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New Delhi :: Day - 1 Wednesday
(Reporting time 17.00 hrs. Dep. 18.30 hrs.)
The journey of 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.
Jaipur :: Day - 2 Thursday (Arrival 2.00 hrs. Dep. 19.15 hrs.)
The first stop of the Palace - on - Wheels is Jaipur, one of the most
well - planned cities of the world in its time. The capital of
Rajasthan, popularly known as the 'Pink City', was founded by Maharaja
Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727 AD 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 along the main street of the old city
in pink splendor with semi - octagonal and dedicate 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 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. Diner on
Board.
Jaisalmer :: Day - 3 Friday (Arrival 8.15 hrs. Dep. 23.00 hrs.)
In the heart of Thar desert lies Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal, in
1156 AD 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 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 program at a hotel in Jaisalmer.
The train leaves for Jodhpur at night.
Jodhpur :: Day - 4 Saturday (Arrival 7.00 hrs. Dep. 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 1456 AD is known for
its rock - solid Mehrangarh Fort. The grand palaces within - Moti Mahal,
Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal 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 tie
and dye fabrics.
Sawai Madhopur :: Day - 5 Sunday (Arrival 4.00 hrs. Dep. 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 visit is arranged to the
Ranthambore 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
consulting 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 desert citadel Jaisalmer, when one
gets an opportunity to watch the colorful countryside passing by in the
day light. Lunch and dinner are served on board.
Chittorgarh :: Day - 5 Sunday (Arrival 16.00 hrs.)
Images of love and valour; scars of battles lost and won...thrice -
besieged, Chittauragrh Fort is all this and more. Moving legends of
honor and pride will echo in your mind as you proceed to Udaipur.
Udaipur :: Day - 6 Monday (Dep. 18.30 hrs. from Chittorgarh)
A 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 AD Perhaps the
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.
After evening tea, the luxury coach takes you to the Palace - on -
Wheels at Chittorgarh - thus winding up a day full of delights.
Agra :: Day - 7 Tuesday (Arrival 5.00 hrs. Dep. 11.30 hrs.)
Early next morning, the Palace arrives at Agra. Fatehpur Sikri - the
red sandstone Mughal palatial complex. Within the enclosure is a mosque
built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and dedicated to Sheikh Salim Chishti,
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 monument of undying love, it was built 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 in the Taj,
leather goods and jewellery.
Bharatpur :: Day - 8 Tuesday (Arrival 13.30 hrs. Dep. 23.00 hrs.)
Bharatpur, the capital of maharaja Suraj Mal. 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
special of birds.
After dinner on board and a good night's sleep, arrive at Delhi Cantt.
at 0630 hrs the next morning and let the pleasant memories of the past
week linger on for a long, long time.
