Palace on Wheels

Day 01     Arrive Delhi

Meet and greet and transfer to the hotel.

Hotel: The Claridge Hotel 5* or similar

Day 02     Delhi – Amritsar                                                          (Breakfast/Lunch)

Early this morning, your chauffeured car will collect you from your hotel in Delhi and drive you to Amritsar, city of the Golden Temple.

After lunch, relax at hotel. Later in the afternoon, proceed to the India – Pakistan border. You will visit the Wagah Border, to see the 'lowering of the flags' ceremony. This unique ceremony involves a parade by Indian Border Security Force and Pakistan Rangers soldiers.

Day 03     Amritsar                                                                      (Breakfast/Lunch)

After breakfast take a city tour of Amritsar visiting the Golden Temple (the most popular Sikh temple in India, quoted in real gold), Jallianwallah Bagh (famous gardens close to the Golden Temple, which narrate the story of the most horrific pre-independence massacre in India), Durgiana Temple (the largest Hindu temple in Amritsar) and the Ram Bagh museum. Later in the afternoon, stroll through the local bazaars of Amritsar getting a glimpse of local lifestyle in this holy city.

Day 04     Amritsar - Delhi                                                          (Breakfast)

After breakfast, drive back to Delhi, where you will be transferred to the railway station at 4:00PM to onboard onto the Palace on Wheels.

You will be treated like Maharaja & Maharani on welcome by garlanding, tikka and turban ceremony with a welcome glass of wine.  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.

Day 05     Delhi – Jaipur                                                            (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

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 06     Jaipur – Sawai Madhopur - Chittaurgarh              (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

SAWAI MADHOPUR: 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 10^th 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 Chittorgarh, when one gets an opportunity to watch the colourful countryside passing by in the daylight.

CHITTAURGARH: Arrival 4:00PM – Departure 02:00AM: After lunch on board you arrive Chittaurgarh, where you visit the massive Chittaurgarh fort. Images of love and velour; scars of battles lost and won; thrice-besieged Chittaurgarh Fort is all this and more. Enjoy a sound and light show at the fort, followed by bar-be-que dinner with cultural entertainment at a hotel. After dinner, return back on board Palace on Wheels.

Day 07     Arrive Udaipur                                                       (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

UDAIPUR: Udaipur, the Lake City, was founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty was driven way 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 08     Udaipur – Jaisalmer                                              (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

JAISALMER: 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 programme at a Five Star hotel.

Day 09     Jaisalmer - Jodhpur                                               (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

JODHPUR: This morning the Palace-on-Wheels is in Jodhpur, a city ringed by a high stonewall 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 10     Jodhpur – Bharatpur - Agra                                  (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

BHARATPUR: 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.

AGRA: Arrival 10:30AM - Departure 11:00PM

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 11     Agra – New Delhi                                                    (Breakfast)

NEW DELHI: Arrive at Delhi Safdarjung Railway station at 0400hrs. Breakfast on board and let the pleasant memories of the past week linger on your mind for a long, long time.

Price includes:

Per night accommodation on the train, all main meals, sightseeing tours with an English speaking guide, entrance fees at monuments and parks, camel ride at Jaisalmer, boat ride at Udaipur, rickshaw ride at Bharatpur and all taxes included

Price exludes:

All other personal expenses, tipping, drinks, Indian Visa Fees.

Price is based on per person twin share from Vancouver, plus tax and fuel surcharges. Package prices exclude TAXES, are based on minimum TWO people traveling.  Prices and schedules are subject to change without prior notice.  Deviation/amendment Fee and restrictions will be applied.  Please contact Silk Holidays for details.

For responsibility, booking terms & conditions. Please ask your booking agent for a copy of “Silk Holidays – General Booking Terms & Conditions”.