A Guide to Palace on Wheels, the Indian Luxury Train
Palace on Wheels is a luxury tourist train in India, run by Indian Railways and the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation, that has operated since 26 January 1982 on a seven-night, eight-day Rajasthan route. It runs from September to April, and fares are set by season, so confirm current prices with the operator.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Launched | 26 January 1982 |
| Operator | Indian Railways and RTDC |
| Length | 7 nights, 8 days |
| Season | September to April |
| Coaches | 14 saloons, each named after a princely state |
| Dining | Two dining coaches: Sheesh Mahal and Swarn Mahal |
What is the Palace on Wheels route?
The train leaves New Delhi and visits Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur (for Ranthambhore) and Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, and Bharatpur and Agra, before returning to Delhi. It crosses the land of the Rajput kings, with sand dunes and palaces. Itineraries can vary, so check the year’s schedule.
What is it like on board?
Each of the 14 saloons is named after a former princely state of Rajasthan: Alwar, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Bundi, Dholpur, Dungarpur, Jaisalmer, Jaipur, Jhalawar, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Kota, Sirohi and Udaipur. The decor of each reflects Rajasthani culture. Cabins are air-conditioned with attached bathrooms. The train also has a lounge bar, spa services and two dining coaches serving Indian, continental and Chinese food.
How much does it cost?
We found no official 2026 to 2027 tariff, and sources disagree on currency, so we do not quote a fare. Check with the operator or an authorised agent.
What has changed since our earlier guide?
The train was refurbished in 1991, 1995 and 2009, and officially renamed Heritage Palace on Wheels in 2017. Services were suspended during the pandemic from 2020 to 2022 and resumed in October 2022. Our earlier guide’s claim that it ranked among the top five luxury trains in the world is not something we could verify.
How we put this list together
We used the train’s operator history and route as published, and left out fares we could not confirm.
FAQ
What is Palace on Wheels?
A luxury tourist train in India operated by Indian Railways and RTDC since 1982.
How long is the trip?
Seven nights and eight days.
When does it run?
From September to April.
Where does it go?
Delhi, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur and Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra.
Was it suspended?
Yes, from 2020 to 2022 during the pandemic, resuming in October 2022.
Last updated: October 2026.
