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Palace on Wheels, India’s Royal Tourism Icon (2025)

Some trains carry passengers.
Only a few carry legacy, luxury, and royalty.

The Palace on Wheels, launched in 1982, is India’s original luxury tourism train, a moving palace inspired by the private carriages of Rajasthan’s former maharajas.

In 2025, it continues to be one of the world’s top-rated luxury trains, attracting travellers from Europe, Japan, the US, UAE and across India.

1. A Royal Beginning, History Behind the Train

The inspiration for the train dates back to:

• The royal carriages of Rajputana princes,
• The Nizam of Hyderabad, and
• The Viceroy of India.

When these royal saloons became idle post-independence, Rajasthan Tourism (RTDC) and Indian Railways revived the concept as a luxury heritage train.

👉 Palace on Wheels launched on 26 January 1982
It quickly became:

• India’s most premium tourism brand
• A global luxury rail icon
• A key contributor to Rajasthan’s tourism economy

2. The Route, Rajasthan’s Grand Heritage Circuit

The 7-night, 8-day itinerary includes:

• Delhi (boarding)
• Jaipur (Amber Fort, royal welcome)
• Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore Safari)
• Chittorgarh (fort & light show)
• Udaipur (Lake Pichola)
• Jaisalmer (sand dunes, cultural shows)
• Jodhpur (Mehrangarh Fort)
• Bharatpur (Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary)
• Agra (Taj Mahal)
• Delhi (return)

This circuit covers:

• Heritage
• Wildlife
• Desert landscapes
• Royal architecture
• World Heritage sites

All wrapped in luxury hospitality.

3. Inside the Moving Palace, The Luxury Experience

Every coach is named after a Rajasthan princely state (e.g., Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner).

Interior Features:

• Opulent cabins with vintage design
• Rajputana-themed furniture
• Spa and wellness rooms
• Two gourmet restaurants
• Bar & lounge
• Butler service
• Cultural performances

This is a 5-star hotel on wheels, often compared to the world’s top luxury trains like the Orient Express and Rocky Mountaineer.

4. Tourism Impact, Verified 2025 Stats

According to RTDC and Ministry of Tourism (Oct 2025):

📌 Occupancy Rate (Jan–Oct 2025):

82%, highest since 2019.

📌 Foreign Tourist Contribution:

61% of total bookings.

📌 Top Source Countries:

• UK
• USA
• Japan
• France
• UAE

📌 Revenue Growth:

+18% YoY compared to 2024.

📌 Key Growth Driver:

Rajasthan’s Global Tourism Push + better connectivity via Vande Bharat to Delhi.

Palace on Wheels is now one of the top 3 tourism earners for Rajasthan Tourism.

5. How the Train Competes in 2025

Despite competition from luxury hotels and air travel, Palace on Wheels stands strong because it offers:

• Full heritage immersion
• Premium service + curated tours
• All-inclusive cost structure
• Nostalgic slow travel experience
• Global luxury appeal

It is positioned alongside:

• Maharajas’ Express
• Deccan Odyssey
  But retains its crown as the original Indian luxury train.

6. Palace on Wheels in Pop Culture

Featured in:

• National Geographic
• Discovery Channel
• Lonely Planet’s “Top 10 Luxury Trains”
• International travel shows & documentaries

It remains a global ambassador for Indian royal heritage.

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