Palace on Wheels - Itinerary

You begin your royal journey in Delhi, the city of ruined forts and rising towers. From Delhi Cantonment, the Palace -On-wheels is outward bound every Wednesday night for Rajasthan - the land of maharajas.

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 storeyed building along the main street of the old city in pink splendour with semi octagonal and delicately honey combed sandstone windows. This is followed by a visit to Amber Fort, eight kms. away, where rides on caparisoned elephants add to the ambience. Shop for Jaipur's 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 palace is the Jantar Mantar, the largest observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh II. After dinner and a cultural programme at Palace Hotel, the luxury coach takes you back to the Palace on Wheels.

Next morning you are in Chittaurgarh. The day begins with a visit to the fort, lauded in legends of valour and chivalry. History has it that Bappa Rawal, the founder of the Sisodia dynasty, conquered Chittaur in the middle of the 8th century from the Maurya rulers. Chittaur was besieged and plundered thrice, and the womenfolk performed `jauhar', in a sacred fire to protect their honour everytime. Shop for the tie and dye sarees, leather & embroidered shoes, lac work articles and bangles.

UDAIPUR

Lake City, Udaipur is the next part of the day. It was founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty was driven away by the Mughals, 1559 A.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 Lake Palace Hotel, visit to the City Palace is exhilarating. After evening tea, the luxury coach takes you back to the Palace on Wheels at Chittaurgarh-thus winding up a day full of delights.

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. The wildlife sanctuary is considered 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 constituting 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 colourful countryside passing by in the day light. Lunch and dinner are served on board.

In the heart of the Thar desert lies Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal, in 1156 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 Sigh-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 programmes at Sam Sand dunes/Hotel Moomal.

The train leaves for Jodhpur at night.

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 Umaid Bhawan Palace, 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.

Early next morning, the Palace arrives in 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 species of birds. After breakfast, arrive at Fatehpur Sikri-the red sandstone Mughal palacial complex. within the enclosure is a mosque built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and dedicated of Sheikh Salim Chishti, a muslim Sufi saint who blessed him with a son.

AGRA

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 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.

After dinner on board and a good night's sleep.

On day 8, while you breakfast on the Palace-On-Wheel, Delhi is fast approching. Yes, Your royal odyssey is over and you bid adieu to your dream holiday with exotic souvenirs and enchanting memories.  Go Top

Facilities on Board