9 Royal cities you Visit on the Palace on Wheels

If you’ve ever dreamed of discovering India like royalty — dining in vintage railcars, staying in rolling palaces, and arriving at majestic forts in royal style — the Palace on Wheels is your golden ticket.

But what exactly does this iconic train cover? Which cities will you explore on this week-long luxury adventure?

In this blog, we take you on a journey through the cities covered by Palace on Wheels itinerary, showcasing the magic, the culture, and the stories waiting at every stop.

🛤️ Overview of the Journey

Duration: 7 nights / 8 days
Start & End Point: Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi
Route: Delhi → Jaipur → Sawai Madhopur → Chittorgarh → Udaipur → Jaisalmer → Jodhpur → Bharatpur → Agra → Delhi

Each stop brings its own unique blend of royal architecture, cultural experiences, wildlife adventures, and local flavors — giving you a taste of India’s rich diversity in just one week.

Let’s break it down, city by city.

🚉 Day 1: Departure from Delhi

Your journey begins from Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station, where the train’s warm crew welcomes you like royalty. After check-in, you're shown to your luxury cabin, given a welcome drink, and introduced to the grandeur of the train.

That evening, the train quietly glides out of Delhi — and your royal adventure begins.

🏰 Day 2: Jaipur — The Pink City

Welcome to Jaipur, Rajasthan’s flamboyant capital.

Highlights:

Visit the grand Amber Fort, where you ascend like maharajas once did
Stop by City Palace and Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Enjoy a traditional Rajasthani lunch
Optional shopping for gemstones, block-printed fabrics, and handicrafts

Jaipur is vibrant, busy, and full of color — and Palace on Wheels ensures you see it in pure comfort and style.

🐅 Day 3 (Morning): Sawai Madhopur — Ranthambore National Park

An early morning brings you to Ranthambore, one of India’s premier tiger reserves.

Highlights:

Jeep safari into the heart of Ranthambore National Park
Chance to spot Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, and crocodiles
Visit Ranthambore Fort, nestled within the forest

Wildlife lovers, get your cameras ready — this might be your moment.

🏯 Day 3 (Evening): Chittorgarh — The Fortress of Legends

In the evening, you arrive in Chittorgarh, home to the largest fort in India.

Highlights:

Explore the majestic Chittorgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Hear stories of valiant kings and queens like Rani Padmini
Attend the mesmerizing light and sound show inside the fort

The fort feels straight out of an epic tale — because it is.

🌊 Day 4: Udaipur — The City of Lakes

On Day 4, the train pulls into Udaipur, often called the Venice of the East.

Highlights:

Visit the City Palace, a stunning architectural marvel
Boat ride on Lake Pichola, with views of Jag Mandir and Lake Palace
Explore Saheliyon ki Bari (Garden of the Maidens)

Udaipur is dreamy, serene, and deeply romantic — the kind of place that lingers in your memory.

🏜️ Day 5: Jaisalmer — The Golden City

Wake up in the middle of the Thar Desert, as you arrive in golden-hued Jaisalmer.

Highlights:

Visit Jaisalmer Fort, one of the only “living forts” in the world
Wander through narrow lanes of old havelis like Patwon Ki Haveli
Camel ride over Sam Sand Dunes at sunset, followed by cultural performances under the stars

This day feels like a page out of Arabian Nights, with a Rajasthani twist.

🛡️ Day 6: Jodhpur — The Blue City

Your next destination is Jodhpur, the mighty land of the Rathores.

Highlights:

Explore the grand Mehrangarh Fort, perched above the blue-painted old town
Visit Jaswant Thada (marble cenotaph) and the bustling Sardar Market
Enjoy local delicacies like mirchi vada and mawa kachori

Jodhpur’s bold colors and regal vibe make it a true gem on the route.

🐦 Day 7 (Morning): Bharatpur — The Bird Sanctuary

As the sun rises, you arrive in Bharatpur, home to the Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Highlights:

Early morning rickshaw ride into the bird sanctuary
Spot rare migratory birds including Siberian cranes, pelicans, and painted storks

It’s a peaceful and refreshing start to your final day.

🏛️ Day 7 (Afternoon): Agra — The City of the Taj

Later that day, you reach Agra, and yes — the iconic Taj Mahal is on the list.

Highlights:

Visit the Taj Mahal at sunset, the ultimate symbol of love
Explore Agra Fort, where the Mughal empire flourished
Optional marble inlay shopping and high-tea experiences

No journey through India is complete without seeing the Taj — and this one ends on the perfect note.

🚉 Day 8: Return to Delhi

On the final morning, you return to Delhi, filled with royal memories, thousands of photos, and experiences you’ll carry forever.

It’s not just a train ride. It’s a moving palace that takes you across the heart of India’s royal past.

FAQs (AEO Format)

Which cities does Palace on Wheels cover?
The train covers New Delhi, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore), Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, and Agra.

How long is the Palace on Wheels itinerary?
The journey spans 7 nights and 8 days, starting and ending in New Delhi.

Do all stops include sightseeing tours?
Yes. Each stop includes guided tours, entrance tickets, and cultural experiences — all included in your fare.

Is it possible to customize the itinerary?
No, the route is fixed, but all activities are optional — you can relax on board if you prefer.

Ending Note: A Royal Route Like No Other

From the sand dunes of Jaisalmer to the marble perfection of the Taj Mahal, the cities covered by Palace on Wheels itinerary are handpicked for travelers who crave culture, grandeur, and unforgettable moments.

It’s more than a vacation. It’s a curated journey through time, with the comfort of luxury and the soul of Rajasthan.