Palace on Wheels Itinerary
Tour Details
- 7 Nights / 8 Days
- Delhi - Jaipur - Sawai Madhopur - Chittorgarh - Udaipur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Bharatpur - Agra - Delhi
Embark on a captivating 7-night, 8-day journey aboard the Palace on Wheels, which takes you through enchanting destinations in northern and north-western India. The meticulously crafted itinerary ensures that guests unravel the diverse tapestry of these handpicked locales, where nature showcases its myriad forms and hues. Each destination boasts its unique charm, offering visitors multiple facets of India. To aid our guests, the train itinerary and day-wise schedule are outlined below:
Day 1 Wednesday: Delhi – The National Capital of India
The tour commences in the evening with a grand ceremonial welcome aboard the Palace on Wheels at Safdarjung, New Delhi. Reporting time 1600 Hrs. You’ll be treated with the regal hospitality befitting a Maharaja and Maharani (king and queen). Delhi, the vibrant capital city of modern India, is renowned for its opulent history and cultural diversity. Take your time to explore your luxurious abode and familiarize yourself with its array of amenities. Unwind with a refreshing drink at the bar, and later, an exquisite dinner will be served on board. At 18:30 Hrs Train Leaves for Jaipur.
Day 2 Thursday: Jaipur – The Pink City
The train reaches Jaipur railway station in the morning. At 7:00 breakfast will be served in the train. By 8:00, vehicle will be ready for the excursion. Once you get down from the train, you will receive a traditional Rajasthani royal welcome with Garlands, Kali Ghodi Dance and others.
Before lunch, you will be taken to all the eminent attractions of the land like Albert Hall Museum, City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort and others. Lunch will be served at 13:30 in 1135 AD restaurant inside Amber Fort.
After lunch, the exploration of Amber Fort continues with the elephant ride. By evening 17:00, you will be taken to shopping at the local markets of Jaipur which is popular for its jewellery, handicrafts and trinkets. Get back to the train by 19:00. Dinner will be serve at 19:30 in the train. By 20:00, the train will start its journey towards Sawai Madhopur. Overnight stay in the train.
Day 3 Friday: Ranthambhore Tiger Park & Chittorgarh Fort
The train reaches Sawai Madhopur in the morning. The early morning jeep safari is the best part of Ranthambore National Park. Thus, the day will be start quite early on Friday. The excursion will be start at 6:00 in the morning (before breakfast). After reaching Ranthambore, your vehicle will be waiting for safari to experience the explosive tiger and other flora and fauna.
After safari, you will be taken back to the train and immediately served breakfast at 10:00 in the morning. As you dine, the train will start at 10:20 towards the next destination, Chittorgarh. Lunch will be served during the journey.
The train will reach at Chittorgarh by 15:00. After a brief rest, sightseeing will start at 16:00 and you will explore the beautiful Chittorgarh Fort which still resonate the stories of Rajputana bravery. After exploring the Chittorgarh Fort, you will taken to a restaurant inside the fort for high tea and other refreshements. The sound and light program at the fort will start at 18:00. You will be taken back to the train by 20:00 for a delicious dinner. Dinner will start immediately. The train stays at the railway station overnight. Overnight stay in the train.
Day 4 Saturday: Udaipur – Lake City
The train will start the onwards journey from Chittorgarh in the morning and reaches Udaipur by 7:00 in the morning. Breakfast will be served at 7:30. After a brief rest, the sightseeing excursion of Udaipur will be start at 9:00 in the morning. Before lunch, you will be taken to Saheliyon ki Bari, City Palace, Crystal Gallery and shopping until it is time for lunch.
Around 13:00, you will be taken to Fateh Prakash Hotel for delicious lunch. By 14:00, you will enjoy the boat ride on Lake Pichola to reach Jag Mandir Palace, where high tea will be served.
Get back to the train by 15:30. Evening tea is served immediately. After a brief rest, the train will start its journey towards Jaisalmer at 16:00. Overnight stay in the train and delicious dinner will be served on board.
Day 5 Sunday: Jaisalmer – The Golden City
The train will reach Jaisalmer by 9:00 in the morning. Breakfast will be available at 7:30. Thus, you can dine and take a brief rest before starting sightseeing at 9:30. Before lunch, you would cover Gadisar Lake, Nathmal ji ki Haveli, Patwon ki Haveli, Jaisalmer Fort and Heritage City Walk.
You will be taken back to the train for lunch. After lunch and brief rest, you will be taken to enjoy camel safari at Sam sand dunes at 16:00.
After safari, you will be served tea before starting back to the train. You will reach train by 19:00. After a little refreshment, you will be taken to Gorbandh Palace for dinner with live cultural program. Get back to the train for overnight stay by almost midnight. Train will start the onwards journey to Jodhpur immediately.
Day 6 Monday: Jodhpur – The Blue City
The Train will reach Jodhpur railway station in the morning and breakfast will be served as usual at 7:30. By 9:00, the coaches and cars will be ready for excursion. Before lunch, you will be taken to explore the famous attractions of Jodhpur covering Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jaswant Thada and if time permits, shopping at the local shops.
By 13:30, lunch will be served at luxurious Ajit Bhawan Palace. You will be taken back to the train by 16:00.
The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy the amenities and facilities inside the train. The train will start its onward journey towards Bharatpur by 16:30. Dinner will be served on board at 19:30. Overnight stay in the train.
Day 7 Tuesday: Bharatpur (Ghana Bird Sactuary) & Agra – Taj Mahal
Bharatpur:
The train will reach Bharatpur early in the morning. You will be taken on an early excursion to Keoladeo National Park also known as “Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary” for a rickshaw safari (before breakfast) by 6:30. It is a heaven for bird watchers and see the 380 resident and migrant species of birds.
After safari, you will be taken back to the train by 8:45 AM and breakfast will be served shortly. By 9 AM, as you dine, the train will start its journey towards the last attraction of the itinerary, Agra. The train reaches the marble paradise by 11:00 AM and you will be taken on an excursion immediately from Agra Cantt railway station.
Before lunch, you will process to Agra fort for exploration. Lunch will be served at Deluxe hotel at 13:30. By 15:00, you will be taken to One of the Seven wonders of the world – Taj Mahal for exploration and sightseeing. The rest of the day until 18:00 is dedicated to shopping. After shopping, get back to the train. Dinner will be served at 19:30, while the train stays put at Agra. The train starts its final journey of the itinerary towards Delhi at 20:45. Rest of the day is free for tourists to explore the train.
Day 8 Wednesday: New Delhi
The train reaches Delhi Safdarjung railway station by 2:30. The breakfast will be served by 6:00 in the morning and checkout formalities starts by 7:30.
Once the formalities are completed, you will be allowed to de-board the train in their own pace and carry on with their vacation, if desired.
Luxurious Facilities on the Train
The Palace on Wheels offers top-tier amenities and well-appointed en-suite facilities. Each guest carriage is meticulously designed to replicate the opulence of original private salons once used by Maharajas, Nizams, and Viceroys of India. Guest cabins provide a serene, private sanctuary for reading, relaxation, or simply enjoying the passing scenery through panoramic windows.
Dining and Cuisine
Bar
Spa
Sitting Lounge
Luxury Room
About Coaches
The coaches of the Palace on Wheels are named after the former princely states of Rajputana. Each coach features four twin-bedded chambers adorned in authentic Rajasthani decor. Every guest cabin is furnished with amenities like channel music, running hot and cold water, a shower, attached toilets, intercom, and wall-to-wall carpeting to ensure a comfortable and lavish travel experience. Additionally, a personal attendant known as the ‘Khidmatgar’ is available in each saloon to attend to the guests’ needs around the clock.
The 14 Guest Coaches of the train embody the aesthetics and interiors of the princely states they are named after. Within each saloon, there is a mini pantry and a lounge equipped with a television, DVD player, and a small library. Guests are offered a selection of hot and cold beverages, along with refreshments, providing a space for them to gather, socialize, and unwind.
14 Names of Palace On Wheels Coaches
Alwar
Alwar, strategically positioned as the gateway from Delhi to Rajasthan, holds historical significance as a major hub for trade and commerce. The city boasts a diverse natural habitat with forests and deep valleys, providing refuge to various conserved and endangered species of flora and fauna. The Alwar Coach is adorned with a delightful mix of oils and cone work, featuring a lounge embellished with the royal emblem and a miniature painting. The subtle pink tones add to the romantic ambiance.
Bharatpur
Bharatpur, once the abode of the valiant Jat king Maharaja Suraj Mal, is now a paradise for ornithologists due to the Keoladeo Ghana Bird Sanctuary. The Bharatpur coach reflects this avian richness, depicting various bird species on the life tree. The coach follows a ‘nature’ theme with an aqua green and beige color scheme, reminiscent of the lush forests of Ghana and Bharatpur.
Bikaner
Founded in 1486 A.D., Bikaner came into existence with the establishment of a separate kingdom by Rao Bika. The Bikaner lounge draws inspiration from the opulent coronation rooms of the Padam Mahal and Anup Mahal in the Junagarh fort, featuring a color scheme of gold and burning red. The coach is adorned with the handicrafts of Rajasthan, including oil paintings on canvas and relief work on the ceiling. Notably, it showcases a canvas depicting the legendary lovers Dhola & Maru on camelback, influenced by the Mughal style and the Bikaner School of Art.
Bundi
The Bundi palace complex, situated above the township, is accessible through a paved ramp ascending towards the Hati Pol. This architectural marvel is beautifully depicted in watercolor work in one of the bedrooms featured in the Bundi Coach. The popular Rag Ragini or Ragmala oil paintings are also showcased, exuding the royal charm of a bygone era. The coaches’ decoration includes captivating frescoed ceilings that mesmerize onlookers.
Dholpur
Dholpur, known for its locally quarried sandstone, is a popular city where this material was used for lattice work in balcony railings and palaces. The Dholpur Coach features teak ply construction, showcasing fine craftsmanship akin to the sandstone work. The coach is adorned with intricate zardozi work, adding a regal touch.
Dungargarh
The unique architecture and the presence of Bhil tribals make Dungargarh a popular “hill town.” The coach’s ceilings are adorned with mirror and relief work, along with ‘lep’ work, emanating a royal feel. Intricate zardozi work further embellishes the coach.
Jaisalmer
Founded in 1156 A.D. by Rao Jaisal, Jaisalmer is known as the fort city. It boasts of havelis, cobbled streets, and ancient Jain temples that add to its regal charm. The coaches feature intricately carved jharokhas on the ceiling, inspired by the latticed havelis with beautiful facades. This exquisite work is showcased on teakwood, enhanced by mirror backing. The color scheme of the coach is a reflective beige, reminiscent of the desert sands.
Jaipur
Maharaja Swai Jai Singh established Jaipur, famously known as the Pink City, in 1727 A.D. He entrusted architect Vidhyadhar with the planning and design of the city. Jaipur is adorned with numerous palaces, monuments, and gardens, exuding an old-world charm that comes alive during the vibrant fairs and festivals. The ceiling of the Jaipur Coach is adorned with the renowned foil work or ‘Phad’, depicting festivals like Teej, Holi, Gangaur, Diwali, and more. The coach also features the state’s royal emblem in Zardozi work. Miniature paintings inspired by the popular Jaipur style grace the walls, while contemporary colors such as gold and blue enliven the frescoes on the ceiling.
Jhalawar
The powerful kingdom of the Jhalas, created in 1838 A.D., forms the foundation of Jhalawar’s historical significance. This land’s natural beauty and charm have endeared it to the erstwhile royals of Rajasthan. Noteworthy temples and Buddhist caves add to its allure. The Jhalawar’s ceiling is adorned in a style reminiscent of local homes, featuring a vibrant interplay of shades and mirror work on plaster of Paris, creating a distinctive ambiance. Additionally, Zardozi work is showcased alongside traditional handicrafts.
Jodhpur
The imposing Mehrangarh Fort dominates the city of Jodhpur, known for its cusped arcades and the elegant Moti Mahal, designed in the Mughal architectural style. The craftsmanship of the fort’s ceiling finds a counterpart in the Jodhpur Coach. Miniature paintings, reflecting the old-world charm and unblemished royalty, grace the interior.
Kishangarh
The ceilings of the Kishangarh Coach are adorned with the renowned Bani Thani paintings. These paintings captivate onlookers with their exquisite blend of colors and intricate designs. Notably, these paintings feature exaggerated depictions, such as oversized eyes and elongated fingers. Enamel and foil are used to create the ceiling artwork, and Zardozi work adorns the lounge walls.
Kota
Kota, a prosperous Rajput state, is nestled along the Chambal River, surrounded by lush green forests and scenic picnic gardens. Among its attractions, the City Palace stands out, featuring the vibrant Hati Pol entrance adorned with elephant figures. Inside the Kota Coach, oil paintings narrate the story of “Raja aur Praja” (The Monarch and his subjects), depicting Raja Ram Singh II (1826-66) of Kota in a royal procession on the coach’s ceiling.
Sirohi
The renowned Gold Fort has made Sirohi a globally recognized city. The fort’s standout feature is its colored glasswork, designed in the Indo-European architectural style. The rooms of the Sirohi Coach replicate this exquisite work, preserving the old-world charm through the coach’s setting and color scheme. The coach is adorned with gold foil, glasswork, and semi-precious stones embedded in its decor. Additionally, mounted miniatures grace the coach’s interior.
Udaipur
Once the capital of the Sisodia Rajputs, Udaipur sits gracefully on the edge of Lake Pichhola. The Udaipur Coach draws inspiration from the city’s palaces, adopting a blue and white color scheme. The lounge decor takes cues from the ‘Mor Chowk’ or Peacock Court. Intricate Patra or oxidized white metalwork and relief artistry adorn the coach, complemented by Zardozi work for an opulent finish.