PALACE ON WHEELS – 7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS
DELHI-JAIPUR-JAISALMER-JODHPUR-SAWAI MADHOPUR-UDAIPUR-BHARATPUR-AGRA-DELHI
DAY 1 – WEDNESDAY – NEW DELHI
The journey of a lifetime begins at the Delhi Safdarjung Railway station where the guests are accorded a warm, traditional welcome. Commence your journey
DAY 2 – THURSDAY – DELHI -JAIPUR
The first stop of the Palace-on-Wheels is Jaipur, one of the most well planned cities of the world of its time. To explore the city, an air-conditioned coach takes you to Hawa Mahal. This is followed by a visit to Amber Fort where elephant ride is available to climb up the hill. Lunch at a Five Star Hotel followed by visit to City Palace Museum and Observatory
DAY 3 – FRIDAY – JAIPUR – JAISALMER
In the heart of the Thar Desert lies Jaisalmer. Here the yellow sandstone fort is an imposing sight, towering magnificently over the city. Discover the painstakingly latticed havelies 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 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 programme at a Five Star hotel.
DAY 4 – SATURDAY – JAISALMER -JODHPUR
Next morning the Palace-on-Wheels is in Jodhpur, a city ringed by a high stone wall with seven gates and several bastions -known for its rock-solid Mehrangarh Fort. The grand palaces within -Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khanaare impressive examples of architectural excellence. 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 5 – SUNDAY – JODHPUR – SAWAI MODHOPUR
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 Ranthambore 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, rate, jackal and fox are among those constituting the carnivorous population here. Sawai Madhopur is known for its excusive toys, ethnic ornaments and costumes. Upon return to the Palace-on-Wheels, you leave for Chittorgarh, when one gets an opportunity to watch the colorful countryside passing by in the daylight.
DAY 6 – MONDAY – SAWAI MADHOPUR – UDAIPUR
Udaipur, the Lake City, was founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar. 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 a Five Star Hotel, a visit to the City Palace.
DAY 7 – TUESDAY – UDAIPUR – BHARATPUR
In the 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 nesting place for thousands of Egrets, Siberian Cranes, migratory Water Fowl and other species of birds.
DAY 7 – TUESDAY – BHARATPUR – 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 8 – WEDNESDAY – AGRA – DELHI
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.
