The Richest Train in India: Palace on Wheels
For those who enjoy traveling in style, the Palace on Wheels offers the perfect way to explore India’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes. As the richest train in India, it sets the standard for opulence, with regal interiors, world-class amenities, and impeccable service. Operated by Tailormade Journey, a trusted name in luxury travel, it guarantees a trip filled with sophistication and comfort.
As you journey through India’s scenic wonders, you’ll be treated like royalty, with spacious suites, gourmet dining, and personalized service at every turn. From majestic forts to bustling cities and serene countryside, the Palace on Wheels effortlessly combines luxury with culture, making it an ideal choice for discerning travelers who appreciate the very best.
Tailormade Journey enhances this experience with thoughtfully designed itineraries, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in India’s vibrant culture. At each stop, exclusive excursions invite you to explore the country’s history and beauty, ensuring a journey that balances discovery with luxury. Every moment on board the Palace on Wheels becomes a cherished memory of sophistication and indulgence.
Why Palace on Wheels is the Richest Train in India
The Palace on Wheels stands as India’s most opulent train, renowned for its lavish interiors, top-tier facilities, and unmatched hospitality. With spacious suites, gourmet dining, and personalized services, guests are treated to a truly royal experience. Every journey on this luxury train combines the richness of Indian culture with utmost comfort, all within its regal decor and modern amenities.
Tailormade Journey enhances this luxury adventure with specially designed itineraries, offering exclusive excursions at each stop. The Palace on Wheels doesn’t just promise luxury—it delivers an unforgettable journey marked by elegance, sophistication, and the best of Indian heritage, making it the epitome of luxury travel on rails.
History of Palace on Wheels
India’s first luxury train, Palace on Wheels, was designed to offer an exceptional travel experience, combining overnight journeys in comfortable AC sleeping chambers with organized daytime sightseeing tours in air-conditioned buses. This unique concept has remained unchanged, allowing travelers to explore Rajasthan in the ultimate comfort aboard the richest train in India.
Originally, these lavish coaches were used by the rulers of princely states such as Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad, and even the Viceroy of British India. After independence, these royal coaches were retired until 1981-82, when the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways revived them, launching Palace on Wheels to provide tourists a one-of-a-kind experience on the richest train in India.
The train’s name was inspired by the royal heritage of its original coaches. Over time, the interiors have been upgraded to ensure modern comfort while maintaining their regal aesthetics. In the late 1980s, the train shifted to meter-gauge with shared bathrooms, and in 1996, a broad-gauge version was introduced, offering private attached bathrooms in each cabin.
In 2017, the Palace on Wheels received a significant upgrade with new, more spacious carriages, allowing guests to choose between Deluxe and Super Deluxe Cabins, ensuring even greater comfort for their journey.
Facilities of Palace on Wheels
The Palace on Wheels, India’s iconic luxury train, promises an unforgettable journey blending regal comfort with seamless exploration. As the richest train in India, it offers an exquisite experience featuring overnight travel in well-appointed AC sleeping chambers and organized group sightseeing tours in air-conditioned buses during the day. The train boasts 39 Deluxe Cabins and 2 Super Deluxe Cabins, each equipped with exclusive butler service for personalized attention. Guests can unwind in the two Restaurant Cars with Bar Lounges or pamper themselves in the onboard Spa Car. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the train, keeping travelers connected.
The train operates on a 110/230 AC Volt supply, with multiple plug points in both the cabins and bathrooms—though bringing your own adaptors is recommended for personal electronic devices. Limited laundry services are available on select days, while soft-topped luggage is suggested due to limited storage space, similar to international air travel. The centrally air-conditioned train maintains a comfortable onboard temperature of 22°C, ensuring a relaxing environment throughout the journey. Smoking is strictly prohibited onboard.
The Palace on Wheels continues to be one of the finest ways to experience Rajasthan, embodying the luxury and charm of a bygone era while offering modern amenities and exceptional service.
About Palace on Wheels
Embark on an extraordinary journey aboard the Palace on Wheels, the richest train in India, where you can explore the enchanting landscapes of Rajasthan while traveling like the Maharajas of old. This journey unfolds the state’s rich history and mystical allure, offering a luxurious blend of royal heritage and modern comfort.
Departing from New Delhi every Wednesday evening and returning the following Wednesday morning, the Palace on Wheels covers over 3,000 kilometers (1,850 miles) in 7 nights and 8 days. Along the way, you’ll be immersed in the elegance and grandeur of Rajasthan’s most iconic destinations. With 39 Deluxe Cabins and 2 Super Deluxe Cabins, the train accommodates up to 82 passengers, ensuring a cozy yet opulent experience for each traveler.
Aboard this regal train, you’ll be transported to the era of kings and queens, with every detail crafted to evoke the charm and mystique of India’s royal past. From the lavish interiors to the personalized services, the Palace on Wheels offers a seamless journey into the heart of Rajasthan’s royal legacy, making it a truly enchanting experience for luxury travelers.
Palace on Wheels: 07 Nights / 08 Days Luxury Train Journey
Day 1: Departure from New Delhi
Welcome to an unforgettable journey aboard one of the most prestigious luxury trains in India. Arrive at Safdarjung Railway Station by 4:30 PM, where you’ll be warmly welcomed in true royal style—complete with garlands, a traditional tikka, and a beautifully adorned turban. As you complete the check-in formalities, capture a moment of this regal experience alongside our elegantly dressed staff.
Your personal attendant will then guide you to your lavish cabin, offering an introduction to the luxurious amenities that await you. Once you’ve settled in, unwind with a complimentary welcome drink in the Bar Lounge, where you can relax and soak up the opulent ambiance. At 6:30 PM, the train will embark on its journey, setting off with elegance and sophistication. Dinner will be served onboard, marking the perfect start to your luxurious adventure.
Day 2: Jaipur, The Pink City
Start your day with a delightful breakfast served right in the comfort of your cabin, as the richest train in India pulls into Jaipur. A royal welcome awaits you at the station, complete with majestic elephants, setting the tone for your regal adventure. Your day begins with visits to the fascinating St. Albert Museum and the stunning Pink City Palace, followed by the awe-inspiring Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After a quick photo stop at the iconic Hawa Mahal, embark on a journey to the splendid Amber Fort. Feel the thrill of riding an elephant up the fort’s grand ramparts, adding an extra touch of royalty to your visit. Lunch is a special affair at the exclusive 1135 AD Boutique Restaurant, nestled within the fort’s walls, offering a delectable spread amidst a royal ambiance.
As you explore the fort’s architectural beauty, admire the seamless blend of Rajput and Mughal styles. Later, indulge in some shopping at the lively local market, where you can pick up unique souvenirs that reflect the vibrant culture of Rajasthan. By 6:00 PM, you’ll be back aboard the Palace on Wheels, ready to head to your next enchanting destination. Dinner will be served onboard, promising a delicious end to a day filled with history, beauty, and unmatched hospitality.
Experience the elegance of luxury train travel in India, where rich history meets breathtaking landscapes, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Day 3: Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve and Chittorgarh Hill Fort
Early Morning: Safari Adventure
Wake up at 6:30 AM in a cozy forest lodge, preparing for an exciting jungle safari in 15-seater canters through the famed Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. As one of India’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries, it offers a diverse array of wildlife, from majestic tigers and elusive panthers to sloth bears, pythons, marsh crocodiles, and an assortment of deer and vibrant bird species. It’s truly a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
After this thrilling expedition, make your way back to Sawai Madhopur Railway Station to rejoin the richest train in India by 10:00 AM, where a delicious lunch awaits, offering a perfect blend of comfort and culinary delight onboard.
Afternoon: Chittorgarh Hill Fort
By 4:00 PM, the Palace on Wheels arrives at Chittorgarh Railway Station, ready to whisk you away on an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chittorgarh Hill Fort. This grand 11th-century fortress, the largest in India, is a symbol of bravery and royal heritage, with its vast grounds echoing tales of valor and splendor.
As evening falls, immerse yourself in a captivating Sound & Light program within the fort complex, bringing its rich history to life under the stars. After this enchanting experience, return to the richest train in India for a delightful dinner onboard. Relax and unwind as the train prepares for departure just after midnight, carrying you to your next royal destination.
Day 4: Udaipur, the City of Lakes
Arriving in Udaipur by 8:00 AM, start your day with a hearty breakfast onboard the richest train in India before stepping out to explore the magnificent 17th-century City Palace complex. This stunning palace, with its eleven majestic Mahals, grand balconies, and intricate towers, is a true testament to royal splendor. A visit to the Crystal Gallery offers a glimpse into the exquisite personal collection of His Highness of Udaipur, showcasing rare and elegant artifacts.
Next, enjoy a tranquil boat ride around the iconic Lake Palace Hotel, beautifully set on an island in the middle of Lake Pichola. Following this, savor a lavish lunch at the regal Fatehprakash Palace Hotel. You’ll then have some free time to explore Udaipur’s vibrant local markets, perfect for picking up unique souvenirs.
Wrap up your Udaipur experience with a visit to the charming Royal Gardens at Saheliyon Ki Bari, a serene oasis filled with fountains, lotus pools, and lush greenery. Return to the train by 3 PM, ready to depart for your next adventure. As night falls, dinner will be served onboard, rounding off yet another splendid day in royal luxury.
Day 5 (Sunday): Jaisalmer, Gem in the Desert
Start your day with a delightful breakfast onboard before setting off at 9:30 AM for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jaisalmer Fort. Rising above the city like a scene from Arabian Nights, this majestic 15th-century fort glows in a golden hue under the afternoon sun. As you explore its vast courtyards, winding alleys, and massive gates, you’ll be transported back in time, surrounded by the stories of its royal past.
Your journey continues with a visit to the breathtaking Patwon Ki Haveli, one of Jaisalmer’s largest and most intricately designed mansions. With five stories of ornate carvings, it stands as a masterpiece of architectural elegance. Nearby, explore the beautifully carved Jain Temples, home to some of India’s oldest manuscripts, offering a window into the country’s spiritual heritage.
Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at a luxurious 5-star hotel, followed by a return to the comfort of the richest train in India for a brief rest and afternoon tea. By 4:30 PM, venture into the stunning Sam Sand Dunes in the heart of the Thar Desert for a magical camel ride as the sun sets over the golden sands. The evening unfolds with a vibrant cultural performance and a lavish dinner at a 5-star hotel, perfectly capturing the essence of Rajasthan’s rich culture. Return to your luxury train by 10:00 PM, ready for the next chapter of your grand adventure.
Day 6 (Monday): Jodhpur: The Soul of Marwar
The Palace on Wheels arrives in Jodhpur at 8:00 AM, where your day begins with a hearty breakfast onboard. Soon after, embark on a visit to the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, a towering 16th-century fortress that rises 125 meters above the city. As you pass through its formidable gateways, designed to repel ancient invaders, you’ll enter vast courtyards and explore royal palatial apartments. Inside, the fort’s museum offers a fascinating collection of royal attire, medieval weaponry, and artifacts, providing a glimpse into Jodhpur’s regal past.
Next, head to the serene Jaswant Thada, a stunning white marble memorial dedicated to the royal family, followed by a visit to the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, which houses the personal artifacts of the Maharaja of Jodhpur. Savor a sumptuous lunch at the Hanwant Mahal Boutique Restaurant, enjoying the royal ambiance of this charming venue.
By 3:30 PM, return to the richest train in India to continue your luxurious journey. As the train departs, indulge in a delightful dinner served onboard, perfectly concluding another day of royal exploration.
Day 7 (Tuesday Early Morning): Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Begin your day at 6:30 AM with a peaceful visit to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a leisurely cycle rickshaw ride through the sanctuary’s serene paths, where you’ll have the chance to spot over 375 bird species. From vibrant locals to graceful migratory birds arriving from Sri Lanka, Europe, Siberia, China, and Tibet, it’s truly a birdwatcher’s paradise. After this refreshing encounter with nature, return to your luxurious train to indulge in a delightful breakfast before setting off for your next destination at 8:45 AM.
Day 7 (Tuesday Noon): Agra: City of the Iconic Taj Mahal
Reach the outskirts of Agra by 10:30 AM, where your exploration of this iconic city begins. Step into the majestic Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once served as the grand stronghold of the Mughal Empire. After soaking in the grandeur, indulge in a delicious lunch at the renowned ITC Mughal Hotel. Next, experience the breathtaking beauty of the Taj Mahal, the timeless marble wonder that stands as a symbol of love and architectural brilliance. Take some time afterward to explore local markets and shop for unique crafts. Later, return to your luxury train to enjoy a sumptuous dinner before heading to your next enchanting destination.
Day 8 (Wednesday): Return to New Delhi
The Palace on Wheels reaches Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station at 5:30 AM, marking the end of a remarkable journey through India’s royal heritage. Begin your day with a delicious early breakfast onboard, savoring the last moments of this luxurious experience. Afterward, check out by 7:15 AM as you bid farewell to this opulent train.
Please note that the onboard management of the Palace on Wheels may adjust tour schedules to accommodate local logistics and ensure a seamless experience. Additionally, off-board meal locations might change depending on availability, providing the best possible dining options during your journey.
