Jaisalmer: World famous luxury train craze Palace on Wheels—often described as a “royal palace on the move”—is so vast that even with the tourist season fully booked, a major nationalized bank has chartered an entire train for a special tour. At a time when global financial markets are witnessing geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, India’s banking sector has taken a bold and surprising step. A leading public sector bank has done full booking Palace on Wheels Exuding confidence and elegance during the peak summer season for a five-day journey. This royal journey will start from Delhi on 20th May and will end on the morning of 25th May. The itinerary includes destinations like Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Udaipur and Jaisalmer, with red carpet receptions planned at each stop. Tourism experts believe that this investment not only reflects the strength of India’s banking sector but also the growing institutional confidence in Rajasthan’s tourism ecosystem. According to sources, the delegates traveling in the train will explore the architectural brilliance of Jaisalmer Fort and enjoy the sunset views at Sam Sand Dunes. The train will leave for Delhi at 11:30 pm the same night. The train will depart from Delhi’s Safdarjung Railway Station at 6:30 pm on May 20. Senior bank officials and representatives will experience a journey filled with royal luxury. Highlights include a grand welcome in Jaipur with a visit to Amer Fort on May 21; Jungle Safari and Tiger Darshan in Ranthambore National Park on May 22; A royal dinner on the banks of Lake Pichola on 23 May; And arrival in Jaisalmer on the morning of 24th May. Hardesh Chansoria, Spokesperson Palace on Wheelsdescribed the full booking by a national bank as a historic event and a matter of pride for Rajasthan Tourism. He said this highlights that the train is no longer just a tourist attraction but has become a preferred choice for major corporate and institutional clients. Tourism entrepreneur Mayank Kumar said that while earlier chartered planes were considered the ultimate status symbol for destination events and high-level meetings in Jaisalmer, now booking a full luxury train has set a new trend. Experts say such trips provide a unique networking benefit. Unlike flights, where passengers are isolated, the five-day shared luxury train experience fosters stronger relationships. Tour operator IV Singh said such initiatives provide a much-needed boost to Jaisalmer tourism during the off-season. With around 84 guests coming together in May – when tourism activity usually slows down – it serves as a “booster dose” for local handicrafts, guides and related businesses. Following this trend, there has been a significant increase in inquiries for booking full luxury trains for weddings in Jaisalmer, indicating a possible shift in the destination wedding market. Tourism experts believe the move could serve as a boost to the reputation of Indian banks as well as a strong response to global economic slowdown concerns. At a time when global banks are cutting costs, a government bank is charging fares like a train Palace on Wheels This reflects the resilience and prosperity of India’s banking sector. It also serves as a showcase of India’s soft power on the global stage. Point to be noted is that Palace on WheelsLaunched on 26 January 1982, it was completely redesigned following privatization in 2023. The train has 22 coaches, which include 14 salons based on the theme of the royal states of Rajasthan like Jodhpur, Bikaner and Jaisalmer. It features 31 deluxe cabins, two super deluxe cabins and an exclusive Presidential Suite, as well as two fine-dining restaurants, a modern spa coach and private attendants available to every cabin – truly making it a palace on the go.