If you live in India or are coming here for the first time, you must have heard at least once about the Palace on Wheels. People call it a luxury train, but honestly, the train feels more like a small royal hotel that moves from one city to another every night.
There’s nothing “touristy” about this experience. Everything feels slow, relaxed, and very personal. And since a lot of travelers get confused about the itinerary, booking, pricing, and overall feel of the journey, this 2025 guide will help you understand exactly what you’re signing up for.
This isn’t written in a poetic or dramatic way. Just a clean, honest explanation based on how the journey actually feels.
Palace on Wheels is a 7-night tour across Rajasthan that happens entirely on a heritage-style train. You sleep on the train, eat on the train, and every morning you’re already in a new city — Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, etc.
During the day, the train staff takes you out for sightseeing in AC coaches.
In the evening, you’re back on the train.
No packing and unpacking.
No rushing behind guides.
No worrying about hotel checkouts.
That’s the real reason people choose this train — convenience.
From what most travelers say, the Palace on Wheels suits:
Couples who want something special
Senior travelers who prefer slow travel
Foreign tourists who want culture without chaos
People who don’t want to plan anything
Anyone who enjoys heritage & comfort
If someone wants adventure, trekking, clubbing, or nightlife — this isn’t for them.
The route is the same structure as previous years, with a few timing adjustments for 2025. Here’s what happens each day:
You check in at Safdarjung Railway Station. There is no rush. The staff helps with everything. After a welcome drink and a small briefing, the train moves toward Jaipur.
You visit:
Amber Fort
City Palace
Jantar Mantar
Hawa Mahal (mostly a photo-stop)
Lunch is usually at a heritage hotel. Jaipur is full of shopping, and you do get some time for jewelry, handicrafts, and block printing.
This day is all about the safari.
You go early morning, and it’s better to carry a cap and binoculars.
Tiger sightings depend on luck, of course, but the forest itself is beautiful.
Chittorgarh Fort is huge. The train staff manages the entire tour, and you don’t have to walk too much.
Evening light-and-sound show is optional but worth watching.
City Palace, boat ride on Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir — the whole day goes by very peacefully.
Most people love Udaipur the most because the pace is slow and the views are amazing.
You explore the golden fort, old havelis, and later go to the dunes.
The cultural program in the desert is fun and casual — folk music, Rajasthani dinner, and soft sand everywhere.
Mehrangarh Fort is the highlight. It’s one of the best-preserved forts in India.
The city feels raw and lively with blue houses everywhere.
You stop at the bird sanctuary early morning, then head to Agra for the Taj Mahal.
After lunch, the train brings you back to Delhi.
That’s the end of the journey.
There are basically two types:
Comfortable, private, good for couples or friends.
It has:
Attendant
Washroom
Bed
Storage space
AC
Royal touch but not overwhelming
Bigger, more space to move, ideal if someone wants a very relaxed stay.
Both have the same service — the difference is just space and luxury level.
Two restaurants serve a mix of Indian and continental dishes.
Food is not spicy unless you ask for it.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all planned.
If a traveler is vegetarian or Jain, they handle that smoothly.
Desserts change daily — sometimes Indian sweets, sometimes simple puddings.
Tea, coffee, and snacks are available throughout the day.
The train is old, but it’s well-maintained.
Facilities include:
Spa
Bar lounge
Small library
24/7 attendant service
Basic WiFi in some parts (not super fast)
Medical assistance team
Hot water, clean linens, daily housekeeping
The goal is comfort rather than modernity.
Prices change based on season, but generally:
Deluxe Cabin: ₹6–7 lakh per person
Super Deluxe: ₹10–12 lakh per cabin
This sounds heavy at first, but almost everything is included:
All meals
All sightseeing
All transport
Guides
Entry tickets
Safari
Cultural shows
If someone were to book all this separately, it would cost very close.
This is the biggest relief, especially for older travelers.
You wake up in a new city every morning.
Interiors are inspired by royal carriages.
Foreign travelers find this particularly comforting.
You just follow the schedule and enjoy.
October to March.
Weather is pleasant and most festivals happen during this period.
August–September departures are cheaper, but slightly humid.
Budget travelers
Adventure-seeking youngsters
People who prefer exploring on their own
Anyone expecting a modern European-style train
This is a heritage luxury experience, not a bullet train.
You’ll walk inside forts.
Jaisalmer and Jodhpur nights can get cool.
Train food is good, but personal preferences vary.
Rajasthan is dry.
You can book through the official portal or through a trusted agency like Rajputana India Tour, who also help with airport transfers, hotel stays before/after the train, and tax invoices.
Booking steps are simple:
Choose date
Choose cabin
Share passport/ID details
Pay booking amount
Get confirmation
The Palace on Wheels is not just a luxury train — it’s a slower, calmer way to see Rajasthan.
You don’t feel rushed, you don’t feel lost, and you don’t feel tired even after visiting so many places.
It’s comfortable, well-managed, and ideal for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
If someone wants to see Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Agra without lifting their luggage even once, this is probably the easiest way to do it.
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