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Palace
on Wheels Train
The Palace on Wheels travel package takes you to a vibrating journey to the royal land of sand dunes and regal palaces. Visit the majestic expanse where Royal Rajputs lived in a grand style. Explore this imperial land on the Palace on Wheels, the luxurious train of India that carries with it an intrinsic ambience that goes perfectly well with the majestic charm and beauty spread so lavishly here and there in Rajasthan.
The Palace on wheels is rated as one of the top ten luxury train journeys in the world. It offers you a heart-rending trip to the splendid forts and palaces of Rajasthan in just seven days. Also discover the royal history of Taj Mahal in Agra.
The journey to the hinterland of the desert starts every Wednesday evening at 1800 hrs from Delhi and ends on the following Wednesday early in the morning at 0730 hrs.
The Palace of Wheels runs from September to April only every year.
The train is completely self- sufficient and is fully air-conditioned, comprising of 14 deluxe saloons. Especially facilitated for you with all modern amenities of everyday life, you would find the royal past haunting you in the historical coaches. The two dining cars are decked up in true Rajasthani style and each saloon has personal attendants, khidmatgars, for your service. Step aboard for a journey into the past on a luxury train.
Apart from 14 saloons, each having 4 cabins attached with bath and shower, the Palace on Wheels has two restaurants cum kitchen cars offering traditional Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine with the Chef's special variety of the day. Its well stocked bar serves Indian liquor and variety of scotch, wine and cocktails. It has piped music in every saloon, and interesting games for children. Other services on request include laundry services, and 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.
Palace
on Wheels Train Tour : 7 Nights / 8 Days
Day 01
: Wednesday - New Delhi - Reporting Time 16.00 hrs. Dep. 18.30 hrs.
The journey of Palace on Wheels 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.
Day 02 : Thursday - Jaipur : Arrival 03.00 hrs. Departure 19.30 hrs.
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.
Day 03 : Friday - Jaisalmer : Arrival 09.00 hrs. Departure 23.45 hrs.
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.
Drive to the mighty snowbound Rohtang Pass - at 3979 mtrs - the gateway to Lahaul-Spiti valley.
Revel in the breathtaking beauty of Kothi, Rahalla Falls and Marrhi en-route to
Rohtang. Overnight at Manali.
Day 04
: Satursay -
Jodhpur : Arrival 07.00 hrs. Departure 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 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.
Day 05
: Sunday -
Sawai Madhopur : Arrival 04.00 hrs. Departure 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 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.
Day
05 : Sunday - Chittaurgarh : Arrival 16.00 hrs. Departure 05.30 hrs (next day)
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.
Day
06 : Monday - Udaipur : Arrival 07:30 hrs. Departure 17.30 hrs.
Udaipur, the Lake City, was founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty was driven away 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.
Day
07 : Tuesday -
Bharatpur : Arrival 06.30 hrs.Departure 9.00 hrs.
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.
Day
07 : Tuesday - Agra : Arrival 12.00 hrs. Departure 21.00 hrs.
Upon arrival visit the Agra Fort and after lunch arrive at the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. A pristine monument of undying love. It was built by 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 on the Taj, leather goods and
jewellery.
Day
08 : Wednesday -
Delhi: Arrival 04.00 hrs.
Arrive at Delhi Safdarjung Railway station at 04.00 hrs. 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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