Rajasthan is India at its most romantic and regal — a land where rose-pink cities glow at sunset, marble palaces float on shimmering lakes, and golden forts rise from the Thar Desert like mirages. Once ruled by warrior kings and maharajas, this northwestern realm still wears its royal past with pride, in its jewel-bright textiles, its thundering festivals and its centuries-old citadels. To travel here is to step into a living storybook — and there is no more fitting way to do so than aboard a luxury train that echoes the grandeur of India’s princely age.
Places to See
Rajasthan’s great cities each carry their own signature color and character:
- Jaipur — the “Pink City,” home to the honeycombed Hawa Mahal, the hilltop Amber Fort and bustling bazaars brimming with gems and handicrafts.
- Udaipur — the “City of Lakes,” where the City Palace overlooks tranquil waters and white marble palaces seem to drift on the surface.
- Jodhpur — the “Blue City,” crowned by the mighty Mehrangarh Fort towering above a sea of indigo houses.
- Jaisalmer — the “Golden City,” a sandstone fortress-town rising from the desert, alive with camel caravans and havelis of exquisite carved stone.
- Ranthambore — one of India’s premier tiger reserves, where safaris trace the paths of Bengal tigers among ancient ruins.
- Agra’s Taj Mahal — just beyond Rajasthan’s borders, the world’s most famous monument to love, luminous in the dawn light.
For more inspiration, explore our guide to luxury trains in India and our full India travel journal.
Getting There by Luxury Train
Two of the world’s finest trains open Rajasthan to the discerning traveler. The Maharajas’ Express offers four- to seven-night journeys across Rajasthan and North India, weaving together the Taj Mahal, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Bikaner, Ranthambore and even Varanasi. With its palatial cabins, fine dining and impeccable service, it has earned a reputation as one of the most luxurious ways to travel anywhere on earth.
The classic Palace on Wheels traces a beloved week-long circuit through the heart of Rajasthan — Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore), Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Agra for the Taj Mahal. Evoking the private carriages once reserved for royalty, it is a timeless and gracious introduction to the region.
Both journeys handle the logistics so you can simply savor the spectacle. Browse our full fleet of luxury trains to compare itineraries, and contact us for current rates.
Best Time to Visit
Rajasthan is best enjoyed in the cooler, drier months. The Maharajas’ Express operates from October through April across the 2026 and 2027 seasons, while the Palace on Wheels runs from September through April in the same seasons. During these months the fierce desert heat gives way to comfortable, sunny days and crisp evenings — ideal for exploring forts, palaces and wildlife reserves. This window also coincides with some of India’s most vibrant festivals, adding color and celebration to your travels.
For help timing your trip, see our guide to the best seasons for luxury train travel.
Plan Your Rajasthan Journey
The Land of Kings awaits — its palaces, deserts and the incomparable Taj Mahal, all unfolding from the window of a truly royal train. Our specialists will help you choose between the Maharajas’ Express and the Palace on Wheels and craft the perfect itinerary. Visit our bookings page or contact us today, call us toll-free at (855) 720-2539, or email bookings@luxurytrainvacations.com. Let us bring the majesty of Rajasthan to life.