India Rail Tours - Palace on Wheels
 The
Palace on Wheels, India’s most luxurious train offers
an opportunity to travel in the style of Rajasthan’s former
Maharajas and Maharanis. In 1993 the carriages were rebuilt
and now comprise modern, air-conditioned coaches while
still retaining their original decorative style. Your
week-long journey starts in Delhi and proceeds to the
‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, the Fort at Chittorgarh, the lake
town of Udaipur, Ranthambore National Park and the desert
cities of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur. The tour then concludes
with visits to the world famous Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary,
the deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri and the Mughal city
of Agra, home to the Taj Mahal.
Day
01- Wednesday
(Reporting time 1600 hrs. Departure 1830 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 0200 hrs. Departure 1930 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 storey
building along the main street of the old city in pink splendour
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 pm. Dinner on board.
Day
03 - Friday
(Arrival 0815 hrs. Departure 2300 hrs.
 Jaisalmer.
In the heart of the 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 havelies or mansions ith 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 Sand, 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
04 - Saturday
(Arrival 0700 hrs. Departure 1530 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 handicraft articles including the famous breeches,
embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware, paintings and tie
and dye fabrics.
Day
05 - Sunday
(Arrival 0400 hrs. Departure 1030 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 Ranthambhor National Park, wherein
are located the ruins of a 10th Century Fort. This
ife 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 on gets an opportunity to watch the colourful countryside
passing by in the daylight.
Day
06 - Monday
(Departure 2000 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 Jog Niwas (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.
Day
07 - Tuesday
(Arrival 0630 hrs. Departure 1145 hrs.)
Bharatpur.
Early next morning, the Palace-on-Wheels arrives in Bhartpur,
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.
Day
08 - Tuesday
(Arrival 1430 hrs. Departure 2300 hrs.)
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.
Agra
is known for its splendid inlay work like the Pietra Dura Work
on the Taj, leather goods and jewellery.
After
dinner on board and a good night’s sleep, arrive at Delhi Cantt.
At 0600 hrs. the next morning and let the pleasant memories
of the past week linger on your mind foe long, long time.
Bon
Voyage.
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