New Delhi: Day - 1 Wednesday (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.
Jaipur: Day - 2 Thursday (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.
Jaisalmer: Day - 3 Friday (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.
Jodhpur: Day - 4 Saturday (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.
Chittaurgarh: Day - 5 Sunday (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
Udaipur: Day - 6 Monday (Dep. 18.30 hrs. from Chittaurgarh)
A 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 1559 AD Perhaps the 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 the City Palace is exhilarating.After evening tea, the luxury coach takes
you to the Palace - on - Wheels at Chittaurgarh - thus winding up a day full of
delights.
Agra: Day - 7 Tuesday (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.
Bharatpur :: Day - 7 Tuesday (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.
Schedule:
The Palace on Wheels Program
The Journey begins from Delhi, and takes the traveler a unique opportunity to leisurely
explore Rajasthan while the 'Khidmatgars' do their utmost to make the tours as comfortable
as possible. Each coach has four coupes and is provided with wall - to - carpeting.
Two restaurant cars, the Maharaja and the Maharani offer continental, Rajasthani
and Indian cuisine. Beside a well stocked bar and a lounge car are attached to make
your journey a memorable experience. The centrally air-conditioned and self sufficient
train leaves Delhi Cantonment every Wednesday.
| Train Departure Schedule | |||
| Every Wednesday from Delhi Cantonment Railway Station. | |||
| Months 2004 | Dates | Months 2005 | Dates |
| September | 1, 18, 15, 22, 29 | January | 5, 12, 19, 26 |
| October | 6, 13, 20, 27 | February | 2, 9, 16, 23 |
| November | 3, 10, 17, 24 | March | 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 |
| December | 1, 8, 15, 22*, 29* | April | 6, 13, 20, 27 |
| Tariff [USD$] - Per person per night. | |||
| October 2004 to March 2005 | |||
| Single Occupancy | USD 485 | ||
| Double Occupancy | USD 350 | ||
| Triple Occupancy | USD 285 | ||
| September 2004 & April 2005 | |||
| Single Occupancy | USD 395 | ||
| Double Occupancy | USD 295 | ||
| Triple Occupancy | USD 240 | ||
Facts:
1) Indian passengers can pay in equivalent Rupee amount, at the exchange rate prevalent
at the time of payment.
2) Tariff is inclusive of travel, catering, conducted sightseeing, entrance fee
at monuments / parks / palaces, cultural programme, camel rides / boat rides / rickshaw
rides and for still cameras, except charges for video cameras, cost of liquor, laundry
and other items of personal nature.
3) 10% surcharge levied on departure during Christmas / New Year
Reservations & Cancellations: -
Reservations:
1) 20% of ticket value at the time of booking.
2) 80% of ticket value 30 days prior to departure
Cancellations: -
1) 5% of ticket value 60 days prior to departure.
2) 20% of ticket value 30-59 days prior to departure.
3) 50% of ticket value 15-29 days prior to departure.
4) 100% of ticket value 14 days prior to departure.
Other Important Details: -
Check – In: Reporting time is 4 PM at Delhi Cant Railway Station.
Meals: The two restaurant cars, the Maharaja and the Maharani, serve a range
of Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisine, Menus are changed seasonally.
Exclusive Charters: Companies can organize a "Business-cum-Pleasure" trip
by chartering the truly luxurious Palace - on -Wheels for their conference.
Climate: Varies from 8 C to 25 C between September to March & April it is
around 30 C.
Clothing Recommended: Light tropical/light woolens.
Other Facilities:
1) Doctor on call at the next station.
2) Money exchange facility/credit cards.
3) Adequate safety and security arrangements.
4) Complimentary minerals water on board/in the coach during sightseeing/and at
hotels.
5) Assistance for travel arrangements on completion of the tour.
6) Voltage on the train 110/20 V.