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Day 01
New
Delhi |
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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. |
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Day 02
Jaipur |
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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
Swai 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. 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 the
Sawai Jai Singh II. The Luxury coaches will take you back to Palace
on Wheels around 6.30 pm.
Dinner on Board. |
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Day 03
Jaisalmer |
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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 programmes at a hotel in Jaisalmer.
The train leaves for Jodhpur at night. |
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Day 04
Jodhpur |
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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 lies 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. |
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Day 05
Sawai
Madhopur |
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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
Ranthambhor 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 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
Chittaurgarh, when one gets an opportunity to watch the colourful
countryside passing by in the daylight. |
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Day 05
Chittorgarh |
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After
lunch on board you are in Chittorgarh. Images of love and valour;
scars of battles lost and won….thrice-beseiged, Chittorgarh Fort is
all this and more. |
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Day 06
Chittorgarh - Udaipur |
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Moving legends of honour and pride will echo in your mind as you
proceed to 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 a visit to City Palace is
exhilarating.
In the evening visit the crystal gallery. Later proceed to Bharatpur
on board Palace on Wheels
Day 07 : To Bharatpur (Tuesday) Arrive 0630 Hrs - Departure 1145
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. |
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Day 07
Bharatpur |
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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 Safdarjung Train Station,
New Delhi 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. |
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