The Journal
Is the Palace on Wheels Worth It? An Honest Look at the Fare
What the fare includes
The Palace on Wheels starts from around US$6,000 per person for the full seven nights, and it is genuinely all-inclusive. That covers your cabin, all meals on board, guided excursions and sightseeing, entry fees, the Ranthambore safari, cultural programmes and the services of a personal attendant.
The hidden value of "done for you"
Booked independently, a week visiting eight Rajasthani cities means eight hotels, endless transfers, guides, tickets and logistics — and a great deal of your own time. The train collapses all of that into a single fare and a single, seamless week, while you sleep your way between cities.
Who gets the most from it
- First-time visitors who want to see the best of Rajasthan efficiently
- Travellers who value comfort, safety and everything arranged
- Couples and honeymooners after romance and occasion
- Anyone short on time but not on curiosity
The verdict
For a week of guided, all-inclusive luxury across one of the world's great regions, the Palace on Wheels offers strong value — especially against India's pricier trains. Booking direct at the official tariff is the surest way to get the best of it. See current fares and departures.