DAY 1 : DELHI
Delhi is a heady amalgam of the quaint charisma of the bygone
years and the exhilarating ride on the wings of technology. The
city has always been the center of politics and hence has
several edifices of great historical significance. The Mughal
invasions since the early 13th century and the British conquest
have left their distinct imprints on the soul of Delhi. The Old
Fort, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, Jantar Mantar,
Rashtrapati Bhawan, Raj Ghat and India Gate are amongst the
significant monuments you can visit while in Delhi.
1600 hours: You will arrive at the
Delhi Safdarjung Railway for check in and boarding the Palace
On Wheels maharaja train tour.
1745 hours: Departure for the adventure of a lifetime.
1930 hours: Dinner is served on board.
DAY
2 : JAIPUR
Famous as "The Pink City", Jaipur, is the capital of Rajasthan.
Jaipur has witnessed the splendour of the Rajput and Mughal
royalty and its monuments are the living testimonies of the
magnificence of that era. Visit the Hawa Mahal - Palace of Winds
- with a profusion of windows and stone screens. The Jantar
Mantar is the 18th century stone observatory. Behold the
stunning architecture of the City Palace and the Amber Fort-on
the outskirts of Jaipur and its former capital.
0000 hours: Arrive in Jaipur.
0730 hours: Breakfast is served on board.
0830 hours: Enjoy city Sightseeing.
1300 hours: Lunch at the Rambagh Palace Hotel.
1700 hours: Departure for Jaisalmer.
2000 hours: Dinner on board.
DAY
3 : JAISALMER
Jaisalmer is the land of ancient sandstone "Havelis" (mansions).
The attractions of this 12th century city comprise of monuments
that have retained their age-old style and character. A fourth
of the city's residents still reside within the walls of the
Jaisalmer Fort. Famous for its latticed windows and balconies,
the Patwon ki Haveli is the most magnificent mansion. Visit the
three-hundred-year-old Salim Singh ki Haveli. The Gadsisar Sagar
Tank is a scenic lake enveloped by lovely shrines and archways.
0615 hours: Arrival in Jaisalmer.
0730 hours: Breakfast on board.
0830 hours: Enjoy a tour of Jaisalmer this morning.
1300 hours: Lunch is on board and rest.
1700 hours: Visit the famous sand dunes and experience the
thrill of a camel safari.
1930 hours: Dinner while enjoying a cultural programme.
2300 hours: Departure for Jodhpur.
DAY
4: JODHPUR
The old Jodhpur city, founded by Rao Jodhaji in 1459 AD, is
encircled by a ten kilometer long wall having eight gates that
serve as entrances. The new city is settled around this walled
area. Jodhpur is a fine blend of modern and traditional
buildings. Housed within the Mehrangarh Fort are the famous
palaces, Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal. Jaswant Thada is the 19th
century royal cenotaph, which is constructed out of thin sheets
of white marble that allow the sun to filter through. A portion
of the Umaid Bhawan Palace has been converted into a museum. The
architectural splendors of these remnants will enthrall you.
0730 hours: Breakfast is served on board.
0800 hours: Arrival in Jodhpur.
0830 hours: Enjoy local Sightseeing this morning.
1300 hours: Lunch at the Umaid Bhawan Palace.
1530 hours: Departure for Sawai Madhopur.
2000 hours: Dinner on board.
DAY
5: SAWAI MADHOPUR - CHITTAURGARH
Sawai Madhopur is the gateway to the Ranthambhor National Park,
the famous Tiger Reserve. The reserve has a variety of diverse
wildlife, including the Indian tiger, hyena, nilgai, wild boar,
fox and over three hundred species of birds. Built in 994 AD,
the Ranthambhor Fort still has ruined pavilions, walls, chhatris
and impressive monuments.
Chittaurgarh was the abode of passionate men
and women whose courage and dignity have become legendary. The
Chittaurgarh Fort, built in the 7th century, has many vestiges
of heroism. Padmini's Palace is also situated in the fort. Visit
the Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory) and the Kirti Stambh (Tower
of Fame).
0400 hours: Arrival in Sawai Madhopur.
0630 hours: Breakfast on board.
0700 hours: Visit the Ranthambhore National Park to spot India's
endangered fauna.
1100 hours: Departure for Chittaurgarh.
1300 hours: Lunch on board.
1530 hours: Arrival in Chittaurgarh.
1600 hours: Visit the Fort late this afternoon.
2000 hours: Dinner on board.
DAY
6: UDAIPUR
Udaipur has come to be known as the "Venice of the East". The
rugged fortresses, charming palaces, sandy terrain, lakes and
forested hills brimming with wildlife will become a part of your
most cherished memories. The Lake Palace and Jag Mandir are
situated amid the Lake Pichola. Also explore the City Palace and
Sahelion ki Bari.
0645 hours: Breakfast on board.
0730 hours: Enjoy a Sightseeing of the one of the most romantic
cities in the world.
1230 hours: Lunch at the legendary Lake Palace Hotel.
2000 hours: Departure for Bharatpur.
2000 hours: Dinner on board.
DAY
7: BHARATPUR - AGRA
A wonderland for birds, visit the renowned Keoladeo Ghana
National park at Bharatpur, once the preserve of the Maharaja of
Bharatpur and now a world heritage site. It is home to 300
species of birds some flying in from as far as Siberia and
China.
0600 hours : Arrival at Bharatpur and visit
the world famous bird sanctuary.
0830 hours : Breakfast at the Bharatpur Forest Lodge
Book Palace on Wheels Tour
From Bharatpur it is 22 km (14 miles) to
Fatehpur Sikri by coach. The town is still completely preserved.
It was built by the Mogul emperor Akbar in the 16th century but
abandoned a short time later because of an acute lack of water.
It is still possible to see spacious courtyards, an audience
hall and the palace complex, which is made up of apartments.
The
climax of the journey will surely be the visit to Agra to see
the Taj Mahal, one of the seven modern wonders of the world.
Emperor Shah Jahan had it built in white marble over a period of
twenty years as a mausoleum and symbol of his love for his
favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal. The massive fort in Agra encloses in
its high walls the Diwan-e-Khas (private reception hall), Diwan-e-Am
(public reception hall) and other sights worth seeing.
1030 hours : You will be driven to Fatehpur
Sikri - to visit the deserted mughal capital
1300 hours : Lunch at the Mughal Sheraton Hotel / on board the
train
1500 hours : Enjoy a tour of Agra this afternoon
2000 hours : Departure for Delhi and dinner on board
DAY
8: DELHI
0600 hours : Welcome back to Delhi Cantonment Railway Station to
step back from fantasy to reality.
(Note : You can disembark from the train after breakfast by 0745
hrs)
Departure dates from
Delhi Safdarjung Railway: every Wednesday from September to April.
Length of journey: 8 days and seven nights.
Departure from Delhi on Wednesday evening, return to Delhi the
following Wednesday morning.
Book Palace on Wheels Tour