The Palace on Wheels is one of the most exciting and luxurious rail journeys in the world. Proceed to the royal destinations each day with a royal treatment on board. Everything including dining and accommodation is provided on board. You have to step down only for sightseeing and shopping. Lead the life of a Maharaja for a week and explore the Land of the Royals onboard Palace on Wheels.
The tour commences in the evening with a ceremonial welcome onboard the Palace on Wheels at Delhi Cantonment Railway Station.
Dinner will be Served Onboard the Two Restaurants.
Thursday Day 02: Jaipur
0000 Hours: Arrival
Welcome to Jaipur, the Pink City known for it's fascinating forts, places and temples. Your tour begins next morning with the visit to Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, followed by a visit to the Amber Fort. Enjoy the ride of a beautifully decorated elephants.
Shop to the hilt for local handicrafts, gifts and souvenirs at Rajasthali, the State's Handicrafts emporium. A mouth-watering lunch is laid for you at the majestic Rambagh Palace.
Visit the City Palace and its museum, Jantar Mantar-the astronomical observatory later in the day. An evening of cultural program where you will get to see enthralling dance and music performances followed by dinner at Jai Mahal Palace.
2230 Hours: Departure from Jaipur
The train departs from the Pink City at 22.30 hours for Jaisalmer. Jaipur became the capital of the Kachchwaha dynasty when they shifted here from their hilltop fort of Amber. The origins of the planned city of Jaipur can be traced back to the 18th century during the reign of Sawai Jai Singh II. He ascended the Amber throne in 1699 AD and initiated the work of constructing the city in 1727 AD. Named after the king, Jaipur was completed in 1731 AD. The city was built according to the principles of Vastu Shastra. In the center of the city is the seven-tiered palace of the royal family. Gardens, temples, Astronomical Observatory, mansions, business houses and markets were developed around it.
Jaipur also offers an opportunity for shopping of the ethnic handicrafts. The city is a major center for the cutting and polishing of gems and stones. There are a large number of heritage hotels, i.e., palaces converted into hotels. Both Rambagh Palace and Jal Mahal are intimately associated with the history of Jaipur. Rambagh Palace was the last palace in which the former Maharaja of Jaipur and his Maharani Gayatri Devi and now Rajmata or Queen Mother of Jaipur, resided. The palace retained most of its original furnishings and artifacts. The famous Polo Bar also displays pictures of the last Maharaja with English Aristocracy and other important guests.
Friday Day 03: Jaisalmer
06.15 hours: Arrival
Welcome to Jaisalmer, the Golden City. Spend the day visiting Jaisalmer Fort, one of the greatest Royal Bastions of the World. After enjoying a camel safari, dinner will be served under the open sky at a campsite along with cultural performances. Board the train to resume your journey.
2300 Hours: Departure from Jaisalmer
The Golden City of Jaisalmer has an interesting legend associated with the founding of Jaisalmer. Lord Krishna, the head of the Yadav Clan, predicted to Arjuna that a remote descendent of the Yadav Clan would set up his kingdom on the top of the Trikuta Hill. His prediction was fulfilled in 1156 AD when Rawal Jaisal, a descendent of the Yadav Clan and a Bhatti Rajput, deserted his fort at Lodurva and established a new capital -Jaisalmer on the Trikuta Hill.
Saturday Day 04: Jodhpur
0800 hours: Arrival
Welcome to Jodhpur. Spend the morning at Mehrangarh Fort. The fort is reached through a steep path. Look at the number of painted and gilded apartments with windows and balconies. Royal arms-swords, daggers, spears, matchlock guns; battle tent grabbed from Emperor Jahangir; chariots and carriages; cribs and beds; royal throne; musical instruments and turbans can be seen at the fort.
Lunch is arranged at Umaid Bhawan Palace. Built as a famine relief project, it is the largest art-deco residence in the world. Part of it is now residence of the head of the royal family and the rest has been converted into a museum and luxury heritage hotel.
1530 Hours: Departure from Jodhpur
The imperial city of Jodhpur was once the capital of the Marwar state. Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs founded it in 1459 AD.
Unwind and relaxing at the palace after lunch. Dinner and overnight on board.
Sunday Day 05: Sawai Madhopur - Ranthambore - Chittorgarh
0400 hours: Arrival at Sawai Madhopur
Welcome to Sawai Madhopur. Spend the morning with the wilds of Ranthambore National Park. Ranthambore National Park is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. Look out for the tigers, deer and crocodiles near the lakes. Watch out for the ramparts of the Ranthambore Fort and the former hunting lodge, Jogi Mahal.
The best time to visit the park is early morning.
1100 Hours: Departure from Ranthambore
1530 Hours: Arrival at Chittorgarh
Welcome to Chittorgarh. Chittorgarh is one of the most violently contested seats of power in India because of its significant position. Lunch and dinner are served on board the train.
Monday Day 06: Udaipur
0730 Hours: Arrival
Welcome to Udaipur. Spend the day sight seeing at Udaipur. The City of Dawn is a picturesque city spread around the bright blue lake and enclosed by the green hills of the Aravallis. Udaipur, the Jewel of Mewar, is a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 Years. It is one of the oldest surviving dynasties of the world. The city was established around 1567 A.D.
Lunch is served at the Lake Palace, the fabulous island palace, now converted into luxury heritage hotel.
2000 Hours: Departure from Udaipur
Dinner will be served on board.
Tuesday Day 07: Bharatpur - Agra - Delhi
0600 Hours: Arrival at Bharatpur
Welcome to Bharatpur. Visit the Keoladeo Ghana National Park in the morning. There are over 300 species of local and migratory birds; most famous of them all is the Siberian Cranes.
1030 Hours: Arrival at Fatehpur Sikri
Welcome to Fatehpur Sikri. Emperor Akbar built it as his capital city in the late 16th century. Built of red sandstone, the fort looks like poetry on stone. But it was abandoned after the completion of the city due to scarcity of water.
1500 Hours: Arrival at Agra
Welcome to Agra. Lunch is laid for you at the hotel. Later visit Taj Mahal. The most visited and photographed monument in India, Taj Mahal is the reason why tourists visit Agra in such great numbers. Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal as a memorial for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Built of white marble with inlay work, it took 22 years to complete Taj. The Persian architect Ustad Isa designed the Taj Mahal.
2000 Hours: Departure from Agra
The visit to the Taj is the fitting finale to the royal journey through the imperial and historical cities of Rajasthan. Palace on Wheels departs for Delhi. Dinner and overnight on board.
0740 Hours: Arrival at Delhi.
Finally, the royal tour comes to an end.