Welcome to Rajasthan Tourism
Rajasthan is a magnificent land of numerous kingdoms, majestic forts and palaces, diverse cultures, varied landscapes and vibrant colours. The best way to experience this royal land is with the Palace on Wheels. It stands on its tracks, a gleaming sealed carriage, the personification of regal.
The train chugs out of Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi on a week-long run through Rajasthan every Wednesday night. The trip includes a visit to Agra and the Taj Mahal. Turban-wearing attendants take over from the moment you arrive at the platform, assigning you your cars and detailing all the facilities that are on board. The train moves by night and arrives each morning at a new destination where novel experiences await you.
The week-long tour also includes special culture shows arranged at some of the cities. If you're looking for souvenirs, our guides will direct you to government-approved shops.
There are 14 saloons in total, each equipped with four twin-bedded chambers with attached baths that have running hot and cold water and showers. All modern amenities have been thoughtfully provided: sofas to sink into, strategically placed lights to read by, wonderfully appointed beds with comfortable furnishings, inbuilt wardrobes, and massive plain glass windows to watch the countryside roll by.
Each coach also has a common seating lounge where passengers can get together to enjoy a quiet cup of tea and watch cities as they pass. An attached pantry with each saloon provides refreshments on demand.
There is the comfortable bar-cum-lounge where you can relax over your favourite drink, burrow in a book or converse with fellow passengers. Attached to it are two restaurant cars, Maharaja and Maharani. Accompanying chefs can whip up a delicious Indian meal, including Rajasthani food, or Continental and Chinese cuisines.
Indulge your sense in the well-equipped royal spa that offers various massages, therapies and revitalising solutions amidst a majestic ambience.
Special assistance, in the form of wheel chairs, crèches and an attendant are available for disabled individuals.
The Palace on Wheels is one of the world's most exciting rail journeys. Everything that you would need on this journey is taken care of. All you need to do is soak in the colours and experience the royal life of the Maharajas.
The tour starts at Delhi and comes back to the city after passing through (in order) Jaipur-Sawai Madhopur-Chittorgarh-Udaipur-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Bharatpur-Agra.
Welcome aboard.
The tour starts in the evening with a ceremonial welcome aboard the Palace on Wheels at Safdarjung, New Delhi. You will be treated like a Maharaja and Maharani (king and queen). The capital city of modern India, Delhi is known for its rich and exotic history. Feel free to explore your new palace, and acquaint yourself with its various facilities. Relax with a drink at the bar. Dinner will be served on board.
Your first stop will be at the magnificent Pink City, Jaipur. The city displays graceful architecture in a unique pink shade. Established in 1727 by the then Maharaja, Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur is known as one of the most well-planned cities of its time. The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is predominantly known for its musicians, artisans and craftsmen. Today, it is visited for its fine jewellery, varied textiles and sumptuous cuisine.
After the exquisite architectural landmarks, the perfect place to experience the other side of the royal charm is Sawai Madhopur. Named after its king, Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I, this place is in close proximity to the famous Ranthambore National Park. This wildlife park is home to various species of animals but the ones that capture most attention are its graceful tigers. The forest also houses the ruins of the ancient fort from the 10th century.
Chittorgarh, the land of glory and valour, is bound to leave you enchanted. This captivating place has an intriguing and spellbinding history. The land of devotion and determination, Chittorgarh has produced some of the greatest devotees and courageous warriors in the history of India. Chittorgarh remains replete with historic associations and holds a very special place in the hearts of Rajputs, as it was the bastion of the clan at a time when every other stronghold had succumbed to invasion.
The land of marvellous beauty, Udaipur is named after Rana Udai Singh, the dynamic ruler of this princely state. This City of Lakes has a long, glorious history and is also considered as the romantic city of Rajasthan, thanks to the endless love sagas of its rulers. Revel in its history and architectural splendours and return with an array of exquisite souvenirs.
Day two unfolds in the heart of the desert at Jaisalmer, the Golden City of India. Jaisalmer is christened after its founder Rawal Jaisal and means 'the hill fort of Jaisal', which was established in the year 1156. The bustling city is full of rustic beauty, and the yellowish hue of the sand justifies the name rendered to the monochromatic landscape. The once-affluent havelis, intricately carved balconies, cornices and façades decorate the city and have made it an architectural delight.
Jodhpur, the land of majestic and mystic glory, welcomes you warmly. Currently the second largest city of Rajasthan, Jodhpur was established in the year 1459 by Rao Jodha, a Rajput king. The magic of imperial living is still alive in the various forts and palaces that abound in the city. In this royal paradise, also known as the blue city for its indigo hue, even the most ordinary houses have exquisite stonework, traceries and carved latticed windows.
Established in the 17th century by Maharaja Suraj Mal, Bharatpur was once an invincible and well-fortified city. Aptly called the iron fort, its stern military construction helped fight off many a foreign siege. Bharatpur is close to the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a world heritage site as declared by UNESCO. This region attracts a large variety of birds such as the Siberian crane, storks, herons, kingfishers, partridges, owls, songbirds, pigeons, doves, ducks, geese, pelicans and bee-eaters, some of which migrate from different parts of the world.
Agra is located on the banks of the river Yamuna and was established in 1504 by the then ruler of Delhi, Sultan Sikandar Lodi. Agra has witnessed the rise and fall of numerous dynasties over the centuries. The city is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. This white marble wonder expands on the design traditions of Persians and Mughals, and is one of the most visited sites in India. You will then visit Lal Quila, or the Red Fort of Agra, also called the Palatial City because of its enormous size.