DAY
01. WEDNESDAY
Reporting Time: 16.00 hrs. Departure 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.
DAY 02 - THURSDAY
Arrival: 02.00 hrs. Departure 19.30 hrs
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 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 ambience. 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 Sawai Jai Singh II. The luxury coaches will take you
back to Palace On Wheels around 6.30 p.m. Dinner on board. More
details...
DAY 03 . FRIDAY
Arrival: 08.15 hrs. Departure 23.00 hrs
JAISALMER
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 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 and 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. More
details...
Day 4: Saturday
Arrival: 07.00 hrs. Departure 15.30 hrs
JODHPUR
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 Palace
hotel, return to the Palace On Wheels. While in Jodhpur shop for exquisite
handcrafted articles including the famous breeches, embroidered shoes,
metal curios, silverware, painting and tie and dye fabrics. More
details...
Day 5: Sunday
Arrival: 04.00 hrs. Departure 10.30 hrs
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 Ranthabor
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. More
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CHITTAURGARH
After lunch on board you are in Chittaurgarh. Images of love and va lour,
scars of battles lost and won
thrice-besieged. Chittaurgarh Fort is
all this and more. Moving legends of honour and pride will echo in mind as
you proceed to Udaipur. More
details...
Day 6: Monday
Arrival: 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 1559 A.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. After lunch at Lake Palace Hotel, a visit to the
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.
More
details...
Day 7: Tuesday
Arrival: 06.30 hrs. Departure 11.45 hrs
BHARATPUR
Early next 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 nestling place
for thousands of Egrets, Siberian Cranes, migratory Water Fowl and other
species of birds. More
details...
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 Sheikh Salim Chishti, 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. After dinner on board and a good night's sleep, arrive
at Delhi Cantt at 06.00 hrs the next morning and let the pleasant memories
of the past week linger on your mind for a long, long time. More
details...
Day 8 - Wednesday
Delhi Cantt.
Palace on Wheels dream journey ends in Delhi, the heart of India. Delhi
is the capital of India and her third largest city. It is a truly
cosmopolitan city - a home to people from different sates, speaking
different languages and celebrating different festivals. Enjoy the
multi-colored atmosphere filled with tremendous "josh" and
enthusiasm. More
details...