All You Want to Know
About Palace on Wheels

The Palace on Wheels is India's pioneering luxury train, launched in 1982 as a joint venture between the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) and Indian Railways. It travels in a round-trip loop from Delhi through the heart of Rajasthan — visiting Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore), Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur and Bharatpur — before concluding with a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra and returning to Delhi.

There is one signature journey: a 7-night, 8-day royal circuit covering nine destinations. The train departs Delhi every Wednesday evening and follows the route Delhi → Jaipur → Sawai Madhopur → Chittorgarh → Udaipur → Jaisalmer → Jodhpur → Bharatpur → Agra → Delhi, with guided sightseeing excursions at each stop before guests are returned to Safdarjung Railway Station on Day 8.

Fares are quoted per person, per night and GST is charged extra. Deluxe Cabin rates start from USD 864 per person per night (double occupancy, lean season); Super Deluxe, Suite and Presidential cabin rates are priced per cabin per night and vary by season. Because the full journey is 7 nights, final costs depend on your chosen cabin, occupancy, season and travel dates — contact Palace Trains for a complete per-journey quote: toll-free 1-800-724-5120, +1-786-408-0610 (international/WhatsApp), or travel@palacetours.com.

The train offers four accommodation categories across 42 fully air-conditioned cabins, all with en-suite bathroom, scenic windows, electronic safe, daily housekeeping and 24-hour butler service. Deluxe Cabins (36 cabins) are individually themed to a Rajasthani princely state. Super Deluxe Cabins (3 cabins) provide stylish upgraded décor. Suite Cabins (2 cabins, Jhalawar coach) feature a queen-size bed and generous Rajasthani interiors. The Presidential Suite (1 exclusive cabin, 240 sq ft) is the pinnacle of the experience, with a private lounge, jacuzzi and dedicated butler service.

The Palace on Wheels is highly all-inclusive. Fares cover all on-board meals in the two signature restaurant cars — Sheesh Mahal and Swarn Mahal — sightseeing excursions and entrance fees at every destination, one jeep safari in Ranthambore National Park, a camel safari at the Sam Sand Dunes, a boat ride on Lake Pichola and a rickshaw excursion through Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Selected beverages are also included. Contact Palace Trains to confirm the precise inclusions for your chosen departure.

The train operates weekly on Wednesdays throughout the September–April season, pausing during the summer months of May to August. There are 35 departures for the 2026–27 season, running from 2 September 2026 through 28 April 2027. September–October and April are lean season; November through March is peak season, with a 10% surcharge on the 23 December 2026 and 30 December 2026 (Christmas and New Year) departures. See the departure table on the train page for all dates.

The train is jointly operated by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) and Indian Railways. What sets it apart is its heritage: each of the 15 coaches is named after a former Rajputana princely state and decorated in that dynasty's specific colours, hand-crafted furnishings and traditional artistry, so every cabin is a living tribute to a different chapter of royal Rajasthan. Voted No. 1 in Condé Nast Traveler's 2024 Readers' Choice Awards, it remains the benchmark for luxury rail travel on the subcontinent.

To book, check departure availability or request a personalised quote, contact Palace Trains directly: call toll-free 1-800-724-5120, reach us internationally or via WhatsApp on +1-786-408-0610, or email travel@palacetours.com. Advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly for peak-season departures and the Presidential Suite.

On Day 3 of the journey, guests board jeeps at 6:00 AM for an early-morning safari into Ranthambore National Park — one of India's finest settings for spotting wild Bengal tigers among ancient ruins and forest lakes. The safari is included in the fare and is one of the most celebrated highlights of the entire itinerary.

Yes. Lean-season departures in September–October 2026 and April 2027 carry the lower per-night rate (Deluxe from USD 864 per person per night, double occupancy), while peak-season departures from October 2026 through March 2027 attract slightly higher fares. A special companion offer has been noted for lean-season departures in September–October 2026 and April 2027 — contact Palace Trains for current terms and conditions.