Palace on Wheels Tour

The itinerary of Palace on Wheels, more or less, remains fixed. The train covers eight cities in a journey of eight days and seven nights. The cities covered include Delhi, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Chittorgarh, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bharatpur, and Agra. At the same time, the day of departure is also fixed for Wednesday. The train leaves Delhi on Wednesday and returns back on the next Wednesday (early morning). In the following lines, we have provided more information about Palace on Wheels itinerary...

Day 1 - Wednesday - New Delhi
The journey of a lifetime begins at 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 the colorful and fascinating Rajasthan. Be prepared to pamper your taste buds with an array of exotic delicacies served for dinner at the two restaurants onboard.

Reporting Time: 16.00 hrs, Departure: 18.30 hrs.

Day 2 - Thursday - Jaipur
The first stop of the Palace-on-Wheels is Jaipur, one of the well-planned cities in the world of 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 the Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds, which is a remarkable five-storied building, characterized by the semi-octagonal and delicate honey combed windows in pink sandstone. This stunning monument gives way for the magnificent Jantar Mantar, the largest stone astronomical observatory in the world. Pick up some intricate and attractive ornaments and souvenirs from the vibrant shopping destinations spread across India's handicraft capital. As the sun rises right above your cranium, give yourself a high dose of splendid beauty and luxurious luncheon at the Amber Fort. Enjoy the impressive architecture of Jai Mandir, followed by a lavish dinner at a five-star hotel. Retire for the day at the Palace-on-Wheels.

Arrival: 03.45 hrs, Departure: 23.30 hrs.

Day 3 - Friday - 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. 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 India's best for observing and photographing the activities of the tiger. The park, covering an area of 392 sq. km. is home to more than 300 species of birds. The tiger, hyena, rate, jackal, and fox are among those constituting the carnivorous population here. Sawai Madhopur is known for its excusive toys, ethnic ornaments, and lavish costumes. Upon your return to the Palace-on-Wheels, indulge in a sumptuous breakfast and leave for Chittorgarh, your next destination. The colorful countryside passing by in the daylight on your journey to Chittorgarh is sure to etch some lovely memories.

Arrival: 05.30 hrs, Departure: 10.30 hrs.

Day 3 - Friday - Chittorgarh
After lunch onboard, you arrive in Chittorgarh. Images of love and valor; scars of battles lost and won...thrice-besieged, Chittorgarh Fort is all this and much more. Capture the royal glimpses of Kumbha Palace and Padamini Palace, housed inside the fort, as memoires of Rajput architecture. Moving legends of honor and pride will echo in your mind as you proceed to Udaipur.

Arrival: 16.00 hrs, Departure: 02.00 hrs (next day i.e. on Saturday)

Day 4 - Saturday - Udaipur
Enjoy your breakfast onboard and set out to discover the true and eternal beauty of Rajasthan. Udaipur, the Lake City, was founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia Dynasty was driven away by the Mughals in 1559 AD. 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 Palace Hotel, you will be taken on a visit to Crystal Gallery, a museum of crystal glass furniture, crockery, and chandeliers of the bygone era. The boat ride enjoyed thereafter will complete your trip to Udaipur. Return back to the train to proceed towards your next stopover.

Arrival: 08:00 hrs, Departure: 15.30 hrs.

Day 5 - Sunday - Jaisalmer
In the heart of the Thar Desert, lies Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal in 11 56 AD. Here, the Sonar Quila Fort, built from yellow sandstone, is an imposing sight, towering magnificently over the city. Discover the painstakingly latticed havelis or mansions with their grand facades. The Nathmalgi ki Haveli, Patwon ki Haveli and Salim Singh ki Haveli are fine examples of the stone carver's skills. Shop for fine pattu shawls, mirror work and embroidered articles, wooden boxes, trinkets, silver jewelry, and curios at the local market.

After scrumptious Rajasthani lunch amidst traditional music at Moomal Hotel, set out to kiss the sweeping sand dunes, enjoy an exciting camel ride, and loose yourself in seclusion at Kuldhara - all amongst the vast Thar Desert. Witness the sun set at Samdhani by sipping a refreshing cup of tea, followed by a campfire cultural performance. You'll be guided for the dinner, with barbeque, at Palace Hotel. Return to the Palace-on-Wheels and call the day off.

Arrival: 09.15 hrs, Departure: 23.45 hrs.

Day 6 - Monday - Jodhpur
Next morning, the Palace-on-Wheels arrives 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 AD, 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. A visit to Umaid Bhawan Palace is bound to be a treat for your eyes. Gigantic, intricately sculpted, and boasting of royalty and grandness, this monument is the world's largest palace. After lunch at a five-star 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.

Arrival: 07.00 hrs. Departure: 15.30 hrs.

Day 7 - Tuesday - Bharatpur
The Palace-on-Wheels arrives in Bharatpur early in the morning. An erstwhile capital of Maharaja Suraj Mal, Bharatpur is home to Keoladeo Ghana National Park, one of the finest bird sanctuaries in the world. Capture the exotic and rare species, like egrets, Siberian cranes, migratory water fowl, and other species of birds, on your lens. The only fort with bastions of mud, Lohargarh Fort, or Iron Fort, is your next attraction at Bharatpur. Return to the Palace-on-Wheels after this breathtaking tour and gorge on a delicious breakfast. From here, set out for one of the most popular destinations for reviving romance in the world, Agra!

Arrival: 05.00 hrs. Departure: 08:45 hrs.

Day 7 - Tuesday - Agra
Upon arrival, visit the beguiling and captivating Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A pristine monument of undying and eternal love, it was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved queen, Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj is renowned for its splendid marble inlay work and engraved precious stones. Refresh your love further at the Palace Hotel, where you are escorted for lunch.

Arrival: 10:30 hrs, Departure: 23.00 hrs.

Day 8 - Wednesday - Delhi
Arrive at Delhi Safdarjung Railway station in the early hours. Have your breakfast onboard and allow the incredible and awe-inspiring memories of the past week engrave an enduring mark on your mind and heart for years to come.

Arrival: 04.00 hrs.