Palace on Wheels
The Palace on Wheels has a vintage air to it, which adds to its appeal. It began service in 1982 as one of the first luxury trains dedicated to pleasure (previous trains were reserved for royalty or dignitaries). The train is still being run by the General Manager from back then. On my first night aboard, we were given a brief history of the train; as a passenger, you truly feel like you’re a part of its history.
The train is made up of 14 saloon coaches, each named after a location along the route. There are also two restaurants, a lounge car, and four staff service cars. Each saloon has four staterooms connected by a small lounge. The deluxe cabins, which are finished in polished teak, have sash windows and wall hangings. If you upgrade to the presidential suite, you’ll also get a private sitting area.
Palace on Wheels route
Every Wednesday, the Palace on Wheels departs for a seven night journey across northern India. The variety of wildlife, offbeat rural areas, and major tourist destinations covered make it one of the most comprehensive explorations of India.
You are transported from one city to another overnight, cutting your trip time in half if you had to travel by car.
You’d board the train in the evening at Delhi Railway Station, ready for dinner.
The food is served with white gloves and silverware, and the dining room is decorated with gilded mirrors and printed wallpaper.
Visit the fortress city of Jaipur and the Ranthambhore National Park on the first few days of your journey. The train then journeys through Rajasthan, first stopping in Chittorgarh, a fortified town founded by the Rajputs, India’s most powerful royal family.
On a map, Chittorgarh appears to be surrounded by nothing but an odd little village. It is rarely visited due to its remoteness from the nearest city. After touring India’s largest fort, you will be able to enjoy a music and light show in the evening.
After dinner on board, the train departs for Udaipur. Udaipur, a greener city, is centred on two lakes and surrounded by the Aravalli Hills. The Lake Home, which was once a pleasure palace for a young Mughal prince, is located in the heart of Lake Pichola. It is now one of the most opulent hotels in the world. Normally, you can only visit if you stay at the hotel, but Palace on Wheel passengers get to dine there as part of the tour.
The fortified city of Jaisalmer, which serves as the gateway to Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, lacks an airport and is a seven-hour drive from the nearest major city. You’ll arrive after an overnight journey from Udaipur as part of the Palace on Wheels tour. A guided tour of Jaisalmer’s fort takes you past local schools, temples, and stores nestled between the military and palace structures.
The train then heads back to Delhi, making a stop in Jodhpur, India’s blue city, before continuing on to Bharatpur. You’ll explore Ghana National Park, which is home to thriving wetlands and thousands of nesting birds. Sarus cranes, egrets, and waterfowl are frequently seen along this important migratory bird route. The train’s final stop is Agra, where you’ll see the Taj Mahal before returning to Delhi.