Jaipur : The first
stop of Palace on Wheels is Jaipur, one of the most well
planned cities of the world of its time. This capital
city of Rajasthan, popularly known as the Pink City, was
founded by Maharaja Swai Jai Singh II, in1727 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 storeyed building along the main street of the old
city in pink splendor 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 ambiance. 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 the Sawai Jai Singh II. The
Luxury coaches will take you back to Palace on Wheels
around 6.30 pm. Dinner on Board.
Day 02
Jaisalmer : In the
heart of the Thar Desert lies Jaisalmer, founded by
Rawal Jaisal, in 1156A.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 & 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 03
Jodhpur :Next morning
the Palace on wheels is in 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. 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
royal Palace hotel, return to the Palace on Wheels.
While in Jodhpur shop for the exquisite handcrafted
articles including the famous breeches, embroidered
shoes, metal curios, silverware, paintings and tie and
dye fabrics.
Day 04
Sawai Madhopur : 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 Ranthambhor
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
Chittaurgarh : After
lunch on board you are in Chittaurgarh. Images of love
and valour; scars of battles lost and
won….thrice-beseiged, Chittaurgarh Fort is all this and
more. Moving legends of honour and pride will echo in
your mind as you proceed to Udaipur.
Day 06
Udaipur :From
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 1559A.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 Pichhola. After lunch at Lake Palace Hotel a visit
to 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
Bharatpur : Early
next morning, the Palace 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 nesting place of thousands of Egrets,
Siberian Cranes, migratory Water Fowl and other species
of birds.
Day 08
Agra : 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 the Sheikh Salim
Chisti, 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
jewelry. After dinner on board and a good night’s sleep,
arrive at Delhi Cantt. at 6.00 hrs the next morning and
let the pleasant memories of the past week linger on
your mind for a long, long time.
