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shower facilities. The cultural ethos of Rajasthan finds its reflection in the interiors of these saloons. The lounge, an ideal place to relax, has a well stocked bar and a library. The latest luxury is a health club and a beauty parlor.
The journey begins at the Delhi Cantonment railway station where
colorfully attired men and women welcome you. Once inside the cabin, you would be totally taken up with the grandeur and magnificence of its interiors. You would be escorted to the restaurant for a sumptuous dinner just after getting inside the train after which you would be snuggled into the cushioned comfort of the beds for the night.
Jaipur - The Pink City
After breakfast on board, you can be ready for the day's sightseeing. Caparisoned elephants would garland you in traditional welcome before entering an air-conditioned coach. The city built in 1727 AD by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh was color washed in pink - the color associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is a five-storey building in pink splendor with carved trelliswork and lies on the main street of the old city. It was originally conceived to enable ladies of the royal household to watch everyday life on the streets and royal processions. Amber Fort, 8 km away, is a beautiful complex of palaces, halls, pavilions, gardens and temples built over a period of two centuries. From the base one can either walk up or ride a caparisoned elephant. Ready to be completely overawed by the magnificence of the grand fort.
A shopping trip in the colorful bazaars of Jaipur, famous for its jewelery, handicrafts, carpets, handlooms and blue pottery is an exhilarating experience. After a delicious lunch at Hotel Ram Bagh Palace, you would move towards the City Palace, home of the erstwhile royal family. It is a fabulous structure built in a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal styles. The Jantar Mantar, the largest of Maharaja Jai Singh's five remarkable observatories, is right across the road from the Palace. Back on board the train, you will have tea before you get ready for dinner, which is a colorful affair at the Palace Hotel. You will have a feast laid out for you and folk dancers of Rajasthan provide the entertainment creating a romantic ambience. Do you want more of this? Perhaps not. So better you retire to your chambers on board and ready for the next sojourn.
Chittorgarh - Tales of Romance and Valor
Next morning you are at Chittorgarh, which echoes with tales of romance and valor. Explore ruins of the citadel with awe and reverence. Chittor was ravaged thrice. It was here that the women of the royal house jumped into the sacred fire to protect their honor. The Victory Tower is an exquisite structure. The legendary Queen Padmini's palace beside a pool is magnificent. It was here that Alauddin Khilji had a glimpse of the beautiful Padmini's reflection. Padmini stood in a pavilion in the center and her reflection was visible to Alauddin Khilji in a mirror placed in the main hall. The Queen's beauty fanned Khilji's desire resulting in the ravage of Chittor. But the Queen preferred death to dishonor and committed jauhar (jumping into the fire).
Udaipur - The Lake City
From here, the air-conditioned coach will take you to Udaipur founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar in 1550. Known as the City of Dawn, it lies around five lakes hemmed in by lush hills of the Aravalis. The Jag Niwas and Jag Mandir, two fascinating island palaces in the middle of Lake Pichola, enchant you with their breathtaking beauty. The boat ride to the Lake Palace Hotel can be delightful, invigorating your appetite. Later in the day, after sightseeing at the City Palace and Crystal Gallery, you can have your tea at the Durbar Hall. With the sightseeing over, you will return to Chittorgarh to have dinner on board and hit the pillow.
Sawai Madhopur
Your next stop point is Sawai Madhopur, the entry point to Ranthambore and it is time to be excited as you are about to visit to another royal dignitary in his royal kingdom, the one and only, Tiger. Set out at 7 a.m. in an open vehicle to Ranthambore National Park, located amidst the imposing ruins of 10th century fort. It is an ideal place to see the Indian tiger in its natural habitat, provided luck favors you. Spread over an area of 392 square kilometers of thick dry deciduous forest over an undulating terrain of the Aravali and Vindhya ranges, the Reserve is the haunt of more than 300 species of birds. Artificial lakes enhance scenic beauty while providing water. There are hyena, wild boar, a number of peacocks and other birds, and crocodiles basking in the winter sun. The drive to the forest is thrilling and unforgettable. The Ranthambore Fort, once a place of heroism, lies mostly in ruins.
Jaisalmer - The Desert City
By afternoon, you are back on the Palace on Wheels, ready to set off to the Desert City, Jaisalmer. After an afternoon siesta, relax the lounge watching TV, reading or chatting with the other guests. You can also make use of the gym or seek the help of the beautician to bring back the glow that a whole day's sightseeing might have dulled.
The sheer magic and brilliance of Jaisalmer can make you spellbound. The golden-hued fort that seems to rise out of the desert haze etched in yellow sandstone stands with its awesome splendor dominating the amber-hued city. It has enchanting cobbled narrow lanes dotted with intricately latticed havelis (mansions), beautifully sculptured Jain temples dating back to the 12th-15th century. After having lunch on board the train and some rest in the afternoon, you will depart by coach for Sand Dunes where exhilarating camel rides awaits you. Enjoy the evening with beautiful sunset, surrounded by camels, and a cup of tea - is anything more memorable than this. Dinner today would be in the desert under the stars with Rajasthani folk singers and dancers.
Jodhpur - The Forts and Palaces
Next morning, the train will take you to Jodhpur set at the edge of the Thar Desert. The city, one of the largest in Rajasthan, still maintains its medieval character. Founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha, the city is famous for the impregnable Mehrangarh fort with magnificent palaces within. Shopping in Jodhpur bazaars is a heady experience with its colorful display of handicrafts, tie-and-dye fabrics, embroidered slippers, silks, marble souvenirs and much more. After lunch at Umaid Bhavan Palace, an opulent edifice in stone, you would be taken on a tour of the palace and the museum.
Bharatpur - The Avian Paradise
The Palace on Wheel's next destination is Bharatpur, popular for its bird sanctuary. The Keoladeo Ghana National Park is a bird's paradise and nesting ground of exotic migratory birds from Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Tibet. Siberian cranes and bareheaded geese from China come here to escape the severe winter and breed till October - November.
Fatehpur Sikri - The Ghost City
After a breakfast at the Forest Lodge proceeded to Fatehpur Sikri, the sandstone fort built by Emperor Akbar. Within the area is a beautiful mosque built by Akbar as a tribute to the memory of Sheikh Salim Chishti, the Muslim saint who blessed him with a son.
Agra - The city of Taj
From Fatehpur Sikri by the coach you are headed for Agra. After lunch at the Mughal Sheraton Hotel, tour the fort and then move on to visit the marvellous Taj Mahal, a monument of eternal love built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Back on the Palace on Wheels you will have your dinner on board. It is time for the last leg of the journey back to Delhi and say good-bye and thanks.
| ITINERARY |
| Day1 | Wednesday | Delhi Cantt. |
| Day2 | Thursday | Jaipur |
| Day3 | Friday | Chittorgarh |
| Day4 | Saturday | Udaipur |
| Day5 | Sunday | Jaisalmer |
| Day6 | Monday | Jodhpur |
| Day7 | Tuesday | Bikaner |
| Day8 | Wednesday | Delhi Cantt. |
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Want to feel like royalty for a week? Then step into the regal splendor of the Palace on Wheels and cruise along in majestic style like the Maharajas of yesteryear.