ABOUT PALACE ON WHEELS (POW):

The passenger coaches which were originally meant to be the personal railway coaches of the erstwhile rulers of princely states of Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India. These coaches were not being used by the Indian Railways after independence in normal passenger trains on account of very rich and traditional interiors. The name "Palace-on-Wheels" (POW) was derived from its royal back-ground of the coaches & first introduced in 1982. A new meter gauge air-conditioned Palace-on-Wheels was introduced in 1990 & had 13 Saloons, 2 Restaurant cum Kitchen car, one Bar cum Lounge, and 4 Service Cars.

In order to further increase the amenities on the train and due to overall gauge conversion in the state, a new broad gauge Palace-on-Wheels has been constructed. & has been running since 1995. It's 14 Saloons are inter-connected, the interior matching the aesthetics of the royal states. The cabins of each saloon name attached with showers. The train also has a well-appointed lounge, library, bar & dining cars. In the past 20 years of operations, the Palace-on-Wheels has been rated as one of the best ten luxurious rail journeys in the world.

 

SALOONS:

The names of the saloons are based on the princely states of Rajasthan - Alwar, Bharatpur, Bikaner, Bundi, Dholpur, Dungarpur, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jhalawar, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Kota, Sirohi, and Udaipur.

The decor of each saloon has highlighted the cultural ethos of the state, represented through the use of furniture, handicrafts, paintings, and furnishings. The ceiling in the lounge is of particular interest. Each coupe is different but the overall ambiance of the decor of the saloons has been taken care of to provide continuity.

 

 

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY:

 

Day 1 Delhi Safdarjung Rly. Station

Wednesday, Departure 6.00 PM

Delhi you will be treated like Maharaja & Maharani on welcome by garlanding, Tikka and turban with glass of wine. The Capital city of modern India a city known for its rich valorous and exotic history. Once the fabled city of the heroes of the Mahabharata and ruled by the Rajputs before they were displaced by foreign invaders. The tour starts in the evening with a ceremonial welcome aboard the Palace on Wheels at Safdarjung New Delhi. You will be introduced to your fellow travelers. Feel free to explore your new palace, and acquaint yourself with its various facilities. Relax with a drink at the bar. Dinner will be served on board in its two restaurants.

 

Day 2 Jaipur

Thursday, Arrival 3.45 AM Departure 11.30 PM

Jaipur Your tour began at the Hawa Mahal Palace of wind followed the amazing Jantar Mantar-Astronomical Observatory are to be explored at leisure. The home of the erstwhile rulers. The city palace now a museum of full royal splendor. Jaipur also offers a great shopping experience since the city is the countries capital as far as handicrafts are concerned. This includes a very extensive range as well as a major International center of cutting and polishing of Gems and stone. Also, Jaipur is known all over the world for hand block printing on textiles. Lunch at Amber Fort. Soon after reaching at Amber, you can enjoy the festively decorated elephant for a ride up to the fort. After lunch visit of Amber fort the best example of a splendid fusion of Rajput and Mugal style of Architecture. The hall of victory Jai Mandir has a stunning ceiling adorned with mirror work an inlaid panel. Return back to train by bus for fresh n up after rest awhile enjoy sumptuous dinner in one of the best hotels of Jaipur return to Palace on Wheels.

New Arrangement from this season-

1. Lunch venue at the famous Amber Fort.

2. Jaipur by Night.

3. Visit of Albert Hall.

4. Dinner, Bar-be-que, Folk Dance at 5-star Hotel Jai Mahal an old palace of Rajput rulers.

 

Day 3: Sawai Madhopur Chittaurgarh

Friday, Swai Madhopur Arrival 5.30 AM Departure 10.30 AM

Sawai Madhopur The Ranthambhore tiger reserve at junction of the Aravali and the Vindhyas is a unique juxtaposition of natural and historical richness, standing out conspicuously in the vast, arid and denuded tract of eastern Rajasthan, barely 14 km from Sawai Madhopur. A 1000-year-old Ranthambhore Fort of great historical importance atop a high hill stand tall remain of the historical part cenotaphs, tombs, stepped well, summer palace, etc, have all merged harmoniously in to the sprawling forest. Three big lakes- Padam Talav, Malik Talav, and Raj bag- are alike turquoises studded in the vast tract. Though a delicate ecosystem, Ranthambhore is dynamic in the diversity and density of fauna it supports.Tiger at the apex of the food chain lords over the kingdom in a subtle way solitary by nature. It operates with stealth. Quite naturally tiger sighting is always a matter of chance, though evidence of its activities are equally exciting other than tigers you may have opportunity to see 24 different species of mammals, spotted deer, sambhar, wild boar, Indian Gazel, Jungal cat, Panthers, Jackal, Hyenas Rarely sloth bears, also almost 300 different kinds of birds. The breakfast is to be served in Hotel Vinayak in peace and tranquility-Return back to Palace on Wheels. Lunch on Board. Enjoy the afternoon on the train as it travels the lush green countryside before arriving at Chittorgarh.

 

New Arrangement from this Season.

1. Sightseeing of Jhoomar Baori- It was a hunting lodge of Jaipur ruler Sawai Madho Singh. The best location to take pictures of the forest.

2. Visit Jogi Mahal-A former forest guest house from where you can view the picturesque scenery of Padam Talab.

3. Leisurely Break Fast at Vinayak Hotel at lush green lawns along with the fresh aroma of the jungle trees.

 

Friday, Chittorgarh Arrival 4.00 PM Departure 2.00 AM

Chittorgarh Fort is considered as the largest fort of India, built by various Mauriyan rulers during the 5th to 8th century period, this covers an area of 680 acres most of the structures inside the fort premises are in ruins. But a glimpse at this giant abodes of Rajput still fills on with thrill. The fort is accessible after ceremony seven gates. Rana Kumbha Palace and Padmini Palace in the fort are considered as masterpieces of Rajput architecture Padmini Palace had been the residence of beautiful queen Rani Padmini.In the year 1313 Alauddin Khilji after knowing about the beauty of the queen attack on the fort. But the Rani performed Johar (Taking once own life by fire).The victory tower built by Maharana Kumbha in the memory of the victory over the combined armies of Malwa and Gujrat in the 15th Century. This tower is the symbolic identity of Chittorgarh. Sound and light program at the fort.

 

New Arrangement for this Season.

1. Light & Sound Show at the fort.

2. Dinner at Panna Hotel (it is named after the foster mother of Mewar ruler named Panna Dhai who saved the life prince by certified her own son) there you can enjoy with cultural program, music & Bar-Be-Que.

 

Day 4 Udaipur Saturday,

Udaipur Arrival 8.00 AM Departure 3.30 PM.

The capital of the Sisodia Maharanas, enjoy pre-eminent among the Rajput clan of Rajasthan spend the day sightseeing at Udaipur Maharana Udai Singh, Laid the foundation for a new kingdom Udaipur situated at Lake Pichola where the impressive city palace was lavished with aesthetic and imaginative work of art miniature painting was encouraged. Subsequently, the princes built the seemingly floating Irland Palace, the royal summer retreat, offering a spectacular view of the lake and surrounding mountains.

 

New Arrangement for this Season.

1. Break Fast at Shikar Bari- A hunting lodge of the Mewar ruler where they shot tiger wild boar & other wildlife. It is the only calm & screen place to enjoy breakfast with nature.

2. Lunch at Sunset point-Open air restaurant from where you can enjoy a view of Lake Palace, Jagmandir, and can enjoy the fresh breeze of Pichola Lake.

3. Visit Crystal Gallery-It is a balcony of Fateh Prakash Banquet hall which is having a museum of crystal glass furniture, crockery, chandeliers of old time.

4. Boat Ride and back to train.

 

Day 5 JaisalmerSunday,

Jaisalmer Arrival 9.15 AM Departure 11.45 PM

Jaisalmer The golden city of Rajasthan has a charm of its own, Rawal Jaisal a Bhati Rajput ruler founded the city in 1156 AD. The westernmost citadel of the desert, Jaisalmer has an ancient history linked with its development as a trading center. Located en-route one of the two passages, that connected India with Persia, Egypt Africa, and West. The Bhati Rajput sole guardians of the city accumulate enough wealth through a tax levied on the passing car was. Jaisalmer amid picturesque a marvel of beautiful culture and harsh climate conditions. The Sonar Quila Fort, made of yellow sandstone will immediately command your attention here. The city is also known for its old mansion better known as havelies. Patwon Ki Haveli and Nathmalgi Ke Haveli, Salim Singh Ji Ki Haveli's most striking architecture a fine blend of ancient and the medieval era. Shopping and lunch at Moomal Hotel. The sweeping sand dunes, enjoy the romance of solitude at Kuldhara and your camel takes you deep in the Thar desert, the set hare is the most awaited experience. As the sum sets the rolling golden dunes the surreal experience is worth it. Though the winter, followed by the cultural performance - campfire with dinner in dunes.

 

New Arrangements for this Season.

1. Lunch at Hotel Moomal-It is the first hotel of Jaisalmer carved in yellow sandstone. The best hotel for sharing mouth-watering ethnic Rajasthani food with the full of the village atmosphere.

2. Enjoy Rajasthani Food with traditional ethnic music.

3. Evening Tea, Sunset & Dinner with Bar-be-que, at Samdhani.

 

Day 6 JodhpurMonday,

Arrival 7.00 AM Departure 3.30 PM

Jodhpur Special welcome on arrival and sightseeing of mighty fort followed by lunch at Gorgious Umaid Bhawan Palace. The city best known for its indigo-hued homes and buildings, Jodhpur is the former capital of the Marwar. The Mehrangarh Fort was built by Rao Jodha in 1459 and later his successions also added new structures. The forts are situated 120 meters high rocky hill, this fort is witnessed the lavish and royal history of Rathore. Fort stands on strong and wide walls, which are 20 to 120 feet high and 12 to 70 feet thick its gigantic structure and finely carved intricate sculpture are a treat for the eye. The royal structure boasts their own saga of security and beauty the pearl palace has a delicately carved stone screen, Umaid Vilas displays the Rajput miniature paintings and the Ajit Vilas exhibit musical instruments and the royal costumes. Shopping of local handicrafts. Umaid Bhawan Palace world's finest and largest palace in the world Maharaja Umaid Singh utilized the services of a well known Edwardian architect, Henry Vaughan Lanchester for the construction of this palace. There are 347 rooms in the palace that boast about its grandness and splendor the central dome that has become the identity of the palace 110 feet high. The royal family still lives a part of the palace also having the old clock museum. This is also the venue for lunch. After lunch back to Palace on Wheels, dinner on board.

 

Day 7 Bharatpur/ Agra

Tuesday, Bharatpur`Arrival 5.00 AM Departure 8.45 AM

Bharatpur A royal kingdom where the jats, rather than the Rajputs, ruled. Bharatpur's Jat History is not too old, with Suraj Mal establishing a firm stronghold in a region contested by both the Rajputs and the Mughals. Suraj Mal exploits are legendary, and the fort, Lohargarh, or Iron Fort, has a history that recounts it with pride. The only fort in the state to have bastions of mud, these proved meritorious because they simply swallowed up the cannon shells not allowing them to impact. The Keoladeo Ghana National Park one of the finest bird sanctuary in the world was developed by a royal edict when dykes were created so that water could be canalized for the hunting preserve as the Maharaja of Bharatpur wished to create. Over three hundred species of birds many of them migrant species that come from parts as distant as Siberia and China.New Arrangement for This season:1. Break Fast at Bird Sanctuary-Nominated a world heritage site it was declared a National Park in 1983. This 29 Sq. KM park is one of the world's greatest heronries. It shallow, freshwater marsh attracts thousands of migratory birds.

 

DAY 07 - Tuesday Arrival 10.30 AM Departure 11.00 PM

Agra - Agra A visit to the world's most well-known monument and well worth its fame. The Taj Mahal built in the memory of his beloved empress by emperor Shah Jahan, this marble mausoleum is the greatest gesture of love known to mankind and is breathtakingly, bewitchingly beautiful. Land for the building of the Taj Mahal in Agra came from the Maharaja of Jaipur and the marble used in its construction was from the mines of Makrana, also in Rajasthan. The precious stones used in its inlay, and the craftsmen employed for the twenty-two years its construction took, came not only from India but from all over the World.- Lunch at Palace Hotel.- Light & Sound culture Programme in the evening.- Gala Dinner at Hotel Mughal Sheraton.

 

Day 8 - WednesdayDelhi - Arrival at Safdarjung Railway Station -------------------- 4.00 PMBreakfast on Board-------------------- 7.00 AMDeboard/Checkout-------------------- 7.30 AM

 

 

This itinerary is correct at the time of issue and in good faith but is liable to change at any time or place for any reason.

 

(B- Breakfast, L- Lunch, D- Dinner)