Day
01 : Sunday - New Delhi The journey of a lifetime begins at the
Delhi Safdarjung Railway 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. Reporting
Time 16.00 hrs. Dep. 18.30 hrs. |
Day
02 : Monday - 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 storied building a one 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 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.
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Arrive at Jaipur 03.00 hrs.
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Departure 19.30 hrs. |
Day
03 : Tuesday - Jaisalmer In the heart of the Thar desert lies
Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal, in 1 1 56 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 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
porgramme at a Five Star hotel. |
Arrival : 09.00 hrs. |
Departure 23.45 hrs. |
Day
04 : Wednesday - Jodhpur Next morning the Royal
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 Royal 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. |
Arrival: 07.00 hrs |
Departure 15.30 hrs. |
Day
05 : Thursday - 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 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, 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
Chittaurgarh, when one gets an opportunity to watch the colourful
countryside passing by in the daylight. |
Arrival: 04.00 hrs. |
Departure 10.30 hrs. |
Day
5 : Thursday - Chittaurgarh After lunch on board you are in
Chittaurgarh. Images of love and velour; scars of battles lost and
won...thrice-besieged, Chittaurgarh Fort is all this and more. Moving
legends of honor and pride will echo in your mind as you proceed to
Udaipur. |
Arrival: 16.00 hrs. |
Departure 05.30 hrs (next day) |
Day
6 : Friday - Udaipur Udaipur, the Lake City, was founded by
Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty was driven way
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 a Five Star Hotel, a visit to the
City Palace. |
Arrival: 07:30 hrs |
Departure: 17.30 hrs. |
Day
07 : Saturday - Bharatpur / Agra 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.
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. Arrival 06.30 hrs.
Bharatpur
to Agra Departure 9.00 hrs., Arrival 12.00 hrs. Departure 21.00 hrs.
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Day 08 :
Sunday - Delhi Arrive at Delhi Safdarjung Railway station.
Breakfast on board and let the pleasant memories of the past week linger
on your mind for a long, long time. |
Arrival 04.00 hrs. |
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