Rajasthan

Population: 57 million
Capital: Jaipur (Pink City)
Season: Oct to March
The "land of kings"; the desert state of Rajashtan southwest of Delhi on the border with Pakistan. It has a might forts, magnificent Palaces. The local women wear colourful cotton lenghas (skirts) or Saris, the men magnificent turbans.
The Aravalli Hills, the oldest mountain range. The Thar Desert south west of Jaisalmer 3000 square km. Jaisalmer arising from the desert Chittor / Udaipur /Jodhopur, Rajput  Kingdom of Mewar. Famous for festivals and fairs , Jaisalmer Desert Festival, Pushkar and Nagaur festival most colourful one.

Selected Programmes as listed:

Discover Rajasthan, Wildlife, Havelis - Palaces, Pushkar Festival, The Flaming Great Thar Desert...

Season: Mid October to March

Rajasthan is best to visit in October to March. This tour explores the most colourful Indian state traveling deep into the desert. The desert cities are almost as they were at the height of the Hindu Rajput rule. We visit the world renowned Taj Mahal at Agra and white marble Jain temples at Ranakpur, as well as one of India’s best National Parks. We stay in Castles and Palaces and overnight on one of the great Indian trains. We drive across desert, plains and rugged mountains- more than enough to see in one state, for one holiday!

Pushkar Festival: The blessing of Brahma. An important Pilgrimage spot for the Hindu. Thousands of people come here to have a bath in the Lake .Traditionally a cattle fair, Brings villagers from near by villages together with their animals and families all in colorful dresses, buying and selling of cattle .Also competitions of dances. Music and Songs fill the ground.

Destination: 16 Days Tour.
Arrive Delhi drive Agra / Baharatpur / Sariska / Dundlod / Bikaner / Jaisalmer / Jodhpur / Pushkar / Ranakpur / Udaipur/ Bundi /Jaipur/Delhi

 
Nagaur Camel Fair

The gateway township, fascinating town of Rajputs. This town was granted to Raja Amar Singh Rathore by the Mughal Emporer Shah Jahan. The famous Nagaur fort with panted wall some exquisite fresoces and lovely murals.
Nagaur is famous for annual camel, cattle fair from all our Rajasthan Sellers and Buyers come here along with there cows, Bullocks, oxen and camels this fair remains for four days.

Destination : 17 Days Delhi / Agra / Baharatpur / Sariska / Dundlod / Mandwa / Bikaner / Nagaur / Khimsar / Jasilimer / Jodhpur / Ranakpur / Udipur / Kota / Jaipur / Del

Camel Safari- Desert Circuit- 5 days
Camel safari through remote area of Rajasthan and discover lost cities, castles, temples, havelis and sand dunes, with evening cultural activity.
Jasilamer/Jodhopur/Barmer/ Nagur

Camel safari Thar desert 6 days
Bikaner to Bithnoke Drive Overnight tents/ start camel safar Granthi/Pabusar/Borana/Chinnu/Nachna Safari end and drive to Jaisalmer.

Camel safari and Trekking Aravali Range
Jodhpur- Naukha drive Camp
Safari Sangal/Bharla/Bungri/Bhelu/Chaku/Jhamba and drive to Jaisalmer.
Jaisalmer to Jodhpur Drive
Jodhpur to Dewar Drive. Camp
Commence Trekking Sumare/Bagha Bagh/ Kumbhalgarh/ Ranakpur
From rankpur Drive to Udaipur.

Horse safari 8 days in Shekhawati Region

Full details available on Request.


Palace on Wheel:
About the train
The Palace - on - Wheels comprises of 14 fully air-conditioned deluxe saloons, equipped with world - class amenities to enhance the pleasure of traveling .The 14 coaches are made up of 104 passenger berths in double - bedded cabins, each with channel music, intercom, attached toilet, running hot and cold water and a shower. The coaches are named after former Rajput states matching the aesthetics and interiors of the royal past. Each saloon has a mini pantry and a lounge to ensure availability of hot and cold beverages and refreshment and a place to relax and get together. The train has two lavish restaurants "The Maharaja" and "The Maharani" with a Rajasthani ambiance serving palate tickling Continental, Indian and Rajasthani cuisine. The train also boasts of a well - stocked bar offering the choicest of spirits of Indian and International Brands. Each coach also offers a good collection of books to choose from. In 1991, The Palace - on - Wheels has been refurbished to a great extent. The decor in the saloons, bar lounge has been changed, keeping in mind the traditional aesthetic yet modern, Palace - on – Wheels. Toilets have been redone and are maintained sparkling clean. Each saloon lounge has been equipped with a color television and a CD player. A satellite phone is on to make you communicate anywhere in the world from the train.

Weekly Departure from Delhi Every Wed.
Detailed Itinerary
New Delhi :: Day - 1 Wednesday (Reporting time 17.00 hrs. Dep. 18.30 hrs.)
The journey of lifetime begins at the Delhi Cantonment 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.

Jaipur :: Day - 2 Thursday (Arrival 2.00 hrs. Dep. 19.15 hrs.)
The first stop of the Palace - on - Wheels is Jaipur, one of the most well - planned cities of the world in its time. The capital of Rajasthan, popularly known as the 'Pink City', was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727 AD 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 along the main street of the old city in pink splendor with semi - octagonal and dedicate honey combed sandstone windows. This is followed by a visit to Amber Fort, eight kms. away, where rides on caparisoned elephants add to the ambiance. Shop for Jaipur famous jewellery, handicrafts, carpets, blue pottery and textiles. Near Ajmeri gate is located Rajasthali - the only Rajasthan Govt. Emporium selling genuine handicrafts at fixed prices. 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, the largest observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh II. The Luxury coaches will take you back to Palace on Wheels around 6.30 PM. Diner on Board.

Jaisalmer :: Day - 3 Friday (Arrival 8.15 hrs. Dep. 23.00 hrs.)
In the heart of 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, Patwan - ki - haveli and Salim Singh - ki - haveli are fine examples of the stone carver's skill.Shop at Rajasthali - the only Rajasthan Govt. Emporium, for fine pattu shawls, mirror work & 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 program at a hotel in Jaisalmer. The train leaves for Jodhpur at night.

Jodhpur :: Day - 4 Saturday (Arrival 7.00 hrs. Dep. 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 1456 AD is known for its rock - soloid Mehrangarh Fort. The grand palaces within - Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal 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 handcrafted articles including the famous breeches, embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics.

Sawai Madhopur :: Day - 5 Sunday (Arrival 4.00 hrs. Dep. 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 visit is arranged to the Ranthambhore 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, ratel, jackal and fox are among those consulting the carnivorous population here. Sawai Madhopur is known for its exclusive toys, ethnic ornaments and costumes. Upon return to the Palace - on - Wheels, you leave for desert citadel Jaisalmer, when one gets an opportunity to watch the colorful countryside passing by in the day light. Lunch and dinner are served on board.

Chittaurgarh :: Day - 5 Sunday (Arrival 16.00 hrs.)
Images of love and valour; scars of battles lost and won...thrice - besieged, Chittauragrh Fort is all this and more. Moving legends of honor and pride will echo in your mind as you proceed to Udaipur.

Udaipur :: Day - 6 Monday (Dep. 18.30 hrs. from Chittaurgarh)
A Luxury Coach will take you to Udaipur, the Lake City, the next morning. It was founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty was driven away by the Mughals, in 1559 AD Perhaps the 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 Lake Palace Hotel, a visit to the City Palace is exhilarating.After evening tea, the luxury coach takes you to the Palace - on - Wheels at Chittaurgarh - thus winding up a day full of delights.

Agra :: Day - 7 Tuesday (Arrival 5.00 hrs. Dep. 11.30 hrs.)
Early next morning, the Palace arrives at Agra. Fatehpur Sikri - the red sandstone Mughal palatial complex. Within the enclosure is a mosque built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and dedicated to Sheikh Salim Chishti, a Muslim Sufi saint who blessed him with a son. After lunch move on from the Red Fort and arrive at the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. Apristine monument of undying love, it was built Emperor Shah Jehan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Agra is known for its splendid marble inlay work like the pietra dura work in the Taj, leather goods and jewellery.

Bharatpur :: Day - 8 Tuesday (Arrival 13.30 hrs. Dep. 23.00 hrs.)
Bharatpur, the capital of maharaja Suraj Mal. 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 special of birds. After dinner on board and a good night's sleep, arrive at Delhi Cantt. at 0630 hrs the next morning and let the pleasant memories of the past week linger on for a long, long time.

Details : Palace on wheel 350$US per person per day, subject to change
Twin Sharing on full board and lodge, cost includes Stay , travel, meals and conducted Sightseeing with entrance fee.

One can break the journey. This Tour can be booked for minimum for 4 days.


IMPORTANT:
Booking can be done on confirmed basis of advance payment deposit only
1. 20% to hold booking 2. Balance 80% 2 month before to Tour Departure


Cancellation Rules & Charges
Bookings will be cancelled only on receipt of written requests.

Cancellation Charges will be
(1) 10% of ticket value charge, if booking cancelled 60 days prior to departure.
(2) 25% of ticket value charge, if booking cancelled 30 days prior to departure.
(3) 60% of ticket value charge, if booking cancelled 15 days before departure.
(4) 100% of ticket value


Luggage Collection
Your luggage is picked up and taken to your respective saloons without your worrying about it.
Arrival Kit
Each guest is provided with an arrival kit consulting of stationery items, brochures, cards etc. Anything additional can be asked for, from the attendant, always available at your service.
Attendant 'Khidmatgar'
The attendant or 'Khidmatgar' is always available at your service, to take care of all your travel needs.
Meals
An exotic array of dishes to choose from the Continental, Indian and Rajasthani cuisine which are available on the Palace - on - Wheels.
Mineral Water
We make sure, the greatest gift of nature bestowed on us i.e. water is made available to you in its purest form. Minerals water is made available to you all through the journey.
Newspapers/Magazines
The leading dailies and newspapers greet you every morning over a simmering hot cup of tea or beverages of your choice. Also available for you is a large collection of magazines.
Security
Adequate safety arrangements are made for you as well as your personal belongings in the train itself.
Toiletries
All essential toiletries like soaps, shampoos, moisturizers etc. are provided in the train.
Wine/Beer
A complimentary bottle of wine/beer courtesy Palace - on - Wheels to your royal guests.
Common facilities on board
Bar
A well stocked bar serves wine, liquor and spirit of Indian and International Brands, to keep you in 'high spirits'.
Group Photograph
To cherish these special moments of glory and to remind you of these times when you walk down memory lane a few years from now, we take a group photograph which is given to you as a souvenir.
Lounge
A lounge for relaxing, interacting, making friends, getting together and including in games.
Mail Box
A mail box is provided on board, which discharges your mail with utmost care and efficiency.
Medical Aid
Your health, obviously tops the chart of our priority list. First aid is available on the train, whereas a doctor can be arranged on call at the very next station.
Restaurants
Two lavish and beautifully done restaurants; "The Maharaja" and "The Maharani" serve mount - watering Continental, Indian and Rajasthani cuisine that would definitely make way to your heart through your stomach.

Smoking
The Palace - on - Wheels is a no – smoking train however, if you wish to smoke please contact your captain for guidance.