When individuals consider luxury train travel, names such as the Orient Express in Europe tend to come to mind first. In India, however, there is one train that is beyond first class – the fabled Palace on Wheels. This train is not so much about traveling, it is about royal living as one tours Rajasthan’s forts, deserts, and palaces. For many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that weaves history, culture, and world-class luxury together.
So, just how is it to travel on the Palace on Wheels? Let’s go inside.
The Royal Welcome
Your travels begin at Delhi’s Safdarjung railway station, where you don’t merely get on a train – you enter an experience. They are welcomed with garlands, live music and turban-tying ceremonies.It’s party-like atmosphere, as if one is entering a palace party. Attendants, in royal uniform, welcome you to your cabins.From here on, you are treated like a royal guest, not a tourist.
The Cabins: Palaces on Tracks
Every palace coach of the Palace on Wheels is named after a Rajasthan princely state – Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur – and fitted out to display its distinctive culture. Aboard, you will find:
Heritage interiors with silk drapes, finely crafted furniture, and traditional motifs.
Air-conditioned comfort with plush bedding.
En-suite bathrooms with contemporary fittings.
Wi-Fi and digital concierge facilities.
24/7 personal attendants to take care of every need.
It is like being in a royal palace, but with every amenity of a modern-day luxury hotel.
Eating like a Maharaja
Eating is an integral part of Palace on Wheels experience. The train has two high-end dining restaurants – Maharaja and Maharani. Here you can enjoy:
Traditional Rajasthani dishes, such as Laal Maas, Dal Baati Churma, and Ker Sangri.
North Indian, Continental, and Chinese cuisine for international travelers.
Carefully prepared meals, served on fine china with silverware.
The lounge bar offers top-grade spirits, cocktails, and wines, the perfect means to relax after a day of touring. Each meal is a royal banquet with doorstep service.
Life Onboard Every Day
The Palace on Wheels is unique in that the journey itself is as exciting as the destinations. Here’s what a typical day is like:
Morning: Wake up to landscape changing outside your window and indulge in a grand breakfast.
Day: Get down from the train for site-seeing tours of palaces, forts, and monuments of culture. An occasional boat cruise or safari can be arranged.
Afternoon: Take the train again for lunch and unwind in your cabin or lounge room.
Evening: Cultural shows, stories, or your own bar hours.
Night: Dine at a high-end restaurant and sleep in your royal cabin as the train journeys on to the destination.
The 7-Day Schedule: Rajasthan in Luxury
The Palace on Wheels journey is charted to take in the best of Rajasthan and beyond. In seven nights and eight days, you see:
Jaipur – The Pink City with Amber Fort and City Palace.
Ranthambore – A jungle safari to see the Bengal tiger.
Chittorgarh – The ancient fort and the stories of valour.
Udaipur – Lakeside palace romance.
Jaisalmer – Camel safari, sand dunes, and folk dances.
Jodhpur – The imposing Mehrangarh Fort and the Blue City.
Bharatpur & Agra – Bird sanctuary and the Taj Mahal.
This is how to see Rajasthan tourism best, with everything taken care of and delivered in royal fashion.
Beyond First Class: Why It’s Different
Luxury trains across the globe provide comfort, but the Palace on Wheels provides immersion. From the uniforms of staff to the layout of cabins, every aspect reminds you of India’s royal history. While first-class air travel or hotels may provide you with privacy and comfort, the Palace on Wheels provides you with stories, heritage, and experiences that you cannot find elsewhere.
Who Travels on the Palace on Wheels?
Guests are from all corners of the globe – the USA, Europe, Japan, and the Middle East. They are mostly couples celebrating anniversaries, luxury travelers putting on a bucket-list experience, or history enthusiasts looking to experience India in style. Making new friends onboard is easy as it creates a small international community.
Palace on Wheels Booking and Price
Booking Palace on Wheels is easy from the official Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) website or approved tour operators.
Price Range: Around ₹4.5 to ₹5.5 lakh per person for 7 nights (season and cabin type depending).
Best Time to Visit: October to March, when the weather in Rajasthan is nice.
Booking Tip: Seats get reserved well in advance, more so during the peak winter season.
Fun Fact
When Palace on Wheels was inaugurated in 1982, it ran on the vintage royal saloon coaches of Maharajas. Although modernized with facilities over time, the romance of royal travel has not been lost.
FAQ: Palace on Wheels Experience
Q. How long does the Palace on Wheels journey last?
It is an 8-day, 7-night excursion of Rajasthan and Agra.
Q. Is Palace on Wheels the best luxury train in India?
Yes, it is counted among the best of the world’s luxury trains, along with Deccan Odyssey and Maharajas’ Express.
Q. What type of food is served aboard?
Traditional Indian and international cuisine are offered in two restaurants. Vegetarian and vegan cuisine is also served.
Q. Who runs the Palace on Wheels?
It is run by Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) in association with private operators.
Conclusion: A Journey of a Lifetime
touring in the Palace on Wheels is not about how to go from city to city – it’s reliving India’s royal history again. From fine dining and luxury accommodations to desert safaris and palaces visited, every second is first class.
For anyone looking for the world’s finest luxury train or India’s finest luxury train, Palace on Wheels is a perennial choice. It is the gem in Rajasthan’s crown for tourism and a journey that turns into an all-time memory. Either you can find one another similar option for you Maharaja Express Train.
