Roll back the pages of time for one glorious week, re capture the pomp and pageantry of a royal past in royal style. Step aboard the Palace on Wheels, once the personal railway coaches of the erstwhile rulers of the princely states of Gujrat and Rajputana, the viceroy of British India and the Nizam of Hyderabad. See Rajasthan in all its splendour and the Taj Mahal at Agra.. a celebration of everything that is beautiful.. A journey into the past on a luxury train.

Travelling on the famed Palace on Wheels is one of the most memorable ways to explore India's stately splendour. Unquestionably it's an unparalleled experience to ride the replica carriages refurbished to look like the original saloons of the Maharajas, the erstwhile rulers of India. The Palace on Wheels is one of India's most fascinating sojourns covering the pink state capital Jaipur, the golden citadel Jaisalmer, the blue city of Jodhpur, the National Park Ramthambhor, the symbol of chivalry Chittorgarh, romantic city of Lakes Udaipur, the bird sanctuary Bharatpur and the mughal capital Agra before returning to Delhi.

The Palace on Wheels has been rated one of the ten best luxurious train journeys in the world. Originally the train had 12 fully furnished non-air conditioned saloons, once owned by former Maharajas, Governor Generals and Viceroys of the British period. The Palace on Wheels started as unique holiday concept hauled by a steam engine with its inaugural trip on 26th January,1982.

In 1991, a new air-conditioned meter gauge Palace on Wheels on the lines of the old heritage train was launched. The interiors of the current 14 saloons are authentic replicas of the historic coaches. Each saloon is equipped with twin- bedded cabins, each with channel music, intercom, with attached baths and running hot and cold water and a shower.

The coaches are named after erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan, recalling bygone grandeur and pageantry. Everything matches, even the ambiance which is totally soaked in the colourful tradition of Rajasthani art. Panels and ceilings are covered with miniature and traditional motifs reflecting the pageantry of courtly life.

Each saloon has a mini pantry and a lounge to ensure availability of beverages and refreshments and a place to relax and go together.

Before dinner, most fellow passenger meet at the well-stocked bar. The bartender mixes cocktails and serves soft alcoholic beverages. This is the place to sit and be seen sitting and talking while sipping a drink or simply watching the countryside through large panoramic windows. Attached to the comfortable bar lounge are two equally exquisite restaurants, the Maharaja and the Maharani respectively, with opulent draped curtains, elegantly crafted lights and stylish dining is among the highlight of the journey. Apart from the chef's special of the day there is delicious choice of local Rajasthani, Chinese and Continental cuisine.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Wednesday : NEW DELHI : Reporting Time 16.00 hrs. Dep. 18.30 hrs.

The journey of a lifetime begins at the Delhi Safdarjung Railway 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 03.00 hrs. Departure 19.30 hrs.

The first stop of the Palace-on-Wheels is Jaipur, one of the most well planned cities of the world of its time. This capital city of Rajasthan, popularly known as the Pink City,was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727 A.D.
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 a one the main street of the old city in pink splendor with semi-octagonal and delicate honey combed sandstone windows.

This is followed by a visit to Amber Fort where elephant ride is available to climb up the hill. Lunch at a Five Star Hotel followed by visit to City Palace Museum and Observatory.

Day 3 - Friday : JAISALMER :  Arrival 09.00 hrs. Departure 23.45 hrs.

In the heart of the Thar desert lies Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal, in 1 1 56 A.D. 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. Shop for fine pattu shawls ,mirror work and 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 porgramme at a Five Star hotel.

Day 4 - Saturday : JODHPUR :  Arrival 07.00 hrs. Departure 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 1459 A.D. 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. 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 handicraft articles including the famous breeches, embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics.

Day 5 - Sunday : SAWAI MODHOPUR :  Arrival 04.00 hrs. Departure 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 a visit is arranged to the Ranthambhor 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, rate, jackal and fox are among those constituting the carnivorous population here. Sawai Madhopur is known for its excusive toys, ethnic ornaments and costumes. Upon return to the Palace-on-Wheels, you leave for Chittaurgarh, when one gets an opportunity to watch the colourful countryside passing by in the daylight.

Day 5 - Sunday : CHITTAURGARH : Arrival 16.00 hrs. Departure 05.30 hrs (next day)

After lunch on board you are in Chittaurgarh. Images of love and velour; scars of battles lost and won...thrice-besieged, Chittaurgarh 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 : Arrival 07:30 hrs. Departure 17.30 hrs.

Udaipur, the Lake City, 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 a Five Star Hotel, a visit to the City Palace.

Day 7 - Tuesday : BHARATPUR :  Arrival 06.30 hrs.Departure 9.00 hrs.

In the morning, the Palace on Wheels arrives in Bharatpur, the capital of Maharaja Suraj Mal . After breakfast 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 species of birds.

Day 7 - Tuesday : AGRA :  Arrival 12.00 hrs. Departure 21.00 hrs.

Upon arrival visit the Agra Fort and after lunch arrive at the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. A pristine monument of undying love. It 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 jewellery..

Day 8 - Wednesday : DELHI:  Arrival 04.00 hrs.

Arrive at Delhi Safdarjung Railway station at 04.00 hrs. Breakfast on board and let the pleasant memories of the past week linger on your mind for a long, long time.