How to Explore Rajasthan with Palace on Wheels Train Stepwise

A journey on the Palace on Wheels is a definitive exploration of Rajasthan, an experience meticulously designed to combine the region's rich history and vibrant culture with the unparalleled comfort of luxury rail travel. 

Launched on January 26, 1982 by Indian Railways and the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC), the Palace on Wheels was designed to recreate the royal lifestyle once enjoyed by the Maharajas of Rajasthan. Its carriages are modeled after the original personal coaches of rulers from states like Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur. Over the decades, the train has earned global recognition, consistently ranking among the world’s leading luxury trains.

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Overview of Rajasthan

Rajasthan, often called the land of kings, is one of the most fascinating states of India. It spreads over 342,239 square kilometers, making up about 10% of the country’s total land area.

The state is surrounded by Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, and it also shares a long international border with Pakistan. Its landscape is strikingly diverse—on one side lies the vast Thar Desert, with the ancient Aravalli Range on the other side, among the oldest mountains in the world, runs across the region. In the eastern part, fertile plains add balance to its rugged terrain.

Rajasthan’s climate is mostly dry, with hot summers and chilly winters. Despite the harsh weather, its culture shines bright. Deeply influenced by Rajput, Mughal, and Maratha legacies, the state is celebrated for its tales of valor, rich art, grand forts, and vibrant traditions.

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Several places in Rajasthan are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Jantar Mantar observatory in Jaipur, the Hill Forts of Rajasthan, and Jaipur’s historic Pink City.

Travelers on the Palace on Wheels, India’s famous luxury train, get to explore this royal land closely, as the journey takes them through many of Rajasthan’s most iconic destinations.

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Rajasthan Itinerary Through Palace on Wheels

The 7-night, 8-day journey of the Palace on Wheels is a circuit that begins and ends in Delhi, with Rajasthan as its central pillar. 

Day 1: Delhi to Jaipur

The journey commences at Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station. The evening is dedicated to check-in formalities and a traditional welcome, followed by a formal dinner onboard as the train departs for its first destination.

How to Book: Online booking of the Palace on Wheels train
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Day 2: Jaipur, The Pink City

The train arrives in Jaipur, a city founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. The city’s Pink sandstone buildings give the city its name as the pink city.

Major highlights in Jaipur include Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal and Jantar Mantar. 

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Amber Fort was constructed in 1592 by Raja Man Singh I using red sandstone and marble. The fort is connected to the adjacent Jaigarh Fort by a series of subterranean tunnels, designed for the escape of the royal family during sieges.

Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Created with 953 small jharokhas (windows) and intricate latticework, it was designed to allow royal women to observe street festivals while remaining unseen.

Jantar Mantar was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734 and is known as the world’s largest stone sundial.

Day 3: Sawai Madhopur & Chittorgarh

The day is a juxtaposition of wildlife and historical fortification from the Ranthambore National Park to the Chittorgarh Fort.

The train arrives in Sawai Madhopur, the gateway to Ranthambore national park, one of India's most renowned tiger reserves under Project Tiger. The park has a significant population of Bengal tigers, along with other species such as leopards, striped hyenas, sloth bears, and sambar deer. 

The journey continues to Chittorgarh, home to one of India’s largest forts.  The fort is a factual monument to Rajput valor and sacrifice, with a key structure being the Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory), a 37-meter-high tower built by Maharana Kumbha.

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Day 4: Udaipur, The City of Lakes

Udaipur was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II, and it is a city built around a series of artificial lakes. Most iconic site is the city palace and lake Pichola. 

The City Palace is a  sprawling complex is a fusion of Rajput, Mughal, European, and Chinese architecture situated on the banks of Lake Pichola and offers panoramic views. 

Lake Pichola is an artificial freshwater body famous for boat rides views of the Jag Mandir and the Lake Palace, a 17th-century island palace built by Maharana Jagat Singh II. 

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Day 5: Jaisalmer, The Golden City

Jaisalmer is an oasis in the Thar Desert, a city defined by its yellow sandstone. It has the iconic Jaisalmer Fort and Havelis. 

Jaisalmer Fort, also known as the Golden Fort, is one of the world's few "living forts," with a significant portion of the city's population still residing within its walls. 

Jaisalmer is famous for its intricate havelis, a cluster of five distinct mansions built in the 19th century by Guman Chand Patwa. 

The day concludes with a factual desert experience: a camel ride at the Sam Sand Dunes followed by a cultural program, providing a genuine sense of the desert's character.

Day 6: Jodhpur, The Blue City

Jodhpur was founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, and its known for its houses painted in shades of blue. Its also known for Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada sites. 

Mehrangarh Fort sits 400 feet above the city and its one of the largest forts in India. It has been the seat of the Rathore dynasty for over five centuries. Inside the fort are palaces like Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace) and Phool Mahal (Flower Palace) showcasing intricate carvings and artwork, preserving the factual history of the rulers.

Jaswant Thada is a white marble cenotaph built in 1899 in memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. The monument is a factual example of Rajputana architecture and serves as a peaceful final resting place for the royal family.

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Day 7: Bharatpur & Agra

The final full day combines a natural reserve with one of the world’s most iconic monuments including Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Agra Fort & Taj Mahal.

Keoladeo Ghana National Park is a former royal duck-hunting reserve that has become a sanctuary for over 375 species of birds. It is a critical wintering ground for migratory birds from as far as Siberia, Afghanistan, and China. 

After the bird sanctuary, the train proceeds to Agra. The Agra Fort is a red sandstone fortress built by Emperor Akbar in 1565. It served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors. From its battlements, one can see a factual view of the Taj Mahal.

The Taj Mahal is the final destination on the itinerary. This ivory-white marble mausoleum was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. 

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Steps to Explore Rajasthan with the Palace on Wheels

The Palace on Wheels operates from September to April. The charges offer a comprehensive package that covers the cost of accommodation, all meals (onboard and at select hotels), sightseeing tours, entrance fees to monuments, and specific activities like the Jeep safari in Ranthambore, the camel ride in Jaisalmer, and the boat ride in Udaipur. 

Step 1 - Visit to the website of GSA or Direct Like Us- www.orientrailjourneys.com

Step 2 - Cehck the Palace on Wheels Itinerary 

Step 3 - Check Fares of Palaces on Wheels

Step 4 - Check Departure Dates of Palaces on wheels

Step 5 - Book Your Seat on Given Departures 

Step 6 – You will recieve an email or cormation mail our sales representative will contact you with best prices to book this journey.

For travelers who want to explore Rajasthan in comfort and depth, the Palace on Wheels offers a timeless combination of history, culture, and luxury. Don’t miss the chance to travel in true royal style! Reach us today via Whatsapp +91 98 100 71704 OR Email [email protected]

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