Day 01 : Delhi
After arriving at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, an
air-conditioned bus / car takes you to your hotel. Your room is reserved
from noon on.
Day 02 : Delhi
This is Ihe day to explore Delhi, India's second largest city. Visit the
Old Town with the Ro|ghat. Mahatma Gandhi1? memonal lies on the shores of
Ihe river Yamuna Nearby is Delhi's largest building, "Lai Qila",
the Red Fort. It was erected in ihe Mogul era. Its thick walls built from
red sandstone, its Turrets and battlements are utterly impressive. 500
metres west yaii see the red and white "Jamo Masjid", India's
biggest mosque. From here you have an amazing view onto the streets and its
colourful bazars. Lunch at a traditional Indian cuisine restauronf "Chor
Bfnare". In the after-noon, you can experience Delhi's New Town The "Qulob
Minar" is well worth a visit. Built from the debris of on old fort, it
was the first building in Muslim India. It is more than 70 metres high. The
spiky tower is one of Delhi's landmorks. Close to the medieval Muslim centre
in f-he Nizamuddin quarter you find the Humayun Mousoleum. It is Delhi's
first Moghul tomb ever and was built between 1562 and 1572. Its elegant
Persian style makes it one of the mosl enquisite buildings. You take dinner
in a hotel and also stay there for the night.
Day 03 : Jaipur
Your adventure with the "Heritage on Wheels" starts today.
Achauffeured car takes you to Jaipur, Ra|asthan's capital Maharajah Jai
Singh II founded the "Pink City" in 1727. The Old Town buildings
were painted pink when Prince Albert of England visited the counlry. Pink is
the traditional colour of hospitality and thus gave Jaipur its nickname.
After a delicious lunch in the "Rai Palace Hotel" you ore free to
stroll through town Jaipur's landmark is the city polace, on impressive
sample of traditional Raiasthan and Mogul architecture. The huge palace
covers ? seventh of the inner city. Check into the "Heritage on Wheels"
in the early evening. After having made yourself comfortable in your coupe,
you have plenty of time Jo explore the train ond hove a drink in the bar1
car. Meet your fellow travellers while having your first dinner on board -
scheduled for 20.00 his in the dining cor.
Day 04 : Bikaner
Early in the morning, you arrive at Bikaner. The city has 45,000
inhabi-lants ond is popular for its glass, wool and cigarette production. A
fort wall surrounds the whole city Inside there are numerous sights, e.g.
impressive palaces, mosques and temples. After a sight-seeing tour there is
some time for shopping.
Lunch is served on board the "Henlage on Wheels" today. Take a
short rest before it comes to today's highlight: a camel safari through Ihe
desert. After-wards it is srght-seejng time again: The Lpl Garh Palace - an
architectural masterpiece built from red sandstone. Maharajah Ganga Singh
had it erected to commemorate his father. It is decoroled with fine
lattice-work and situated in a large ond colourful park. In he lale
afternoon you visit Gajner with its famous palace, the "Desert Gem".
The royal family had exotic parties here with selected guests. In the late
evening, the "Heritage on Wheels" continues i)s journey to
Padiyara.
Day 05 : Tal Chhapar and Shekhawati
Tal Chhapar is situated in the Shekhawati region in the Northwest of
Rajasthan. This wildlife sanctuary is enormously rich m species: You con
meel block bucks, desert foxes ond desert cats as well as countless birds aM
yearlong.
Following a late lunch we take a tour through Nawalgarh. This small town
has 50,000 inhabitants and is nick-named "City of the 100 Havelis".
Havelis. were the houses of rich merchanlfamiliesin the 10th and 19th
century. They were richly decorated with carvings and wall paintings and
even today, some of these are very well preserved.
The whole Shekhawati region is captivating with its beauty. Each street,
house and wall has been grafted by a differenl artist The colourful wall
paintings came as a surprise in a dry land like India. Rajasthan itself is
thriving with paintings although it is o largely sandy area with only o few
green spots. Return to the "Heritage on Wheels" in the evening
Day 06 : Jaipur, Agra
After four exciting doys, you reach your final destination in the morning:
Jaipur. Anair-conditioned car takes you to Fort Amber, which was built by
Rajo Man Singh in 1592 It is one of the most beautiful buildings from the
Raiput era and gives you a breathtaking view over the whole plain.
On the way lo Agra we stop over in Fotehpur Sikri. The town was built from
red sandstone by Moghul Ruler Akbar between 1571 to 1584 You hove dinner
here and spend the night in a hotel.
Day 07 : Agra, Delhi
The Taj Mahal is one of the most visited ond most photographed buildings in
the world. Experience the seventh wonder of the world while the sun rises.
ShahJahan had this, mausoleum, erected in 1630 for his beloved wife Mumtaz
Mahal. She hod died when giving birth to her 14th child. The Taj Mahal is
built entirely from white marble and is regarded both as a symbol of love
and a masterpiece of architecture.
After breakfast at the hotel, visit Agra's Red Fort. It was built in 1565
by Emperor Akbar and was originally used for military purposes. During the
reign of Shah Jahan port of \\ was converted into a palace.
After lunch we return to Delhi where you con check
into your hotel.
Day 08 : Return journey
Time to say good-bye! The bus/car takes you to Indira Gandhi International
Airport to board an onward flight.
