The journey ends but the excitement remains! The memories of the journey fill your heart with perpetual joy. This is what happens when you are traveling by Palace on wheels-one of the world's most exciting rail journeys. The Palace on wheels is rated as one of the top ten luxury train journeys in the world. It offers you a heart-rending trip to the splendid forts and palaces of Rajasthan in just seven days.

The luxurious train carries with it an intrinsic ambience that goes perfectly well with the majestic charm and beauty spread so lavishly here and there in Rajasthan. Relish the lifestyle of the kings of yore on board the Palace on Wheels, while listening to the silent tales of glory and valor told by the majestic forts and splendid palaces of Rajasthan.

With everything taken care of - dining, accommodation, sight seeing - as well as organized shopping, there is nothing for the traveller to do but sleep in the history of the land, soak in the colours, and experience the royal life of a Maharaja.


History
Making a peek into the history, we find that the rulers of princely states of Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India used to travel by these luxurious coaches. After independence, these coaches were parked and remained in this state for a quarter of a century until in 1981-82, when the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways launched a special heritage tourist train for providing a unique memorable experience to the tourists visiting Rajasthan.

The name Palace on Wheels was derived from it's royal background of the coaches. Gradually State govt. and railway department brought many infrastructural changes in the coaches while keeping the same aesthetics of the interiors alive, matching the interiors of the royal state.

Facilities Available

14 Deluxe Saloons 4 Service Cars Well- stocked Library Bar cum Lounge Cabins with attached toilets (with shower and running hot & cold water) A bureau de change First-aid room Kitchenette

Schedule
Day 1, Wednesday - Delhi
The tour starts in the evening with a ceremonial welcome aboard the Palace on Wheels at Delhi Cantonment. It is followed by an introduction to fellow travelers. Dinner will be served on board the two restaurants. The train departs from Delhi at 17.45 hrs.

Day2, Thursday - Jaipur
The first stop of the Palace on Wheels is Jaipur, the land of Maharajas, magnificent Palaces and impressive forts.

One of the most well planned cities of the world. This capital city of Rajasthan, popularly known as the Pink City, was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727.

You start at the Hawa Mahal and explore many places in Jaipur. The train departs from the pink city at 17.30 hrs.

Day 3, Friday - Jaisalmer
Arrive at 06.15 hrs at Jaisalmer. Spend the day in this isolated, but Architecturally, one of the greatest Royal Bastions of the World. After a safari dinner served under the stars, at a campsite, come back to the train to resume your journey. Departure is at 23.30 hrs.

Day 4, Saturday - Jodhpur
You reach Jodhpur at 08.00hrs. In Jodhpur, you visit Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace etc. Departure, after unwinding and relaxing at the palace, is at 15.30 hrs.

Day 5, Sunday - Sawai Madhopur
Arrive at 04.00 hrs, steam into Sawai Madhopur, to spend the day in the wilds of Ranthambhor- home to the Royal Bengal Tiger. Since the best time to visit the park is early morning, the train arrives at 04.00 hrs, and leaves for its destination, Chittaurgarh at 11.00 hrs. Arrival at Chittaurgarh at 15.30 hrs. Chittaurgarh is India's most valorous fort, its history an unending saga of passion, chivalry and romance.

Day 6, Monday - Chittaurgarh and Udaipur
Arrive at 07.30 hrs, Chittaurgarh and Udaipur, the capitals of the Sisodia Maharanas, enjoy pre-eminence among the Rajput clans of Rajasthan. Spend the day sight seeing at Udaipur. Lunch is at Lake Palace, the beautiful island palace built as a summer resort by the royal family, and now converted into one of the world's finest hotels. The train departs again at 20.00 hrs, and dinner will be served on board.

Day 7, Tuesday - Bharatpur and Agra
Arrive at 06.00 hrs at a royal kingdom where the Jats, rather than the Rajputs, ruled. Here , you visit Lohargarh, or Iron Fort, Bharatpur Sanctuary. After visiting the sanctuary in the morning, visitors travel by couch to Fatehpur Sikri. From here to Agra, to visit The Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is the perfect finale to your Royal Sojourn.

Day 8, Wednesday - Delhi
You're back in Delhi as early as 06.00 hrs where, after breakfast on board the train, you descend to the humdrum existence of modern life, with only royal memories to retain for the rest of your lifetime.