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| Itinerary
of Palace on Wheels
Day
- 1 Wednesday, New Delhi (Reporting time 17.00 hrs. Dep.
18.30 hrs.)
The journey of lifetime begins at the Delhi Cantonment 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.
Day - 2 Thursday, Jaipur (Arrival 2.00 hrs. Dep. 19.15
hrs.)
The first stop of the Palace - on - Wheels is Jaipur, one
of the most well - planned cities of the world in its time.
The capital of Rajasthan, popularly known as the 'Pink City',
was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727 AD 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 along the main street of the old city in
pink splendor with semi - octagonal and dedicate 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 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 Sawai Jai
Singh II. The Luxury coaches will take you back to Palace
on Wheels around 6.30 PM. Diner on Board.
Day - 3 Friday, Jaisalmer (Arrival 8.15 hrs. Dep. 23.00
hrs.)
In the heart of Thar desert lies Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal
Jaisal, in 1156 AD 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, Patwan - 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 program at a hotel in Jaisalmer.
The train leaves for Jodhpur at night.
Day - 4 Saturday, Jodhpur (Arrival 7.00 hrs. Dep. 15.30
hrs.)
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 1456 AD is known for its rock - soloid Mehrangarh Fort.
The grand palaces within - Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool
Mahal 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 Palace hotel, return to the Palace - on -Wheels.
While in Jodhpur shop for exquisite handcrafted articles including
the famous breeches, embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware,
paintings and tie and dye fabrics.
Day - 5 Sunday, Sawai Madhopur (Arrival 4.00 hrs. Dep.
10.30 hrs.)
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
visit is arranged to the Ranthambhore 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
consulting 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 desert
citadel Jaisalmer, when one gets an opportunity to watch the
colorful countryside passing by in the day light. Lunch and
dinner are served on board.
Day - 5 Sunday, Chittaurgarh (Arrival 16.00 hrs.)
Images of love and valour; scars of battles lost and won...thrice
- besieged, Chittauragrh Fort is all this and more. Moving
legends of honor and pride will echo in your mind as you proceed
to Udaipur.
Day - 6 Monday, Udaipur (Dep 07.30 hrs. from Chittaurgarh
and arrive Udaipur at 09.00 hrs)
This day you will visit the Lake City, founded by Maharana Udai
Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty was driven away by
the Mughals, in 1559 AD Perhaps the most beautiful sites of
Udaipur are the dream - like marble palaces - the Jag Niwas
(Lake Palace) which appear to rise from the blue waters of Lake
Pichhola. After lunch at Lake Palace Hotel, a visit to the City
Palace is exhilarating.
After noon visit to markets and arrive at Palace on Wheels for
moving to next destination at 17.50 hrs.
Day - 7 Tuesday, Agra (Arrival 5.00 hrs. Dep. 11.30
hrs.)
Early next morning, the Palace arrives at Agra. Fatehpur Sikri
- the red sandstone Mughal palatial complex. Within the enclosure
is a mosque built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and dedicated
to Sheikh Salim Chishti, 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. Apristine
monument of undying love, it was built Emperor Shah Jehan
in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Agra is known
for its splendid marble inlay work like the pietra dura work
in the Taj, leather goods and jewellery.
Day - 8 Tuesday, Bharatpur (Arrival 13.30 hrs. Dep.
23.00 hrs.)
Bharatpur, the capital of maharaja Suraj Mal. Pay a visit
to the world famous bird sanctuary, Keoladeo Ghana national
Park, the nesting place for thousands of Egrets, Siberian
cranes, migratory water fowl and other special of birds.
After dinner on board and a good night's sleep, arrive at
Delhi Cantt. at 0630 hrs the next morning and let the pleasant
memories of the past week linger on for a long, long time.
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