Palace on Wheels

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.

The luxurious Palace on Wheels offers 7 Nights/ 8 Days tour, soaked in luxury and royalty to the hilt. The train starts from Delhi on every Wednesday of the week.

Day 01 - Wednesday: Delhi

Embark on your royal journey on the Palace on Wheels from Delhi Cant. railway station at 17:45 hrs. Honours its guests with a warm and traditional welcome. Enjoy delicious dinner on board at 20:00 hrs.

Day 02 - Thursday: Jaipur

Arrive in Jaipur, the pink city of Rajasthan at 02:00 hrs. Receive a royal welcome with elephants and a Shehnai recitation. Jaipur is a fascinating city planned according to Vaastu Shastra by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1728 A.D. Enjoy lunch at the famed Rambagh Palace Hotel. Visit the mesmerizing Hawa Mahal, the Jantar Mantar, Nahargarh Fort, Amber Fort and the City Palace. Return to Palace on Wheels at around 18:30 hrs. Dinner on board. The train departs at 19:30 for Jaisalmer.

Day 03 -Sunday: Sawai Madhopur

Arrive in Sawai Madhopur at 04:00 hrs. Tourists from across the globe come here to visit its renowned Ranthambore National Park. Famous for tigers, the park provides shelter to a variety of wildlife species. The other attraction is Ranthambore Fort. After sightseeing return to the train and head towards Chittaurgarh at 10:30 hrs.

Reach Chittaurgarh, the indomitable city, at 15:30 hrs. The city is dominated by the fortified Chittaurgarh Fort, the largest fort of India. It reverberates with history of heroism and bravery. Visit the fort, Vijay Stambh(Tower of Victory) and the Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame). Leave for Udaipur.

Day 04 -Monday: Udaipur

Arrive in Udaipur at 15:30 hrs., a beautiful city founded in the year 1568 by Maharana Udai Singh. Popularly known as the "city of lakes and palaces", Udaipur is undoubtedly one of the most romantic cities of India. Visit the arresting Jag Niwas, Jag Mandir and Lake Palace. Relish your lunch at Lake Palace Heritage hotel. Post lunch, visit the enchanting City Palace.

Day 05 - Friday: Jaisalmer

Arrive in Jaisalmer, the Golden City famous for its fort and havelis, at around 08:15 hrs. It was established in 1156 by Bhatti Rajput ruler Rawal Jaisal. Visit the stunning Patwon ki haveli and Nathmalji ki haveli, the architectural masterpieces. Post lunch, enjoy camel safari in the unfathomable sand dunes. Have a good time watching the cultural programmes at a hotel in the city. Relish your dinner on the sand dunes under the moonlit sky. Return to the train. The train, at 23:00 hrs, continues its journey to the next halt, Jodhpur.

Day 06 - Saturday: Jodhpur

Arrive in Jodhpur, a wonderful city nestled on the foothills of a sandstone hill. An oasis in the desert, Jodhpur is a fortified city with high stonewall pierced with seven gates. Visit its attractions - Mehrangarh Fort, Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana. Enjoy a royal lunch at the opulent Umaid Bhawan Palace. Return to the Palace on Wheels. The train leaves at 15:30 hrs for Sawai Madhopur.

Day 07 - Tuesday: Bharatpur-Agra

Arrive in Bharatpur at 06:30 hrs. Post breakfast, explore the wilderness of the world famous Bharatpur National Park. Also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park, the Park is a home to an amazing variety of birds, both resident and migratory. Apart from avian species, it also houses a variety of other wildlife species. Depart Bharatpur at 11:45 for Agra.

Arrive Fatehpur Sikri at 14:30 hrs. Visit its famous attraction- Mosque and Tomb of Salim Chishti ( a Muslim Sufi saint) built by the Mughal emperor Akbar. Post lunch at a hotel in Agra, visit the incredible Taj Mahal. It is one of the seven wonders of the world, symbolizing eternal love. Beautifully located on the banks of River Yamuna, it was built by the 5th Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan in the year 1631 in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Dinner on board.

Day 08 - Wednesday: Delhi

Arrive in Delhi at Delhi Cant. railway station at 6:00 hrs. Breakfast on board. This marks the end of your royal journey, leaving you with a record of golden memories.

Tariff/Fare for season 2024-25 (ending in April 2025)

Palace on Wheels starts its journey on every Wednesday of the week from Delhi.

The tariff is fixed in Indian Currency for the guests having Indian Passport as under:

• GST as applicable shall be charged extra.
• The Tariff is fixed in Indian currency for the guest having Indian Passport. INR prices are subject to change once in 2 months. current is as per 1st Dec 2023.
• Tariff for the children aging 5 years and above but less than 12 years shall be charged @75%, Subject to sharing of double bed
• Tariff for the children aging up to 5 years will be charged @ 15%, subject to sharing in double bed Cabin only.
• Operator under information to RTDC reserves the right to cancel any tour/trip as per the occupancy (min 50%) and booking forecast until 20 days before the departure.
• Operator or RTDC is not liable for any financial charges or, other reservations charges incurred by client in case of cancellation.
• Operator, under information to RTDC reserves the right to revise the tariff at any time without any prior intimation.

This policy and tariff shall be affected from the date of issuing of this notice/order for the new Reservation Booking.

• 25% of the ticket value against advance at the time of booking along with the list of guests/Pax and their passport scanned soft copies.
• Balance payment 60 days prior to the departure date.
• If the balance payment is not made at least 60 days prior to the departure date, a penalty of 12% interest will be applied.
• In case of bookings made  within 60 days prior to departure  date  then  100% payment  shall be  deposited  to  the  authorised  O&M operator  along  with  the booking details.
• The rate of exchange prevailing on the date of transaction would be applicable as per the RBI.
• GST as applicable shall be charged extra.
• Tariff for the children aging up to 5 years will be charged @15%.
• Tariff for the children  aging above 5 years but less than 12 years shall charge @75%.
• One cabin has occupancy of 2 Pax only.
• The Tariff in Indian currency is fixed for the guests having valid Indian Nationality proof i.e., Valid Indian passport & OCI card holders (valid proof for the same need to be submitted at the time of booking in case of any variance in the documents than Dollar rate would be applicable).

• 10% of ticket value shall be deducted on cancellation between 120 to 90 days before the travel date.
• 25% of ticket value shall be deducted  on cancellation between  89 to 60 days before the travel date.
• 50% of the ticket value shall be deducted  on cancellation around  59 to 30days before the travel date.
• No refund shall be admissible in case the booking is cancelled within 29 days before the departure  date.
• On cancellation of booking Suo-moto by Operator  100% of the fund deposited (without any kind of charges / claims) will be refunded.
• However, Operator  will not  be liable for any refund  or compensation for any services such as pre / post accommodation, airline tickets, and excursions etc. that have been booked by the guest and/or their Travel Agent.
• Operator, under information to RTDC reserves the right to cancel the tour/trips at any given point of time to whatsoever reasons, 100% of received amount will be refunded in such cases
• Operator will review and apprise the agents of such instances 60days prior to departure in case of low occupancy.
• Operator has the right to decide the same between  45days to 30days of the departure and officially inform the agents or individuals of such bookings.
• The  minimum  occupancy defined  is of 50% to run the  operations,  that  is 17cabins.

• No Show: In case of no show/non-arrival of the guest, no refund or adjustment future travel will be possible. The whole amount  shall be treated  as forfeited. However, under the circumstances like Natural Disaster / Natural Calamity/National Security Events etc. the matter will be favorably considered by the Authorized Operator to the extent of Tourist/Passengers satisfaction as well as their comfort for better luxury travel experience and related promotions.
• EN Route termination of tour: In Case termination of tour by the guest, for any reasons, no refund or adjustment for future travel will be admissible. The amount for unused portion of the tour shall be treated  as forfeited.

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.