Welcome aboard The Palace On Wheels on its splendid and enchanting royal
journey through the bygone era of the erstwhile Maharajas.
Though times have changed and the winds have shifted, the Palace On Wheels
cruises along in royal style, the kind only the Maharajas of yesteryears
could have perpetuated and enjoyed.
The exquisite and exclusive Palace On Wheels has luxurious cabins, wall to
wall carpeting, a well stocked bar, two dining cars and a very personalized
service... in fact, almost everything that could compromise of heaven on
earth for seven days!
Day 01 New Delhi (Wednesday…. Tour Begins: 09.30 hrs /
Departure 18.30 hrs)
In the morning day tour of New Delhi. Tour includes visit to the India
Gate, Lotus Temple, Qutab Minar, Humayun's Tomb and more. After lunch at a
local restaurant, you will be transferred to the Safdarjung Railway station,
New Delhi where the guests are accorded a warm, traditional welcome before
the Palace on Wheels pulls out into the night ... for a week-long luxury
cruise through fascinating Rajasthan.
Day 2 Jaipur (Thursday…. Arrival 02.00 hrs. Departure
19.30 hrs)
The
first stop of 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 Swai Jai Singh II, in1727
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 storeyed building along 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, eight kms. away, where rides on caparisoned elephants add to the
ambiance. Shop for Jaipur’s famous jewellery, handicrafts, carpets blue
pottery and textiles. Near Ajmeri Gate is located Rajasthali - the only
Rajasthan Govt. Emporium selling genuine handicrafts at fixed prices.
After lunch at a Palace Hotel, you are off to the City
Palace, home of the erstwhile royal family. Right across the road from the
City Palace is the Jantar Mantar, the largest observatory built by the Sawai
Jai Singh II. The Luxury coaches will take you back to Palace on Wheels
around 6.30 pm. Dinner on Board.
Day 3 Jaisalmer (Friday…. Arrival 08.15 hrs. Departure
23.00 hrs)
In the heart of the Thar Desert lies Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal, in
1156A.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 Salim Singh-ki-haveli are fine examples of the stone carver’s
skill.
Shop at Rajasthali-the only Rajasthan Govt. emporium, for fine pattu
shawls, mirror work & embroidered articles, wooden boxes, trinkets,
silver jewellery and curios. 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 programmes at a hotel in Jaisalmer.
The train leaves for Jodhpur at night.
Day 4 Jodhpur (Saturday…. Arrival 07.00 hrs.
Departure15.30 hrs)
Next
morning the Palace on wheels is 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. The grand palaces 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, and a group of royal
cenotaphs made of white marble.
After lunch at a royal Palace hotel, return to the Palace on Wheels.
While in Jodhpur shop for the exquisite handcrafted articles including the
famous breeches, embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware, paintings and
tie and dye fabrics.
Day 5 Sawai Madhopur (Sunday…. Arrival 04.00 hrs.
Departure 10.30 hrs)
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. After breakfast 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 country’s 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,
ratel, jackal and fox are among those constituting the carnivorous
population here. Sawai Madhopur is known for its exclusive toys, ethnic
ornaments and costumes. Upon return to the Palace on Wheels, you leave for
Chittaurgarh, when one gets an opportunity to watch the colourful
countryside passing by in the daylight.
Day 5 Chittaurgarh (Sunday…. Arrival 16.00 hrs)
After lunch on board you are in Chittaurgarh. Images of love and valour;
scars of battles lost and won….thrice-beseiged, Chittaurgarh Fort is
all this and more.
Day 6 Udaipur (Monday…. Departure 05:30 hrs. from
Chittaurgarh for Udaipur)
Arrive in Udaipur, the Lake City at 7:30 AM. It was founded by Maharana
Udai Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty was driven away by the
Mughals, 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 Pichhola. After lunch a
visit to City Palace is exhilarating.
In the evening visit the crystal gallery. Later proceed to Bharatpur on
board Palace on Wheels
Day 7 Bharatpur (Tuesday…. Arrival 06.30hrs. Departure
11.45 hrs)
Early
next morning, the Palace 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 of thousands of Egrets,
Siberian Cranes, migratory Water Fowl and other species of birds.
Day 7 Agra (Wednesday…. Arrival 14.30 hrs Departure
23.00 hrs)
Arrive at Fatehpur Sikri-the red sandstone Mughal palatial complex. Within
the enclosure is a mosque built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and dedicated to
the Sheikh Salim Chisti, a muslim Sufi Saint who blessed him with a son.
After lunch move on from the Red Fort and arrive at the 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 Pietra Dura work
on the Taj, leather goods and jewelry.
After dinner on board and a good night’s sleep, arrive at Safdarjung
Train Station, New Delhi at 6.00 hrs the next morning and let the pleasant
memories of the past week linger on your mind for a long, long time.
