Palace On The Wheel Journey
The Train
Rediscover the age of decadence and romance with “Palace On Wheels” on its splendid and enchanting royal journey through the bygone era of the erstwhile Maharajas. Though times have changed and the winds have shifted, the Palace On Wheels cruises along in royal style, the kind only the Maharajas of yesteryears could have perpetuated and enjoyed.
The exquisite and exclusive “Palace On Wheels” has luxurious cabins, wall to wall carpeting, a well stocked bar, two dining cars and a very personalized service in fact, almost everything that could compromise of heaven on earth for seven days!General Information
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 and the Viceroy of British India.
Coaches
There are 14 Guest coaches / saloons in the train, named after former Rajput states and matches the aesthetics and interiors of the royal past. Each coach/saloon has four twin-bedded chambers, with attached baths that have running hot and cold water and showers. The modern conveniences have been thoughtfully provided, sofas to sink into, strategically placed lights to read by, wonderfully appointed beds with comfortable furnishings, inbuilt wardrobes for the storage of one’s clothes and bags, and huge plain glass windows to watch the countryside roll past.
Restaurents
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.
Bar
A well-stocked bar,with live T.V. facility, serves wine, liquor and spirits of Indian and international make, to keep you in ‘High Spirits’.
| Duration: | 7 Nights & 8 Days |
| Operational Season: | October to April |
| Distance Covered: | 2195 Kms. |
Destinations Covered
Delhi – Jaipur – Ranthambore – Chittorgarh – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Bharatpur – Agra – Delhi
Itinerary
1630Hrs: Report at Safdarjung Railway station to begin your royal tour to India aboard “Palace On Wheels”.
After check in formalities, savour a traditional Indian welcome by the train staff with garlanding, tika and turban. Afterwards, you will be escorted to your luxurious cabin.
Enjoy a sumptuous dinner and overnight stay onboard while the train moves towards its first destination Jodhpur.
0345Hrs: Early morning arrival to Jaipur.
0930Hrs: After a leisurely breakfast onboard, enjoy a royal welcome at Jaipur Railway Station.
To explore the city, a guide with an air-conditioned coach takes you to Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, a remarkable building along 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 rides on caparisoned elephants add to the ambiance.
After lunch at a Palace Hotel, visit 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 the Sawai Jai Singh II. The Luxury coaches will take you back to Palace on Wheels around 1830Hrs.
Dinner onboard, as train and continue your journey to Sawai Madhopur.
0530Hrs: Early morning arrival to Sawai Madhopur.
0630Hrs: Proceed for an exciting Game drive at Ranthambore National Park, surrounded by the Vindhyas and Aravalis hill range. The park is bounded to the north by the Banas River and to the south by the Chambal River. It is named after the historic Ranthambhore fortress, which lies within the park and sprawls over an estimated area of 392 Sq. Km. Ranthambhore is rich in flora and fauna, with canals and waterfalls. Due to its hilly path, water is limited to narrow valleys and quite a few lakes. Padam Talao, Rajbagh Talao and Malik Talao are three major lakes in Ranthambore National Park and attract a huge number of animals and birds. Tiger sighting are more likely at Rajbagh Talao while Malik Talao is home to a large number of crocodiles. It is a home for different kinds of animals like Striped Hyenas, Indian Wild Boar, Chinkara, Jackals, Indian Flying Foxes, Indian Foxes, Sloth bears, Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, Macaques, Small Indian Civets and Common mongoose. Different kinds of reptiles are found here too. Prominent amongst these are Snub Nosed Marsh Crocodiles, Desert Monitor Lizards, Tortoise, Banded Kraits, Cobras, Common Kraits, Ganga Soft Shelled Turtles, Indian Pythons, North Indian Flap Shelled Turtles, Rat Snakes, Russel’s Vipers, Saw-scaled Vipers and the Indian Chamaeleon.
0930Hrs: Following the game return to “Palace on Wheels” and enjoy breakfast on board while train moves to Chittorgarh.
1300Hrs: Lunch on board.
1600Hrs: Arrival to Chittorgarh and proceed for a guided excursion in an AC coach to UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chittorgarh Hill Fort, spread over a huge plateau – with history dating back to 11th century. Chittorgarh Fort is considered to be the largest fort of India. In the Evening, enjoy Sound and Light program in fort complex and later return to train for dinner.
Train departs past midnight to Udaipur, overnight on board.
0800Hrs: After leisurely breakfast onboard proceed to visit 17th Century built – City Palace complex with eleven constituent Mahal (palaces), balconies, towers and cupolas. Also visit Crystal Gallery – housing personal collection of H.H. of Udaipur. Later enjoy boat ride around the world famous “Lake Palace Hotel” atop a small island in Lake Pichola.
1300Hrs: Proceed for lunch to Fatehprakash Palace Hotel and time free for shopping and visit the Royal Gardens at Saheliyon Ki Bari.
1500Hrs: Return to train by 1500Hrs and continue your journey to Jaisalmer.
Dinner and overnight on board.
0930Hrs: After Breakfast onboard, proceed in an AC coach for a guided sightseeing tour of Jaisalmer Fort a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the 15th century built living Fort complex, standing at a height of hundred meters over Jaisalmer town and glows golden in the afternoon sun.
The fort is entered through a forbidding series of massive gates leading to a large courtyard.
Visit Patwon ki Haveli, one of the largest and most elaborate mansion houses . Nearby is located a group of 15th century built Jain Temples, which are beautifully carved & have a library hosting some of the oldest manuscripts of India.
Proceed for Lunch to 5-Star Hotel and later return to train for brief rest.
1630Hrs:Excursion to Sam sand Dunes in Thar Desert for Camel joy ride and sunset photo shoot opportunity with Cultural Program and Dinner at 5-Star Hotel.
Return to train by 2200Hrs and continue your journey to Jodhpur.
0800Hrs: After breakfast on board proceed in an AC coach for guided sightseeing tour of 16th century built Mehrangarh Fort, atop a rocky hill which soars 125 Mts. above Jodhpur town. The Palace complex it is approached by a series of gateways set at an angle so that enemy armies could not charge, with any success. Once past the Fort gates, you have access to breath taking Palatial Apartments (Mahal), overlooking wide courtyards. Inside the fort complex is a museum having wide & impressive collection of Royal dresses and Medieval weapons.
Nearby the Fort complex is located, late 19th century built Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble.
Later visit museum at Umaid Bhawan Palace, displaying personal artifacts of H.H. Maharaja of Jodhpur.
Lunch at Hanwant Mahal Boutique Restaurant.
Return to train 1530Hrs and depart for Bharatpur.
Dinner and overnight on board.
0630Hrs: An early morning visit to Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary a UNESCO world heritage site and enjoy cycle rickshaw ride to view many of 375 species of both local and migratory birds (from places like Sri-Lanka, Europe, Siberia, China and Tibet).
0800Hrs: Return to train and enjoy breakfast on board while train moves towards Agra.
1030Hrs: On arrival into Agra, proceed to visit Agra Fort a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After lunch at ITC Mughal Hotel visit the Taj Mahal, one of seven wonders of modern world and a flawless architectural wonder built in white marble.
Time free for shopping, later return to train.
Dinner onboard as train departs for New Delhi.
0530Hrs: Arrival at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station and after early breakfast check-out by 0715Hrs.
