Times have changed and winds have
shifted, but the Palace On Wheels cruises along in its unique style, the
kind only the Maharajas of yesteryears could have perpetuated and enjoyed.
Today, of course, each traveller on board is treated like royalty in his or
her own right.
The exquisite & exclusive Palace on Wheels has luxurious cabins,
wall-to-wall carpeting, a well stocked bar, two dining cars, and a very
personalised service. Infact everything that could comprise of heaven on
earth for a whole week.
The festive fervor of Christmas catches up even amidst the sandy and earthy
terrain of Rajasthan while you are aboard the Palace-On-Wheels. All
passengers sing dance and make merry within the comfortable confines of the
train. When the music is pulsating and spirits soaring, it is difficult to
keep in control and you tend to go with the flow.
Day
1 Wednesday
Delhi - Journey of A Lifetime Begins
.........
1600 Hours: Report Delhi Cantonment Railway Station and board on
Palace On Wheels, The Maharaja train tour.
1830 Hours:Departure for a Week in Wonderland Tour..
2000 Hours: Dinner on board
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
pull out into the night. For a week long luxury cruise through fascinating
Rajasthan.
Day 2 Thursday
Attraction - Jaipur
0200 Hours: Arrival in Jaipur.
1930 Hours: Departure
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 1728 A.D. To explore the city, an air-conditioned coach takes you to
Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, which is remarkable five storeyed
building along the main street of the old city spelndour 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 pm. Dinner on Board.
Day
3 Friday
Attraction - Jaisalmer
0815 Hours: Arrival in Jaisalmer.
2300 Hours: Departure
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, Patwan-ki-haveli
and Salim Singh-ki-haveli are line examples of the stone carver's skill.
Shop at Rajasthali-the only Rajasthan Govt. emporium, for the 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 programmmes at a hotel in Jaisalmer. The train
leaves for Jodhpur at Night.
Day 4 Saturday
Attraction - Jodhpur
0700 Hours: Arrival in Jodhpur.
1530 Hours: Departure.
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 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,
paintings and ties and dye fabrics.
Day
5 Sunday
Attraction - Sawai Madhopur
Morning: Ranthambore Tiger Sanctuary
0400 Hours: Arrival in Sawai Madhopur.
1030 Hours: Departure.
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 Ranthambhore
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 that 300 species of birds. The tiger, hyena, ratel,
jackal and fox are among those constituting the carnivorous populations
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 daylight.
Attraction : Chittaurgarh
Fort
1600 Hours: Arrival at 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
Attraction - Udaipur
2000 Hours:Departure from Chittaurgarh.
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 Pichhola. 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
Attraction - Bharatpur,
Agra
0630
Hours Arrival
1145 Hours Departure
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 for thousands of
Egrets, Siberian Cranes, migratory Water Fowl and other species of birds.
Lunch : On Board
Attraction - Agra ( Taj
Mahal )
1430 Hours Arrival
2300 Hours Departure
Arrive at Fatehpur Sikri athe red sandstone Mughal Palatial complex. Within
the enclosure is a mosque built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and dedicated to
Sheikh Salim Chisti, 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 monuments 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.
Day 8 - Wednesday
Delhi - The Memories For A Lifetime Begins .............
0600 Hours Arrival at Delhi Cantt
The next morning and let the pleasant memories of the past week linger on
your mind for a long, long time.
INDIAN
RAILWAYS
