Palace on Wheels

The Palace on Wheels is a luxury train in Rajasthan, India. Prior to independence, the native maharajas of India had their own fleet of luxury trains. After independence railway was nationalized and the private luxury trains were no longer in operation. In 1981–1982 the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways launched the Palace on Wheels, India's first post-independence luxury train.

Understand


The luxury train is fully air-conditioned and self sufficient, with Wi-Fi connection. The 14 coaches of this train are named after erstwhile Rajputana states, and accordingly are decorated with Rajasthani art and crafts work. The train consists of 39 Deluxe Cabins and 2 Super Deluxe Cabins and has a capacity of 82 passengers. Each cabin is provided with attached toilet, wall to wall carpet and all modern amenities. Each of the cabins is provided with a personal attendant, called khidmatgar. Apart from the cabins, there are two dining cars, called Maharaja & Maharani. The train also comes in with two resto-bar lounges and an ayurvedic spa. The train tour provides overnight travel in royal luxury coaches complete with pre-arranged sightseeing along with food in up class restaurants.

High season rates
October–March is high session
 * Deluxe cabin (single occupancy for 1 person). For Indians ₹ 5,23,600, for foreigners US$ 7700
 * Deluxe cabin (double occupancy for 2 person). For Indians ₹ 6,80,680, for foreigners US$ 10,010
 * Super deluxe cabin (for both single or double occupancy). For Indians ₹ 9,42,480, for foreigners US$ 13,860

Low season rates
April–September is low session
 * Delux cabin (single occupancy for 1 person). For Indians ₹ 4,28,400, for foreigners US$ 6300
 * Delux cabin (double occupancy for 2 person). For Indians ₹ 5,23,600, for foreigners US$ 7700
 * Super delux cabin (for both single or double occupancy). For Indians ₹ 7,06,860, for foreigners US$ 10,395

Get in
Palace on Wheels begins its journey every Wednesday and runs for an entire week leaving the guests back at Safdarjang Train Station, New Delhi, early in the morning. This luxury train is preferred the most by rich people desiring to enjoy travel in India, and thus bookings for the train are done months in advance. Tickets are available on a single, twin and triple sharing basis, and the prices thus differ. However the most convenient way of booking for Palace on Wheels is through agents or opting for online bookings. The train operates August–April.

Go


The Palace on Wheels starts from the national capital, Delhi, and thereafter traverses through the cities of Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Bharatpur and Agra.

The itinerary for Palace on Wheels includes sightseeing tours of these most fascinating cities, providing a preview of Indian culture and lifestyle.

Day 8 (Wednesday)
The Palace on Wheels reaches Safdarjung Railway Station at Delhi at 5:30AM. Breakfast on board. Check out by 7:15AM.

Stay safe
In order to not miss your departure, you might want to play it safe and stay with your group. The streets can prove to be quite confusing.

Go next
The luxury coaches of Palace on Wheels reach its final junction at Safdarjung Train Station, New Delhi early in the morning. Later passengers are served morning meal in the train. Thereafter one can either opt for cool cabs, local taxis or even for a much cheaper auto rickshaw drive for commuting to Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi to catch the flight back home.