Royal Rajasthan Journey

The Train

The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is designed and embroidered in a contemporary royal style to experience the existing regal luxury, taste a slice of royalty and enjoy a royal feast onboard, where every moment is woven together into an everlasting and immemorial experience to be lived and cherished forever. The magic of the splendid journey to the land of kings, majestic forts, incredible palaces, temple towns, diverse cultures and varied landscapes starts from Delhi. Discover the adventurous escapades to the wilds of Ranthambore, visit to the magical destination of Udaipur, perceive the intriguing sagas of forts and palaces of Jaipur, glimpse the art and sculpture of the temple of Khajuraho, on to the spiritual experiences at Varanasi and see the wonder of the world at Agra.

General Information

The Royal Palace on Wheels is an upgraded version of world famous Palace on Wheels. After the grand success of Palace on Wheels that is operational from last 25 years, this new train was launched in January 2009. The train as compared to Palace on Wheels is much luxurious and the cabins are more spacious.

Coaches

Saloons : The Train has 14 passenger coaches. The 13 coaches have three Deluxe Saloons on each coach and 14th coach has 2 Super Deluxe Saloons. Each deluxe saloon has different color theme of exquisite jewels like Ruby, Pearl and Sapphire.

Super Deluxe Suites offers a spacious living with complete comfort of royal suites. The exquisite silk and velvet bedspreads and draperies take you to an era of royal living. The finely carved wooden furniture adds to your experience. These spacious suites are named after jewels “Emerald” and ‘Diamond’.

These saloons offer luxuries with bedding, upholstery, study table and chair to make your stay comfortable

Each coach is named after the famous places of Rajasthan namely Hawa Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Surya Mahal, Moti Mahal, Sukh Mahal, Jal Mahal Padmini Mahal, Kishori Mahal, Phool Mahal, Jogi Mahal, Kumbha Palace, Lalgarh Palace.

The Super Deluxe Coach is called Taj Mahal.

 

Bar

Finest wines and international brands of liquor are available on the two restro-lounges.

Spa : After the full day of sight seeing one can have the finest spa services on board. The spa will provide relaxation and wellness solutions on board with personal care products. The spa can offer you various massages and therapies on board.

 
 
Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Operational Season: October to April
Distance Covered: 2767 Kms.

Destinations Covered

Delhi – Jodhpur – Udaipur –Chittorgarh- Sawai Madhopur – Jaipur- Khajuraho- Varanasi- Agra – Delhi

 

Itinerary

1630Hrs: Report at Safdarjung Railway station to begin your royal tour to India aboard “Royal Rajasthan 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.

0930Hrs: The journey will begin in the evening at 1730 Hrs.

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner and overnight stay onboard while the train moves towards its first destination Jodhpur.

0800Hrs: Arrival to Jodhpur, the former capital of the mighty Mewar Kingdom houses many palaces, forts and temples.

0900Hrs: Depart by an AC Coach for guided sightseeing tour of the biggest Hill Forts in India- Mehrangarh Fort. Also visit, nearby located royal cenotaphs of Jaswant Thada crafted of white marble. Later Proceed to museum located in Umaid Bhawan Palace, now converted into a luxury Spa Hotel and part still serves as the principal residence of the erstwhile Jodhpur royal family.

After enjoying lunch in Hanwant Mahal Boutique restaurant , return to the train are depart by 1630Hrs.

Dinner and overnight stay on board while the train moves towards Udaipur.

0700Hrs: Arrival to Udaipur the city of Lakes.

0830Hrs: Proceed to visit The City Palace, One of the largest Palace Complex in India.

Visit the unique Crystal Gallery, personal collection of H.H. Maharana of Udaipur will definitely cast a spell on you. Enjoy a boat ride in Lake Pichola, around Lake Palace Hotel, situated on an island.

After lunch in Fatehprakash Palace Hotel, return to the train and depart by 1430Hrs.

1645Hrs: Arrival to Chittorgarh.

On arrival board an AC coach for guided sightseeing tour of biggest fort in medieval India “Chittorgarh Fort” which is spread over a large plateau, surrounded by a circular wall, the fort can only be approached through a steep hill road that is guarded by seven huge gates, but today there is nothing more than a ruined citadel there. Enjoy Sound and Light Show on pride, romance and spirit for people of Chittor, who always choose death before surrendering against anyone.

Later drive back to train, dinner and overnight on board while the train moves to Ranthambhore.

0530Hrs: Arrival to Sawai Madhopur.30Hrs: 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. 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. The national park 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 drive return to “Royal Rajasthan on Wheels” and enjoy breakfast on board while the train moves to Jaipur.

1130Hrs: Depart by an AC coach for guided sightseeing tour of Amber Fort Palace. Enjoy elephant joy ride up its steep ramparts.

After lunch in 1135 A.D. Boutique restaurant located in Fort Premises , enjoy walk through the multi layered corridors of palace complex to appreciate the aesthetic ambiance of this complex built with red sandstone and marble.

Later drive to the City Palace complex and discover the old world charm of Mubarak Mahal, Chandra Mahal, Diwan-I-Khas, Diwan-I-Aam, museum in the Maharani Palace and nearby located UNESCO World Heritage site of Jantar Mantar (observatory with an operational Sun dial).

Proceed to ITC Rajuputana for cultural program and dinner.

Return to train late evening and depart by 2215Hrs to Khajuraho.

0930Hrs: Arrival to Khajuraho, a famous tourist and archaeological site known for its sculptured temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Jain patriarchs. The beautiful temples that dot the town of Khajuraho are believed to have been built by the mighty Chandela rulers in 9th and 10th century AD. The engravings on these temples are highly sensual and erotic. Made of sandstone blocks fitted together, the temples are aligned east-west. For convenience, these may be divided into western, eastern, and southern groups of temples.

Depart by an AC coach for guided sightseeing tour of “Western Group Temples” the most important temples in Khajuraho.

The Kandariya Mahadeva dedicated to Lord Shiva is the largest temple in Khajuraho. Kandariya Mahadeva Temple and Chausath-Yogini Temple in western group of Khajuraho temples, are made of fine grained sandstone pink or pale yellow in color.

Chausath Yogini temple is the only temple built in granite, quadrangular in shape and is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Devi Jagdamba Temple located towards the north of Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is a temple dedicated to Vishnu and is famous for sculptures depicting mithunas in various positions.

After lunch in 5 Star Hotel, visit Southern group of Jain temples.

2000Hrs: Return to the Royal “Rajasthan on Wheels”, dinner on-board and continue your journey to Varanasi.

0600Hrs: Arrival to Varanasi or Banaras, situated on the banks of Holy River Ganga and considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world with history dating back to 8th Century B.C. for Hindus.

Early morning excursion to Holy Ganges river for boat ride to view the centuries old bathing rights of the Hindus.

0800Hrs: Return back to train for breakfast and brief rest.

Later proceed for excursion to UNESCO World Heritage site of Sarnath, where Lord Buddha preached his first sermon in 5th century B.C.

1330Hrs: Drive back to Varanasi and after lunch in 5 Star Hotel, return to train for brief rest. Later afternoon drive back to Ghats of River Ganges for a photo opportunity to capture the evening lamp immersion ceremony preceded by sound of Coonch shells and holy chants.

2000Hrs: Return to the “Royal Rajasthan on Wheels”, dinner on-board and continue your journey to Agra.

1000Hrs: Arrival to Agra, the home to magnificent Taj Mahal. The city rose to prominence as the capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th Century and most of the city’s acclaimed heritage sites date back to this era. Carrying the artistic heritage of the Mughal Empire into the present day, the streets of Agra are dotted with ancient buildings existing in happy harmony with modern day shops and houses.

On arrival in Agra, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Agra Fort, originally built in Red Sand Stone by Mughal Emperor Akbar in mid 16th century, but soon converted into a Palace by his Grandson, Shah Jehan with extensive relaying of marble stone with inlay work Places of interest include, Moti Masjid, the Hall of Public & Hall of Private.

After lunch in Jaypee Palace Hotel, proceed to visit world famous Taj Mahal, a world heritage site and epitome of love, stands on the banks of the river Yamuna. Built in the 1648 by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in memory of his empress Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj is made entirely of white marble and decorated with exquisite pietra dura (stone inlay) work, different types of precious and semi-precious stones were used in the intricate inlay work done on the interiors.

1800Hrs: Return to train for Dinner.

2100Hrs: Departure for New Delhi.

0530Hrs: Breakfast on board as you arrive into Delhi.

Disembark and bid farewell to the Royal Rajasthan on wheels as your journey comes to an end!