Rated amongst the top ten luxury trains of the world, Palace on Wheel tour epitomizes the rich Indian heritage and journeys through one of the most exotic regions in the world - Dazzling Delhi, Royal Rajasthan and Amazing Agra. Where else can you relax in comfort and witness exotic India passing by. Explore India aboard Palace on Wheels and feel the difference.
The concept of the Palace on Wheels was derived from the royal background of the coaches, which were originally meant to be the personal Railway coaches of the erstwhile rulers of the princely states of Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India.
Each of the 14 fully air-conditioned deluxe coaches or saloons of the Palace on wheels are based on the princely states of Rajasthan, bearing each of their Coats of Arms (logo). The saloon highlights the cultural ethos of the state, represented through the use of furniture, handicrafts, painting and furnishings. The facilities available include bath & shower, H/C water supply, attached modern toilets, channel music, intercom, satellite phones, wall to wall carpeting and many more.
The palace on wheels also has a bar, where you can sit and be seen sitting and talking while sipping a drink. The two restaurants, Maharaja and Maharani, is among the highlights of the journey offering stylish dining with the choice of local Rajasthani, Chinese and Continental cuisine. Add to this the beautiful lounge car, equipped with a color television and a CD player. The lounge also provides you an enchanting view of the great Indian countryside through large panoramic windows.
Apart from the lavish comforts and unmatched regal luxury, on request services include laundry, Doctor on call at each station, barber shop & beauty parlour. The lounge also has a souvenirs shop 'The Bazaar' where souvenirs and gift items are sold bearing the insignia of the Palace on wheels. In addition, an attendant or 'Khidmatgar' is always there at your service, to cater all your travel needs.
01 DAY: NEW DELHI: DEPARTURE
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.
02 DAY: JAIPUR
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 splendour with semi-octagonal and delicate honey combed sandstone windows. This is followed the amazing Jantar Mantar- the largest observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh II. After lunch visit of Amber fort the best example of splendid fusion of Rajput and Mugal style of Architecture. Later Amber you can enjoy the festively decorated elephant for a ride up to the fort. Then visit to the City Palace, home of the erstwhile royal family. Jaipur also offers a great shopping experience since the city is the countries capital as far as handicrafts are concerned. This include a very extensive range as well as a major International center of cutting and polishing of Gems and stone. Also the Jaipur is known all over the world for hand block printing on textile. Soon after reaching at the hall of victory Jai Mandir has a stunning ceiling adorned with mirror work an inlaid panel. Return back to train by bus for fresh n up after rest awhile enjoy sumptuous dinner in one of the best hotel of Jaipur return to Palace on Wheels.
03 DAY: JAISALMER
Jaisalmer The golden city of Rajasthan has a charm of its own; Rawal Jaisal a Bhati Rajput ruler founded the city in 1156 AD. The western most citadel of the desert, Jaisalmer has an ancient history linked with its development as a trading center. Located en-route one of the two passages, that connected India with persia, egypt Africa and West. Jaisalmer amid picturesque a marvel of beautiful culture and harsh climate conditions. The Sonar Quila Fort, made of yellow sand stone will immediately command your attention here. The city is also known for its old mansion better known as havelies. Patwon Ki Haveli and Nathmalgi Ke Haveli, Salim Singh Ji Ki Haveli most striking architecture a fine blend of ancient and the medieval era. Shopping and lunch at Moomal Hotel. The sweeping sand dunes, enjoy the romance of solitude at Kuldhara and your camel takes you deep in the thar desert, the set hare is the most awaited experience. As the sum sets the rolling golden dunes the surreal experience is worth. Though the winter, followed by the cultural performance - campfire with dinner in dunes.
04 DAY: JODHPUR
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 fort is situated 120 meters high rocky hill, this fort is witness the lavish and royal history of Rathore. The grand palaces within -Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana are impressive examples of architectural excellence. Then visit Umaid Bhawan Palace worlds finest and largest palace in the world Maharaja Umaid Singh utilized the services of a well known Edwardian architect, henry vaughan lanchester for the construction of this palace. There are 347 rooms in the palace that boast about its grandness and splendor the central dome that has become the identity of the palace 110 feet high. The royal family in still lives a part of the palace also having the old clock museum. 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.
05 DAY: SAWAI MADHOPUR: CHITTAURGARH
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. After lunch on board you are in Chittaurgarh. Chittorgarh Fort is considered as the largest fort of India, built by various Mauriyan rulers during 5th to 8th century period, this for covers an area of 680 acres most of the structures in side the fort premises are in ruins. But a glimpses at this giant abodes of Rajput still fills on with thrill. The fort is accessible after ceremony seven gates. Rana Kumbha palace and Padamini Palace in the fort are considered as master pieces of Rajput architecture Padmini Palace had been the residence of beautiful queen Rani Padmini.
06 DAY: 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.
07 DAY: BHARATPUR: AGRA
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. Board the train for Agra. Upon arrival visit the Agra Fort and after lunch arrive at the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World built in the memory of his beloved empress by emperor Shah Jahan, this marble mausoleum is the greatest gesture of love known to mankind and is breathtakingly, bewitchingly beautiful.. Agra is known for its splendid marble inlay work like the Pietra Dura work on the Taj, leather goods and jewellery.
08 DAY: 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.
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