Savour the lifestyles of the kings and relish the
pulsating journeys to the royal glittering lands of golden sands,the
luxury Indian train tours - The Palace on wheels itinerary offers the
most royal, majestic and luxury train tour package in India.
Travel to India and experience the royal Rajasthan in this luxurious
train of the Maharajas in 8 Days / 7 Nights since there's no better way
to experience Rajasthan. Rated amongst the top 10 luxurious & wonderful
train journey's to be had throughout the world, the Palace on Wheels
takes you to the most exotic and colourful part of India - Rajasthan &
the Taj City of Agra. Times have changed and winds have shifted, but the
Palace on Wheels cruises along in royal style, the kind only the
Maharajas of yesteryear could have perpetuated and enjoyed. Today, of
course, each traveller on board is treated like royalty in his or her
own right. We welcome you aboard to "re-live the Royal Experience of the
Maharajas of Rajasthan and if you are really looking for a holiday of a
lifetime, the Palace On Wheels is for you.
Coaches and Saloons on Palace on Wheels
Each Saloon is a combination of 4 twin-bedded chambers with channel
music, intercom, attached toilets, running hot & cold water, shower and
wall-to-wall carpeting.The lounge car recaptures the royal style, pomp &
pageantry, the quality of the era gone by.
The two dining cars - the Maharaja and the Maharani have a traditional
Rajasthani ambience - serving continental, Indian and Rajasthani
cuisine.
What's more, each saloon has personal attendants or "Khidmatgars", who
are at your call whenever you need anything.
Facilities - Palace on Wheels
Palace on Wheels and the facilities on board the train are marked by
affluence and exuberance. The train is self-sufficient with all the
modern amenities.
However, the décor speaks of the culturally rich past of Rajasthan. The
paintings, carved furniture and elegant handicrafts are represent
Rajasthan's fascinating heritage of art and craftsmanship. Period
furniture and the elaborate costumes of the attendants make up the royal
ambience...
Dining "Palace on Wheels"
The Maharaja and Maharani restaurants offer seating arranged in groups
of twos and fours near the windows. Chefs in the attached pantry prepare
Continental and Indian specialities, with an emphasis on the cuisine of
Rajasthan.
Bar "Palace on Wheels"
The bar-lounge is embellished in period furniture, created especially
for this coach. The bar has ample space and choice of soft and alcoholic
beverages on offer.
Bed Room "Palace on Wheels"
Each coach has four coupés, done in colors reminiscent of the state, and
highlighted by its royal emblem. Two of the Coupes feature double beds
while the other two have train beds. A third bed, for an additional
person, or an accompanying child, is in the form of a fold-away bed on a
higher tier. Each compartment has an attached bath with running hot/cold
water and showers, built-in wardrobes, overhead and night lights, piped
music, reading lights etc.
Lounge "Palace on Wheels"
At the end of each coach is a separate lounge where passengers can relax
when they wish to move out of their bedrooms. Here they can unwind with
a book or magazine, engage in conversation, or simply watch the
panoramic vista of the great Indian country side.
Palace on Wheels - Itinerary
In the course of its 7 nights and 8 days itinerary, Palace on Wheels
touches almost all the important tourist attractions in Rajasthan and
offers you stunning views of Taj Mahal. There is no better introduction
to Rajasthan than a tour on Palace on Wheels
DAY 1
| (WEDNESDAY)DELHI/JAIPUR
Place: Delhi Cantt. Railway Station.
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. Wednesday: Delhi Cantt.
DAY 2
| (THURSDAY)JAIPUR
You will be greeted by caparisoned elephants and strains of the Shehnai
& Welcome to the Pink city of Jaipur. Lunch at Rambagh Palace. Discover
Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh fort, Amber fort& silent sentinels of a glorious
era.
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 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 p.m. Dinner on board.
DAY 3
|
(FRIDAY) 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.
DAY 4
|
(SATURDAY) JODHPUR
Next morning,the Palace-on-Wheels is in Jodhpur, a city 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 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.
DAY 5
| (SUNDAY)SAWAIMADHOPUR
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 Ranthabore
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)CHITTAURGARH
After lunch on board you are in Chittaurgarh. Images of love and valour,
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.
DAY 6
| (
MONDAY) 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.
DAY 7
|
(TUESDAY) 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.
DAY 7
| (TUESDAY)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 marble 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
06.00 hrs the next morning and let the pleasant memories of the past
week linger on your mind for a long, long time.
DAY 8
|
(WEDNESDAY) DELHI
Arrive back at Delhi Cantt. station and proceed for onward journey or to
take a flight back home