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PALACE
ON WHEELS
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Where
else can you relax in comfort & witness the history of
India passing by......It's a journey worthy of kings. No wonder
the experience is labelled the Palace on Wheels. With its
cream saloons, embellished with intricate designs, chug through
Rajasthan on a journey through the former royal kingdoms of
this state. Once ruled by kings whose presence lingers on
in forbidding fortresses and fairytale palaces, now converted
into museums, hotels, and restaurants where retainers serve
truly royal repasts.The 14 coaches of the Palace On Wheels
are named after former Rajput states. Each evokes visions
of those royal kingdoms. The names are romantic, mesmerizing...
Kota, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Alwar,
Sirohi, Kishangarh, Bundi, Dungarpur, Bharatpur, Jhalawar
and Dholpur. It has been rated one of the ten best luxurious
train journeys in the world. |
| The
History of the Train |
The
train was built for the former Indian royalty and comprised
of personal coaches of the rulers of the princely states of
Gujarat and Rajputana, the Viceroy of British India and the
Nizam of Hyderabad.
Soon India won her independence and the princely states became
part of the nation. The train was abandoned but did not lose
its intrinsic charm. In the early 1980s, the Rajasthan Tourism
Development Corporation, together with the Indian Railways
decided on a special train to offer people a taste of the
Indian past. Today, the Palace on Wheels is the most promoted
product by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
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| Interior
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The
Royal Treatment Indulge yourself in the extravagances enjoyed
by the erstwhile Maharajas. The Palace on Wheels maintains
an imperial style and decor. The train and its facilities
are synonymous with the epitome of luxury.
The service is impeccable and you are sure to receive the
treatment worthy of kings and queens.
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| The
Quaint Environs |
| Palace
on Wheels and the facilities on board the train are marked
by affluence and exuberance. The train is self-sufficient
with all the modern amenities. However, the decor speaks of
the culturally rich past of Rajasthan. The paintings, carved
furniture and elegant handicrafts are represent Rajasthan's
fascinating heritage of art and craftsmanship. Period furniture
and the elaborate costumes of the attendants make up the royal
ambience. |
|
At Your Service |
Bar
The train is fully air-conditioned. There are fourteen deluxe
saloons named after the princely states of Rajasthan. Each
saloon has 4 cabins attached with bath and shower. Personal
attendants make sure that you are well looked after. The music
in every saloon adds to the ambience.There are 2 dining cars,
decorated in the colorful Rajasthani style and serving Indian,
Rajasthani, Continental and Chinese food.
The bar is well-stocked with Indian liquor and a variety of
scotch, wines and cocktails. Kids are kept busy with interesting
indoor games. Other services include laundry services, doctor-on-call
at each station, barber shop and beauty parlour. The lounge
has a charming shop, "The Bazaar", where you can
pick up souvenirs and gifsts that bear the insignia of the
POW (Palace on Wheels).
Get set for the most memorable journey of your life
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| Detailed
Tour |
| Day
1 - Delhi |
About
Delhi: Delhi is a heady amalgam of the quaint charisma
of the bygone years and the exhilarating ride on the wings
of technology. The city has always been the center of politics
and hence has several edifices of great historical significance.
The Mughal invasions since the early 13th century and the
British conquest have left their distinct imprints on the
soul of Delhi. The Old Fort, Red Fort, Jama Masjid,
Qutub Minar, Jantar Mantar, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Raj Ghat and
India Gate are amongst the significant monuments. |
| Tour
of Delhi : You will be greeted by a traditional royal
welcome as you board the luxurious Palace on Wheels Tour.
And the mesmerizing journey begins
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Day 2 - Jaipur |
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0000
hours: Arrival in Jaipur.
0730 hours: Breakfast on board.
0830 hours: Sightseeing.
1300 hours: Lunch at the Rambagh Palace Hotel.
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About Jaipur : |
| Jaipur,
the capital of Rajasthan, was founded by Maharaja Jai Singh
II in the late 17th century. The city is also known as "The
Pink City" because it was painted pink by Maharaja Man
Singh II when the Prince of Wales visited Jaipur in 1876,
as pink is considered to be the color of hospitality and ceremony
by the Rajputs. Jaipur still retains its erstwhile charm and
is an amicable blend between traditional lifestyles and modern
ways. Camels and elephants are still used as modes of transportation. |
| Tour
of Jaipur :Visit the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), Jantar
Mantar (18th century stone observatory), Amber Fort (with
beautiful palaces, pavilions and temples) and City Palace.
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| Day
3 - Jaisalmer |
| About
Jaisalmer : Fascinating, enchanting and amazing - that
is the cityof Jaisalmer! The "Golden City" of Jaisalmer
is rich with some of the best examples of Rajput architectural
splendor. The Patwon ki Haveliis a must on any traveller's
itinerary. It is the most elaborate and impressive mansion
in Jaisalmer. The three-hundred-year-old mansion, Salim Singh
ki Haveli, is another beautiful structure. Also visit the
Gadsisar Sagar Tank (a tranquil lake surrounded by lovely
shrines) and the three Jain temples (with beautiful carvings). |
| Tour
of Jaisalmer : A camel safari is a unique and exciting
experience. Visit the sand dunes created by nature, while
riding on the back of the "ship of the desert". |
0615
hours: Arrival in Jaisalmer.
0730 hours: Breakfast on board.
0830 hours: Sightseeing.
1300 hours: Lunch on board and rest.
1700 hours: Visit the sand dunes and experience the thrill
of a camel safari.
1930 hours: Dinner while enjoying a cultural programme.
2300 hours: Departure for Jodhpur.
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Day 4 - Jodhpur |
0730
hours: Breakfast on board.
0800 hours: Arrival in Jodhpur.
0830 hours: Sightseeing.
1300 hours: Lunch at the Umaid Bhawan Palace.
1530 hours: Departure for Sawai Madhopur.
2000 hours: Dinner on board. About Jodhpur:
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| Jodhpur,
founded by Rao Jodhaji in the mid-15th century, soon became
a bustling trading center. The Mehrangarh Fort encircles the
majority of the city. Invincible looking, the fort is situated
on a 125m high hill. Within the fort there are beautiful palaces
and courtyards including Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace), Phool
Mahal (Flower Palace) and Sukh Mahal (Pleasure Palace). Umaid
Bhawan, built of white and pink sandstone and over sixteen
years is colossal, with over three hundred rooms, would leave
an indelible mark on your memory lane. |
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Tour of Jodhpur : See Jaswant Thada - the 19th century
royal cenotaph - made out of thin sheets of white marble.
Within the main cenotaph are lovely portraits of various Jodhpur
rulers. |
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Day 5 - Ranthambore |
| About
Ranthambore & Chittaurgarh: Sawai Madhopur is the
town at theentrance of the famous tiger reserve, Ranthambhor
National Park. The Park is known for the its lush environs,
with verdant fields, clear lakes, meandering rivers and, of
course, the wildlife. The population of the Park includes
the royal Indian Tiger, Hyena, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Fox,
Sambar and over three hundred species of birds. |
A
visit to the city of Chittaurgarh is as exhilarating as a
wildlife safari. Stories of chivalry, bravery and self-respect
still resonate in this land where people have preferred death
over loss of dignity.
Visit the Ranthambhore National Park and leave for Chittaurgarh.
The Chittaurgarh Fort houses Rana Kumbha's Palace. Also visit
the Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory) and the Kirti Stambh (Tower
of Fame).
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0400
hours: Arrival in Sawai Madhopur.
0630 hours: Breakfast on board.
0700 hours: Visit the Ranthambhore National Park.
1100 hours: Departure for Chittaurgarh.
1300 hours: Lunch on board.
1530 hours: Arrival in Chittaurgarh.
1600 hours: Sightseeing.
2000 hours: Dinner on board.
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Day 6 - Udaipur |
0645
hours: Breakfast on board.
0730 hours: Sightseeing.
2000 hours: Departure for Bharatpur.
2000 hours: Dinner on board.
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About Udaipur: The "City of Lakes", Udaipur,
was founded in the mid-16th century by Maharana Udai Singh
on the advice of a hermit. The city is very romantic and remarkably
beautiful, with tranquil lakes, lush green parks, verdant
hills and historical ruins. It has a rich heritage of marble
palaces and lakeside temples. Udaipur is built around the
picturesque Lake Pichola. On the shores of the lake is situated
the grand City Palace, with magnificiently decorated
courtyards, pavilions, terraces and corridors. |
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Tour of Udaipur : The Lake Palace is the former summer
residence of the erstwhile rulers. Also explore the Jag Mandir
(built in 1651) and Sahelion ki Bari (Garden of the Maids
of Honor). |
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Day 7 - Bharatpur & Agra |
About
Bharatpur & Agra: The famous Bird sanctuary,
Keoladeo Ghana National Park at Bharatpur, has more than four
hundred varieties of exotic birds. Many migratory birds fly
in from as far as Siberia and China in winter. Visitors can
quite easily spot flocks of Spoonbills and Siberian Cranes.
Explore Fatehpur Sikri at the entrance of Agra. It was once
the capital of the Mughal Empire and the ruins are testimony
to the days of glory and affluence. In Agra, visit the 16th
century Agra Fort and Jama Masjid, the famous mosque.
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| Tour
of Bharatpur & Agra: Visit the National Bird Sanctuary
at Bharatpur and depart for Agra to watch and admire the exquisite
symbol of love, the Taj Mahal. Bathed in shimmering white
marble, the magnificence of this edifice is unparalleled. |
0600
hours: Arrival in Bharatpur.
0700 hours: Breakfast on Board.
0730 hours: Visit the National Bird Sanctuary.
1030 hours: Sightseeing at Fatehpur Sikri.
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1300
hours: Lunch in Agra hotel.
1500 hours: Sightseeing at Agra.
2000 hours: Dinner on board.
2000 hours: Departure for Delhi. |
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Day 8 - Delhi |
| About
Delhi: The journey ends in Delhi, the heart of India.
Delhi is the capital of India and her third largest city.
It is a truly cosmopolitan city - a home to people from different
sates, speaking different languages and celebrating different
festivals. Enjoy the multi-colured atmoshphere filled with
tremendous "josh" and enthusiasm. |
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Tour of Delhi : Delhi is a major travel gateway. There
are trains and flights connecting the city to the major cities
across the globe. |
| Schedule |
| The
7 Night Tour Operates Weekly from September to April every
year ex Delhi. |
For booking and further detail
please contact us |
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