Palace on Wheels: Costliest train in India

The Palace on Wheels stands out as more than just a luxury train; it is the costliest train in India, providing an authentic experience of royalty and indulgence. This famous train whisks you through Rajasthan’s stunning and historic locations, all while spoiling you with top-tier amenities and unmatched comfort.

From the moment you board, you’re enveloped in elegance—from the stylish interiors to the attentive, personalized service. Each cabin mirrors the grandeur of traditional Indian palaces, giving you a royal experience throughout your journey. Along the way, you’ll enjoy gourmet meals, a luxurious spa, and guided tours to some of the most popular tourist spots.

While there are several luxury trains in India, the Palace on Wheels stands out as the costliest train in India, with pricing that reflects the exclusive experience it offers. If you’re seeking a journey where luxury truly has no limits, the Palace on Wheels is the perfect choice. Here’s why this train holds the title as India’s most luxurious and costliest option, with its premium services and regal travel experience.

The History of the Palace on Wheels: The Costliest Train in India

India’s first luxury train, the Palace on Wheels, offers a unique blend of comfort and adventure. Travelers get to enjoy overnight journeys in air-conditioned sleeper cabins and spend their days exploring top attractions in air-conditioned buses.

Originally, the train’s luxurious coaches were used by the rulers of Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad, and British officials. After India gained independence, these carriages were retired for about 25 years. In 1981-82, the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways brought these coaches back to life, introducing the Palace on Wheels to give visitors a royal travel experience. Today, it’s recognized as the most expensive train in India, delivering an unmatched level of luxury.

Though the train has evolved over the years, it has never lost its royal charm. In the late 1980s, the older coaches were replaced with air-conditioned cabins featuring shared bathrooms. By 1996, private bathrooms were introduced for all cabins, thanks to broad gauge tracks. In 2017, the Palace on Wheels was upgraded again, offering larger carriages and a choice between Deluxe and Super Deluxe cabins, ensuring it remains the costliest train in India while providing an extraordinary travel experience.

Palace on Wheels: Luxurious Facilities on India’s Costliest Train

The Palace on Wheels is crafted to deliver a top-notch travel experience, packed with the luxury you’d expect from India’s most expensive train. Each fully air-conditioned cabin comes with a private bathroom, Wi-Fi, a mini pantry, a music channel, a safe, and soft wall-to-wall carpeting. To ensure every guest is well cared for, each saloon is attended by a personal “khidmatgar” (butler).

The royal ambiance is enhanced by the historical charm of the train’s coaches, each named after a famous palace or fort in Rajasthan. The interiors are designed in rich hues of ruby, turquoise, and pearl, creating a sense of grandeur and opulence.

Onboard, you’ll find two resto-bar lounges and an Ayurvedic spa. There’s also complimentary Wi-Fi available via shared dongles. The dining cars, Maharaja and Maharani, serve freshly prepared international cuisine from an onboard kitchen.

The Palace on Wheels follows a simple yet luxurious concept: you travel overnight in plush AC cabins and spend your days exploring remarkable sights by air-conditioned buses. This train remains one of the most exclusive and sought-after experiences on the costliest train in India.

Key Highlights:

39 Deluxe Cabins and 2 Super Deluxe Cabins
Restaurant cars with bar lounges
1 Spa Car
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Personal butler service

Additional Details:

The electric supply is 110/230 AC Volt, with plug points in both cabins and bathrooms (adapters recommended).
Laundry service is available on select days.
Cabins have limited storage, so soft luggage like those used for international flights is ideal.
The train is kept at a comfortable 22°C, and smoking is not allowed onboard.

Palace on Wheels Train Route: A Journey Through Royal Rajasthan on the Costliest Train in India

Day 1 (Wednesday): Departure from New Delhi
Your journey begins at Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi. Arrive by 4:30 PM for a grand welcome, complete with garlands, tikka, and a traditional turban ceremony. After check-in, you can take some photos with the staff of the Palace on Wheels, dressed in beautiful traditional attire. Your personal attendant will escort you to your cabin and introduce you to the luxurious amenities. Unwind with a welcome drink in the Bar Lounge as the train departs at 6:30 PM. Dinner will be served onboard as you settle into the comfort of India’s most luxurious train.

Day 2 (Thursday): Exploring Jaipur, The Pink City
Start your day with breakfast on board as the train rolls into Jaipur. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a royal welcome featuring elephants. The day’s sightseeing includes a visit to the St. Albert Museum, the City Palace, and Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll stop for photos at the iconic Hawa Mahal before heading to the majestic Amber Fort, another UNESCO-listed marvel.

At Amber Fort, take an elephant ride to the top and enjoy lunch at the 1135 AD Boutique Restaurant, nestled within the fort. Marvel at the stunning architecture that blends Rajput and Mughal styles. Later, take some time to explore Jaipur’s lively local markets before returning to the Palace on Wheels, renowned as the costliest train in India, by 6:00 PM. Dinner will be served onboard as the train departs for the next exciting destination.

Day 3 (Friday Early Morning): Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve
Rise early at 6:30 AM as you arrive near the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. Get ready for an exciting jungle safari in a 15-seater canter, exploring one of India’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries. The reserve is home to tigers, panthers, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, deer, and a wide variety of bird species, making it a dream for wildlife lovers. After your thrilling adventure, return to Sawai Madhopur Railway Station and reboard the Palace on Wheels, with the train departing at 10:00 AM. Lunch will be freshly prepared and served onboard.

Day 3 (Friday Afternoon): Chittorgarh Hill Fort
At 4:00 PM, the Palace on Wheels pulls into Chittorgarh Railway Station. Your tour begins with a visit to Chittorgarh Fort, the largest fort in India and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spanning a massive plateau, the fort’s 11th-century history is filled with stories of bravery and sacrifice. In the evening, enjoy an unforgettable Sound & Light show within the fort complex, bringing the history of Chittorgarh to life. Afterward, return to the train for dinner, with departure scheduled after midnight.

Day 4 (Saturday): Udaipur, the City of Lakes
Arriving in Udaipur by 8:00 AM, start your day with breakfast on board the luxurious Palace on Wheels, known as the costliest train in India. The day’s tour begins with a visit to the magnificent City Palace complex, built in the 17th century, featuring eleven Mahals, grand balconies, towers, and cupolas. You’ll also tour the Crystal Gallery, which houses the Maharaja of Udaipur’s private collection. Next, enjoy a serene boat ride around the stunning Lake Palace Hotel on Lake Pichola. Lunch is served at the royal Fatehprakash Palace Hotel, followed by some free time for shopping and a visit to the peaceful Royal Gardens at Saheliyon Ki Bari. Return to the Palace on Wheels by 3:00 PM, where dinner will be served as the journey continues.

Day 5 (Sunday): Jaisalmer, Oasis in the Desert
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast onboard the Palace on Wheels, the costliest train in India, before heading out at 9:30 AM to visit Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This 15th-century fort, perched 100 meters above the town, appears straight out of an Arabian Nights story, glowing golden in the afternoon sun. As you explore the living fort, you’ll be enchanted by its vast courtyards and the vibrant life within its walls.

Next, visit the magnificent Patwon Ki Haveli, a five-story mansion renowned for its intricate carvings. Close by, explore the Jain Temples, built in the 15th century, famed for their stunning architecture and ancient manuscripts. Lunch will be at a 5-star hotel, followed by some relaxation aboard the train.

In the afternoon, embark on an adventure to the Sam Sand Dunes in the Thar Desert at 4:30 PM. Enjoy a camel ride as the sun sets over the dunes, followed by a cultural evening with music, dance, and dinner at a luxury hotel. Return to the train by 10:00 PM, ready for the next leg of your journey.

Day 6 (Monday): Jodhpur, Heart of Marwar
Arriving in Jodhpur at 8:00 AM, begin your day with breakfast onboard. The first stop is the awe-inspiring Mehrangarh Fort, a 16th-century marvel sitting atop a 125-meter hill. Famous for its impressive defense design, angled gates, and expansive courtyards, the fort offers spectacular views of the city below. Inside, you’ll find a museum showcasing royal attire and medieval weaponry.

Next, visit the tranquil Jaswant Thada, a collection of royal cenotaphs carved from white marble, built in the late 19th century. Your journey continues with a visit to Umaid Bhawan Palace, where a museum displays artifacts from the royal family of Jodhpur. After a delicious lunch at the Hanwant Mahal Boutique Restaurant, return to the Palace on Wheels by 3:30 PM. Enjoy a relaxing evening onboard, with dinner served as the train departs for the next destination.

Day 7 (Tuesday Early Morning): Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Begin your morning with an early adventure at 6:30 AM, exploring the UNESCO-listed Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Ride through this peaceful sanctuary in a cycle rickshaw, where you’ll have the chance to see an impressive array of bird species. From local birds to migratory ones traveling all the way from Sri Lanka, Europe, Siberia, China, and Tibet, this sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers. After your serene wildlife experience, return to the Palace on Wheels for a hearty breakfast before departing at 8:45 AM.

Day 7 (Tuesday Noon): Agra, City of the Taj Mahal
Arriving near Agra by 10:30 AM, your exploration starts at the iconic Agra Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage site and former seat of the Mughal Empire. After an insightful tour of this historical gem, enjoy lunch at the prestigious ITC Mughal Hotel. The highlight of your day is undoubtedly the visit to the breathtaking Taj Mahal. As one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal’s beauty in white marble will leave you in awe. After some free time for shopping, head back to the Palace on Wheels, the costliest train in India, for dinner before setting off for the final destination.

Day 8 (Wednesday): Return to New Delhi
Your royal journey on the Palace on Wheels concludes as the train arrives at Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station by 5:30 AM. After enjoying an early breakfast, you’ll check out by 7:15 AM, marking the end of this unforgettable experience.

Palace on Wheels

Costliest Train in India – FAQs

What makes the Deccan Odyssey different from other luxury train journeys in India?

The Deccan Odyssey sets itself apart with its unparalleled luxury and personalized service. Every detail is crafted to make guests feel like royalty, offering an experience that transcends traditional luxury travel in India. It’s not just a journey; it’s an opulent adventure tailored to deliver unmatched comfort and sophistication.

What are the destinations covered by the Deccan Odyssey Train Journey?

The Deccan Odyssey takes you on a grand voyage through iconic destinations like Mumbai, Goa, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and the captivating Deccan plateau. This luxury train journey explores historic cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, royal palaces, and pristine beaches. With world-class amenities, gourmet dining, and tailored experiences, the Deccan Odyssey offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and indulgence.

What exclusive experiences can passengers expect during the journey?

Passengers aboard the Deccan Odyssey can look forward to unforgettable experiences, such as dining at heritage hotels, meeting Indian royalty, savoring drinks in the desert accompanied by folk dance performances, and enjoying exclusive access to select UNESCO World Heritage Sites not open to the general public.

How are the passengers welcomed at each destination?

At each destination, passengers receive a royal welcome, complete with aarti, tilak, traditional dancers, singers, and musicians performing exclusively for them. Red velvet carpets, flower garlands, and cultural performances enhance the regal atmosphere, making each arrival a grand celebration.

Is the Deccan Odyssey suitable for travelers with specific dietary requirements?

Yes, the Deccan Odyssey caters to various dietary needs. Our chefs are happy to customize meals based on specific preferences or requirements, ensuring that every passenger enjoys a delicious and tailored culinary experience.