India

Photo Essay: Sights, Monuments and Wildlife Parks you will experience during the Palace on Wheels Luxury Train Tour

By Mini Agarwal
palace-on-wheels-luxury-train-rajasthan
The legendary Palace on Wheels snakes elegantly through the golden Rajasthani landscape. Winding like a royal procession across the rugged terrain, the train looks every bit the moving palace it is — luxurious, serene, and steeped in old-world charm. One glance, and you instantly know: this is no ordinary train ride… it’s an experience fit for royalty.

One of the most unforgettable ways to explore northern India’s iconic treasures is aboard the legendary Palace on Wheels. Imagine gliding from one breathtaking destination to the next without ever worrying about transfers, traffic jams, or crowded buses. This luxurious train lets you travel in comfort and style while waking up each day to a new chapter of India’s history and culture.

Every stop is thoughtfully curated — from grand palaces and ancient forts to serene lakes and bustling bazaars. The journey even includes visits to two incredible national reserves, where you can embark on wildlife safaris and experience India’s natural beauty up close. And since the Palace on Wheels attracts guests from around the globe, it becomes a rolling cultural exchange — a chance to meet travelers with fascinating stories of their own.

Of course, some visitors prefer a different rhythm. Many choose to stay overnight in luxury hotels and travel by private vehicle with their own driver, enjoying the freedom to pause, wander, and explore at their own pace. Popular options include indulgent itineraries like Rajasthan Luxury Travel with Taj and Oberoi Hotels, the Delhi to Mumbai 15-Day India Getaway, or the Highlights of Rajasthan in 10 Days.

If you’re visiting between September and April, be sure to pack warm clothing. Winter mornings, especially on open-top safaris in the national parks, can be surprisingly chilly. A cozy jacket, gloves, and a hat will make your adventure far more comfortable.

Whether you choose to journey like royalty on rails or savor India at your own pace with private transport, northern India promises an experience rich in luxury, history, and unforgettable moments.

 

Route and Itinerary

The Palace on Wheels operates like a seasonal royal journey, running only from September to April when the weather is cool, crisp, and perfect for sightseeing. During the hot monsoon months, the train rests — saving its magic for the most pleasant time of the year.

Your adventure begins on Wednesday evenings, departing at 6:30 pm from Delhi’s historic Safdarjung Station. As the train slowly rolls out of the city, you settle into a world of luxury, ready to wake up each morning in a new, enchanting destination.

Over the next several days, the Palace on Wheels takes you through a spectacular lineup of India’s most iconic sites:

• Jaipur – the Pink City with its palaces and lively bazaars

• Sawai Madhopur & Ranthambore National Park – home of the majestic Bengal tiger

• Chittorgarh Fort – a legendary citadel steeped in Rajput valor

• Udaipur – the romantic City of Lakes

• Jaisalmer – golden desert dunes crowned by a living fort

• Jodhpur – the Blue City beneath the mighty Mehrangarh Fort

• Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary – a paradise for bird lovers

• Agra – where the unforgettable Taj Mahal awaits

It’s a journey that blends royalty, wildlife, history, and romance — all from the comfort of your private luxury cabin on wheels.

 

Photo Essay Palace on Wheels Luxury Train Tour

The lovely Lake Pichola in udaipur

Lake Pichola sparkles under the warm Rajasthani sun, its silver ripples inviting visitors to hop onto a boat and float past Udaipur’s majestic City Palace—an experience as dreamy as it looks. © Mikecphoto


the Jaisalmer Fort

A woman strolls past vibrant Rajasthani fabrics draped outside the golden sandstone walls of Jaisalmer Fort—each piece fluttering like a slice of desert culture. © Don Mammoser


Visitors at the street market in Jodhpur

Visitors weave through Jodhpur’s lively street market, drawn to folk-style treasures—glittering bangles, handcrafted necklaces, colorful clothes—each stall bursting with tradition. © f9photos


a horse carriage on the streets of Jodhpur

A heartwarming moment unfolds as a grandfather and grandson ride together in a horse carriage through the bustling streets of Jodhpur, sharing a simple joy across generations. © Don Mammoser


Rural women

Rural women carry jugs of water gracefully on their heads, walking home under the desert sun—a daily ritual in water-scarce Rajasthan, and a powerful portrait of resilience. © Kijja Pruchyathamkorn


Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur

Dressed in classic Rajasthani attire, a man gazes out from the mighty Mehrangarh Fort, as if taking in centuries of valor and royal history beneath him. © Matyas Rehak


street of jodhpur city

A view down a street in Jodhpur reveals a sea of cool blue homes—painted this way to soften Rajasthan’s fierce heat, earning the city its magical nickname: the Blue City. © Costas Anton Dumitrescu


Chittorgarh Fortress

A tourist stands dwarfed by the towering Kirti Stambh—Chittorgarh’s 12th-century “Tower of Glory”—a proud reminder of Rajasthan’s heroic Rajput legacy. © Radiokafka


Jama Masjid in delhi

Through a dramatic silhouetted doorway, Jama Masjid appears alive with thousands of devotees—Asia’s largest mosque humming with prayer and timeless grandeur. © Wan Fahmy Redzuan


amber fort in jaipur

A snake charmer in Jaipur sits cross-legged with his flute, reviving an ancient Indian tradition that still fascinates wanderers across small towns and villages. © Anyamay


Mehrangarh fort

At Mehrangarh Fort, two men in vibrant Rajasthani attire demonstrate how to tie a traditional pagdi—turning a simple fabric into a crown of culture. © Pikoso.kz


Jantar Mantar in jaipur

Visitors explore the giant astronomical instruments of Jantar Mantar—part observatory, part sculpture garden—built by the visionary Maharaja Jai Singh II in the 18th century. © Angelo Giampiccolo


the Red Fort in Agra

Tourists walk through the massive red sandstone passages of Agra Fort, with the ethereal Taj Mahal peeking in the distance like a promise of beauty ahead. © Jorg Hackemann


taj mahal in agra

Visitors pass beneath the majestic Great Gate, the grand entrance leading to India’s most cherished symbol of love—the iconic Taj Mahal. © Paul Prescott


gir mahal in agra fort

Cameras click away as visitors capture the smaller yet exquisite fortifications within the Taj Mahal complex—each corner revealing another layer of Mughal artistry. © Maodoltee


red fort in delhi

Delhi’s UNESCO-listed Red Fort rises proudly by Chandni Chowk—its massive Mughal walls guarding centuries of history right in the heart of the capital. © Yavuz Sariyildiz


Humayun in Delhi,

The grand entrance to Humayun’s Tomb welcomes visitors with glowing red sandstone—a magnificent precursor to the architectural masterpiece said to have inspired the Taj Mahal. © Tatiana Dyuvbanova


Tuk-tuks on the streets of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi

Tuk-tuks zip through the bustling alleys of Chandni Chowk—quick, cheap, eco-friendly, and the most thrilling way to navigate Old Delhi’s iconic chaos. © Roman Malanchuk


qutab minar in delhi

The Qutub Minar pierces the sky at 73 meters high, standing tall as a plane glides past—an awe-inspiring fusion of ancient brilliance and modern life. © Rahul Sapra


The City Palace in Jaipur,

Jaipur’s City Palace glows in royal grandeur, built in the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II as the heart of his newly founded Pink City. © DeGe Photos


the Amer Fort

A breathtaking view of Amer Fort captured between two ancient turrets, where over five thousand visitors tread daily through its mighty gateways carved into Rajasthan’s hills. © Rolf_52


Agrasen ki Baoli, in delhi

Tourists wander through the mystical Agrasen ki Baoli — an ancient stepwell hidden amid Delhi’s hustle, its stone arches whispering tales of a forgotten past. © ABIR ROY BARMAN


amber fort in jaipur

A tourist arrives at Amer Fort in true royal fashion, gently swaying atop a decorated elephant as the grand hill fort rises magnificently ahead. © Amlan Mathur


hawa mahal in jaipur

The Hawa Mahal — Jaipur’s iconic Palace of Winds — stands proudly along a busy street, its honeycombed windows glowing like a pink sandstone jewel just moments from Jantar Mantar. © Nila Newsom


A street in Jaipur,

A classic Jaipur street scene unfolds with rows of pink-hued buildings lining the road — the architectural signature that gives the city its famous name, the Pink City. © Phuong D. Nguyen


a clothes market in Jaipur

A lively clothing market in Jaipur buzzes with energy as locals and tourists browse vibrant traditional outfits — from swirling lehengas to embroidered kurtas. © Fotos593


the city of Chittorgarh

A group of cheerful children pose outside their traditional Chittorgarh home, offering the warmest welcome a traveler could hope for in Rajasthan. © Christophe Cappelli


the old Chittorgarh Fort

An aerial sweep over the legendary Chittorgarh Fort reveals its sprawling walls and ancient battlements — once the proud capital of Mewar and now a UNESCO treasure. © Nomad1988


the Lake Pichola in Udaipur

Boats glide across serene Lake Pichola as tourists soak in Udaipur’s dreamy skyline — palaces, temples, and heritage haveli reflections dancing on the water. © Dmitry Rukhlenko


Udaipur’s city market

Spice heaven! A Udaipur market overflows with fiery red chilies, turmeric, coriander, and fragrant blends — a sensory explosion worthy of India’s culinary legacy. © Pierre Jean Durieu


street market in the city of Udaipur

Udaipur’s bustling market scene brims with life — tuk-tuks honking, shopkeepers calling out, and shoppers drifting between stalls in pure Rajasthani chaos and charm. © mikecphoto


A young street snack vendor in Udaipur

A young vendor prepares delicious bhelpuri by peaceful Lake Pichola — a crunchy, tangy street snack loved by locals and curious travelers alike. © Kamila Koziol


local jewelry shop in the busy city of Jaisalmer

Sparkling earrings, necklaces, and hair ornaments shimmer in a Jaisalmer jewelry shop — each piece reflecting the craftsmanship and color of desert tradition. © stesilvers


Thar Desert in Jaisalmer

A traveler sits atop the golden ripples of the Thar Desert’s dunes, soaking in Jaisalmer’s timeless beauty as the sands shift gently beneath them. © Don Mammoser


sun set in desert

Camel drivers return home at sunset, their silhouettes etched against the warm orange glow of the Thar Desert — a scene straight out of a desert fairytale. © Andrey Armyagov


The Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur,

Mehrangarh Fort towers over Jodhpur with its thick, stone-carved walls — a 15th-century marvel housing palaces rich with Rajput grandeur. © Gameoflight


Jaswant Thada Mausoleum in the city of Jodhpur

The elegant white marble of Jaswant Thada gleams in the sun — a serene royal cenotaph often called the Taj Mahal of Mewar, dedicated to Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. © Sharad Raval


Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Bharatpur,

Tourists ride quietly through Keoladeo Ghana National Park on cycle rickshaws, spotting its rich wildlife while gliding under lush green canopies. © Don Mammoser


Sarus crane in ghana national park in bharatpur

A pair of graceful Sarus cranes wander through the wetlands of Keoladeo Ghana National Park, blissfully unaware of the camera capturing their natural elegance. © Sourabh Bharti


scenic Keoladeo Ghana National Park in Bharatpur,

A painted stork stands poised in the tranquil wetlands of Keoladeo Park, its striking plumage reflecting beautifully in the still waters. © Sourabh Bharti


The Anguri Bagh in agra fort

The Anguri Bagh courtyard unfolds in perfect symmetry, its lush charbagh-style gardens leading the eye straight to the elegant Khas Mahal inside Agra Fort — a serene Mughal masterpiece. © AlexAnton


taj mahal

Visitors stand in awe at the Taj Mahal, India’s most iconic monument, its white marble glowing softly under the sun — a timeless symbol of love since 1632. © Don Mammoser


the Ranthambhore National Park in Rajasthan

An open safari truck rumbles through Ranthambhore National Park as eager travelers scan the wilderness, hoping to spot leopards, tigers, and the many secrets of the jungle. © Salvador Aznar


The Umaid Bhawan Palace

The majestic Umaid Bhawan Palace rises like a sandstone crown over Jodhpur — part royal residence, part museum, and part luxury hotel owned by the Taj group. © Mario Savoia / Dreamstime


the Mehrangarh Fort

A visitor studies a display of gleaming swords inside Mehrangarh Fort — weapons once wielded by the warriors who shaped Jodhpur’s legendary history. © Donyanedomam / Dreamstime


the Mehrangarh Fort in jodhpur

The Maharaja Walkway at Mehrangarh Fort offers sweeping, elevated views of Jodhpur — 123 meters above the city, where carved stone and blue houses meet the sky. © Ramillah / Dreamstime


the Great Indian Desert

A traveler enjoys a classic camel ride on the golden sands of the Thar Desert, embracing the charm of India’s largest desert in true Jaisalmer style. © Ninlawan Donlakkham / Dreamstime


he grand Jaisalmer Fort

Jaisalmer Fort, the Golden Fort, rises entirely out of yellow limestone — glowing like a living, breathing citadel under the desert sun and honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. © Roop Dey / Dreamstime


of the city of Jaisalmer, also known as “The Golden City”,

A bird’s-eye view of Jaisalmer reveals its maze of golden homes and winding lanes, earning it the enchanting title of “The Golden City” of Rajasthan. © Mubarak Khan / Dreamstime


the Grand Old City of Jaisalmer

Traditional musicians welcome visitors at the ancient gates of Jaisalmer — their colorful attire, soulful rhythms, and warm smiles capturing the spirit of the desert. © Edwardje / Dreamstime


The City Palace in udaipur

Udaipur’s City Palace stands in full splendor, a royal blend of marble courtyards, balconies, and grand halls crafted by the proud Mewar dynasty. © Borisgelman84 / Dreamstime


the City Palace of Udaipur,

Delicate 15th-century sandstone sculptures at Udaipur’s City Palace showcase Rajput artistry at its finest — every carving a whisper from the past. © Letloose78 / Dreamstime


traditional style wall painting in udaipur

A beautiful wall painting in Udaipur depicts a royal procession — an artistic tradition preserved for centuries on the city’s old havelis and palace walls. © Anna Artamonova / Dreamstime


a tuk tuk in the city of Udaipur

Locals zip through Udaipur in colorful tuk-tuks — the quickest, liveliest way to travel through the city’s charming lanes and waterfront roads. © Christophe Cappelli / Dreamstime


the walls of the citadel in Chittorgarh,

A vibrant rose-ringed parakeet perches gracefully on Chittorgarh’s ancient fort walls — its striking colors a bright surprise against the weathered stone. © Rene Drouyer / Dreamstime


stone carvings of the Chittorgarh Fort

Lemurs rest atop the majestic stone carvings of Chittorgarh Fort — surrounded by intricate depictions of Hindu gods and epic tales etched in stone. © Jarnogz / Dreamstime


ruined old fort

The ruins of the ancient Maurya Dynasty Citadel stand proudly under the blue sky — a powerful reminder of 7th-century Rajasthan and its heroic past. © Rene Drouyer / Dreamstime


carved stones at the Chittorgarh Fort

An ancient Hindu temple at Chittorgarh Fort reveals its finely carved stone façade — a masterpiece of devotion and centuries-old craftsmanship. © Ramillah / Dreamstime


Masala Chai at the Jaipur

Rajasthani men brew steaming Masala Chai at the Jaipur Literature Festival — filling the air with aroma as the world’s largest free literary event buzzes around them. © Radiokafka / Dreamstime


veg & non veg food

A tempting platter of North-Indian delights — Fish Tikka, Chicken Tikka, and crispy Potato Patty — served with spicy green chutney, yogurt dip, and the unmistakable flavors of India. © Rahul Kumar / Dreamstime


the Ranthambhore National Tiger

A leopard crouches gracefully by the lakeside at Ranthambhore, pausing for a cool drink as thrilled safari-goers capture this rare moment of wild beauty. © Shardran / Dreamstime


Royal Bengal Tiger in ranthambore national park

A magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger strides through the Ranthambhore jungle, its bold stripes blending seamlessly with the forest shadows — the king of the wild in his true kingdom. © Vladimir Cech / Dreamstime


Sambar deer, crocodile, and storks

Sambar deer, a resting crocodile, and elegant storks share the peaceful banks of a Ranthambhore waterhole — a perfect snapshot of Rajasthan’s rich wildlife in harmony. © EPhotocorp / Dreamstime


sun sets outside the Amer Fort,

As dusk settles over Amer Fort, the entire structure glows in shades of pink and violet, enhanced by soft evening lights — a magical sight that feels straight out of a fairytale. © Sitaretravels / Dreamstime


The Amer Fort in jaipur

Perched high on a hill, the Amer Fort showcases stunning Rajput architectural artistry — carved pillars, ornate halls, and sweeping views that make it Jaipur’s most beloved attraction. © Letloose78 / Dreamstime


Gurdwara Bangla Sahib in delhi

Gurdwara Bangla Sahib welcomes people from all walks of life — its golden dome shimmering above a tranquil sarovar, offering peace, prayer, and a sense of equality to all. © MrFly / Dreamstime


Bangla Sahib Gurudwara in Delhi

Pilgrims sit shoulder to shoulder at Bangla Sahib’s langar hall, sharing a simple meal that dissolves all differences — a powerful symbol of community and compassion. © Abhishek Saini / Dreamstime


the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi in delhi

A visitor gently places a marigold wreath on Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Rajghat — a silent, heartfelt tribute to the Father of the Nation. © Jasmina / Dreamstime


Humayun’s Tomb in Delh

The fountain outside Humayun’s Tomb dances in the sunlight, framing the grand Persian-inspired architecture commissioned by Empress Bega Begum in memory of her beloved emperor. © Vikramchandoria / Dreamstime


The Rashtrapati Bhavan in delhi

The majestic Rashtrapati Bhavan stands proudly at the end of Rajpath — the official residence of India’s President and one of the most impressive landmarks in New Delhi. © Anna Artamonova / Dreamstime


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