Palace on Wheels Route Map(2025): Full City Guide

There are train rides… and then there is Palace on Wheels — a week-long journey that rolls you through India’s royal past, one magical city at a time. But before you step aboard this moving palace, you might be wondering: Where exactly does it go? What are the stops? And how does each destination unfold?

You’re in the right place.

This isn’t just a list of locations. This is a glimpse into the soul of India, stop by stop, with the Palace on Wheels full route map with stops explained through the eyes of a traveler who’s lived it.

Let’s Begin Where All Great Stories Start: Delhi

Your adventure begins at Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi, early on a Wednesday evening. After a traditional welcome, you board the train and settle into your royal chamber.

🛤 Departure: Wednesday, 6:30 PM

The train departs Delhi and rolls gently into the night, towards the pink dreams of Jaipur.

Stop 1: Jaipur – The Pink City

Arrival: Thursday Morning

Jaipur greets you with rose-colored buildings, royal elephants, and the scent of masala chai in the air.

Highlights:

Amber Fort (ride up on a decorated elephant or jeep)
City Palace
Jantar Mantar (the royal observatory)
Local bazaars for block-printed fabrics and gemstones

The first stop itself sets the tone — opulent, colorful, and full of character.

Stop 2: Sawai Madhopur – Ranthambore National Park

Arrival: Friday Early Morning

Before sunrise, you're off on a jeep safari in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. This is your chance to spot tigers, leopards, and deer in the wild.

Highlights:

Morning jungle safari
Visit to Ranthambore Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Local village life from your cabin window

This stop gives you a breath of wilderness between the palaces.

Stop 3: Chittorgarh – Tales of Courage

Arrival: Friday Afternoon

After lunch on the train, you arrive in Chittorgarh. The fort here isn't just a structure—it's a saga carved in stone.

Highlights:

Chittorgarh Fort (India’s largest)
Sound and light show inside the fort
Victory Tower & tales of Rani Padmini

This stop makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a Rajput legend.

Stop 4: Udaipur – The City of Lakes

Arrival: Saturday Morning

Udaipur is romance in marble. With lakes that reflect palaces and sunsets that look like paintings, it’s love at first sight.

Highlights:

City Palace and Crystal Gallery
Boat ride on Lake Pichola
Jag Mandir and Jagdish Temple
Cultural show at Bagore Ki Haveli

This is where you’ll fall for India’s softer, artistic side.

Stop 5: Jaisalmer – The Golden City

Arrival: Sunday Morning

Rising out of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is golden in every sense — golden sands, golden forts, golden memories.

Highlights:

Jaisalmer Fort (living fort with shops and homes)
Patwon Ki Haveli
Camel ride and cultural evening on the Sam Sand Dunes

At sunset, as folk dancers twirl under the stars, you’ll feel something shift inside you.

Stop 6: Jodhpur – The Blue Jewel of Rajasthan

Arrival: Monday Morning

In contrast to Jaisalmer’s gold, Jodhpur wears blue like royalty. It’s a city that’s alive with history and hospitality.

Highlights:

Mehrangarh Fort (majestic and intact)
Jaswant Thada (a royal cenotaph)
Local handicrafts shopping in Sardar Market

This stop gives you grand architecture, panoramic views, and street food that lingers on your tongue.

Stop 7: Bharatpur & Agra – From Birds to the Taj

Arrival: Tuesday Early Morning (Bharatpur) + Afternoon (Agra)

The final leg of your journey begins with Bharatpur, famous for its bird sanctuary, and ends with the crown jewel of India.

Bharatpur Highlights:

Keoladeo Ghana National Park (UNESCO site)
Cycle rickshaw ride through the sanctuary

Agra Highlights:

Taj Mahal at sunset (Yes, it’s as magical as they say)
Agra Fort
Local marble inlay art demonstration

This day feels like a grand finale—and rightly so.

Return to Delhi: Wednesday Morning

Your journey ends where it began, but you’re no longer the same.

You’ve walked where kings once ruled, eaten food once served to queens, and watched India unfold like a living museum outside your window.

Palace on Wheels Route Map (Visual Overview)

Delhi → Jaipur → Ranthambore (Sawai Madhopur) → Chittorgarh →

Udaipur → Jaisalmer → Jodhpur → Bharatpur → Agra → Delhi

It covers 7 cities in 8 days, spread across 3 states: Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. It’s carefully curated to give you a full taste of India’s culture, wildlife, royalty, and color—all without you ever packing or repacking your bags.

FAQs

What is the full route of Palace on Wheels?
Delhi → Jaipur → Ranthambore → Chittorgarh → Udaipur → Jaisalmer → Jodhpur → Bharatpur → Agra → Delhi.

How many stops are there in Palace on Wheels?
There are 9 stops (including Delhi). Each one offers guided tours and curated experiences.

Does the route include Taj Mahal?
Yes, the Taj Mahal in Agra is part of the last day of the tour.

Is the route suitable for international travelers?
Absolutely. Every stop is designed to showcase India’s history and heritage. English-speaking guides are available.

How many nights is the full journey?
The complete tour lasts 7 nights and 8 days, usually from Wednesday to the next Wednesday.

Ending Note: Follow the Tracks of Royalty

The Palace on Wheels full route map with stops isn’t just a schedule—it’s a story arc. One that begins in Delhi, crescendos through Rajasthan, and ends in front of the Taj Mahal, India’s greatest love letter in stone.

Each stop feels like a chapter, each city a poem. If you ever wanted to experience the heart of India without the chaos—this is it.