Palace on Wheels – from Delhi

Climb aboard the legendary Palace on Wheels train for the journey of a lifetime through the heart of glorious Rajasthan.

Rated as one of the best 10 luxury train journeys in the world, the exclusive Palace On Wheels has beautifully fitted out cabins, wall-to-wall carpeting, a well-stocked bar, two dining cars and very personalized service... in fact, almost everything that could promise heaven on earth for seven days! The train has 14 luxury coaches; each named after an erstwhile princely state and each one a replica of a historic VIP railway carriage from the British period.

The train has two lavish restaurants - "The Maharaja" and “The Maharani" - serving tempting continental, Chinese, India and Rajasthani dishes.

These restaurants offer seating arranged in groups of twos and fours near the windows.

At the start of your great rail adventure, you will be picked up from your hotel in Delhi at around 1400h (2:00pm) and taken to Safdarjung Station to board your train. Reporting time at the train is 1600h (4:00pm). On arrival at the station you will be treated like a Maharaja or Maharani with a welcome garland, tikka, turban or scarf and glass of wine, and will have the chance to meet your fellow travellers. 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 in the two on-board restaurants.

At 1830h (6:30pm), your train will pull out into the night and you will spend the night on board.

The first stop of the Palace on Wheels is Jaipur. Popularly known as the ‘Pink City’, this fine example of town planning was founded by Maharaja Swai Jai Singh II, in1727 AD.

View the lovely Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, built by the poet-king Sawai Pratap Singh. This pink five-story sandstone building with its delicately honeycombed windows is an exquisite example of Rajput architecture. Continue on to Amber Fort, 8 km (4.8 miles) away, where rides on caparisoned elephants add to the exotic experience. Shop for Jaipur’s famous jewellery, handicrafts, carpets blue pottery and textiles.

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, a large observatory built by the Sawai Jai Singh II.

Return to the Palace on Wheels around 1830h (6:30pm).

Dinner and overnight on board the train.

The Palace on Wheels arrives in Sawai Madhopur in the early dawn (0400h). The city is named after its founder Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I. After breakfast, a visit is arranged to the Ranthambore 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 km, is home to more than 300 species of birds as well as tigers, leopards, striped hyenas, sambar deer, blue bull (nilgai), langurs, jungle cats and many more exciting animals.

Sawai Madhopur is known for its exclusive toys, ethnic ornaments and costumes. After returning to the Palace on Wheels, you will depart for Chittorgarh, and will be able to enjoy wonderful views of the passing countryside by daylight.

You will have lunch during the journey and arrive at Chittaugarh at 1600h (4:00pm). This majestic Rajput fort is the largest in India and has a noble and tragic history, having been sacked three times by invading Muslim armies. You will hear moving tales of nobility and sacrifice by the warriors and their womenfolk.

At 0200h (02:00am), you will board the train again and set off for Udaipur.

Arrive in Udaipur, the Lake City. It was founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty was driven away by the Mughals, in 1559A.D. Perhaps the two 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 The Lalit Laxmi Vilas Palace, you will visit the City Palace, a flamboyant mix of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles. On your tour you will also see a number of places that featured in the James Bond movie Octopussy!.

Dinner and overnight on board the train.

In the heart of the 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, Patwon-ki-haveli and Salim Singh-ki-haveli are fine examples of the stone carver’s skill.

After lunch on board, go for an exciting camel ride on the sand dunes of Sam, before sipping a refreshing cup of tea. Later you will enjoy a lovely dinner with cultural program at a hotel in Jaisalmer. The train leaves for Jodhpur at 2345h (11:45pm).

Your train arrives in Jodhpur around 0700h (7:00am). Known as the ‘Blue City’ because of its many blue-painted houses, Jodhpur is the second largest city in Rajasthan. Founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 AD, it is ringed by a high stone wall with seven gates and several bastions and is known for its rock-solid Mehrangarh Fort. The grand palaces within – Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana are impressive examples of architectural excellence.

After lunch at a royal Palace hotel, return to the Palace on Wheels.

While in Jodhpur, shop for the exquisite handcrafted articles including the famous breeches, embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics.

Dinner and overnight on board the train.

The train arrives in Bharatpur at 0500hrs, the capital of Maharaja Suraj Mal. After breakfast pay a visit to the world famous bird sanctuary, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, the nesting place of thousands of egrets, Siberian cranes, migratory water fowl and other species of birds

Depart for Agra by 1145h (11:45am).

Arrive at Agra move on to the incomparable Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world.

This exquisite monument to undying love was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal.

Agra is known for its splendid marble inlay work like the Pietra Dura work on the Taj, leather goods and jewelry.

Dinner and overnight on board the train.

After a good night’s sleep, arrive at Delhi Cantt. Railway station at 0600h (6:00am) and enjoy breakfast on board. After leaving the train, you will be dropped back at your hotel in Delhi.