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Palace on Wheels - Itinerary
07
Nights / 08 Days Palace on Wheels Tour
In the course of its 7 nights and 8 days itinerary, Palace
on Wheels touches almost all the important tourist attractions
in Rajasthan and offers you stunning views of Taj Mahal. There
is no better introduction to Rajasthan than a tour on Palace
on Wheels.
Day 01, Wed
:- Delhi /Jaipur ( 16.00 / 18.30 Hrs. )
Place: Delhi Cantt. Railway Station.
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 02, Thu :- Jaipur ( 02.00/ 19.30 Hrs. )
You will be greeted by caparisoned elephants and strains of
the Shehnai & Welcome to the Pink city of Jaipur. Lunch at
Rambagh Palace. Discover Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh fort, Amber
fort& silent sentinels of a glorious era.
To explore the city, an air-conditioned coach takes you to
Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, which is a remarkable five
storeyed building along the main street of the old city in
pink splendour 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 ambience. 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 Sawai Jai Singh II. The luxury coaches will take
you back to Palace-On-Wheels around 6.30 p.m. Dinner on board.
Day 03, Fri
:- Jaisalmer ( 08.15 / 23.00 Hrs. )
In the heart of the Thar Desert lies Jaisalmer, founded
by Rawal Jaisal, in 1156 A.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 and 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.
Day 04, Sat
:- Jodhpur ( 07.00/ 15.30 Hrs. )
Next morning the Palace-On-Wheels is in Jodhpur, a city
ringed by a high stonewall 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 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.
Day 05, Sun
:- Sawai Madhopur ( 04.00/ 10.30 Hrs. )
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 Ranthabor 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.
Day 05, Sun
:- Chittaurgarh ( Arr. 16.00 Hrs )
After lunch on board you are in Chittaurgarh. Images
of love and valour, scars of battles lost and won& thrice-besieged.
Chittaurgarh Fort is all this and more. Moving legends of
honour and pride will echo in mind as you proceed to Udaipur.
Day 06, Mon
:- Udaipur ( Arr. 20.00 Hrs. ( frm Chittaurgarh ))
The Luxury Coach will take you to Udaipur, the Lake City,
the next morning. It was founded by Maharana Udai Singh of
Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty was driven away by the Mughals,
in 1559 A.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 Pichola. After lunch at Lake Palace Hotel, a visit
to the City Palace is exhilarating. The luxury coach then
takes you back to the Palace-On-Wheels at Chittaurgarh, thus
winding up a day full of delights.
Day 07, Tue
:- Bharatpur ( 06.30/ 11.45 Hrs. )
Early next morning, the Palace-On-Wheels 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 nestling place for thousands of Egrets, Siberian
Cranes, migratory Water Fowl and other species of birds.
Day 07, Tue
:- Agra ( 14.30/ 23.00 Hrs )
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 Sheikh Salim Chishti, 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 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 08, Wed
:- Delhi ( Arr. 06.00 Hrs. )
Arrive back at Delhi Cantt. station and proceed for onward
journey or to take a flight back home.
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