Times have
changed and winds have shifted, but the Palace on Wheels cruises
along in royal style, the kind only the Maharajas of yesteryear
could have perpetuated and enjoyed. Today, of course, each
traveller on board is treated like royalty in his or her own
right.
We welcome you aboard to "Re-live" the Royal Experience
of the Maharajas of Rajasthan and if you are really looking
for a holiday of a lifetime, the Palace on Wheels is for you...
Its 14 Saloons are inter-connected; the interiors of the saloons
reflect the aesthetics of the former Royal states of Rajasthan.
The exquisite and exclusive Palace on Wheels has luxurious
Cabins, wall to wall carpeting, a well stocked bar, two dining
cars (The Maharaja and Maharani) and a very personalized service...
in fact, almost everything that could comprise of heaven on
earth for seven days !
In the past 20 years of operations, the Palace-on-Wheels has
been rated as one of the best ten luxurious rail journeys
in the world.
Day-1
Wenesday
Reporting
Time 16.00 hrs. Dep. 18.30 hrs.
New Delhi
The journey of a 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.
Day-2
Thursday
Arrival
02.00 hrs. Departure 19.30 hrs
Jaipur
The first stop of 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,
in1727 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 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, eight kms away,
where rides on caparisoned elephants add to the ambiance.
Shop for Jaipur’s famous jewellery, handicrafts, carpets
blue pottery and textiles.
Visit 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 the Sawai Jai Singh II.
The Luxury coaches will take you back to Palace on Wheels
around 6.30 pm. Dinner on Board.
Day-3
Friday
Arrival
08.15 hrs. Departure 23.00 hrs.
Jaisalmer
In the heart of the Thar Desert lies Jaisalmer, founded
by Rawal Jaisal, in 1156A.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 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 programme at a hotel in
Jaisalmer.
The train leaves for Jodhpur at night.
Day-4
Saturday
Arrival
07.00 hrs. Departure15.30 hrs
Jodhpur
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, lays Jaswant Thada, and a group of royal
cenotaphs made of white marble. After lunch at a royal Palace
hotel, return to the Palace on Wheels. While in Jodhpur
shop for the exquisite handcrafted articles including the
famous breeches, embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware,
paintings and tie and dye fabrics.
Sawai
Madhopur
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 Ranthambore 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, rattle,
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 Chittorgarh, when one gets an opportunity
to watch the colourful countryside passing by in the daylight.
Chittorgarh
After lunch on board you are in Chittorgarh. Images of love
and velour; scars of battles lost and won….thrice-besieged,
Chittorgarh Fort is all this and more.
Day-6
Monday
Departure
05:30 hrs. from Chittorgarh for Udaipur
Udaipur
Arrive in Udaipur, the Lake City at 7:30 AM. It 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 Lake Palace Hotel
a visit to City Palace is exhilarating.
In the evening visit the crystal gallery. Later proceed to
Bharatpur on board Palace on Wheels
Day-7
Tuesday
Arrival
06.30hrs. Departure 11.45 hrs
Bharatpur
Early next morning, the Palace 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 of thousands of Egrets, Siberian
Cranes, migratory Water Fowl and other species of birds.
Day-7
Tuesday
Arrival
14.30 hrs Departure 23.00 hrs
Agra
Arrive at Fatehpur Sikri-the red sandstone
Mughal palatial complex. Within the enclosure is a mosque
built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and dedicated to the Sheikh
Salim Chisti, 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-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 jewelry.
After dinner on board and a good night’s sleep, arrive
at Delhi Cantt at 6.00 hrs the next morning and let the
pleasant memories of the past week linger on your mind for
a long, long time.
Months of Operation
October till March: High Season tariff Applicable
April & September: Lean Season Discounted tariff Applicable.
(As this palatial train requires a lot of renovation and maintenance.The
Train thus does not operates in the months of May, June, July
& August)
Please note:-
10% Surcharge shall be levied on departure during Christmas/New
Year.
Tariff Subject to change without notice.
Half fare for children between 5 and 12 years of age
(Age proof of children is to be furnished, which is required
at the time of issuance of tickets)
The Palace on Wheels Tour Cost Includes:
Tariff is inclusive of travel/ catering/ conducted sightseeing/
entrance fee at monuments/ parks/ palaces/ cultural programs/
camel ride at Jaisalmer/ boat ride at Udaipur/ rickshaw ride
at Bharatpur and for still cameras.
Guest has to pay for video cameras, liquor, laundry and other
items of personal nature.
Cancellation Rules:
The reservation/cancellation of passengers on the Palace on
Wheels may be done as per the following terms & conditions:
CANCELLATION
Cancellation must be advised by Fax/E-mail/Letter .On cancellation,
refund will be made. Certain amount of the ticket value will
be deducted as follows.50% of ticket value if cancellation
request is received within the period of 15-29 days from the
scheduled date of departure.
100% of ticket value if cancellation request is received within
the period of 14 days or before the scheduled date of departure.
No refund or adjustment will be made in the event of interruption
of journey by a tourist after the commencement of the tour.
CHECK-IN TIME:
Reporting time is 4 PM at Delhi Cantonment Railway Station.
Relevant Information
MEALS
The two restaurant cars, The Maharaja and The Maharani, serve
a range of Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine. Menus
are changed seasonally.
CLIMATE
Varies from 8°C to 25°C between October to March.
CLOTHING RECOMMENDED
Light tropical / light woolens.
OTHER FACILITIES-
Complimentary mineral water on board the coach, during sightseeing
and at hotels.
Assistance for travel arrangements on completion of the tour.
