Palace on wheels
Welcome aboard one of the world’s most legendary and comfortable trains. Before India’s independence, the Palace on Wheels used the comfortable chariots of British viceroys, Hyderabad’s ruling nizams, kings and rulers of royal regions such as Gujarat and Rajputana. When India became independent in 1947, this came to an end and the royal carriages were unused for almost 25 years, but were upgraded to today’s top standard with air conditioning, 2 restaurant carriages, wifi, bar, library and more. In 1981 the modern Palace on Wheels rolled for the first time and in 1982 Indian Railways and Rajasthan Tourism joined forces and launched the Palace on Wheels current route in Rajasthan and to Agra. Palace on Wheels was India’s first luxury train and has been named the world’s best luxury train and is today considered one of the 4 best.
Day 1. Departure to India (Delhi)
You fly to India’s capital Delhi. Meals are included on the long-haul flight.
Day 2. Arrival in Delhi
In the morning arrival in New Delhi. Your local guide will meet at the airport and arrange a transfer to your hotel. Enjoy free time maybe a dip in the pool. Overnight in New Delhi.
Day 3. Delhi
After breakfast, a half-day city tour of New Delhi, including a visit to Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India, which was started by Qutub-ud-din Aibak in 1199 by demolishing 27 Hindu and Jain temples and building Quwwat instead. -ulIslam mosque. Then visit the tomb of Humayun, built by the widow of the other Mughal emperor, Humayun, a unique Indo-Persian monument, a forerunner of the Taj Mahal. Pass the impressive India Gate, Parliament and Rastrapati Bhawan, the Presidential residence. After the tour back to the hotel and the rest of the day free time. Overnight in Delhi (Breakfast)
Day 4. Boarding Palace on Wheels
Half day city tour of Old Delhi. The tour begins with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; continue past Red Fort to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s largest mosques. It was the last architectural extravaganza of the Mughal emperor Shahjahan built in 1656, opposite Red Fort, with the help of 5,000 workers. The mosque is also known as the Masjid-I-Jahanuma, which means “mosque with an overview of the world”. The program also includes Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of the most sacred temples of the Sikhs. A little later in the afternoon transfer to Safdarjung railway station. Kl. At 6.30 pm, the brightly decorated Palace on Wheels begins its eight-day odyssey through the scenic landscape and India’s rich cultural heritage. Dinner is served on board in the evening. Overnight on the train. (Breakfast and dinner)
Day 5. Jaipur
In the morning, travelers are served a delicious breakfast on board the Palace on Wheels as it rolls into the pink city in a royal manner.
Departure by bus to visit treasures and other objects at the Albert Hall Museum, followed by a variety of architectural wonders – Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, City Palace etc. A delicious lunch is served at a good local restaurant, followed by a visit to the mighty Amber Fort – adorned with red sandstone and balls that testify to its constant charm. After the visit, there is time to feel the lively atmosphere of the local markets, where you can buy a variety of items including crafts, sweets and local delights. In the evening, dinner is served on board the Palace on Wheels, after which the odyssey continues to Sawai Madhopur. Overnight on the train. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 6. Sawai Madhopur – Chittorgarh
Early in the morning there will be a safari in Ranthambore National Park in the heart of the Aravalli Mountains and Vindhya Range. After the safari in Ranthambore, the entourage rolls on towards Chittorgarh. Palace on Wheels arrives at Chittorgarh at 15.00, after which there will be an opportunity to explore fortresses and castles from a bygone era, which show the heroism and pride of the Rajput clan. During a short city tour, it is shown what the city has to offer. Dinner is served on board the Palace on Wheels. Overnight on the train. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 7. Udaipur
Palace on Wheels arrives in Udaipur in the middle of the night and after breakfast on board you will be taken on a trip to the city’s famous historic garden Saheliyon Ki Bari, which is the city’s most popular tourist destination with kiosks, a lotus pool and marble elephants. Then visit the City Palace and the Crystal Gallery which gives a breathtaking insight into its cultural significance. A sumptuous lunch then awaits at the Fateh Prakash Hotel, after which the tour continues by boat to the beautiful Jagmandir Palace for tea. In the afternoon, the Palace on Wheel continues its journey through Rajasthan and towards its northwestern border and the next stop Jaisalmer. Overnight on the train. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 8. Jaisalmer
To Rajasthan’s last bastion, the picturesque town of Jaisalmer, located deep in the Thar Desert, reaches the Palace on Wheels in the morning.
Travelers are offered a sightseeing tour of the tranquil site at Gadsasir Sagar Lake, stunning forts and countless havelias – including Patwon ki Haveli and Nathmal ji ki Haveli – which make it easier to understand the ruling power of that time and show how ethical it was in days gone by . Just before midnight, Palace on Wheels departs from the desert city of Jaisalmer and rolls on towards Jodhpur. Overnight on the train. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 9. Jodhpur
Palace on Wheels arrives at “The Blue City” Jodhpur. Here you will have the opportunity to discover the architectural and magnificent wonders of Mehrangarh Fort and the Jaswanth Thada Memorial. Contemplate a piece of history at the Umaid Bhavan Museum and be tempted at the nearby local markets. A large lunch is served at Ajit Bhawan Royal Palace, after which Palace on Wheels departs for the next stop in Bharatpur. Overnight on the train. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 10. Bharatpur – Agra
The day begins with a recreational visit to Keola Deo National Park. Maharadjans, of Bharatpur, formerly a duck hunting reserve, is now a reserve for bird watching and photography. After the bird watching, breakfast is served on board the Palace on Wheels, which then rolls on towards Agra and the state of Uttar Pradesh. After arriving at Agra Railway Station, there will be a first visit to the historic Agra Fort, and then the Mughals’ most famous wonder, the Taj Mahal. Afterwards, a delicious lunch is served, followed by shopping and exploring the local markets. In the evening, Palace on Wheels begins the last stage of the odyssey, which means the trip back to the capital Delhi. Overnight on the train. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 11. Palace on Wheels arrives in Delhi
The incredible journey aboard the Palace on Wheels reaches its final destination with the return to Safdarjung Railway Station in Delhi.
Travelers are served an early breakfast, after which the staff say goodbye to all travelers. After arrival at Saftarjung station, transfer to your hotel in Delhi. The rest of the day is free time in the capital of India. (Standard check-in time is 1400 hours) Overnight at hotel in Delhi. (Breakfast)
Day 12. Return from Delhi
After breakfast, transfer to the airport and return to your place of departure. Food is served on the long flight.
