FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1Hi, what does double rate and triple rate stands for? We are two adults and two children aged 5 and 6 years. What kind of accomodation is recommended for us?
A Double Rate means per person rate for two people in the room on a sharing basis. A Triple rate is for 3 passengers in a room. Triple occupancy can only be accommodated for passengers traveling with children under the age of 12 (2 adults and 1 child - OR - 1 adult and 2 children). For a family of four with young children you will be best accommodated in two double rooms (children pay half price). Side by Side Rooms can be requested. There is no restriction in children sleeping in the same room as parents if the party so desires. You can also choose one triple (with 2 children) and one single room.
2How soon should I book?
Our recommendation is to book as soon as you have an idea of when you would be traveling. Lately, the rooms for peak season get sold out 8-10 months before departure, so it will be in your best interest to book early in order to avoid disappointment later.
3Is there a waiting list for Sold Out Dates
Yes, we maintain a waiting list for the sold out departure dates for the Palace on Wheels. You can add yourself to our waiting list by proceeding to our tour booking engine and clicking on the sold-out departure date that you desire.
4When should I plan on arriving in Delhi
We recommend you arrive in Delhi one to two days prior to the train's date of departure, depending on your itinerary. This will allow enough time for possible flight delays which are common during the winters (December through February) due to climactic conditions such as snow storms or fog in Delhi. This may also allow you time to rest after your long plane flight and afford you some time for sightseeing in Delhi prior to your train journey. International flights typically reach Delhi late at night or in the very early hours of the morning (i.e. from the USA, you should plan to leave on a Sunday evening, which will bring you to Delhi on Monday night/Tuesday morning). We pick guests up from the hotel at 9:00 AM on the day of the departure and take them to a sight seeing tour of Delhi and then dropoff at the Train Station at about 17:00 Hours.
5When should I plan on departing from Delhi
The train is scheduled to arrive in Delhi on the Wednesday following your departure date at 06:00 a.m. Passengers will be offered breakfast on board. You must disembark the train no later than 07:30 a.m. In case the train is delayed due to fog (from December-February), the earliest flight we recommend for leaving Delhi would be in the late afternoon. If you have an entire day before departing Delhi (i.e. for international flights leaving on Wednesday night / Thursday morning), we recommend checking in at a hotel in the city center and spending time at leisure or sightseeing in Delhi and its environs.
6What is the capacity of the train?
There are 39 State Rooms on the train and 2 Super Deluxe Suites. They are allocated to single and double occupancies. The number of passengers really depends on the occupancies sold in that departure. There are usually 82 passengers on any fully-booked tour.
7What kind of food is served on the train
Rajasthani, Chinese, Continental and American food is served on the train. Fixed menus vary daily. Please notify the chef or train manager of any special orders, dietary restrictions or food allergies.
8Is smoking allowed on board
Palace on Wheels provides a non-smoking environment.
9Are there different types of rooms (suites, standard rooms etc.) on board Palace on Wheels?
Yes, the Palace on Wheels contains 39 State Rooms and 2 Super Deluxe Suites. Each cabin measures about 9x14 feet and there three cabins (State Rooms) per carriage. The two Presidential Suites (Super Deluxe Suites) occupy one train carriage. Each cabin has twin beds positioned side by side and can be put together to make a matrimonial style bed. All rooms on the Palace on Wheels have attached bathrooms / toilets. Passengers in the room do not share the bathrooms with anyone else. The interior decor changes in the coaches but as far as the rooms are concerned, all single and double occupancy State Rooms are the same size, approximately 9x14 feet, including the closet and private bathroom which measures approximately 4x8 feet.
10Is room service available?
Yes, there are two attendants per carriage meaning two attendants assigned to three cabins. The attendants will be happy to cater to all of your needs.
11What is the weather like?
September and April are warm with the temperature ranging between 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit. In October, November, late February and March it is typically 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. In December and January it is much cooler, between 45-70 degrees Fahrenheit, and you may experience foggy conditions.
12Where is the railway station in Delhi? Will it be busy?
The Safdarjang Railway Station is located in south Delhi, near the diplomatic enclave, approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the city center. Please note that the station is not well-equipped for long periods of waiting, so we recommend enjoying other parts of the city prior to your Palace on Wheels boarding time.
13Do I have to stay aboard all seven nights?
You are not required to stay aboard the train for seven nights. However, as the train follows a fixed itinerary, you will be responsible for your own transportation to/from your points of embarkation/disembarkation, for any hotels you use during the journey, for meals taken while separated from the group, etc.
14What expenses will I have during the trip?
Palace on Wheels is a very inclusive experience, so you will not need to pay for any meals, water/tea/coffee, sightseeing, monument entrances or accommodations. You will incur additional cost if you choose to purchase any wine, alcohol, soft drinks, or juices; laundry services; additional toiletries; camera fees at monuments; sightseeing, transfers, or other services in Delhi; gratuities; and/or souvenirs / items of personal nature.
15Are there any other facilities available on the train?
There is a bar, lounge, spa, indoor games and a mailbox for outgoing posts.
16Do I need a Visa for India?
All visitors to India need a Visa
17Do you help with getting a Visa
Unfortunately, we don't offer Visa assistance but we can provide you with all the information that you need for getting a visa to India