Far from your imagination... A majestic creation...
That's Palace on Wheels!
Palace on Wheels, the epitome of luxury and comfort, beckons you to travel back in time to the era of raja-maharajas. A feather in the cap of Rajasthan, Palace on Wheels is one of the most luxurious trains in the world. Reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan, the train offers a heritage tour high on luxury. It was once the personal railway coaches of the Maharajas of the princely states of Rajasthan, Gujrat and the Nizam of Hyderabad.
Embark on this royal journey, get treated like a 'king' and explore several enchanting destinations of North India. Offering 7 nights/8 days of a royal journey, the train covers Jaipur (the Pink city), Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Ranthambhor National Park, Chittorgarh, Udaipur (the city of Lakes), the Bharatpur bird sanctuary and the symbol of love and romance, Agra, before returning to Delhi, the capital of India.
History
The pride of Indian Railways, Palace on Wheels has a glorious history. Its luxury coaches were once used by the raja-maharajas of the bygone era. Recapturing the "royal era", the train mirrors the rich heritage of the princely states of India. Occupying a prized place among the most luxurious trains in the world, Palace on Wheels started as a fascinating holiday train on 26th January, 1982. And became operational in October of the same year.
Palace on Wheels was the brainchild of Indian Railways and Rajasthan Tourism. To recreate the charm of the glorious era, thirteen carriages from different princely states were brought together and renovated. This luxurious train was launched with unmatched facilities and services to offer its passengers a journey soaked in royalty and luxury.
Itinerary
Day 01 - WEDNESDAY: New Delhi Depart
Report by 4:30PM at Safdarjung Railway Station for traditional welcome & check-in formalities for Week in Wonderland Train Tour. Time free for photo-shoot with traditionally attired Palace On Wheels staff. Be escorted to your saloon cabins by Personal Attendant for briefing on cabin facilities. At leisure Proceed to Bar Lounge for complimentary welcome drink. Train Departs at 6:30PM & Dinner served onboard.
Day 02 - THURSDAY: JAIPUR-Pink City Tour
At Jaipur Railway Station Royal Welcome by Elephants & proceed to visit St. Albert Museum, Pink City Palace & UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jantar Mantar (sun Observatory) Photo stop at Hawa Mahal (Palace Of winds) Afternoon excursion to UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hill Fort Palace of Amber and enjoy ride up the steep ramparts of the fort on festively decorated Elephants. Enjoy lunch in 1135 AD Boutique Restaurant, located in Fort premises. Later discover the beauty of 16th century well preserved Fort Palace, with huge courtyard’s and built in rare fusion of combined Rajput and Mughal architecture. Later Time free for shopping & return to train by 6:00PM & depart. Onboard dinner.
Day 03 - FRIDAY Early Morning: RANTHAMBHORE- Tiger Reserve
Early morning 630 am proceed from Sawai Madhopur Railway Stationfor jungle safari by 15 Seater Canters to Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. The Jungle is home to Tigers, Panthers, Sloth bears, Pythons, Marsh crocodiles & hundreds of deer & numerous birds. Return back to train by 09:30AM & depart. Breakfast & lunch onboard.
Day 03 – FRIDAY Afternoon: CHITTORGARH- Hill Fort
At 04:00PM train reaches Chittorgarh Railway Station & proceed for excursion to UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hill Fort of Chittorgarh, spread over a huge plateau - with history dating back to 11th century. Chittorgarh Fort is considered to be the largest fort of India. In the Evening, enjoy Sound & Light program in fort complex & later return to train for dinner. Train departs post midnight.
Day 04 - SATURDAY: UDAIPUR- City of Lakes
Train arrives by 08:00AM & after onboard breakfast proceed to visit 17th Century built - City Palace complex with eleven constituent Mahal (palaces), balconies, towers and cupolas. Also visit Crystal Gallery - housing personal collection of H.H. of Udaipur. Later enjoy boat ride around the world famous "Lake Palace Hotel" atop a small island in Lake Pichola. Proceed for lunch to Fatehprakash Palace Hotel. Time free for shopping and visit the Royal Gardens at Saheliyon Ki Bari & return to train by 3 pm & depart. Dinner onboard.
Day 05 - SUNDAY: JAISALMER: Oasis in desert
After onboard Breakfast proceed by 09:30AM to UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jaisalmer Fort. Straight out of an Arabian Nights fable. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the 15th century built living Fort complex, standing at a height of hundred meters over Jaisalmer town & glows golden in the afternoon sun. The fort is entered through a forbidding series of massive gates leading to a large courtyard. Visit Patwon ki Haveli, one of the largest and most elaborate mansion houses .-which is five storey high & extensively carved. Nearby is located a group of 15th century built Jain Temples, which are beautifully carved & have a library hosting some of the oldest manuscripts of India. Proceed for Lunch to 5-Star Hotel & later return to train for brief rest. At 4:30PM proceed for excursion to Sam sand Dunes in Thar Desert for Camel joy ride & sunset photo shoot opportunity Later enjoy Cultural Program & Dinner at 5-Star Hotel. Return to train by 10:00PM & depart.
Day 06 - MONDAY: JODHPUR: Heart of Marwar
Train arrives at 08:00AM & after breakfast proceed for sightseeing of 16th century built Mehrangarh Fort, atop a rocky hill which soars 125 Mts. above Jodhpur town. The Palace complex it is approached by a series of gateways set at an angle so that enemy armies could not charge, with any success. Once past the Fort gates, you have access to breath taking Palatial Apartments (Mahal), overlooking wide courtyards. Inside the fort complex is a museum having wide & impressive collection of Royal dresses & Medieval weapons. Nearby the Fort complex is located, late 19th century built Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble. Later visit museum at Umaid Bhawan Palace, displaying personal artifacts of H.H. Maharaja of Jodhpur. Lunch at Hanwant Mahal Boutique Restaurant. Return to train & depart by 3:30PM.
Day 07 - TUESDAY Early Morning: BHARATPUR: Bird Sanctuary
At 06:30AM proceed to UNESCO world Heritage Site of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary& enjoy cycle rickshaw ride to view many of 375 species of both local & migratory birds (from places like Sri-Lanka, Europe, Siberia, China and Tibet). Return to train for breakfast & depart by 08:45AM.
Day 07 - TUESDAY Noon: AGRA - City of Taj Mahal
Train drops you at Railway station On outskirts of Agra at 1030 am & proceed first to visit UNESCO World Heritage Site of Agra Fort, seat of power of the mighty Mughal Empire. After lunch at ITC Mughal Hotel- Highlight of your journey is visit the Taj Mahal, one of seven wonders of modern world & a flawless architectural wonder built in white marble. Time free for shopping. Later return to train for onboard dinner & depart.
Day 08 - WEDNESDAY :NEW DELHI Return
Train returns to Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station by 05:30AM.Check-out by 07:15AM after early breakfast.
Tariff Valid from Season 2018 & 2019
Prices in US$| Occupancy | Sept 2018 & Apr 2019 | (Oct 2018 to March 2019) | Description |
| Single | US$ 650 per night | US$ 865 per night | Single Cabin |
| Double/Twin | US$ 500 per person per night | US$ 650 per person per night | Twin Sharing Cabin |
| Super Deluxe | US$ 1800 per cabin per night | US$ 1800 per cabin per night | Double Super Deluxe Cabin |
Prices in INR for Indian National
| Occupancy | Sept 2018 & Apr 2019 | (Oct 2018 to March 2019) | Description | |
| Single | INR 39000 per night | INR 51900 per night | Single Cabin | |
| Double/Twin | INR 30000 per person per night | INR 39000 per person per night | Twin Sharing Cabin | |
| Super Deluxe | INR 108000 per cabin per night | INR 108000 per cabin per night | Double Super Deluxe Cabin | |
# 10% extra surcharge during Christmas and New Year departures.
# 5% GST will be extra as applicable.
# 50% of the prevailing tariff will be charged for the children between 05-12 years of age
# 10% of the prevailing tariff will be charged for the children below 05 years.
# 5% TDS on commission will be charged
# The tariff structure for the guests having Indian Identity proof (Passport/Voter ID/Aadhaar/ will be applicable.
# The tariff is inclusive of cost of travel, accommodation, all meals, sightseeing tours, entrance fee
(excluding video camera fee) for monuments & palaces and entertainment.
# Tariff does not include liquor, laundry and other items of personal nature.
The above Tariff is subject to change without notice.
Service Tax are subject to change as per the government of India directives.
Reservation / Cancellation - Terms & Conditions
Booking Policy:- 20% of ticket value plus applicable taxes at the time of confirming the booking.
- 20% balance of advance of the ticket value 95 days prior to the departure date.
- Remaining 60% of ticket value 45 days prior to departure date.
- 10% of ticket value 90 days or more prior to departure date.
- 20% of ticket value between 89 to 30 days prior to departure date.
- 100% of ticket value 29 days prior to departure date.
- For USD bookings: The payable amount in INR should be credited in our account as per the rate of exchange (ROE) of the previous day of the date (www.rbi.org.in) of transferring the amount by the agent.
# No Show - In case of No Show / Non-arrival of the guest, no refund or adjustment in future travel will be possible. The whole amount shall be treated as forfeited.
# En route termination of tour - In case of termination of tour by the guest, for any reasons, no refund or adjustment for future travel will be possible. The amount for unused portion of the tour shall be treated as forfeited.
# Amendment - Is only possible under the circumstances like Natural Disaster / Natural Calamity or Serious Health Problem's (this needs to be supported by doctor's certificate) and is subject to availability. No refunds are possible and every case will be decided on merits on a case to case basis. No amendment will be permissible in case of booking of groups or complete train.
Schedule
The luxurious Palace on Wheels starts its journey on every Wednesday of the week from Delhi Cant Railway Station. The train is in operation only during September to April every year. To maintain its high standards, the train requires a lot of maintenance and renovation. So during rest of the months it does not operate.
Season 2018 - 2019| Months | Departure Dates |
| March 2018 | 07, 14, 21, 28 |
| April 2018 | 04, 11, 18, 25 |
| May 2018 to August 2018 | No Operations |
| Sept 2018 | 05, 12, 19, 26 |
| Oct 2018 | 03, 10, 17, 24, 31 |
| Nov 2018 | 07, 14, 21, 28 |
| Dec 2018 | 05, 12, 19*, 26* |
| Jan 2019 | 02, 09, 16, 23, 30 |
| Feb 2019 | 06, 13, 20, 27 |
| March 2019 | 06, 13, 20, 27 |
| April 2019 | 03, 10, 17, 24 |
Facilities
Royal Accommodation
For a majestic experience, the train offers 14 fully air conditioned deluxe saloons named after the princely states of Rajasthan. Each saloon has 4 cabins fitted with bath and shower, intercom, channel music, satellite phones, wall to wall carpeting and other amenities. Adorned like a palace, the saloons offer a truly royal experience.
Attendant
To take care of your every need, an attendant or 'Khidmatgar' is available at your service round the clock.
Restaurants
Done to perfection, the two restaurants namely “The Maharaja” and "The Maharani" serve lip-smacking Rajasthani, Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine.
Bar
Well stocked with Indian and international brands of alcohol, the bar remains open round the clock.
Lounge
Each coach has an attached well maintained lounge for passengers to enjoy their leisure. Each lounge provides amenities like colour TV, CD player, news papers, magazines and other books.
The Bazaar
The train also offers "The Bazaar" (a shop) where you can shop for a variety of handicrafts.
To make your stay comfortable, the other facilities and services provided on board are laundry services, barbershop, beauty parlours, indoor games, medical aid, mailbox, luggage collection, arrival kit, mineral water etc.
The train also offers special assistance for disabled persons. Wheel chairs, crèches and a special attendant are provided for assistance.
Attractions
Although Palace on Wheel is a great attraction in itself but to add more entertainment to your journey, it has something more in store for you. It offers cultural programmes on board and on arriving at destinations such as regional dance performances and puppet shows. These especially designed cultural programs provide a refreshing effect to the passengers. At every halt, your get an excellent opportunity to see the finest performances performed by talented artists.
Enjoy overwhelming dance performances like:
Ghoomar Dance
It is a community dance performed by women in groups on auspicious occasions. In this simple dance, ladies move gracefully in circles.
Chari Dance
Chari means 'a pot'. The dance includes dancing with a pot, on one's head where an illuminated lamp is placed.
Fire Dance
This dance involves a huge fire in which men of Jasnathi community jump in the fire. The dance is performed with the sound of drumbeats.
Terah Thali
In this dance, men play a Chau-tara, a four-stringed instrument and women hold a sword between their teeth. It also involves placing of pots with illuminated lamps on their heads.
Kalbelia Dance
This dance is performed by Kalbelia women who dance gracefully and as the accompanying music rises in tempo, it makes the dance more vigorous.