DAY 1 : DELHI
Delhi is a heady amalgam of the quaint charisma of the bygone years
and the exhilarating ride on the wings of technology. The city has always
been the center of politics and hence has several edifices of great
historical significance. The Mughal invasions since the early 13th century
and the British conquest have left their distinct imprints on the soul
of Delhi. The Old Fort, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Qutub Minar, Jantar Mantar,
Rashtrapati Bhawan, Raj Ghat and India Gate are amongst the significant
monuments you can visit while in Delhi.
1600 hours: You will arrive at the Delhi Cantonment Railway Station
for check in and boarding the Palace On Wheels maharaja train tour.
1745 hours: Departure for the adventure of a lifetime.
1930 hours: Dinner is served on board.
DAY
2 : JAIPUR
Famous as "The Pink City", Jaipur, is the capital of Rajasthan. Jaipur
has witnessed the splendour of the Rajput and Mughal royalty and its
monuments are the living testimonies of the magnificence of that era.
Visit the Hawa Mahal - Palace of Winds - with a profusion of windows
and stone screens. The Jantar Mantar is the 18th century stone observatory.
Behold the stunning architecture of the City Palace and the Amber Fort-on
the outskirts of Jaipur and its former capital.
0000 hours: Arrive in Jaipur.
0730 hours: Breakfast is served on board.
0830 hours: Enjoy city Sightseeing.
1300 hours: Lunch at the Rambagh Palace Hotel.
1700 hours: Departure for Jaisalmer.
2000 hours: Dinner on board.
DAY
3 : JAISALMER
Jaisalmer is the land of ancient sandstone "Havelis" (mansions). The
attractions of this 12th century city comprise of monuments that have
retained their age-old style and character. A fourth of the city's residents
still reside within the walls of the Jaisalmer Fort. Famous for its
latticed windows and balconies, the Patwon ki Haveli is the most magnificent
mansion. Visit the three-hundred-year-old Salim Singh ki Haveli. The
Gadsisar Sagar Tank is a scenic lake enveloped by lovely shrines and
archways.
0615 hours: Arrival in Jaisalmer.
0730 hours: Breakfast on board.
0830 hours: Enjoy a tour of Jaisalmer this morning.
1300 hours: Lunch is on board and rest.
1700 hours: Visit the famous sand dunes and experience the thrill of
a camel safari.
1930 hours: Dinner while enjoying a cultural programme.
2300 hours: Departure for Jodhpur.
DAY
4: JODHPUR
The old Jodhpur city, founded by Rao Jodhaji in 1459 AD, is encircled
by a ten kilometer long wall having eight gates that serve as entrances.
The new city is settled around this walled area. Jodhpur is a fine blend
of modern and traditional buildings. Housed within the Mehrangarh Fort
are the famous palaces, Moti Mahal and Phool Mahal. Jaswant Thada is
the 19th century royal cenotaph, which is constructed out of thin sheets
of white marble that allow the sun to filter through. A portion of the
Umaid Bhawan Palace has been converted into a museum. The architectural
splendors of these remnants will enthrall you.
0730 hours: Breakfast is served on board.
0800 hours: Arrival in Jodhpur.
0830 hours: Enjoy local Sightseeing this morning.
1300 hours: Lunch at the Umaid Bhawan Palace.
1530 hours: Departure for Sawai Madhopur.
2000 hours: Dinner on board.
DAY
5: SAWAI MADHOPUR - CHITTAURGARH
Sawai Madhopur is the gateway to the Ranthambhor National Park, the
famous Tiger Reserve. The reserve has a variety of diverse wildlife,
including the Indian tiger, hyena, nilgai, wild boar, fox and over three
hundred species of birds. Built in 994 AD, the Ranthambhor Fort still
has ruined pavilions, walls, chhatris and impressive monuments.
Chittaurgarh was the abode of passionate men and women whose courage
and dignity have become legendary. The Chittaurgarh Fort, built in the
7th century, has many vestiges of heroism. Padmini's Palace is also
situated in the fort. Visit the Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory) and
the Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame).
0400 hours: Arrival in Sawai Madhopur.
0630 hours: Breakfast on board.
0700 hours: Visit the Ranthambhore National Park to spot India's endangered
fauna.
1100 hours: Departure for Chittaurgarh.
1300 hours: Lunch on board.
1530 hours: Arrival in Chittaurgarh.
1600 hours: Visit the Fort late this afternoon.
2000 hours: Dinner on board.
DAY
6: UDAIPUR
Udaipur has come to be known as the "Venice of the East". The rugged
fortresses, charming palaces, sandy terrain, lakes and forested hills
brimming with wildlife will become a part of your most cherished memories.
The Lake Palace and Jag Mandir are situated amid the Lake Pichola. Also
explore the City Palace and Sahelion ki Bari.
0645 hours: Breakfast on board.
0730 hours: Enjoy a Sightseeing of the one of the most romantic cities
in the world.
1230 hours: Lunch at the legendary Lake Palace Hotel.
2000 hours: Departure for Bharatpur.
2000 hours: Dinner on board.
DAY
7: BHARATPUR - AGRA
A wonderland for birds, visit the renowned Keoladeo Ghana National park
at Bharatpur, once the preserve of the Maharaja of Bharatpur and now
a world heritage site. It is home to 300 species of birds some flying
in from as far as Siberia and China.
0600 hours : Arrival at Bharatpur and visit the world famous bird sanctuary.
0830 hours : Breakfast at the Bharatpur Forest Lodge
From Bharatpur it is 22 km (14 miles) to Fatehpur Sikri by coach.
The town is still completely preserved. It was built by the Mogul emperor
Akbar in the 16th century but abandoned a short time later because of
an acute lack of water. It is still possible to see spacious courtyards,
an audience hall and the palace complex, which is made up of apartments.
The
climax of the journey will surely be the visit to Agra to see the Taj
Mahal, one of the seven modern wonders of the world. Emperor Shah Jahan
had it built in white marble over a period of twenty years as a mausoleum
and symbol of his love for his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal. The massive
fort in Agra encloses in its high walls the Diwan-e-Khas (private reception
hall), Diwan-e-Am (public reception hall) and other sights worth seeing.
1030 hours : You will be driven to Fatehpur Sikri - to visit the deserted
mughal capital
1300 hours : Lunch at the Mughal Sheraton Hotel / on board the train
1500 hours : Enjoy a tour of Agra this afternoon
2000 hours : Departure for Delhi and dinner on board
DAY
8: DELHI
0600 hours : Welcome back to Delhi Cantonment Railway Station to step
back from fantasy to reality.
(Note : You can disembark from the train after breakfast by 0745 hrs)
Departure dates from Delhi (Cantonment Station): every Wednesday from
September to April.
Length of journey: 8 days and seven nights. Departure from Delhi on
Wednesday evening, return to Delhi the following Wednesday morning.
