Palace on Wheel, Rajasthan

New Delhi :: Day - 1 Wednesday (Reporting time 17.00 hrs. Dep. 18.30 hrs.)
The journey of lifetime begins at the Delhi Cantonment 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.

Jaipur :: Day - 2 Thursday (Arrival 2.00 hrs. Dep. 19.15 hrs.)
The first stop of the Palace - on - Wheels is Jaipur, one of the most well - planned cities of the world in its time. The capital of Rajasthan, popularly known as the 'Pink City', was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727 AD 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 along the main street of the old city in pink splendor with semi - octagonal and dedicate honey combed sandstone windows. This is followed by a visit to Amber Fort, eight kms. away, where rides on caparisoned elephants add to the ambiance. Shop for Jaipur 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 City Palace is the Jantar Mantar, the largest observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh II. The Luxury coaches will take you back to Palace on Wheels around 6.30 PM. Diner on Board.

Jaisalmer :: Day - 3 Friday (Arrival 8.15 hrs. Dep. 23.00 hrs.)
In the heart of Thar desert lies Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal, in 1156 AD 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, Patwan - ki - haveli and Salim Singh - 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 program at a hotel in Jaisalmer. The train leaves for Jodhpur at night.

Jodhpur :: Day - 4 Saturday (Arrival 7.00 hrs. Dep. 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 1456 AD is known for its rock - soloid Mehrangarh Fort. The grand palaces within - Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal 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 handcrafted articles including the famous breeches, embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics.

Sawai Madhopur :: Day - 5 Sunday (Arrival 4.00 hrs. Dep. 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 visit is arranged to the Ranthambhore 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, ratel, jackal and fox are among those consulting 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 colorful countryside passing by in the day light. Lunch and dinner are served on board.

Chittaurgarh :: Day - 5 Sunday (Arrival 16.00 hrs.)
Images of love and valour; scars of battles lost and won...thrice - besieged, Chittauragrh Fort is all this and more. Moving legends of honor and pride will echo in your mind as you proceed to Udaipur.

Udaipur :: Day - 6 Monday (Dep. 18.30 hrs. from Chittaurgarh)
A Luxury Coach will take you to Udaipur, the Lake City, the next morning. It was founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty was driven away by the Mughals, in 1559 AD Perhaps the 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, a visit to the City Palace is exhilarating.

After evening tea, the luxury coach takes you to the Palace - on - Wheels at Chittaurgarh - thus winding up a day full of delights.

Day - 7 Tuesday (Arrival 5.00 hrs. Dep. 11.30 hrs.)
Early next morning, the Palace arrives at Agra. Fatehpur Sikri - the red sandstone Mughal palatial complex. Within the enclosure is a mosque built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and dedicated to Sheikh Salim Chishti, a Muslim Sufi saint who blessed him with a son. After lunch move on from the Red Fort and arrive at the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. Apristine monument of undying love, it was built Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Agra is known for its splendid marble inlay work like the pietra dura work in the Taj, leather goods and jewellery.

Bharatpur :: Day - 8 Tuesday (Arrival 13.30 hrs. Dep. 23.00 hrs.)
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 special of birds.

After dinner on board and a good night's sleep, arrive at Delhi Cantt. at 0630 hrs the next morning and let the pleasant memories of the past week linger on for a long, long time.