 |
 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. The journey by the Palace on
Wheels takes you to a vibrating journey to the royal land of sand dunes
and regal palaces.  Visit
the majestic expanse where Royal Rajputs lived in a grand style. Explore
this imperial land on the Palace on Wheels, the luxurious train of India
that carries with it an intrinsic ambience that goes perfectly well with
the majestic charm and beauty spread so lavishly here and there in
Rajasthan. Welcome aboard the legendary Palace on Wheels, a
weeklong cruise recreating the ambience of the glorious past through the
heart of Rajasthan. Feel like royalty on board this centrally air
conditioned and completely self sufficient train. There are four coupes
in each coach of the Palace on Wheels, with wall to wall carpeting, a
lounge car with a well stacked bar and two restaurant cars, the Maharaja
& Maharani serving Continental. Indian and Rajasthani cuisine. All
of which make your journey a memorable experience. The elegant
interiors of this Palace on Wheels train, with its delectable cuisine
and personalized service, exudes an exclusive old world charm. Each
saloon of the Palace on Wheels has its own personal attendants or
'Khidmatgars' who ensure that your journey is comfortable and enjoyable.
The two restaurant cars, the Maharaja and Maharani serve a range of
Indian, Continental, and Chinese cuisine. The diverse menu aboard the
Royal Palace changes seasonally. The journey of the Palace on
Wheels starts with colorfully attired men and women garland the guests
and accord a ceremonial welcome at the Delhi Cantonment Railway Station
from where the journey starts. For the next seven days, the guests live
in regal splendor as the train winds its way to the Pink City of Jaipur,
historical Chittaurgarh and the Lake City of Udaipur, fascinating Sawai
Madhopur, the magical desert cities of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, Bharatpur
and Agra, site of the Taj Mahal, one of the world's seven natural
wonders. Itinerery
Day
1 - Wednesday - NEW DELHI : 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. |
Day
2 - Thursday - JAIPUR : Arrival 03.00 hrs. Departure 19.30 hrs. |
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. |
Day
3 - Friday - JAISALMER : Arrival 09.00 hrs. Departure 23.45 hrs. |
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. |
Day
4 - Saturday - JODHPUR : 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 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. |
Day
5 - Sunday -SAWAI MODHOPUR : 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 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 - CHITTAURGARH : Arrival 16.00 hrs. Departure 05.30 hrs
(next day) |
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 - UDAIPUR : Arrival 07:30 hrs. Departure 17.30 hrs. |
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. |
Day
7 - Tuesday - BHARATPUR : Arrival 06.30 hrs. Departure 9.00 hrs. |
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. |
Day
7 - Tuesday - AGRA : Arrival 12.00 hrs. Departure 21.00 hrs. |
Agra
Upon
arrival visit the Agra Fort and after lunch 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. |
Day-7
Tuesday - Arrival 14.30 hrs Departure 23.00 hrs |
Day
8 - Wednesday - DELHI: Arrival 04.00 hrs.
Arrive at Delhi
Safdarjung Railway station at 04.00 hrs. Breakfast on board and let
the pleasant memories of the past week linger on your mind for a
long, long time. |
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