Palace on Wheels

Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) / Indian Railways
India
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The Journey

Navigate from Delhi Safdarjung to Delhi Safdarjung (Round Trip) across a span of 2610km. This is an overnight service.

Scenery Highlights
  • Ranthambore National Park tigers
  • Chittorgarh Fort (largest fort complex in India)
  • Udaipur's Lake Pichola and City Palace
  • Sam sand dunes camel ride at sunset
  • Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur (the Blue City)
  • Bharatpur's Keoladeo Ghana National Park (UNESCO)
  • Taj Mahal at dawn from Agra
  • Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal in Jaipur
Quick Facts
  • Duration

    192 hours

  • Distance

    2610 km

  • Est. Price

    Ultra-luxury (USD 12,700 – 25,800 per cabin for 7 nights)

Official Booking Provider
Classes & Accommodations

Meals: All Inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning + evening tea)

Ensuite: Yes

Meals: All Inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning + evening tea)

Ensuite: Yes

Meals: All Inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning + evening tea)

Ensuite: Yes

Meals: All Inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning + evening tea)

Ensuite: Yes

Meals: All Inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning + evening tea)

Ensuite: Yes

Meals: All Inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning + evening tea)

Ensuite: Yes

Meals: All Inclusive

Ensuite: Yes

Engine / Locomotive

Indian Railways WDM-class diesel-electric (Indian-built) typically hauls the rake end-to-end

Locomotive Weight

WDM-3D / WDP-4D ~123 tonnes (loco only, train itself adds ~600 tonnes for 39 coaches)

Track Gauge

1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) Indian broad gauge

Braking Technology

Air brake (LHB stock) with twin-pipe graduated release; auxiliary hand-brake per coach

Route Engineering Challenges

  • Long-distance cross-desert (Thar) running in peak heat — sand ingress in air filters and traction motors

  • Maintaining heritage livery (royal blue, gold filigree) and 39 individually decorated interiors to LHB safety standards

  • Coupling and de-coupling at remote heritage sidings (e.g. Jaisalmer, Bharatpur) without damaging vintage panelling

  • High-step vestibule boarding at non-LHB platforms and historic station aprons

  • Coordinating the 2,610 km round trip with eight overnight stops and eight daytime sightseeing itineraries without running late on a strict Wednesday-to-Wednesday schedule

  • Reversing the rake at terminus stations (Safdarjung, Jaipur) with tight clearances and 39-car consists

  • Operating air-conditioned LHB stock in 45°C+ Rajasthan summer heat (closed May–August)

  • Synchronising the rake with parallel freight traffic on the single-track Rewari–Ringus–Phulera section

Number of carriages

39 (14 saloons, 39 deluxe cabins, 2 restaurants, lounge bar, spa car, staff, power and store cars)

Total guests

82 (39 cabins × 2 plus single-occupancy supplements)

Livery

Royal blue with gold filigree and maroon running gear; interiors themed to former princely states

Maximum speed

110 km/h (operational), 160 km/h (coach rating)

Year introduced

1982 (Rajasthan Tourism initiative); fully rebuilt on LHB platform in 2009

Round-trip distance

2,610 km

Itinerary length

7 nights / 8 days (regular) or 6 days (May 2026 special)

Booking lead time

3–6 months ahead for peak (Oct–Mar) and Christmas / New Year departures

Most expensive cabin

Presidential Suite – USD 3,223 / night lean, USD 3,510 / night peak (~USD 25,798 per 7-night peak journey for two adults)

Operator

Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) and Indian Railways

Booking window

1 March 2026 for 2026-27 season

Refund policy

More than 60 days before departure = 90% refund; 30–60 days = 50%; less than 30 days = no refund

Children policy

Children 5–12 at 50% of adult fare sharing a cabin; under 5 complimentary

Notable stops

Delhi Safdarjung (start/end), Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore), Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur (Keoladeo Ghana), Agra (Taj Mahal)

Special May 2026 charter

20–25 May 2026 — Delhi → Durgapura → Sawai Madhopur → Chittorgarh → Udaipur → Jaisalmer → Bikaner → Phulera → Delhi (no Jodhpur, no Bharatpur/Agra)

Quick Facts
  • Duration

    192 hours

  • Distance

    2610 km

  • Est. Price

    Ultra-luxury (USD 12,700 – 25,800 per cabin for 7 nights)

Official Booking Provider