Day-1
Wednesday Reporting Time 16.00 hrs. Dep. 18.30 hrs.
New Delhi
The journey of a lifetime begins at the Delhi Cantonment station 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.
Jaipur
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.
Jaisalmer
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.
Jodhpur
Next morning the Palace on wheels is in Jodhpur, cities ringed by a high
stonewall 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.
Sawai Madhopur
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 Sunday Arrival 16.00 hrs.
Chittaurgarh
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. Moving legends of honour and pride will echo in your
mind as you proceed to Udaipur.
Day-6 Monday Departure 20.00 hrs. From Chittaurgarh
Udaipur
The Luxury Coach will take you to Udaipur, the Lake City, the next
morning. 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 at Lake Palace
Hotel a visit to City Palace is exhilarating.
The luxury coach then takes you back to the Palace on Wheels at
Chittaurgarh, thus winding up a day full of delights.
Bharatpur
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.
Agra
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 Delhi Cantt.
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.
Day-1
Wednesday Reporting Time 16.00 hrs. Dep. 18.30 hrs.
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-5
Sunday Arrival 04.00 hrs. Departure 10.30 hrs