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Orient Rail Journeys · Luxury train journey

Palace on Wheels

Eight-day luxury train journey through Rajasthan and central India.

Illustration of Palace on Wheels

Palace on Wheels, operated by Orient Rail Journeys, is a luxury train that carries guests through the heritage and wildlife regions of Rajasthan and central India over eight days and seven nights. The train itself is the accommodation, with cabins ranging from Deluxe to Presidential Suite, each attended by a khidmatgar who oversees all daily needs. The itinerary connects Jaisalmer in the Thar Desert, the tiger reserves of Ranthambore, the lake palaces of Udaipur, and the bird sanctuary at Bharatpur. All travel, meals, guided tours, entrance fees, and signature experiences are included: a camel ride in the desert, a wildlife safari by canter, a boat excursion on Lake Pichola, and a rickshaw tour through wetlands. The journey suits affluent travellers seeking a curated introduction to India's royal heritage and wildlife, couples desiring intimate shared accommodation, and repeat luxury rail passengers.

What to know before you look closer

  • The operator publishes no day-by-day itinerary for this package; confirm the route order and time spent at each destination before booking.
  • Peak season (October to March) pricing is significantly higher than lean season (September and April); single occupancy carries a high supplement relative to double rates.
  • Video camera fees are not included; tips, laundry, telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, and GST are charged separately.

Included

  • Travel
  • Catering
  • Conducted sightseeing
  • Entrance fees at monuments/parks/palaces (excluding video camera fee)
  • Cultural programs
  • Camel ride at Jaisalmer
  • Canter at Ranthambore (on a sharing basis)
  • Boat ride at Udaipur
  • Rickshaw ride at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary

Not included

  • Tips
  • Laundry
  • Telephone calls
  • Video camera fees
  • Liquor and other items of personal nature
  • GST (charged extra as per Government Rule)

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included?
Yes. The Palace on Wheels fare includes all rail travel, meals, and catering throughout the eight-day journey.
What is included in the price?
Travel, catering, conducted sightseeing, entrance fees at monuments and parks, cultural programs, a camel ride at Jaisalmer, a wildlife canter at Ranthambore (shared), a boat ride at Udaipur, and a rickshaw ride at Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary.
What cabin classes are available?
Four classes: Presidential Suite, Suite, Super Deluxe, and Deluxe Cabin. Pricing varies by cabin type and occupancy (single or double), with peak season (October to March) and lean season (September and April) rates.
Is the journey escorted or independent?
It is escorted. A khidmatgar, a dedicated attendant, is always at hand to care for guests' needs throughout the journey.
When does Palace on Wheels operate?
The train runs year-round, with peak season from October to March and lean season in September and April. Prices differ between the two seasons.

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