India’s famed Palace on Wheels has resumed a rare summer run, taking travelers on a six-day luxury journey across Rajasthan’s royal cities with heritage-inspired interiors, curated cultural experiences, and modern comforts.
1 / 5A royal Rajasthan journey | India’s iconic luxury train, the Palace on Wheels, has embarked on a special six-day journey beginning May 20, offering travelers a royal tour through several major destinations in Rajasthan, including Udaipur, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner. The train departed from Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station and is set to travel nearly 2,610 kilometres during the course of the trip, blending heritage, comfort, and cultural experiences across the state.
2 / 5A summer run after four decades | Launched on January 26, 1982, the Palace on Wheels is widely recognised as India’s first luxury heritage train. Operated jointly by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) and Indian Railways (IR), the train has traditionally run between the months of September and April, avoiding Rajasthan’s peak summer season. However, due to rising demand, the service is being operated in May for the first time in 45 years.
3 / 5Heritage meets modern luxury | The Palace on Wheels is designed to recreate the experience of royal travel, featuring 14 saloon coaches, two lavish restaurant cars, spa facilities, and butler service. Each of its carriages is embellished with royal interiors, hand-carved wooden furniture, and inspirations from Rajasthan’s princely states. The guests also have access to facilities such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and an attached bathroom.
4 / 5A small piece of history | The Viceroy of India, the Nizam families of Hyderabad, and the Rajasthani Rajputana families are the real sources of inspiration for Palace on Wheels. The reflections of the rail carriage design reveal the unparalleled splendour. Each cabin is named after a royal princely state which was under the rule of the Rajputs.
5 / 5Fares and Inclusions | The Palace on Wheels’ rates change depending on the time of year and whether you opt for single or double accommodation. The Palace on Wheels ticket begins at USD 6048 per person based on double occupancy during the low season. Fares include accommodation, all meals, sightseeing tours, entrance fees for monuments and palaces, a camel ride in Jaisalmer, a shared jeep safari in Ranthambhore, a boat ride in Udaipur, and a rickshaw ride at the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
