(11 nights/12 days)

Delhi - Jaipur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Sawai Madhopur - Chttaurgarh - Udaipur - Bharatpur - Agra

The Palace on Wheels is the ultimate centerpiece of a visit to the royal state of Rajasthan.
A subtle balance of Rajasthani culture and cuisine and modern comforts means that you can enjoy the best of everything - traveling like maharaja and experiencing the many and mystical wonders of Rajasthan.
Enjoy the ultimate Indian luxury rail journey, which explores the wonders of Royal Rajasthan in style on board the 'Palace on Wheels'. The following itinerary will provide a true journey of distinction and will prove perfect for anyone with a love of the Royalty.

Day 01 - Monday

Arrive Indira Gandhi International Airport at New Delhi. Upon clearing customs and immigration, you are met by a Group Tours to India Representative who will present you with a welcome packet including all necessary documentation.
Transfer to the hotel for check-in and day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 02 - Tuseday

Full day excursion includes a visit to the outstanding National Crafts Museum, with its superb collection of art and artifacts from all over India, and observe craftsmen working on-site. Travel to Humayun's tomb, precursor to the Taj Mahal, and one of the early examples of Mughal architecture.

Day 03. Wednesday

Reporting Time: 16.00 hrs. Departure 18.30 hrs
New Delhi -

Day 04 - Thursday

Arrival: 02.00 hrs. Departure 19.30 hrs
Jaipur -
A warm greeting by caparisoned elephants and strain of the Shehnai & welcome to the Pink city of Jaipur, the state capital of Rajasthan that owes its name and planning to Maharaja Jai Singh II who founded the city in 1727. Lunch at the famous Rambagh Palace. Ride the painted elephant to the magnificent fortress-palace at Amber. Later visit the Hawa Mahal, City Palace and the nearby Jantar Mantar observatory
To visit the city, an air-conditioned coach takes you to Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds. One of the most photographed monuments in India, it is an outstanding five storeyed building overlooking main street of the old city. It was originally built to enable the ladies of the royal household to watch the everyday life and processions of the city. This is followed by a visit to Amber Fort, eight kms. Away, where rides on painted elephants add to the ambience. Shop for Jaipur's famous jewellery, blue pottery, handicrafts, carpets, and textiles. Adjacent to the Ajmeri Gate is located Rajasthali - the only Rajasthan Govt. Emporium selling authentic handicrafts at fixed prices.
The City Palace, located in the canter of the old city, is a large compound of courtyards, buildings, and gardens, and also houses an interesting museum. Adjacent to the City Palace is Jantar Mantar, the observatory built by Raja Jai Singh, whose penchant for astronomy was even more famous than his military prowess.
After lunch at a Palace Hotel, Proceed to the City Palace, located in the heart of the old city. Home of the erstwhile royal family, it is a large complex of courtyards, buildings, and gardens, and also houses an interesting museum. Right across the road from the City Palace is the Jantar Mantar, the largest astronomical observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh II, who is better known as an astronomer than a king. The luxury coaches will take you back to Palace-On-Wheels around 6.30 p.m. Dinner on board.

Day 05. Friday

Arrival: 08.15 hrs. Departure 23.00 hrs
Jaisalmer -
November 12 Jaisalmer
The medieval city of Jaisalmer lies in the heart of the Thar Desert and rises like a jewel from the sands of Great Indian Desert. The imposing fort made of yellow sandstone towers brilliantly over the city. Discover Jaisalmer's exquisitely carved havelis (mansions) and palaces. Patwon-ki-haveli, Nathmalji-ki-haveli and Salim Singh-ki-haveli are fine examples of the artisans' skill.
Spend time at Rajasthali- the only Rajasthan Govt. emporium, and shop some fine pattu shawls, wooden boxes, mirror work and embroidered articles, silver jewellery, trinkets and curios.
After lunch on board, venture into the desert on a camel safari on the sand dunes of Sam, before sipping a refreshing cup of tea. Enjoy the special dinner and the cultural programs at a hotel in Jaisalmer.
The train leaves for Jodhpur at night.

Day 06. Saturday

Arrival: 07.00 hrs. Departure 15.30 hrs
Jodhpur -
Palace-On-Wheels reaches Jodhpur in the morning. The second largest city of Rajasthan and founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 A.D. Jodhpur is dominated by the massive Mehrangarh Fort. The city is encircled by a high stonewall with seven gates and many bastions. Explore the fort complex and the beautiful royal palaces within its walls such as Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana; each containing collections of priceless jewels and armor. These majestic palaces are striking examples of architectural brilliance. Adjacent to the fort complex is Jaswant Thada, and a cluster of royal cenotaphs made of white marble. Enjoy lunch at a palace hotel, and then shop for exquisite handicrafts including the famous embroidered shoes, breeches, metal curios, painting, silverware as well as tie and dye fabrics.
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, painting and tie and dye fabrics.
Embark the Palace on Wheels this afternoon and enjoy an evening ride through the countryside.

Day 07. Sunday

Arrival: 04.00 hrs. Departure 10.30 hrs
Sawai Madhopur -
Travel through India's countryside to the town of Sawai Madhopur, home to the picturesque Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve. The town derives its name from its founder Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur. Go on a morning game drive to the Ranthambhore National Park where you can spot langurs, leopards, wild boars, monkeys, nilgai, spotted deer, chinkaras, sloth bears, and tigers. Here you can locate the ruins of a 10th century fort. The wildlife reserve revels in reputation of being India's best for seeing and photographing the activities of the tiger. Spread out on an area of 392 sq. kms the park is also home to more than 300 species of birds. The tiger, ratel, hyena, fox and jackal are among those constituting the carnivorous population here. Sawai Madhopur is famous for its exclusive toys, ethnic ornaments and costumes. Later embark the Palace on Wheels this afternoon to Chittaurgarh. On arrival, explore the city's imposing fort, which conjures up images of romance, valor and chivalry and displays the scars of battles lost and won.

Day 08. Monday

Arrival: 16.00 hrs.
Chittaurgarh -
An embodiment of Rajput pride and valor, Chittorgarh reverberates with the spirit of heroism and sacrifice, which is beautifully captured in the folklores sung by the bards of Rajasthan. Chittorgarh main claim to fame is the massive fort on the hilltop, which is a lavish testimony to the Rajput culture and values. The fort stands on a 240-hectares site on an 180m high hill that rises rapidly from the plains below.

Day 09. Tuesday

Arrival: 20.00 hrs. from Chittaurgarh
Udaipur
The Luxury Coach will take you to Udaipur, the Lake City, bounded by three beautiful lakes and the Aravalli hills and dotted with narrow, meandering streets; colorful temples and ivory-colored mansions. Founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar in 1559, Udaipur is synomous with romance. Later, sail to the fairy-tale Lake Palace Hotel set in the middle of the blue waters of Lake Pichola. Take lunch at Lake Palace, and then proceed on to City Palace. After sightseeing the City Palace, return to Palace-On-Wheels at Chittaurgarh.

Day 10. Wednesday

Arrival: 06.30 hrs. Departure 11.45 hrs
Bharatpur -
Early next morning, the Palace-On-Wheels arrives in Bharatpur, which is considered to be one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world. Consisting of 29Kms of fresh water swamp the sanctuary was originally the preserve of the Maharaja of Bharatpur. The sanctuary known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park is home to more than 350 species of birds including herons, Siberian Cranes, egrets, migratory waterfowls and other species of birds.

Day 11. Thursday

Arrival: 14.30 hrs. Departure 23.00 hrs
Agra -
During the day visit nearby deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri, India's "Pompeii" once a glittering imperial capital, later mysteriously abandoned. Today you'll see the remarkably well preserved building and red sandstone palaces. Overnight at hotel.
Arrive at Fatehpur Sikri, India's "Pompeii" once a glittering imperial capital, later mysteriously abandoned. This red sandstone Mughal palatial complex was built by Akbar. Within the enclosure is a mosque dedicated to Sheikh Salim Chishti, a Muslim Sufi saint who gave his blessings to Akbar for a son. After lunch proceed to the Agra Fort (also called Red Fort), noted for its fine views of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna River. Then move on to the Taj, the single most important sight a visitor to India can see. The most extravagant monument ever built for love, Taj was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal.
Agra is noted for its splendid marble inlay work known as the Pietra Dura exquisitely employed on the Taj, leather goods and jewellery.
After dinner on board and a good night's sleep, arrive at Delhi Cantt at 06.00 hrs the next morning and let the pleasant memories of the past week linger on your mind for a long, long time.

Day 12. Friday

Delhi >> Arrive. 0600 HRS
Arrive back at Delhi Cantt. Station and proceed for onward journey or to take a flight back home.