Day
1 - Wednesday - NEW DELHI : Reporting Time 16.00 hrs. Dep. 18.30 hrs.
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.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.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.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.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)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.
Day
6 - Monday - UDAIPUR : Arrival 07:30 hrs. Departure 17.30 hrs.Arrive
in Udaipur, the Lake City at 7:30 AM. 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.
In the evening visit the crystal gallery. Later proceed to Bharatpur on
board Palace on Wheels.
Day 7 - Tuesday - BHARATPUR :
Arrival 06.30 hrs. Departure 9.00 hrs.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.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 - 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.