The Palace on Wheels offers an opportunity to explore some of India’s most spectacular sights in the style of the maharajas. Embark on the royal journey which covers the splendid structures, monuments, classic towns, forts, palaces, mansions, Havelis, and the wilderness of jungles and romance of the deserts. The majestic ride will take you through Rajasthan, the land of the Maharajas. The train mixes traditional with the modern. The art deco speaks of the regal past of royal Rajasthan while the state-of-the-art amenities are marked by modern affluence and exuberance. Carved furniture, splendid paintings and elegant handicrafts transport you to the splendid past of Rajasthan. The Palace on Wheels comprises of 14 gracefully appointed coaches with rich furnishings and modern amenities.
Day 1: Wednesday : New Delhi
The journey of a lifetime begins at the Delhi Safdarjung Railway station where the guests are escorted a warm, traditional welcome before the Palace-on-Wheels pulls out into the night for a week-long luxury cruise through fascinating Rajasthan.
Reporting Time 16.30 hrs. Dep. 18.30 hrs.
Day 2: Thursday: Jaipur
The first stop of the Palace-on-Wheels is Jaipur, one of the most well planned cities of the world of its time. This capital city of Rajasthan, popularly known as the Pink City, was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727 A.D. To explore the city, an air-conditioned coach takes you to Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, which is a remarkable five storied building a one the main street of the old city in pink splendor with semi-octagonal and delicate honey combed sandstone windows. This is followed by a visit to Amber Fort where elephant ride is available to climb up the hill. Lunch at 1135 AD Restaurant at Amber Fort followed by visit to City Palace Museum and Observatory.
Return to train at 18:00 Hours.
Dinner on board.
Departure 20.00 hrs.
Day 3: Friday: Sawai Madhopur - Chittorgarh
One can almost sense a life of the wilderness, as the Palace-on-Wheels arrives in Sawai Madhopur, a city named after its founder Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I. Early morning a visit is arranged to the Ranthambhor National Park, wherein are located the ruins of a 10th century fort. This wildlife sanctuary is considered to be the countries best for observing and photographing the activities of the tiger. The park, covering an area of 392 sq. kms. is home to more than 300 species of birds. The tiger, hyena, rate, jackal and fox are among those constituting the carnivorous population here. Sawai Madhopur is known for its excusive toys, ethnic ornaments and costumes. Upon return to the Palace-on-Wheels, Breakfast on board. Later you leave for Chittorgarh, when one gets an opportunity to watch the colorful countryside passing by in the daylight. Lunch on board.
Arrival at Chittorgarh at 16:00 hrs. Departure for sightseeing, Evening Tea at Fort at 16:30 Hours. Evening Light & sound program at Fort at 18:00 Hours. Return to Train.
Dinner on board.
Day 4: Saturday: Udaipur
Departure from Chittorgarh at 2 AM.
Arrival at Udaipur at 8 AM. Udaipur, the Lake City, was founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty was driven way by the Mughal, in 1559A.D. Perhaps the two most beautiful sites of Udaipur are the dream-like marble palaces- the Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) and the Jag Mandir, which appear to rise from the blue waters of Lake Pichola.
Breakfast on board.
Departure for sightseeing by coach to visit Saheliyon ki Bari, shopping and City Palace & Crystal Gallery.
Lunch at Palace hotel.
Boat ride.
Arrival at Station.
Evening Tea on board.
Departure for Jaisalmer.
Dinner on board.
Day 5: Sunday: Jaisalmer
Breakfast on board. Arrival at Jaisalmer at 08:30 Hours. In the heart of the Thar desert lies Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal, in 1156 A.D. Here the yellow sandstone fort is an imposing sight, towering magnificently over the city. Discover the painstakingly latticed havelis or mansions with their grand facades. The Nathmalji-ki-haveli, Patwon-ki-haveli and Salem Singh-ki-haveli are fine examples of the stone carver's skill. Shop for fine pattu shawls, mirror work and embroidered articles, wooden boxes, trinkets, silver jewellery and curios.
Lunch at Palace hotel.
After lunch on board, go for an exciting camel ride on the sand dunes of Sam, before sipping a refreshing cup of tea. Enjoy the dinner and the cultural programmed at a Five Star hotel.
Departure for Jodhpur 23.55 hrs.
Day 6: Monday: Jodhpur
This morning, Palace-on-Wheels arrives in Jodhpur, a city ringed by a high stone wall with seven gates and several bastions. This second largest city of Rajasthan, founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 A.D. is known for its rock-solid Mehrangarh Fort.
Breakfast on board. Departure for sightseeing.
Visit of Mehrangarh Fort - The grand palace within -Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana are impressive examples of architectural excellence. Near the fort complex lies Jaswant Thada, a group of royal cenotaphs made of white marble. Also visit of Umaid Bhawan Museum & shopping.
Lunch at 5 Star hotel. After lunch, return to the Palace-on-Wheels. While in Jodhpur shop for exquisite handicraft articles including the famous breeches, embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics.
Departure for Bharatpur at 16.30 hrs.
Dinner on board.
Day 7: Tuesday: Bharatpur - Agra
In the morning, the Palace on Wheels arrives in Bharatpur, the capital of Maharaja Suraj Mal. After breakfast pay a visit to the world famous bird sanctuary, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, the nesting place for thousands of Egrets, Siberian Cranes, migratory Water Fowl and other species of birds. Departure for Agra at 08:30 hrs. Upon arrival visit the Agra Fort and after lunch at 5 star hotel, visit to Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. A pristine monument of undying love. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Agra is known for its splendid marble inlay work like the Pieta Dura work on the Taj, leather goods and jewellery.
Dinner on board.
Departure for Delhi from Agra Cantt Railway Station at 20:45 Hours.
Day 8: Wednesday: Delhi
Arrive at Delhi Safdarjung Railway station by 02:30 AM. Breakfast on board at 7 AM.
Let the pleasant memories of the past week linger on your mind for a long, long time.
De board/Check-out by 07:30 AM.
