If you're planning a trip and want to understand what it’s like onboard the palace on wheels, this guide covers everything you can expect. From cabins and cuisine to excursions and service, here’s what this luxury experience looks like from the inside.
Welcome Aboard: First Impressions Matter
From the moment you step onto the platform, the train’s royal theme is clear. Uniformed staff greet passengers with traditional garlands and a welcome drink. The exterior is styled like a royal carriage, while the interiors showcase Rajasthani craftsmanship.
Each coach is named after a princely state and decorated accordingly. Rich fabrics, carved panels, and antique-style furniture set the mood. It immediately feels like you’ve entered a moving palace.
Cabins Designed for Comfort and Style
Deluxe Cabins and Suites
The palace on wheels train features four types of accommodations: Deluxe Cabins, Junior Suites, Suites, and Super Deluxe Suites. Each room has a private bathroom, air conditioning, and modern controls for lighting and temperature.
Deluxe Cabins are ideal for couples or solo travelers. They include twin or double beds, a writing table, and large windows. Storage is available for suitcases, and housekeeping is offered twice daily.
Spacious Suites for Extra Luxury
The Suites and Super Deluxe Suites provide more space, along with a larger bed, a seating area, and upgraded toiletries. These options suit travelers who want the best available on board. Many guests report that the calm, quiet cabins make it easy to relax after busy sightseeing days.
Dining: Indian and International Menus
Two Elegant Restaurants
The train includes two dining cars, each with a unique interior style. Meals are served at set times, and both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available. Indian dishes dominate the menu, but continental meals are also included.
Chefs use fresh ingredients, and the presentation is elegant. From Rajasthani thalis to grilled fish or pasta, the choices suit many tastes. Meals are paired with soft drinks, wine, or tea.
Personal Attention and Special Requests
Staff are trained to handle dietary restrictions and personal requests. Whether you need a mild curry or gluten-free bread, the kitchen staff usually accommodates you. This personal care enhances the luxury experience.
The Bar and Lounge Area
Passengers can visit the onboard bar for a quiet drink or to meet fellow travelers. It’s a relaxed space, furnished with comfortable seating and subtle lighting. The bar stocks a wide range of beverages, including Indian whisky, imported wines, and classic cocktails.
Soft drinks and mocktails are also available. This area stays open late, so it’s a good place to unwind after dinner. For those who prefer tea or coffee, the lounge staff serves hot drinks throughout the day.
Daily Itinerary: Sightseeing and Experiences
Start the Day with Tea and Breakfast
Every morning begins with wake-up tea or coffee delivered to your room. Breakfast is usually served onboard before you head out for the day’s tour. Guides provide briefings about the destination during the meal.
Guided Offboard Excursions
The palace on wheels includes stops at many top destinations. These often include Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Agra. Guests visit forts, palaces, lakes, and markets. English-speaking guides share history and local insights at every stop.
Each excursion is planned to make the best use of your time. Transport is arranged in air-conditioned buses, and entrance fees are covered. Water and snacks are also provided.
Cultural Programs and Evening Shows
Some evenings include cultural shows at heritage hotels or within palace courtyards. These performances often include folk dance, music, and puppet shows. While optional, most guests find them enjoyable and enriching.
Spa Services and Wellness Options
The train has a compact but well-equipped spa area. Services include massages, facials, and basic beauty treatments. You can book a session in advance or on the same day, depending on availability.
This service is especially popular among long-route passengers. It helps relieve travel fatigue and adds an extra touch of comfort.
Butler and Housekeeping Services
Every coach comes with a dedicated attendant or “khidmatgar.” They assist with everything from room cleaning to tea service. Many travelers appreciate the quick response time and polite attitude of the staff.
Rooms are cleaned twice a day. Beds are made while you're away, and fresh towels are provided regularly. This level of care keeps your room fresh and welcoming throughout the journey.
Onboard Safety and Connectivity
Safety is a priority on the palace on wheels train. Fire safety systems and medical kits are installed throughout. Staff members are trained in first aid, and a doctor is available on call.
Wi-Fi is available in select areas, but connection speeds may vary. Most travelers find this acceptable, as the journey encourages offline relaxation. Power sockets are available in cabins for charging devices.
Dress Code and Etiquette
Travelers are advised to dress in smart casual clothing. While onboard, light cotton clothes are best during the day. In the evening, many guests choose to wear formal attire to dinner, although it is not mandatory.
During off-train excursions, it’s best to wear comfortable shoes and carry a hat or sunglasses. Since visits often include religious sites, it’s respectful to wear modest clothing.
Booking Process and Inclusions
Reservations can be made online through authorized travel partners or official platforms. The fare includes all meals, sightseeing tours, entrance fees, and transfers. Tips and personal expenses like spa treatments or bar bills are extra.
Travel insurance is recommended. It helps cover any cancellations, delays, or medical emergencies that may occur during the journey.
Who Should Choose This Train
The palace on wheels suits travelers looking for more than just transportation. It’s ideal for those who enjoy curated experiences, personalized service, and cultural insight. It is also well-suited for older travelers or those who prefer to avoid frequent hotel changes.
Families with older children, couples, solo travelers, and retired professionals often choose this train. The pace is balanced—active enough to explore, yet calm enough to relax.
A Signature Experience in India Luxury Tours
In the middle of the journey, many guests realize this is not a typical vacation. Instead, it feels like a carefully planned stay in a floating heritage hotel. That is why the palace on wheels train is a key part of many premium India Luxury Tours.
From luxury rooms to regional food and rich cultural stops, this train journey leaves a lasting impression. Staff members go beyond expectations to make sure every traveler feels welcomed and valued.