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The Taj Mahal

Witness one of the seven wonders of the world

  • Location

Departs from New Delhi

  • Nearest Airports

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)

  • Nearest Railway Stations

Safdarjung Railway Station (Special Departure Point)

  • Highlight

A luxury train journey through the regal heartland of Rajasthan, opening doors to historical forts, palaces, sand dunes, and folklore.

  • Duration

8D/7N

If you have ever dreamt of sipping wine in a plush salon while the Thar Desert slips past your window like a painted scroll, the Palace on Wheels may be your call to time travel. A train once reserved for royalty, this heritage route today opens its intricately carved doors to those who seek an indulgent and luxurious journey into the Maharaja (king) way of life. With staff trained to offer regal hospitality, cabins that lure you to vintage Rajasthani decor and on-board lounges, this journey is a soulful train ride through India’s cultural epicenter, Rajasthan.

The tiger territories of Ranthambhore or the blue maze of Jodhpur’s old city, this week-long train ride covers the poetic, rugged, and beautiful Rajasthan, at a pace where you can relish, witness, and soak in. You do not merely visit Rajasthan; aboard Palace on Wheels you experience it all –  in the resonance of palace courtyards, under the slow breath of desert winds, with kachori (a snack) breakfasts and live folk music in the evening salon.

Highlights of the Tour:

  • Explore the painted pink alleyways of Jaipur and its hilltop fortresses
  • Morning Safari through Ranthambore National Park and watch out for tigers at sunrise
  • Visit the shimmering lakes and palaces of Udaipur, ‘the Venice of India’
  • Explore the Thar Desert at the golden hour
  • End the tour with a spiritual cleanse at the ghats (riverfront steps) of Varanasi or an optional Taj Mahal visit

The Set Itinerary for the ‘Palace on Wheels’ Train Ride

Day 1: New Delhi

Report by 4:30 pm India Standard Time (IST) at Safdarjung Railway Station for a traditional welcome, including garlanding, tikka (a traditional red forehead mark), and turban, followed by check-in formalities for the ‘Palace on Wheels’ train tour.

You will be escorted to your cabin by a personal attendant for a briefing on cabin facilities. At leisure, you can proceed to the Bar Lounge for a complimentary welcome drink. The train departs at 6:30 pm IST, and dinner is served onboard.

Your journey starts with an onboard breakfast and a royal elephant welcome at Jaipur Railway Station. You will visit St. Albert Museum, Pink City Palace, and Jantar Mantar (sun observatory).

Stop briefly at Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) before exploring the Hill Fort Palace of Amber in the afternoon.

Lunch at the 1135 AD Boutique Restaurant in the premises of the fort.

Later, you get the opportunity to marvel at the 16th-century Fort Palace with its fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture.

Later that day, you can shop at the vibrant local markets in Jaipur. Be sure to return to the train by 6:00 pm IST and depart for the next destination. Dinner is served on board.

Jaipur - The Pink City

On the third day, gear up for a jungle safari in 15-seater canter vehicles inside Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. One of the most important reserves in India, this forest is a sanctuary to tigers, panthers, sloth bears, pythons, marsh crocodiles, hundreds of deer, and numerous birds. You will return to Sawai Madhopur Railway Station and depart by 10:00 am IST. Lunch is served onboard.

At 4:00 pm IST, the Palace on Wheels train reaches Chittorgarh Railway Station. There, you will begin an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Hill Fort of Chittorgarh, spread over a huge plateau. With a history dating back to the 11th century, it is considered to be the largest fort in India. In the evening, a Sound & Light program in the fort complex will be arranged just for you. The train departs after midnight.

This day is your opportunity to explore the 17th-century-built City Palace complex with eleven constituent Mahals, balconies, towers, and cupolas in Udaipur. The next destination is the Crystal Gallery, displaying the personal collection of crystal furniture and artifacts belonging to His Highness Maharana Sajjan Singh of Udaipur. Later, you can enjoy a boat ride around the world-famous “Lake Palace Hotel” on a small island in the middle of Lake Pichola.

Afterwards, you get free time for shopping, followed by a visit to the Royal Gardens at Saheliyon Ki Bari. Return to the train by 3 pm IST and depart. Dinner onboard.

After breakfast, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jaisalmer Fort. The 15th-century fort, glowing golden in the sun, is all about a leisurely walk through its massive gates and courtyard. Explore Patwon ki Haveli, a grand mansion house, and nearby 15th-century Jain Temples. This day’s lunch will be served at a 5-star hotel, then return to the train for a brief rest.

In the evening, visit Sam Sand Dunes during sunset. End the day with a cultural program in the desert and dinner at a 5-star heritage hotel. Return to the train by 10:00 pm IST.

Jaisalmer & The Thar Desert

The train arrives at 8:00 am IST in Jodhpur. Post-breakfast, visit the 16th-century Mehrangarh Fort, perched 125 meters above Jodhpur town. The fort’s gateways are designed to thwart enemy charges. Inside, explore breathtaking palatial apartments (Mahals) and a museum displaying royal dresses and medieval weapons.

Nearby is the 19th-century Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal mausoleums in white marble.

You will also visit the museum at Umaid Bhawan Palace, displaying artifacts of the Maharaja of Jodhpur.

Lunch will be arranged at Hanwant Mahal Boutique Restaurant. Return to the train by 3:30 pm IST. Dinner is served onboard.

Jodhpur - Blue City

Next morning, you will get down at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and take a cycle rickshaw ride to watch many of the 375 species of both local and migratory birds, from places like Sri Lanka, Europe, Siberia, China, and Tibet. Return to the train for breakfast and depart by 8:45 am IST.

The train drops you off at the railway station on the outskirts of Agra at 10:30 am IST. The sightseeing tour starts with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Agra Fort, the seat of power of the once mighty Mughal Empire. Lunch at the ITC Mughal Hotel is followed by a visit to the world-famous Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world.

Afterwards, guests have some free time to shop around Agra. Then, return to the train for dinner onboard and depart.

Taj Mahal

The Palace on Wheels train returns to Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station by 5:30 am IST. Check out by 7:15 am IST after an early breakfast.

  • The ticket price for the Palace on Wheels depends on the travel season and the type of cabin selected – usually ranging from $3,500 to $8,000 per person for the 7-night itinerary.
  • You can conveniently book your journey on the Palace on Wheels through the official website or through us. Due to high demand, it is recommended to secure your reservation well in advance.
  • The Palace on Wheels fare covers accommodation, all meals, guided tours, entry to monuments, and cultural performances.
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