Frequently Asked Questions

During the week-long journey, guests visit many of northern India's most celebrated attractions.

Highlights include:

• The Pink City of Jaipur
• Ranthambore National Park
• Chittorgarh Fort
• The City Palace of Udaipur
• Jaisalmer Fort
• Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur
• Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur
• The Taj Mahal in Agra

Together, these destinations provide an outstanding combination of royal heritage, wildlife, architecture and cultural experiences.

The Palace on Wheels itinerary focuses primarily on Rajasthan, India's Land of Kings, making it ideal for travellers interested in royal history, magnificent architecture and colourful traditions.

Unlike broader India tours, this journey allows guests to experience the state's most famous cities in a carefully planned sequence. Along the way, travellers discover magnificent palaces, ancient forts, vibrant bazaars, desert landscapes and wildlife before concluding with one of the world's most famous monuments—the Taj Mahal.

This combination of history, culture and luxury has made the route one of India's most enduring rail holidays.

Yes. Palace on Wheels is an excellent choice for travellers visiting India for the first time.

The itinerary includes many of the country's most recognisable attractions while removing much of the complexity associated with independent travel. Accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals and local guides are all arranged in advance, allowing guests to enjoy their holiday without worrying about logistics.

For first-time visitors who wish to experience Rajasthan and the Taj Mahal in comfort, Palace on Wheels offers a convenient and memorable introduction to India.

Yes. A visit to the Taj Mahal is one of the highlights of every Palace on Wheels journey.

Located in Agra, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is widely regarded as one of the world's greatest architectural masterpieces and is included as a guided excursion before the journey concludes in Delhi.

Guests have the opportunity to admire the monument's remarkable craftsmanship while learning about its fascinating history from experienced guides.

For many international visitors, the Taj Mahal is the most anticipated experience of the entire journey.

Yes. Palace on Wheels includes a wildlife safari in Ranthambore National Park, one of India's most famous tiger reserves.

Travelling in designated safari vehicles, guests explore the park in search of Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, deer, crocodiles and numerous bird species. Although wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, Ranthambore offers one of India's best opportunities to observe tigers in their natural environment.

The safari provides an exciting contrast to the journey's royal palaces and historic cities, creating a well-rounded travel experience that combines culture, history and nature.

Palace on Wheels offers four accommodation categories, allowing guests to choose the level of comfort and exclusivity that best suits their travel style and budget.

Deluxe Cabin

The Deluxe Cabin is the most popular accommodation category and offers an elegant blend of traditional Rajasthani décor and modern comforts. These cabins are ideal for couples, friends and solo travellers seeking a luxurious rail holiday.

Super Deluxe Cabin

The Super Deluxe Cabin provides additional space and enhanced amenities compared with the Deluxe category. Guests also enjoy selected premium privileges, making it an excellent option for those looking for an elevated travel experience.

Suite Cabin

Designed for travellers seeking greater privacy and spacious accommodation, the Suite Cabin offers refined interiors, premium furnishings and additional personalised services. It is particularly popular with honeymooners and guests celebrating special occasions.

Presidential Suite

The Presidential Suite is the most exclusive accommodation onboard. Occupying its own dedicated coach, it offers generous living space, luxurious interiors and personalised services for guests seeking the highest level of comfort and privacy throughout the journey.

Regardless of the cabin category selected, all guests enjoy exceptional hospitality, gourmet dining, guided sightseeing and access to the train's luxury facilities.

The best cabin category depends on your budget, preferred level of comfort and the type of luxury experience you're looking for. While every guest enjoys the same itinerary, fine dining, guided sightseeing and personalised hospitality, each accommodation category offers a different level of space and exclusivity.

Deluxe Cabin

The Deluxe Cabin is an excellent choice for most travellers. It combines elegant interiors, modern amenities and exceptional value, making it ideal for couples, friends and solo travellers who wish to experience one of India's most iconic luxury trains.

Super Deluxe Cabin

If you prefer additional space and enhanced comfort, the Super Deluxe Cabin offers a more spacious layout together with premium furnishings. It is well suited to guests celebrating a special occasion or those who simply appreciate extra room during their journey.

Suite Cabin

The Suite Cabin provides a more exclusive onboard experience with generous living space and refined interiors. It is particularly popular with honeymooners, anniversary celebrations and travellers seeking a higher level of luxury throughout their holiday.

Presidential Suite

The Presidential Suite represents the highest standard of accommodation on Palace on Wheels. Offering the largest living space onboard, together with premium amenities and personalised service, it is designed for guests seeking the ultimate luxury rail experience in India.

If you are unsure which cabin category best meets your requirements, our travel specialists will be happy to explain the differences and recommend the most suitable option based on your travel preferences, budget and availability.

Every cabin has been thoughtfully equipped to provide a relaxing stay throughout the journey.

Facilities generally include:

• Comfortable twin or double beds
• Private en-suite bathroom
• Individually controlled air conditioning
• Wardrobe and luggage storage
• Electronic safe
• Writing desk
• Hairdryer
• Complimentary toiletries
• Complimentary bottled water
• Large panoramic windows

Each coach also has dedicated attendants who provide personalised service throughout your journey, ensuring your stay is comfortable from departure to arrival.

Dining is one of the highlights of the Palace on Wheels experience.

The train features two beautifully appointed restaurants serving a carefully prepared selection of Indian, Rajasthani and international cuisine. Menus are designed to showcase regional flavours while also offering familiar dishes that appeal to international travellers.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in elegant surroundings, allowing guests to enjoy exceptional hospitality throughout the journey.

Whether sampling traditional Rajasthani specialities or international favourites, every meal is prepared using fresh ingredients and presented with great attention to detail.

Yes. Palace on Wheels can usually accommodate a wide range of dietary preferences when informed before departure.

Guests requiring vegetarian, vegan, Jain or gluten-free meals are encouraged to advise their travel consultant during the booking process. The onboard culinary team will make every effort to prepare suitable alternatives throughout the journey.

If you have food allergies or specific medical dietary requirements, providing advance notice helps ensure appropriate arrangements can be made.

Yes. Wi-Fi is available onboard for guests who wish to stay connected during their journey.

As the train travels through rural and remote areas of South India, internet connectivity may occasionally vary depending on network coverage. While most guests can access the internet during significant portions of the journey, temporary interruptions may occur.

Many travellers also appreciate the opportunity to disconnect, relax and fully enjoy the scenery and onboard experience.

Yes. Palace on Wheels offers several elegant public areas where guests can relax between excursions.

The train includes a comfortable lounge and bar where travellers can enjoy refreshments, socialise with fellow guests or unwind after a day of sightseeing. These beautifully designed spaces provide a welcoming atmosphere throughout the journey.

Some departures may also offer wellness facilities or onboard spa services, subject to operational arrangements and availability.

These shared spaces enhance the overall experience, allowing guests to enjoy the journey itself as much as the destinations visited.

The atmosphere onboard is refined yet relaxed, and there is no compulsory formal dress code.

During daytime excursions, lightweight clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended, particularly when visiting forts, palaces and wildlife reserves.

For dinner, many guests choose smart casual or elegant evening attire to complement the train's luxurious surroundings. While formal wear is entirely optional, some travellers enjoy dressing up for special dinners and celebrations.

Each day begins with breakfast before guests leave the train to explore the day's destination with experienced local guides.

Excursions may include visits to royal palaces, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, bustling markets, museums or wildlife reserves. Lunch is often served either onboard or at carefully selected heritage hotels, depending on the itinerary.

In the evening, guests return to the train to relax, enjoy dinner and socialise before the train departs for its next destination overnight.

This carefully planned schedule allows travellers to experience India's cultural highlights while enjoying the convenience of luxury rail travel.

The cost of travelling on Palace on Wheels depends on several factors, including the departure date, cabin category and whether you are travelling on a single or twin-sharing basis.

Deluxe Cabins provide an excellent introduction to luxury rail travel, while Super Deluxe Cabins offer additional space and premium comfort. Seasonal demand may also influence pricing, particularly during departures between October and March.

As fares are updated periodically, we recommend checking the latest tariff before confirming your reservation. Our travel specialists can explain current prices, compare cabin categories and help you choose the most suitable departure.

The Palace on Wheels fare is designed to provide an all-inclusive luxury holiday, allowing guests to enjoy their journey with minimal additional expenses.

Your fare generally includes:

• Luxury accommodation onboard
• Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Guided sightseeing at destinations included in the itinerary
• Entrance fees to monuments and attractions
• Transportation during off-train excursions
• Services of professional English-speaking guides
• Tea, coffee, bottled drinking water and selected beverages
• Porter assistance at designated railway stations

By combining accommodation, dining, sightseeing and transport into one package, Palace on Wheels offers a convenient and stress-free way to explore Rajasthan and northern India.

While the journey is largely all-inclusive, certain expenses remain the responsibility of the guest.

These generally include:

• International and domestic flights
• Indian visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Laundry services
• Spa or wellness treatments
• Personal shopping
• Premium imported alcoholic beverages where applicable
• Personal expenses
• Optional gratuities

Reviewing these exclusions before your journey helps you plan your travel budget more accurately.

Yes. Depending on the departure date and promotional offers available at the time of booking, guests may enjoy additional value-added services when reserving through Luxe Train Journeys.

These benefits may include:

• Complimentary luxury 5-star hotel accommodation before or after your journey
• Airport and railway station transfers
• Guided city sightseeing
• Tailor-made holiday extensions
• Assistance with domestic flights
• Seasonal promotional offers
• Personalised itinerary planning

Our travel specialists will be pleased to explain the latest offers available for your preferred departure and help you plan a seamless holiday.

To make your journey as comfortable as possible, we recommend travelling with luggage that is practical and easy to store within your cabin.

Medium-sized suitcases or soft-sided bags are generally the most convenient choice. Porter assistance is available at designated stations, helping guests board and disembark with ease.

If your itinerary includes additional destinations before or after the train journey, our travel specialists can also advise on hotel luggage storage and transport arrangements where appropriate.

Packing efficiently will help you make the most of your cabin space throughout the journey.

Packing for Palace on Wheels is straightforward, as the journey combines relaxed sightseeing with elegant evenings onboard.

We recommend bringing:

• Comfortable clothing for daytime excursions
• Smart casual attire for dinner
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Hat and sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Personal medications
• Camera or smartphone
• Universal travel adaptor
• Light jacket or shawl during the cooler months

Guests joining the Ranthambore safari may also wish to pack neutral-coloured clothing and binoculars for wildlife viewing.

There's no need to overpack, as the atmosphere onboard is comfortable and relaxed while still reflecting the train's luxurious setting.

Palace on Wheels typically operates between September and April, when weather conditions across Rajasthan are generally favourable for sightseeing.

Many international travellers choose departures between October and March, when daytime temperatures are pleasant for exploring forts, palaces and wildlife reserves.

Christmas, New Year and early spring departures are particularly popular and often sell out several months in advance. Booking early provides the widest choice of departure dates and cabin categories.

Yes. Palace on Wheels is an excellent option for senior travellers who wish to explore Rajasthan comfortably without the inconvenience of changing hotels every day.

Guests unpack only once while visiting several destinations, and excursions are professionally organised to minimise travel logistics. Comfortable accommodation, attentive hospitality and well-planned sightseeing make the journey particularly appealing to retired couples and mature travellers.

Guests with mobility concerns are encouraged to discuss their requirements before booking so appropriate guidance can be provided regarding accessibility and excursions.

Yes. Palace on Wheels welcomes solo travellers from around the world.

Travelling by luxury train offers an ideal balance between independence and companionship. Guests can enjoy the privacy of their own cabin while meeting fellow travellers during meals, guided excursions and time spent in the lounge or bar.

Single occupancy fares are available, making the journey suitable for travellers who prefer to explore India independently without joining a conventional escorted tour.

Absolutely. Palace on Wheels provides an unforgettable setting for celebrating honeymoons, anniversaries, birthdays and other important milestones.

Luxury accommodation, exceptional dining, attentive hospitality and visits to Rajasthan's magnificent palaces create a memorable experience for couples seeking something truly special.

If you are celebrating a special occasion, please let our team know when making your reservation. We will be happy to advise on available arrangements that may enhance your celebration.

Yes. Palace on Wheels is widely regarded as one of the safest and most comfortable ways to experience Rajasthan and northern India.

The journey is professionally organised, with experienced staff accompanying guests throughout the itinerary. Guided excursions, reliable transport and carefully planned schedules allow travellers to focus on enjoying the destinations rather than worrying about logistics.

For many first-time visitors to India, this structured approach provides both reassurance and convenience.

For travellers seeking an immersive luxury holiday, many consider Palace on Wheels to offer exceptional value.

Rather than arranging hotels, transport, meals and sightseeing separately, guests enjoy a carefully curated experience where nearly every aspect of the journey has already been organised.

The opportunity to visit Rajasthan's most famous cities, experience a tiger safari and see the Taj Mahal while travelling in comfort makes Palace on Wheels a memorable holiday for couples, families and luxury travellers alike.

Booking early is highly recommended, especially if you intend to travel during the peak season between October and March.

Many guests reserve their preferred departure 6 to 12 months in advance, particularly for Christmas, New Year and other popular travel periods. Early booking also provides a better choice of cabin categories and helps avoid disappointment on high-demand departures.

If your travel dates are flexible, our specialists can compare upcoming departures and recommend the best option based on availability and current offers.