Palace On Wheels Announces Rare May Journey For Luxury Travellers

India’s pioneering luxury heritage train will operate in May for the first time since its inception 45 years ago. The services of The Palace on Wheels have so far been limited to the September–April period, with operations suspended during the summer months due to Rajasthan’s intense heat, where temperatures can regularly exceed 42 degrees Celsius.

Six-Day Special Run

This special six-day journey, scheduled from May 20 to 25, 2026, has been arranged in response to strong demand and a full-train charter secured by a leading nationalised bank.

Journey Highlights

• The special summer service (Train No. 00290) will run under the Bharat Gaurav Train Policy, covering a circular route of around 2,610 km.

• Departure and arrival will take place at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station.

• Key stops along the route include Jaipur (Durgapura), Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Phulera.

• The train will comprise 22 coaches, featuring 14 luxury salons named after former princely states, along with two restaurant-cum-bar coaches, a spa car, and high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity.

Seasonal Information & Costs

The Palace on Wheels is operated as a joint initiative of the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) and Indian Railways.

• The standard operating season runs from September to April, offering a 7-night/8-day itinerary, while the special May 2026 departure has been shortened to a 5-night/6-day journey.

• Full train charters are rarely available to the public or corporate groups, with the upcoming run entirely reserved by a nationalised bank.

• Under normal operations, fares range from approximately INR 5.2 lakh to INR 15.8 lakh per person, while the May special will follow exclusive charter pricing arrangements.

About The Palace On Wheels

The Palace on Wheels ranks among India’s most recognised luxury tourist trains and is operated jointly by Indian Railways and the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC), with the aim of presenting the heritage and royal legacy of Rajasthan to visitors. First introduced on 26 January 1982, the train has followed a 7-night/8-day itinerary that blends heritage travel with premium onboard services, covering a range of important cultural and historical destinations across Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

• Royal journey: The route spans over 3,000 km, beginning in New Delhi and covering destinations such as Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra, home to the Taj Mahal.

• Accommodation: Guests travel in air-conditioned saloons designed with royal-inspired interiors, each equipped with attached bathrooms and personalised service provided by stewards known as khidmatgars.

• Dining: Onboard dining is offered in two themed restaurants, ‘King’ and ‘Queen’, serving a mix of Indian, Continental, Chinese and traditional Rajasthani cuisine.

• Amenities: Facilities include a lounge bar, spa salon, laundry services and internet connectivity for passengers.

FAQs

Why is the Palace on Wheels running in May 2026?
The special May 2026 departure has been scheduled due to strong demand and a full-train charter by a nationalised bank, marking an exception to its usual operational calendar.

What is the usual operating season of the Palace on Wheels?
The train typically runs between September and April each year and remains off-service during the peak summer months due to extreme temperatures in Rajasthan.

What route will the Palace on Wheels follow in May 2026?
The journey will cover a circular Rajasthan circuit, including destinations such as Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Bikaner and Chittorgarh, starting and ending in Delhi.

Under which policy will the train operate?
The special service will run under Indian Railways’ Bharat Gaurav Train Policy as Train No. 00290.

How long is the May 2026 journey?
Unlike the standard 7-night/8-day itinerary, the May special run will be a shorter 5-night/6-day journey.