(Its) The land of dreams and romance, of fabulous wealth and fabulous poverty, of splendour and rags, of palaces and hovels, of famine and pestilence, of genii and giants and Aladdin lamps, of tigers and elephants, the cobra and the jungle, the country of hundred nations and a hundred tongues, of a thousand religions and two million gods, cradle of the human race, birthplace of human speech, mother of history, grandmother of legend, great-grandmother of traditions…
Mark Twain
India- the ancient land of mystery, palaces and kings, romance and intrigue, nobility and grandeur. A land steeped in a tradition of services and privileges to royalty.
Culture of India has been shaped by the long history of India, its unique geography and the absorption of customs, traditions and ideas from some of its neighbors as well as by preserving its ancient heritages, which were formed during the Indus Valley Civilization and evolved further during the Vedic age, rise and decline of Buddhism, Golden age, Muslim conquests and European colonization. India's great diversity of cultural practices, languages, customs, and traditions are examples of this unique co-mingling over the past five millennia.
There is no better way to experience the cultural heartland of Rajasthan than by the Palace on Wheels. Relish the lifestyles of the kings of yore on board the Palace on Wheels, while listening to the silent tales of glory and valor told by the majestic forts and splendid palaces of Rajasthan..
Day 01(Wed): Delhi – Jaipur
You have to report at Palace on Wheels station to complete the check-in formalities. Boarding formalities are undertaken by our representative at the station, we are afforded a warm and traditional welcome before boarding the Palace on Wheels. You will be escorted to your cabin and given a brief familiarization tour by the Khidmatgars with a welcome drink, as we start our week-long journey through Rajasthan.
Departure time for Palace on Wheels train, dinner will be served on board.
Meal summary: Dinner is included and will be served in the restaurant car Palace on Wheels.
Day 02(THU): Jaipur
Breakfast is served in the comfort of your sleeper cabin.
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 Sawai 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 storied 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 Albert Hall and the City Palace, home of the erstwhile royal family. Right across the road from the City Palace is the JantarMantar, the largest observatory built by the Sawai Jai Singh II.
Ride on caparisoned elephants add to the ambiance at the Amber fort followed by the lunch. Then you will be off to visit Amber Fort. Shop for Jaipur’s famous jewellery, handicrafts, carpets blue pottery and textiles.
The Luxury coach will take you back to Palace on Wheels, Dinner will be served on board.
Meal summary: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is included, as per the Palace on Wheels package.
Day 03(FRI): Sawai Madhopur & Chittorgarh
one can almost sense a life of the wilderness, as the Palace on Wheels arrives in SawaiMadhopur, a city named after its founder Maharaja SawaiMadho Singh I. 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 392sq 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. SawaiMadhopur is known for its exclusive toys, ethnic ornaments and costumes.
After the game, a safari canter will take you back to Palace on Wheels for breakfast on board.
Lunch will be served on board as we head for Chittorgarh, when one gets an opportunity to watch the colourful countryside passing by in the daylight.
Sightseeing in Chittorgarh, where we view the Images of love and valour; scars of battles lost and won…. thrice-besieged, Chittorgarh Fort is all this and more, the Victory Tower and the Tower of Fame. You will also have an opportunity to witness the sound and light show at the majestic Chittorgarh Fort.
The Luxury coach will take you back to Palace on Wheels, dinner will be served on board. The Palace on Wheels stays in Chittorgarh station until the early morning before departing for Udaipur.
Meal summary: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is included, as per the Palace on Wheels package.
Day 04(SAT): Udaipur
Arrive Udaipur & your breakfast will be served on board.
The city was founded by MaharanaUdai Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty was driven away by the Mughals. After visits to the Garden of Fountains and the Durbar Museum, lunch will be taken at the Fateh Prakash Hotel, which contains an impressive crystal gallery.
After lunch at a Palace Hotel, we see one of the most beautiful sites of Udaipur, as we cross Lake Pichola by boat, past the majestic Lake Palace Hotel idyllically situated in the middle of the lake, and our visit to the City Palace takes in the largest palace complex in Rajasthan.
The Luxury coach will take you back to Palace on Wheels, dinner will be served on board.
Meal summary: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is included, as per the Palace on Wheels package.
Day 05(SUN): Jaisalmer
Breakfast is served in your sleeper cabin.
In the heart of the Thar Desert lies Jaisalmer, founded by RawalJaisal, 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.
Lunch at a Palace Hotel
After lunch, go for an exciting camel ride on the sand dunes of Sam, before sipping a refreshing cup of tea.
The Luxury coach will take you back to Palace on Wheels for wash & change.
Later enjoy the dinner and the cultural programmes at Palace Hotel. After dinner The Luxury coach will take you back to Palace on Wheels.
Meal summary: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is included, as per the Palace on Wheels package.
Day 06(MON): Jodhpur
Breakfast is served in your sleeper cabin.
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, SilehKhana and DaulatKhana are impressive examples of architectural excellence. Near the fort complex lies the JaswantThada, and a group of royal cenotaphs made of white marble.
Lunch will be served at the city hotel.
The Luxury coach will take you back to Palace on Wheels, Dinner will be served on board.
Meal summary: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is included, as per the Palace on Wheels package.
Day 07(TUE): Bharatpur & agra
Early next morning, the Palace on Wheels arrives in Bharatpur, the capital of Maharaja Suraj Mal. 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.
The Luxury coach will take you back to Palace on Wheels for breakfast on board and you will depart for Agra
Arrive Agra and visit Red Fort followed by lunch at the palace hotel
Move on to pay a 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 also known for its splendid marble inlay work like the Pietra Dura work on the Taj, leather goods and jewellery.
Dinner will be taken at the hotel, later on the Luxury coach will take you back to Palace on Wheels. Bid farewell to the train & perhaps a final drink in lounge bar.
Meal summary: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner is included, as per the Palace on Wheels package
Day 08(WED): Depart Delhi
Breakfast is served in your sleeper cabin.
Your final morning in India & de-board the train at the Safdarjung Railway station.
