08 Nights 09 Days Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Train Tour
Important Update: Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Is No Longer Operating
The original Royal Rajasthan on Wheels luxury train circuit stopped operating in September 2017. Its former carriages were later used on the Palace on Wheels circuit. This page is kept online so travellers searching for the old train can understand what it was, where it travelled and which current luxury train is the closest replacement.
If you are planning a Rajasthan luxury train journey now, do not book a package claiming to operate the original Royal Rajasthan on Wheels route. The current option to consider is Palace on Wheels.
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Tour Overview
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels was created as a luxury rail journey for travellers who wanted more than a standard Rajasthan road tour. Guests slept onboard while the train moved overnight between royal cities, wildlife destinations and some of India's best-known heritage sites.
The former journey went beyond Rajasthan too. Its route connected destinations such as Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Ranthambore and Jaipur with Khajuraho, Varanasi and Agra. That combination made it quite different from today's Palace on Wheels circuit.
There were forts, lakes, tiger-country, temples and the Taj Mahal, but the appeal was also in the train itself. Travellers unpacked once, returned to the same cabin after sightseeing and woke up somewhere new the next morning.
The original service no longer operates. Still, people continue searching for Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, which is why this page now serves as an updated guide rather than pretending the historic train can still be booked.
Former Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Route
The historic programme travelled through a much wider circuit than a standard Rajasthan-only journey.
- New Delhi departure.
- Jodhpur and the royal heritage of Marwar.
- Udaipur and its lakes and palaces.
- Chittorgarh Fort.
- Ranthambore wildlife region.
- Jaipur, the Pink City.
- Khajuraho and its historic temple complexes.
- Varanasi and the River Ganges.
- Agra and the Taj Mahal.
- Return to Delhi according to the former scheduled programme.
Historic Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Highlights
- Luxury overnight train travel from Delhi.
- Explore Mehrangarh Fort and Jodhpur's royal heritage.
- Visit Udaipur, City Palace and the lakefront.
- Discover Chittorgarh Fort and the history of Mewar.
- Experience the Ranthambore wildlife landscape.
- Explore Jaipur's forts, palaces and bazaars.
- Visit the UNESCO-listed temple complexes of Khajuraho.
- Experience Varanasi and the sacred Ganges.
- Visit Agra and the Taj Mahal.
- Travel between destinations while sleeping onboard the luxury train.
Current Status at a Glance
Train: Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
Original circuit status: Discontinued
Stopped operating: September 2017
Historic page duration: 08 nights / 09 days
Historic route: Delhi – Jodhpur – Udaipur – Chittorgarh – Ranthambore – Jaipur – Khajuraho – Varanasi – Agra
Current closest alternative: Palace on Wheels
Current Palace on Wheels: Scheduled Rajasthan luxury train journey with Agra
Booking note: Do not use old Royal Rajasthan on Wheels fares or departure dates for a new booking. Ask for the latest Palace on Wheels schedule and tariff instead.
Historic Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Itinerary
Day 1 – Departure from New Delhi
The former journey began in New Delhi with check-in formalities and a traditional welcome before passengers boarded Royal Rajasthan on Wheels.
Once settled into their cabins, travellers could explore the train and begin the overnight rail journey towards Rajasthan.
This programme is historical and is no longer an operating departure.
Day 2 – Jodhpur
The train reached Jodhpur, where travellers explored the royal heritage of Marwar.
Mehrangarh Fort was one of the principal sightseeing highlights, rising dramatically over the Blue City. The programme also introduced guests to Jodhpur's palaces, markets and historic neighbourhoods according to the scheduled excursion.
Passengers later returned to the train for the onward journey.
Day 3 – Udaipur and Chittorgarh
Udaipur brought a complete change of scenery, with lakes, palaces and Aravalli hills replacing the desert atmosphere of western Rajasthan.
City Palace and the Lake Pichola area were among the most memorable attractions.
The journey continued towards Chittorgarh, where the massive hill fort represented one of Rajasthan's most important historic landscapes.
Day 4 – Ranthambore and Jaipur
The former programme combined a wildlife excursion around Ranthambore with the royal attractions of Jaipur.
Ranthambore is natural tiger habitat, so wildlife sightings were never guaranteed.
Jaipur added Amber Fort, royal palaces, historic architecture and the famous Pink City atmosphere before travellers returned to the train.
Day 5 – Khajuraho
The former train circuit continued outside Rajasthan towards Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh.
Khajuraho is known for its remarkable group of medieval temples and detailed stone sculpture. The surviving temple complexes represent some of India's best-known historic architecture.
After sightseeing, passengers continued the journey onboard Royal Rajasthan on Wheels.
Day 6 – Varanasi
The historic route continued to Varanasi, one of India's oldest continuously inhabited cities and an important Hindu pilgrimage destination.
Experiences around the River Ganges and Varanasi's ghats gave this luxury train circuit a spiritual dimension that set it apart from Rajasthan-only journeys.
Exact programmes varied by operating schedule.
Day 7 – Agra and the Taj Mahal
Agra brought travellers to the Taj Mahal, one of India's most recognised monuments.
The city's Mughal heritage provided the final major sightseeing chapter of the former Royal Rajasthan on Wheels journey.
After the Agra programme, passengers returned to the train for the journey towards Delhi.
Day 8 – Return Towards Delhi
The luxury rail journey continued back towards New Delhi according to the former operating programme.
Passengers enjoyed their final onboard services before the conclusion of the scheduled route.
Day 9 – Tour Conclusion
The historical 08 nights 09 days package concluded with arrival and onward arrangements according to the tour programme in use at that time.
This itinerary is retained only as historical travel information and should not be treated as a current bookable train schedule.
Best Current Alternative: Palace on Wheels
If you liked the idea behind Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, Palace on Wheels is the most relevant current Rajasthan luxury rail alternative.
The present Palace on Wheels circuit concentrates more strongly on Rajasthan and Agra rather than following the former Khajuraho and Varanasi route.
- New Delhi departure.
- Jaipur.
- Sawai Madhopur and Ranthambore.
- Chittorgarh.
- Udaipur.
- Jaisalmer.
- Jodhpur.
- Bharatpur.
- Agra and the Taj Mahal.
- Return to New Delhi.
If Khajuraho or Varanasi are important to you, they can instead be added as a private extension before or after Palace on Wheels.
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels vs Palace on Wheels
| Feature | Royal Rajasthan on Wheels | Palace on Wheels |
|---|---|---|
| Current status | Original circuit discontinued | Current luxury train option |
| Rajasthan cities | Yes | Yes |
| Ranthambore | Former route | Current route |
| Khajuraho | Former route | Not on standard current circuit |
| Varanasi | Former route | Not on standard current circuit |
| Jaisalmer | Not the defining feature of former wider circuit | Current route |
| Bharatpur | Not a key stop on the former page route | Current route |
| Agra / Taj Mahal | Yes | Yes |
| New bookings | Do not book as current service | Check current departures and availability |
Why Choose Palace on Wheels Instead?
- It is the relevant current Rajasthan luxury rail product.
- Combines Rajasthan's royal cities with Ranthambore and Agra.
- Avoids daily hotel changes during the scheduled train journey.
- Offers onboard cabins, dining and personalised hospitality.
- Includes Jaisalmer, which is a major Rajasthan desert highlight.
- Can be combined with private Varanasi or Khajuraho extensions.
Want the Old Route? We Can Recreate It Privately
The original train may have stopped, but the destinations haven't disappeared.
If your real interest is the old Royal Rajasthan on Wheels route rather than the train itself, a private itinerary can be created using flights, private car transfers, selected trains and luxury hotels.
A custom journey could combine Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Khajuraho, Varanasi and Agra without claiming that the discontinued train still operates.
Important Booking Notes
- Royal Rajasthan on Wheels should not be advertised as a currently operating train.
- Do not publish old departure dates as current schedules.
- Do not publish old Royal Rajasthan on Wheels tariffs as current prices.
- Current luxury train availability should be checked under Palace on Wheels.
- Palace on Wheels schedules and fares can change by season.
- Wildlife sightings at Ranthambore can never be guaranteed.
- Current operator vouchers and confirmed schedules should always override website summaries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Royal Rajasthan on Wheels
Is Royal Rajasthan on Wheels still running?
No. The original Royal Rajasthan on Wheels circuit stopped operating in September 2017.
Can I book Royal Rajasthan on Wheels for 2026?
No current departure should be sold as the original Royal Rajasthan on Wheels journey. Travellers should look at Palace on Wheels or a custom private itinerary instead.
What happened to the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels train?
The original circuit was discontinued, and the carriages associated with Royal Rajasthan on Wheels were subsequently used on the Palace on Wheels circuit.
Why is this page still online?
Many travellers still search for the old train by name. The page is retained as updated historical information and to help visitors find a current alternative.
Which destinations did the old route cover?
The former itinerary included Jodhpur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Khajuraho, Varanasi and Agra.
Did Royal Rajasthan on Wheels visit Varanasi?
Yes. Varanasi was part of the former wider itinerary.
Did it visit Khajuraho?
Yes. Khajuraho was one of the major stops on the former route.
Did the train visit the Taj Mahal?
Yes. Agra and the Taj Mahal were included in the old itinerary.
What is the closest current alternative?
Palace on Wheels is the most relevant current Rajasthan luxury train alternative.
Does Palace on Wheels visit Varanasi?
Varanasi is not part of the standard current Palace on Wheels circuit. It can be added as a private extension.
Does Palace on Wheels visit Khajuraho?
Khajuraho is not part of the standard current Palace on Wheels route and can instead be arranged separately.
Does Palace on Wheels visit Ranthambore?
Yes. Sawai Madhopur and the Ranthambore wildlife experience are part of the current Palace on Wheels route, subject to operating conditions.
Does Palace on Wheels visit Jaisalmer?
Yes. Jaisalmer is one of the important destinations on the current Palace on Wheels circuit.
Can you recreate the original Royal Rajasthan on Wheels route?
Yes. A private land-and-rail itinerary can combine many of the old destinations using hotels, private vehicles, flights and available scheduled trains.
Should I redirect this page to Palace on Wheels?
Keeping the page as an informative discontinued-service page can be useful for visitors searching the old train name, while clearly linking them to the current Palace on Wheels option.
Looking for a Current Luxury Train Tour?
Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is no longer operating on its original circuit. Share your travel dates and we can help you plan the current Palace on Wheels journey or recreate the old Royal Rajasthan route as a private luxury tour.
