels becomes your travelling home, combining comfortable private accommodation, onboard dining and attentive hospitality with the convenience of exploring Rajasthan without repeatedly packing and changing hotels. Distant India Journeys can arrange your complete Palace on Wheels holiday, including private airport transfers, Delhi hotels and sightseeing before departure, as well as personalized extensions across India, Nepal or Bhutan after the train journey.

Journey Highlights

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Experience 8 Days / 7 Nights aboard the iconic Palace on Wheels

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Travel through the royal heartland of Rajasthan from New Delhi

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Discover Jaipur, Rajasthan's celebrated Pink City

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Experience a wildlife safari in Ranthambore National Park

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Explore the magnificent Chittorgarh Fort

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Discover Udaipur's palaces and enjoy the beauty of Lake Pichola

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Experience the golden desert city of Jaisalmer

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Venture into the Thar Desert and experience its remarkable landscapes

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Explore Jodhpur and the imposing Mehrangarh Fort

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Discover the birdlife of Keoladeo National Park at Bharatpur

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Visit magnificent Agra Fort

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Experience the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal

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Travel between Rajasthan's great destinations without repeatedly changing hotels

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Enjoy private cabin accommodation and onboard dining

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Experience the heritage and hospitality of one of India's legendary luxury trains

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Extend your journey with personalized arrangements by Distant India Journeys

Day by day

Suggested itinerary

Tap a day to preview the pace and experiences. Your final route is always tailored to you.

Day 1

New Delhi | Welcome Aboard Palace on Wheels

Arrive at Safdarjung Railway Station in New Delhi, where the Palace on Wheels experience begins with check-in and traditional welcome formalities.
Meet the onboard team and settle into your private cabin, your travelling home for the next seven nights.
Take time to explore the train and become acquainted with its onboard facilities as you prepare to begin your journey through Rajasthan.
Palace on Wheels departs New Delhi in the evening, leaving the capital behind as the train travels towards Jaipur.
Enjoy dinner aboard and spend your first night on the train as your royal Rajasthan journey begins.

Day 2

Jaipur | The Pink City & Royal Rajasthan

Wake as Palace on Wheels arrives in Jaipur, Rajasthan's celebrated Pink City and one of India's great centres of royal heritage.
Set out to discover Jaipur's distinctive architecture and historic landmarks, including the city's palaces, observatory and iconic Hawa Mahal.
Continue towards magnificent Amber Fort, dramatically positioned amid the Aravalli hills and renowned for its courtyards, gateways and richly decorated royal chambers.
Experience the colourful character of Jaipur and its longstanding traditions of jewellery, textiles and handicrafts.
Return to Palace on Wheels in the evening and enjoy dinner aboard as the train continues towards Sawai Madhopur.

Day 3

Ranthambore & Chittorgarh | Wildlife & Rajput Legends

Begin early in Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore National Park, for a wildlife safari through one of India's celebrated tiger reserves.
Explore the park's forests, lakes and open landscapes while looking for deer, monkeys, birdlife and other wildlife, with any tiger sighting remaining entirely dependent on nature and chance.
Return to Palace on Wheels for breakfast as the train continues towards Chittorgarh.
On arrival, discover the immense Chittorgarh Fort, whose palaces, gateways and ruins preserve centuries of Rajput history, courage and legend.
Enjoy the scheduled evening experience before returning to the train for dinner and overnight aboard.

Day 4

Udaipur | Palaces, Lake Pichola & Romantic Mewar

Arrive in Udaipur, Rajasthan's romantic City of Lakes, beautifully positioned against the Aravalli Hills.
Discover the city's royal heritage through its magnificent palaces, gardens and architectural treasures, including the impressive City Palace complex.
Experience the beauty of Lake Pichola on the scheduled boat ride, enjoying memorable views of Udaipur's waterfront palaces and surrounding hills.
Enjoy the dining and sightseeing experiences included in the Palace on Wheels programme before returning to the train.
Continue towards Jaisalmer as the landscape gradually changes from the lakes of southern Rajasthan to the desert country of the west.

Day 5

Jaisalmer | Golden Forts & the Thar Desert

Wake in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan's Golden City, where honey-coloured sandstone architecture rises dramatically from the landscapes of the Thar Desert.
Explore Jaisalmer's historic quarter, discovering the remarkable fort, traditional havelis and the architectural character created by generations of desert merchants and craftsmen.
Return to Palace on Wheels for lunch and some time to relax before setting out again later in the afternoon.
Travel towards the desert dunes for an experience of the Thar landscape, including the scheduled camel experience and refreshments.
Complete your day with the cultural and dining programme included in the journey before returning to Palace on Wheels for the overnight journey towards Jodhpur.

Day 6

Jodhpur | Mehrangarh Fort & the Blue City

Arrive in Jodhpur, the historic capital of Marwar and one of Rajasthan's most visually distinctive cities.
Set out to discover the imposing Mehrangarh Fort, rising high above the blue-painted neighbourhoods of the old city and offering a fascinating introduction to Jodhpur's royal history.
Continue through the city's heritage landmarks, including Jaswant Thada and the museum at Umaid Bhawan Palace as included in the scheduled programme.
Enjoy lunch and the experiences arranged as part of the Palace on Wheels journey before returning to the train.
Relax aboard as Palace on Wheels continues towards Bharatpur, with dinner and overnight on the train.

Day 7

Bharatpur & Agra | Birdlife, Mughal Heritage & the Taj Mahal

Begin early in Bharatpur with a visit to Keoladeo National Park, one of India's important bird habitats and a remarkable contrast to Rajasthan's desert landscapes.
Explore the sanctuary in the quiet morning hours before returning to Palace on Wheels for breakfast and the onward journey towards Agra.
On arrival in Agra, discover the imposing Agra Fort and its remarkable Mughal architecture.
Later, experience the incomparable Taj Mahal, where white marble, exquisite craftsmanship and one of India's most famous stories come together beside the Yamuna River.
Return to Palace on Wheels in the evening as the train begins its final journey back towards New Delhi.

Day 8

New Delhi | Journey's End

Wake aboard Palace on Wheels as the train completes its journey back to India's capital.
Enjoy breakfast aboard and take in the final moments of a remarkable week through Rajasthan, Ranthambore, Bharatpur and Agra.
Disembark at Safdarjung Railway Station and bid farewell to Palace on Wheels and its onboard team.
A Distant India Journeys representative can receive you on arrival and arrange your private transfer to your hotel, airport or onward destination according to your personalized travel plans.
Continue exploring India with a privately designed extension or conclude your journey with memories of one of the country's most iconic luxury rail experiences.

Before you travel

Good To Know

Palace on Wheels operates on selected scheduled departure dates
The complete journey is 8 Days / 7 Nights beginning and ending in New Delhi
The current journey normally departs from New Delhi on Wednesday
Advance reservation is strongly recommended due to limited cabin availability
Wildlife sightings at Ranthambore are entirely natural and sightings of tigers or any particular species cannot be guaranteed
Bird sightings at Keoladeo National Park vary according to season and natural conditions
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for forts, palaces and heritage sightseeing
Weather varies considerably between Delhi, Rajasthan and the desert depending on the month of travel
The sequence of excursions, venues, meals and timings may change for operational reasons
Final joining instructions and train timings will be reconfirmed before travel
Distant India Journeys can arrange private Delhi accommodation, sightseeing and transfers before and after the journey
The Palace on Wheels journey can be combined with a personalized extension to Varanasi, Kerala, Mumbai, Nepal, Bhutan or other parts of India
Fares, departure dates, itinerary and applicable conditions remain subject to the train operator's terms at the time of confirmation

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Quick facts

Duration 8 Days / 7 Nights

Starting price Price on Request

Best time to visit Oct - Mar

Support On-ground team

Inclusions

✓ Accommodation aboard Palace on Wheels in the selected cabin category
✓ Meals and beverages as included under the confirmed Palace on Wheels programme
✓ Scheduled off-train sightseeing and excursions as specified in the confirmed journey
✓ Entrance fees for scheduled sightseeing where included by the train operator
✓ Transportation for scheduled off-train excursions as per the official programme
✓ Services of guides and tour personnel during scheduled excursions as provided
✓ Ranthambore wildlife safari as specified in the confirmed programme
✓ Keoladeo National Park experience as specified in the confirmed programme
✓ Scheduled cultural and destination experiences included by the train operator
✓ Onboard hospitality and services as provided by Palace on Wheels
✓ Pre and post train assistance by Distant India Journeys where included in your personalized arrangements

Exclusions

– International and domestic flights unless specifically included
– India visa fees and personal travel insurance
– Pre and post train hotel accommodation unless specifically included
– Private airport and hotel transfers unless specifically included
– Optional excursions and experiences outside the confirmed train programme
– Premium beverages and personal purchases not included by the train operator
– Spa, laundry and other personal expenses
– Tips and gratuities
– Any services not specifically mentioned under inclusions

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