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The
Palace on Wheels Tour is the wonder of wonders. It’s awe
strucking how this running wheel has managed to enfold within
itself so much of style, aura and royalty. No words can even
begin to describe the traditional and so very rich in culture,
beauty of the Palace on Wheels Tour.
As soon as you set your foot on the first buggy of Palace on
Wheels, you can feel the beauty of the palace train oozing from
within. The rich, plush carpets beneath your feet on palace on
wheels remind you of your mother’s touch.
Once aboard, you are sure to be transferred to a different era
of kings, queens and royalty, where everything will be so very
mesmerizing. The Palace on Wheels Tour is truly a palace in
every sense of the word! Do not miss the experience!
Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Namaste! Welcome to New Delhi, the hustling and bustling capital
of India. We are greeted in the traditional manner and
transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Delhi
Day 02: Delhi
Our full day tour of Delhi starts with New Delhi, visiting India
Gate, the House of Parliament, Connaught Place and Qutub Minar,
a perfect minaret towering 102 metres / 112 into the sky. New
Delhi is a blend of colonial and modern architecture with wide
boulevards and open areas. This afternoon we go back into
history with a tour of Old Delhi beginning with the Red Fort.
Built by Shah Jehan, this was once the most opulent fort of the
Mughal Empire. We also visit Jama Masjid, India's largest
mosque, and Raj Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. We
end the day with a visit to Chandni Chawlk, the street of silver
and goldsmiths.
Overnight: Hotel in Delhi
Day 03: Delhi / Jaipur (Palace
on Wheels)
Morning at leisure. Our "Palace on Wheels" experience starts
with a transfer to the railway station in time for a lovely
dinner on board. The whistle sounds and for the next 8 days we
will ride the rails in luxurious style. We settle into a
lavishly decorated coach, still emblazoned with the crest of the
royal family to which it once belonged. This is a sublime
atmosphere, a delightful treat for both body and mind.
Overnight: Aboard the Palace on Wheels
train (7 nights )
Day 04: Jaipur / Jaisalmer
We arrive in Jaipur, the beautiful rose pink capital of
Rajasthan. Our first land tour starts with a visit to Amber
Palace, a distinguished specimen of Rajput architecture on a
hill 12km / 7miles from Jaipur. After ascending the hill on
elephant back, arriving in proper style for the 17th century
when the palace was built, we are rewarded with splendid views
of the lake below. Lunch at Rambagh Palace Hotel. Our afternoon
tour of Jaipur is of the historical astronomical observatory
built by Jai Singh who founded the city. Next we visit the
Palace, which houses a rare collection of Indian art, followed
by the bazaar where we will have the opportunity to sharpen our
bargaining skills. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen, skilled in
brass inlay, lacquer work and stone setting. Most of the
buildings in the old city are made of pink sandstone and one of
the most beautiful of them is the Palace of Winds, where the
ladies of the royal harem used to view the city from behind the
intricately carved facade. We enjoy tea and dinner at Man Singh
Hotel after which we board our "Palace on Wheels" and head for
Jaisalmer
Day 05: Jaisalmer / Jodhpur
We arrive Jaisalmer in time for a tour of the Thar Desert and
the ancient capital of the Yadavas, where people still live in
buildings that date back to the 12th century. Each of these
buildings is a monument to the skills and creativity of the
Rajasthani craftsmen of medieval times with their exquisite
carvings and filigree work. Jaisalmer houses magnificent forts,
palaces, temples and elegant faced havelis with carvings in
yellow stone. The impact of early morning and late evening light
bathes Jaisalmer in a radiant effect giving this city an
ethereal beauty. Afternoon, at leisure. A camel ride at sunset
as the sky is set on fire and Rajasthani folk musicians play
haunting tunes will be an unforgettable experience. Dinner at
Moomal Bungalow. Tonight we rest in opulence as our train wheels
us off to Jodhpur (B, L, D)
Day 06: Jodhpur / Ranthambore
We notice the magnificence of Jodhpur as we arrive at the
railways station located in the heart of the city. Jodhpur
stands on a range of sandstone hills surrounded by a fortified
wall nearly 10kms / 6 miles in length, with seven gates.
Dominating the city is the massive fortress, safeguarding the
royal palaces with their collections of arms and priceless
jewels. Lunch at Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel. This afternoon we
take in Jodhpur. This evening we leave for Ranthambore.
Day 07: Ranthambhore / Chittaurgarh /
Udaipur
Early morning arrival and we are transferred by motor coach for
a safari in Ranthambhor National Park. This Project Tiger
Reserve surrounds the imposing ramparts of the 10th century
fort. Late morning we depart for Chittaurgarh and upon arrival
we visit the Chittaurgarh Fort lauded in legends of valour and
chivalry. Late evening our train whistles off for Udaipur.
Day 08: Udaipur / Bharatpur Bird
Sanctuary
What good timing! We arrive in time for a boat cruise providing
us an interesting and unique way to discover the beautiful city
of Udaipur. Set on the shores of Lake Pichola, the white palaces
and buildings of Udaipur seem like a fairy tale. We lunch in
true Maharajah style at The Palace. The Palace is located at the
centre of the lake and was once an actual Palace. The city
palace boasts a maze of intricate courtyards, patios and
balconies, complete with tile and mirror inlay work. Dinner is
another interesting feast at the Shivniwas Palace
Day 09: Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary / Agra
Morning, we head off for the Bharatpur Sanctuary. As dawn breaks
our slow moving boat works its way through the water right up to
the low trees where the birds congregate. From September to
November the lake itself is the most notable breeding centre of
thousands of indigenous water birds of over a dozen different
species. The rarest of these exotic visitors, the Siberian crane
comes to Bharatpur in small numbers, winters here exclusively.
After an interesting visit of Bharatpur we drive to Fatehpur
Sikri. Erected by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century,
this red sand stone city was soon deserted due to a shortage of
water. The climax of the day is of course Agra and our visit to
the most photographed building in the world - the Taj Mahal. The
legendary Taj Mahal, an eternally enchanting monument of love
that has inspired poets and painters alike through the ages,
stands in all its pristine beauty. Tonight we spend our last
night on the Palace on Wheels as we head to Delhi.
Day 10: Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival in Delhi we are cordially welcomed and transferred
to our hotel. The balance of the day is free to unwind and enjoy
the bazaars and the many, many monuments the city offers.
Overnight: Hotel in Delhi
Day 11: Delhi / departure
All good things come to an end. After what will have been a
holiday in royal style, we are transferred to the airport for
our flight. |
