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JAIPUR
Jaipur,
one of the most well planned cities of the world is the first stop of the Palace
On Wheels. Founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in 1727, this capital city of
Rajasthan is popularly known as the Pink City. A gala reception awaits you at
the Pink City. With traditional Indian music of the shehnai, playing in the
background, you will be welcomed like a Royal Celebrity. And why not.... This is
the first stop of the Palace on Wheels in the land of Maharajas, magnificent
Palaces and impressive forts. And this is just the start; from this time on,
every moment that you spend on the Palace On Wheels will leave memories that
will last for a lifetime.
Chittaurgarh and Udaipur
Next morning, the day starts with
a visit to Chittaurgarh, the awe inspiring fort renowned for innumerable legends
of valour and chivalry. Bappa Rawal, the founder of the Sisodia dynasty
conquered Chittaur from the Maurya rulers in the middle of the 8th century .
Chittor was ransacked three times ending in jauhar, the self sacrifice of its
women folk in a sacred fire to protect their honour.
The next stop is Udaipur, the City of Lakes
founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar in 1550, after the Sisodias were driven
away from Chittaur by the Mughals. The two most enchanting spots in Udaipur are
Jag Nivas and Jag Mandir, the marble palaces that seem to float in the middle of
Lake Pichhola. After lunch visit the City Palace and Sahelion - ki - bari or the
Garden of the Maids of Honour. After evening tea, the luxury coach returns to
the Palace on wheels at Chittaurgarh. A perfect end to an enchanting day.
Sawai Madhopur
Excitement is in the air as the
Palace on Wheels touches Sawai Madhopur, a city fortified in 1765 and named
after its founder Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I. Breakfast is fallowed by a visit
to the Ranthambhor National Park which is locaed amidst the imposing ruins of a
10th century fort. This reserve is reputed as the best in the country for
observing and photographing the activities of the tiger. Spread over an area of
392 sq. kms. of thick forest with lush vegetation and waterfalls, the park is
the abode of more than 300 species of birds. The carnivore population includes
tiger, hyena, ratel, jackal and fox among others. Return to the Palace on
Wheelsand depart for the desert city Jaisalmer. Lunch and dinner are served on
board.
Jaisalmer
Located in the heart of the
desert, Jaisalmer was founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156. Sharply etched against
the sky, Jaisalmer is a splendid sight with its yellow sand stone walls and
bastions that seem to rise from the golden sands. Visit the intricately latticed
havelis with their elaborate facades. The superb craftsmanship of the stone
carver is illustrated in Nathmalji-ki-haveli, Patwon-ki-haveli and Salim Singh-ki-haveli.
After a sumptuous llunch, experience the exhilaration of a camel ride on the
golden sand dunes at Sam followed by evening tea. The Palace on Wheels departs
for Jodhpur at night.
Jodhpur
A city surrounded by a high stone
wall with seven gates and countless bastions. Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, this
second largest city of Rajsthan is famous for the impregnable Mehrangarh Fort.
Close to the fort complex is Jaswant Thada, a collection of royal cenotaphs
built in white marble. After lunch at the imposing Umaid Bhavan Palace return to
the Palace on Wheels.
Jodhpur offers an array of
handcrafted articles like breeches, embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware,
paintings and tie and dye fabrics for the discerning buyer.
Bharatpur, Fatehpur Sikri and Agra
Arrive early morning in Bharatpur,
the prized capital of Maharaja Suraj Mal. Visit Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a
bird's paradise and the nesting ground of thousands of egrets, Siberian cranes,
migratory water-fowl and other birds. After lunch visit the Taj Mahal, one of
the seven wonders of the world. A monument to eternal love, built by Shah Jahan
in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. |
