Palace on Wheels: Costliest train in India

The Palace on Wheels is not just a luxury train; it’s the costliest train in India, offering an experience of opulence and royalty. This iconic train takes you on a lavish journey through Rajasthan’s most beautiful and historic destinations, all while pampering you with world-class amenities.

From the moment you step aboard, you’ll be surrounded by luxury—from the elegant décor to the personalized services. Each cabin is designed to reflect the grandeur of Indian palaces, making you feel like royalty. Along the way, enjoy gourmet dining, a spa, and guided tours to top tourist spots.

While many luxury trains operate in India, the Palace on Wheels stands out as the costliest train in India, with prices that match its unparalleled offerings. If you’re looking for an unforgettable journey where luxury knows no bounds, the Palace on Wheels is the ultimate choice. Let’s find out the reasons why the Palace on Wheels is the costliest train in India, offering unmatched luxury, personalized services, and a royal travel experience.

The History of the Palace on Wheels: The Costliest Train in India

India’s first luxury train tour, Palace on Wheels, offers an unforgettable experience by combining overnight travel in air-conditioned sleeper cabins with daytime sightseeing tours by AC buses.

Historically, the train’s lavish coaches were once used by the rulers of Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad, and British officials. After independence, these carriages were set aside for about 25 years. In 1981-82, the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways revived the luxury coaches, launching the Palace on Wheels to give visitors a taste of royalty. This unique train has been recognized as the costliest train in India, providing an unmatched travel experience.

Over the years, the train has been modernized, while maintaining its royal charm. In the late 1980s, the original coaches were replaced with newer AC cabins that had shared bathrooms. By 1996, broad gauge tracks were introduced, allowing all cabins to have private, attached bathrooms. The Palace on Wheels underwent further upgrades in 2017, introducing larger carriages and the option to choose between Deluxe and Super Deluxe cabins, continuing to hold its place as the costliest train in India.

Palace on Wheels: Luxurious Facilities on India’s Costliest Train

The Palace on Wheels is designed to offer a world-class travel experience with all the comforts you’d expect from the costliest train in India. Fully air-conditioned, each cabin comes equipped with a private bathroom, Wi-Fi, a mini pantry, a music channel, a safe, and plush wall-to-wall carpeting. Every saloon has a dedicated personal attendant, or “khidmatgar,” ensuring your every need is met.

The train’s royal charm is reflected in the historical coaches, named after famous palaces and forts of Rajasthan. The rich interiors of the cabins are adorned in stunning ruby, turquoise, or pearl tones, giving you a feel of regal opulence.

Onboard, you’ll find two resto-bar lounges and an Ayurvedic spa, along with complimentary Wi-Fi provided via sharing dongles. The dining cars, Maharaja and Maharani, offer freshly cooked international cuisine, prepared in the attached kitchen saloon.

The key idea behind this luxury train is simple: travel overnight in comfortable AC cabins and explore incredible sights during the day by AC buses. It remains one of the most sought-after experiences on the costliest train in India.

Key Highlights:

• 39 Deluxe Cabins and 2 Super Deluxe Cabins
• Restaurant cars with bar lounges
• 1 Spa Car
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Personal Butler Service

Additional Details:

• Electric supply onboard is 110/230 AC Volt, with plug points in both cabins and bathrooms. Carry adaptors as needed.
• Laundry services are available on select days.
• Cabins have limited storage space; soft luggage similar to international airline standards is recommended.
• The train maintains a comfortable 22°C, and smoking is prohibited onboard.

Palace on Wheels Train Route: A Journey Through Royal Rajasthan on the Costliest Train in India

Day 1 (Wednesday): Departure from New Delhi
Your adventure begins at Safdarjung Railway Station in New Delhi. Arrive by 4:30 PM for a traditional welcome ceremony, complete with garlands, tikka, and a turban. After check-in, you’ll have time to take photos with the beautifully dressed staff of the Palace on Wheels, the costliest train in India. Your personal attendant will guide you to your saloon cabin and introduce you to the luxurious facilities. Relax with a complimentary welcome drink in the Bar Lounge. The train departs at 6:30 PM, and dinner is served onboard.

Day 2 (Thursday): Exploring Jaipur, The Pink City
Enjoy breakfast onboard before arriving in Jaipur, where you’ll be greeted with a royal elephant welcome. Your sightseeing tour includes visits to the St. Albert Museum, the Pink City Palace, and the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar observatory. After a quick photo stop at Hawa Mahal, you’ll visit the famous Amber Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage site.

At Amber Fort, enjoy an elephant ride up the steep ramparts and have lunch at the 1135 AD Boutique Restaurant within the fort. Explore this stunning blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture before visiting Jaipur’s vibrant local market for shopping. By 6:00 PM, return to the costliest train in India and depart for the next destination, with dinner served onboard.

Day 3 (Friday Early Morning): Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve
Start your day early at 6:30 AM as you arrive at a forest lodge near the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. You’ll embark on a thrilling jungle safari in a 15-seater canter, exploring one of India’s most famous reserves. Home to tigers, panthers, sloth bears, pythons, marsh crocodiles, deer, and countless bird species, this reserve is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. After the safari, return to Sawai Madhopur Railway Station and board the costliest train in India once again, departing by 10:00 AM. Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch onboard.

Day 3 (Friday Afternoon): Chittorgarh Hill Fort
At 4:00 PM, the Palace on Wheels arrives at Chittorgarh Railway Station. Your tour begins at the grand UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chittorgarh Fort, known as the largest fort in India. Spread over a vast plateau, the fort’s history dates back to the 11th century and is filled with tales of valor and sacrifice. In the evening, experience a spectacular Sound & Light show in the fort complex. Afterward, return to the train for dinner, with the train departing after midnight.

Day 4 (Saturday): Udaipur, the City of Lakes
The train arrives in Udaipur by 8:00 AM. After breakfast onboard, visit the stunning 17th-century City Palace complex, which includes eleven magnificent Mahals, balconies, towers, and cupolas. You’ll also tour the Crystal Gallery, showcasing the personal collection of the Maharaja of Udaipur. Next, enjoy a peaceful boat ride around the world-famous Lake Palace Hotel, situated on a small island in Lake Pichola. Lunch is served at the royal Fatehprakash Palace Hotel, followed by free time for shopping and a visit to the serene Royal Gardens at Saheliyon Ki Bari. Return to the train by 3:00 PM, with dinner served onboard as the journey continues.

Day 5 (Sunday): Jaisalmer, Oasis in the Desert
After a delicious onboard breakfast, depart by 9:30 AM for a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jaisalmer Fort. This 15th-century fort looks like something out of an Arabian Nights tale, standing majestically 100 meters above the town. As you wander through the living fort complex, you’ll marvel at its golden hue, especially in the afternoon sunlight. The fort’s massive gates lead to a large courtyard, setting the scene for an unforgettable experience.

Next, visit the intricately carved Patwon Ki Haveli, one of Jaisalmer’s largest and most impressive mansions, standing five stories tall. Nearby, explore the beautiful 15th-century Jain Temples, known for their exquisite carvings and a library that houses some of India’s oldest manuscripts. Lunch will be at a 5-star hotel, followed by a brief rest back on the train.

At 4:30 PM, embark on an exciting excursion to the Sam Sand Dunes in the Thar Desert, where you’ll enjoy a camel ride as the sun sets over the dunes. The evening continues with a cultural program and dinner at a luxury hotel. Return to the train by 10:00 PM as it departs for the next destination.

Day 6 (Monday): Jodhpur, Heart of Marwar
Arriving at 8:00 AM in Jodhpur, start your day with breakfast onboard before visiting the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. This 16th-century fort, perched atop a rocky hill 125 meters above the town, is a masterpiece of defense with its angled gateways designed to thwart enemy attacks. Once inside, explore the stunning palatial apartments that open up to vast courtyards, offering breathtaking views. The fort complex also houses a museum showcasing royal attire and medieval weaponry.

Nearby, visit Jaswant Thada, a serene cluster of royal cenotaphs built in white marble in the late 19th century. Afterward, explore the museum at Umaid Bhawan Palace, which displays personal artifacts of the Maharaja of Jodhpur. Lunch is served at the charming Hanwant Mahal Boutique Restaurant.

Return to the costliest train in India by 3:30 PM and relax as dinner is served onboard while the train departs for its next stop.

Day 7 (Tuesday Early Morning): Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Start your day early with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary at 6:30 AM. Enjoy a peaceful cycle rickshaw ride through the sanctuary, where you’ll spot some of the 375 bird species, including local and migratory birds from places like Sri Lanka, Europe, Siberia, China, and Tibet. After this enriching wildlife experience, return to the costliest train in India for breakfast, with departure scheduled by 8:45 AM.

Day 7 (Tuesday Noon): Agra, City of the Taj Mahal
At 10:30 AM, the Palace on Wheels arrives near Agra. Your sightseeing begins with a visit to Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the seat of the powerful Mughal Empire. Afterward, enjoy lunch at the luxurious ITC Mughal Hotel. The highlight of the day is a visit to the world-famous Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a stunning masterpiece of white marble architecture. After some free time for shopping, return to the train for dinner as it departs for the final leg of the journey.

Day 8 (Wednesday): Return to New Delhi
Your journey on India’s costliest train concludes as the Palace on Wheels arrives at Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station by 5:30 AM. After an early breakfast, check out by 7:15 AM, marking the end of an unforgettable tour.

Note:

• The Palace on Wheels management reserves the right to adjust the tour schedule for local logistics.
• Off-board meal venues may change, subject to availability.