Palace On Wheels

DAY 1 - WEDNESDAY - NEW DELHI

The journey of a lifetime begins at the Delhi Safdarjung Railway 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 2 - THURSDAY - JAIPUR

The first stop of the Palace on Wheels is Jaipur, one of the most well planned cities of the world for its time. This capital city of Rajasthan, popularly known as the Pink City,was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727 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 with semi-octagonal and delicate honey combed sandstone windows. This is followed by a visit to Amber Fort where elephant ride is available to climb up to the top of the hill. Enjoy lunch at a five star hotel followed by a visit to City Palace Museum and Jantar Mantar Observatory.

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DAY 3 - FRIDAY - SAWAI MADHOPUR

One can almost sense the life of the wilderness, as the Palace on Wheels arrives in Sawai Madhopur. After breakfast, a visit is arranged to the Ranthambhor National Park, wherein are located the ruins of a 10th century fort. The park, covering an area of 392 sq. km. is home to more than 300 species of birds. The tiger, hyena, jackal and fox are among those constituting the carnivorous population here. Upon return to the Palace on Wheels, you leave for Chittaurgarh, where one gets an opportunity to watch the colourful countryside passing by in the daylight.

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DAY 3 - FRIDAY - CHITTAURGARH

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 honor and pride will echo in your mind as you proceed to Udaipur.

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DAY 4 - SATURDAY - UDAIPUR

Udaipur, the Lake City, 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 palacesv - the Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) and the Jag Mandir, which appears to rise from the blue waters of Lake Pichhola. After lunch at a five star hotel, visit the City Palace.

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DAY 5 - SUNDAY - JAISALMER

In the heart of the Thar Desert lies Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1 1 56 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 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 dinner and cultural porgramme at a five star hotel.

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DAY 6 - MONDAY - JODHPUR

Early the next morning, the Palace-on-Wheels reaches 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. 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 handicraft articles including the famous breeches, embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics.

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DAY 7 - TUESDAY - BHARATPUR

In the morning, the Palace on Wheels arrives in Bharatpur, once the capital of Maharaja Suraj Mal. After breakfast, visit the world famous bird sanctuary, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, the nesting place for thousands of Egrets, Siberian Cranes, migratory Water Fowl and other species of birds. Later in the day, upon arrival in Agra, visit the Agra Fort. After lunch, arrive at the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. Agra is known for its splendid marble inlay work like the Pietra Dura work on the Taj, leather goods and jewellery.

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DAY 8 - WEDNESDAY - DELHI

Arrive at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station. Breakfast on board as you allow the pleasant memories of the past week to linger on your mind for a long, long time.

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