Day 01 : 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 : 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.
Arrival 03.00 hrs. Departure 23.30 hrs.
Day 03- Friday : Sawai Madhopur
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 05.30 hrs. Departure 10.30 hrs.
Day 03- Friday : 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 02.00 hrs (next day i.e. on
saturday)
Day 4 - Saturday : 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 08:00 hrs. Departure 15.30 hrs.
Day 5 - Sunday : 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 09.15 hrs. Departure 23.45
hrs.
Day 6 - Monday : Jodhpur
In
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 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 7 - Tuesday : 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.
Arrival 05.00 hrs.Departure 08:45 hrs.
Day 8 - Wednesday : 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.
