Palace on Wheels

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Duration: 8 days | 7 nights

Location: Delhi - Jaipur - Sawai Madhopur - Chittorgarh - Udaipur - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Bharatpur - Agra

Highlights of the programme :
  • A legendary train, ranked among the top 10 luxury trains in the world
  • Grandeur and magnificence of the land of kings
  • Discover the lifestyle of the great maharajas who ruled Rajasthan
  • Visit the most exciting destinations in North India

Day tour of New Delhi. The tour includes the India Gate, Lotus Temple, Qutab Minar, Humayun’s Tomb. After lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi, where a warm welcome will be reserved for guests of the train. Boarding and departure for the fantastic tour.

The first stop of the “Palace on Wheels” is Jaipur, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The capital of Rajasthan, popularly known as the “Pink City” was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. To explore the city, a car with air conditioning will take you to the “Hawa Mahal” Palace of Winds, which is a remarkable building of five floors in the center of the city and decorated with small windows. Then visit the Amber Fort eight kilometers away, where the tour on elephant’s back adds to the ambiance. Back to Jaipur after breakfast, visit the City Palace, still inhabited by the current royal family. Then a visit to Jantar Mantar, the observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh II. Back to the “Palace on Wheels” around 18:30. Dinner on board.

You can almost feel the life of the desert, when the “Palace on Wheels” arrives in Sawai Madhopur, a city named after its founder Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I. After breakfast, a visit is organized in the Ranthambore National Park, where there are the ruins of a 10th century fort. This wildlife sanctuary is considered the best in the country to observe and photograph the activities of a tiger. The park, with an area of 392 km2 is home to over 300 species of birds. The tiger, hyena, badger, jackal and fox are among the species that make up the carnivore population. Back on board the “Palace on Wheels” and start to Chittorgarh. Arrive after lunch on board. Images of love and courage, battles won and lost …. scars three times besieged, Chittorgarh Fort is all this and more.

Arrive at 8:00 to Udaipur, the “City of Lakes”. The city was founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty was driven from the throne by the Mughals in 1559. The two most beautiful sites of Udaipur are the marble Palace, Jag Niwas, and Lake Palace and Jag Mandir that seems to emerge from the waters of Lake Pichola. After lunch, visit the City Palace which is the exhilarating. Then, visit the Crystal Gallery. Back on board the “Palace on Wheels” and transfer to Jaisalmer.

At the heart of the Thar Desert, is the city of Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156. The yellow sandstone fort that offers an impressive view, superbly dominates the city. Discover the carefully carved havelis and graceful facades. The Nathmalji-ki-Haveli, Patwon-ki-Haveli and Salim Singh-ki-Haveli are fine examples of the skill of the stone carvers. After lunch on board, go for an exciting camel ride in the dunes and enjoy the dinner and cultural programs in Jaisalmer hotel. The train leaves for Jodhpur at night.

The next morning, the “Palace on Wheels” is in Jodhpur, a city surrounded by a high wall with pierced stone gates and several bastions. This second largest city of Rajasthan, founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 is known for its unwavering Mehrangarh Fort. The palaces inside (Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Khana and Daulat Khana Sileh) are impressive examples of architectural excellence. Near the complex lies Jaswant Thada strong, a group of royal cenotaphs in white marble. After lunch in town, back aboard the “Palace on Wheels”.

Early morning arrival in Bharatpur, the capital of Maharaja Suraj Mal. After breakfast, visit the famous Keoladeo Ghana bird sanctuary which is home to hundreds of species of resident and migratory birds. Arrive at Fatehpur Sikri, the red sandstone palace complex of Mughal style. Within the enclosure is a mosque built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar which is dedicated to a Muslim saint who foretold the birth of a son. After lunch, steering Agra and the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. A monument which represents eternal love. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Agra is famous for its stone inlay work in marble. After dinner on board, last night in the “Palace on Wheels” before arriving at the Safdarjung Railway Station in New Delhi at 6:00 am the next morning.

Arrival at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station. Breakfast on board.

SUGGESTED HOTELS

You will find below our selection of hotels for this trip. Hotels indicative subject to availability. The choice of the class of accommodation to you. You will be able to specify it in your quote.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES

You will find below our suggestion for activities to do throughout your journey. Do not hesitate to contact an advisor Aryavrit Travels for any specific request.

Horseback ride

Expect a complete change: in the saddle on the beautiful Marwari horses with amazing earrings shaped like a crescent moon, discover the breathtaking surroundings and go out to meet the locals. A walk to discover treasures, off the beaten path.

Bike ride

We invite you to immerse in unusual: a bike ride on the roads of India, Nepal and Bhutan. Cycling is a way to meet people, a tool to reach out to the population, which allows you to be closer than at the window of an air conditioned car. Let yourself drift along with your meetings, you will appreciate the paths which reserve surprises, all more enjoyable than the other.

Ballooning

Take a step back to admire the pink city Jaipur, it is possible. Climb aboard the platform of your balloon and fly over the capital of Rajasthan and the impressive Amber Fort which is necessary not far from it. In the early morning light, the emotions are at their peak by the glipse by the history of vastness and beauty which has exisred here for last many centuries.

Polo match

Polo on horseback or elephant, a unique show in Jaipur, Jodhpur or Delhi. Sport in vogue in India, polo on horseback is still today one of the spearheads of the sport in the Indian aristocracy. Polo on elephant back, meanwhile, is not a sport as such. Nevertheless, it attracts large crowds because of the originality of a rapid game with elephants struggling to move on the ground. Very entertaining!

Cricket match

Catch a game of cricket, a sport that is truly thrill the crowds in India. Unknown in France, cricket crystallizes all the passions in the Indian subcontinent, where millions of fans follow live matches of their national team. The best players are idolized as real stars, like Sachin Tendulkar, Kapil Dev considered one of the best cricketers of all time.

Vintage car

Experience the charm side with a vintage ride in Rajasthan. These old cars of the maharajahs take you as a prince through the main streets of the cities. A timeless adventure not to be missed.

Local family

What could be more authentic than sharing a moment with a local family? An opportunity to understand the Indianess from very close which is worth reading several books on India. A unique opportunity to learn about the customs of your hosts, with whom you share a traditional meal. A moment of conviviality, memorable exchanges that will only add magic to your stay.

Film show

Indians like to say that what unites them is a passion for cricket and love of cinema. India is the largest film industry in the world in terms of production and the number of entries. Attend the screening of a film, it’s a unique experience and share a moment of jubilation.

Yoga

Immerse yourself in the practice of Yoga and meditation which helps you to know your body and mind. An experienced yoga teacher will teach you the various techniques of “pranayama” (breathing), “asanas” (positions) and ‘dhyana’ (meditation). A unique opportunity in the purest tradition.

Henna session

Mehndi usually refers to the art of drawing with henna on the skin. It is an ephemeral equivalent of tattooing. In Rajasthan, mehndi is an fplk art and it is common for women to get as sophisticated as those of newlyweds drawings. Attend a session to decorate your hands with henna and why not take the opportunity to keep track of your visit!

Cooking lessons

You fell for tandoori chicken, Kerala fish curry, samosas, the thali, the dal, biryani? Do not leave without having learned to cook these dishes. We offer courses in vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. At the end of the session, you are invited to examine and taste your own the prepared dishes.

Ayurveda massage

Ayurveda invites us to stay in harmony with nature, in touch with the elements of nature by practicing yoga and meditation which help us to purify and nourish our body and mind. A massage on the eye helps to rebalance the body and its functions. Enjoy your visit to the birthplace of Ayurveda to experience a massage in the purest tradition.

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