Palace on Wheels
9 days/8 nights
Experience unmatched royalty aboard the Palace on Wheels, one of the top ten most luxurious rail journeys in the world.
The train features 14 coaches, each named and intricately decorated after Rajput states. The rooms are fully air-conditioned and feature private attached bathrooms, intercom, channel music, and inlaid furniture exclusively designed for the Palace on Wheels. There are two 5-star restaurants, the Maharaja and the Maharani, each serving lavish Chinese, Continental, Indian and Rajasthani cuisine. Additionally, private attendants cater to your every request and desire.
Spend a week as royalty and discover the vibrant colors and majestic palaces of Rajasthan.
Highlights
Camel ride in Jaisalmer
Lake Palace in Udaipur
Tiger viewing in Ranthambore National Park
Sunset visit to the majestic Taj Mahal
Itinerary Details: 9 days/8 nights
Day 1: Tuesday: Delhi Arrival
Namaste. Welcome to India! Arrive at Delhi International airport. You will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Delhi is a bustling metropolis that incorporates the ancient with the modern. Amidst the skyscrapers, the monuments stand as a silent reminder to India's legacy. Driving from the airport, you will be impressed with Delhi's spacious, tree-lined streets and garden parks. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Wednesday: Delhi
Reporting Time: 4pm * Departure: 6:30pm
The morning is free for resting after your journey. In the afternoon, transfer to the Delhi Cantonment station and be greeted with a warm, traditional welcome before departing on a luxury journey through Rajasthan.
Day 3: Thursday: Jaipur
Arrival: 2am * Departure: 7:30pm
You will be welcomed to the Pink City of Jaipur by decorated elephants and strains of the Shehnai. An air-conditioned coach takes you to Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, followed by a visit to Amber Fort. Shop for Jaipur's famous jewelry, handicrafts, carpets, blue pottery and textiles. After lunch at the Rambagh Palace Hotel, visit the City Palace, home of the royal family. Across the road from the City Palace is the Jantar Mantar, the observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh II. The luxury coaches will take you back to the train around 6:30pm. Dinner on board.
Day 4: Friday: Jaisalmer
Arrival: 8:15am * Departure: 11:00pm
In the heart of the Thar desert lies Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156 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 carvers skill. Shop for fine pattu shawls, mirror work, embroidered articles, wooden boxes, trinkets, and silver jewelry. After lunch on board, go for an exciting camel ride on the sand dunes of Sam. Enjoy dinner and cultural programs at a hotel in Jaisalmer.
Day 5: Saturday: Jodhpur
Arrival: 7am * Departure: 3:30pm
Arrive in Jodhpur, affectionately termed the "Blue City" and the second largest city of Rajasthan. Jodhpur is known for its rock-solid Mehrangarh Fort. 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.
Day 6: Sunday: Sawai Madhopur—Chittaurgarh
Arrival: 4am * Departure: 10:30am
Arrive in Sawai Madhopur. After an early breakfast, visit the Ranthambore National Park, considered to be the country's best wildlife sanctuary for observing and photographing tigers. Return to the train and depart for Chittaurgarh. En-route, watch the colorful countryside passing in the daylight. Lunch on board.
Arrival: 4pm * Departure: 5am (next day)
Arrive in Chittaurgarh and proceed on a city tour. Later, return to the train for dinner. Moving legends of honor and pride will echo in your heart as you continue to Udaipur.
Day 7: Monday: Udaipur
Arrival: 7:30am * Departure: 5:30pm
The luxury coach will take you to Udaipur, the Lake City. Perhaps the two most beautiful sites of Udaipur are the magnificent marble palaces that mirror a dream - the Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) and the Jag Mandir, which appears to rise from the blue waters of Lake Pichola. After lunch at Lake Palace Hotel, a visit to the City Palace is exhilarating. Return to the train for dinner on board.
Day 8: Tuesday: Bharatpur—Agra
Arrival: 6:30am * Departure: 11pm
In the morning, arrive in Bharatpur, the capital of Marahaja Suraj Mal. After an early breakfast, pay a visit to the world famous bird sanctuary, Keoladeo Ghana National Park. View thousands of egrets, siberian cranes, migratory water fowl and other species of birds. Your luxurious coach will then transport you to Fatehpur Sikri, the perfectly preserved but abandoned red sandstone palace.
Enjoy lunch at a hotel in Agra, followed by a visit to the Red Fort, a magnificent citadel with marble palaces, ornate alcoves and terrace pavilions. The highlight of your evening is a sunset visit to the Taj Mahal. Built in the 17th century by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj took over 22 years and 20,000 men to build. The monument is truly a wonder of the world. Dinner on board.
Day 9: Wednesday: Delhi
Arrival: 6am
In the early morning, arrive at Delhi Cantonment Station. Later, proceed on a half-day tour of Delhi. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Bon Voyage!
Inclusions
- Hotel accommodations with daily breakfast
- 7 nights of luxurious accommodations on the Palace on Wheels, including meals
- A/C vehicle and driver, as per the itinerary
- Comprehensive touring with an English speaking guide
- Entrance fees to the monuments
- Airport transfers with assistance
- Road/interstate taxes, fuel surcharges, and parking fees
Exclusions
- International Airfare
- Delhi departure tax
- Any items of a personal nature
- Additional meals
- Gratuities
- Visa Fees
Supplemental Information
- A visa is required to visit India.
- To protect your travel investment, Sodha Travel strongly recommends Travel Insurance.
- Visit our FAQ page for additional information on traveling to India.
Palace on Wheels Map