The Palace on Wheels: Tourist Guide Exploring Rajasthan
Rajasthan tourism and Indian Railways have set into place a luxury train that brings together the past and the present. The Palace on Wheels lives up to its name - when you get on board the train, you are guaranteed to feel no less than royalty. The experience is best cherished first-hand, grab your passport and travel visa, it is the time to have the journey of a lifetime.
While the nostalgic past is all-pervasive through the stately decor of the train, it has at the same time all the modern amenities that live up to royal lifestyles. The Train is literally a moving palace; thus, it has been christened the “Palace On Wheels”.
The Palace on Wheels comprises 14 fully air-conditioned deluxe saloons with world-class facilities to enhance your traveling pleasure. A journey by this train could be one of your most memorable experiences. What should you expect from the ride? Well, keep reading to find out!
You require India e-Tourist Visa (eVisa India or Indian Visa Online to witness the amazing places and experiences as a foreign tourist in India. Alternatively, you could be visiting India on an India e-Business Visa and want to do some recreation and sightseeing in India. The Indian Immigration Authority encourages visitors to India to apply for Indian Visa Online (India e-Visa) rather than visiting Indian Consulate or Indian Embassy.
Day 1 (Wednesday): New Delhi Depart
Interiors of the Palace on Wheels
The Palace On Wheels starts its journey at the Safdar Jung Station in New Delhi, where the guests are given a warm Rajasthani welcome. The journey lasts for seven nights and eight days. It covers some of the most exotic places in Rajasthan and Agra, making you feel like a Maharaja all the time. There are two restaurants on the train - Maharaja and Maharani. The lavish dinners keep your spirits high.
Day 2 (Thursday): Jaipur, The Pink City
Hawa Mahal
The first half of the train is in Jaipur - the pink city. It was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II in 1727. The guests are taken around the city for sightseeing. The famed Hawa Mahal is an architectural marvel with five stories and honeycomb-shaped window openings.
The mighty Amber Fort leaves a lingering impression in the minds of the guests. The elephant rides add to the joy of the visit. As the elephants ascend the slope, your imperial self comes alive. The construction of the Amber Fort was started by Man Singh I and completed by Jai Singh I. A beautiful array of designs fill up the interiors of the fort, whereas the intricacies of the work hold the visitors spellbound.
Be pampered like a royal master, enjoy a lavish lunch at a five-star hotel. Rajasthani jewelry is irresistible - shopping here could be an enjoyable experience.
The City Palace is the home of the erstwhile royal family of Jaipur. It holds a lot of charm for the visitors. The ostentatious lifestyles of the rulers could be estimated from the artworks and exhibits of the palace. Interestingly, the royal family still lives in a part of the palace.
If you are interested in traditional Indian astronomy, then you are in luck at the Jantar Mantar! The largest Indian observatory of its time, it was built by Sardar Jai Singh II.
Back on the train after a long day, the guests enjoy the royal comforts, food, and drinks. A well-stocked bar on the train serves wine, liquor, and spirits of Indian and international make.
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Nestled in the state of Rajasthan, city of Udaipur often known as the City of Lakes given its historic palaces and monuments built around natural as well as man-made water bodies, is a place often easily recalled as the Venice of the East. Learn more at Travel Guide to Udaipur India.
Day 3 (Friday): Jaisalmer, Oasis in the Desert
Thar, The Great Indian Desert
In the heart of the Thar, the great Indian desert, famous for its exotic sand dunes, lies Jaisalmer - the next halt of the Palace On Wheels. King Rawal Jaisal founded the city in 1156 AD.
The Jaisalmer Fort is a golden fortress that is known for its magnificent structure, made of yellow sandstone. The curved projections of the fortress stretch your aesthetic pleasure to the limits. The intricate latticed Havelis with their grand facades and stone carvings indicate the skillfulness of the artisans of the bygone eras. Symmetrical openings and carvings show how dexterous the artisans of the past were.
Sand dunes are expressions of nature's rhythm on the sand. The excitement of camel rides on the famed Sam Sand Dunes gives rise to indescribable joy. Seeping one's emotions in the sunset of the dunes could purge one of freshness.
A visitor says, “you are going to love looking at the sand dunes, which are kind of undulating. I thought it was just beautiful and the Sun was starting to set, so it was a brilliant orange. It was very peaceful and quiet.” A great dinner at a five-star hotel enhances the joy of the wonderful evening in this historic City. The music and dance performances by the folk artists of Rajasthan cast a spell on one and all.
At the end of another day, the train moves on. There is nothing like relaxing in a saloon of the Palace On Wheels. Every saloon has a mini pantry to ensure the easy availability of hot and cold beverages and refreshments. The lounge also serves as a place for relaxation and get-togethers for its visitors.
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If you are a US Citizen planning to visit India, getting an eVisa is the easiest way to fasten your visa application process. Learn more at India Visa Application Process for US Citizens.
Day 4 (Saturday): Jodhpur, Heart of Marwar
Jodhpur
After a good night's rest, the guests are all ready to explore Jodhpur. The city is ringed by a high stone wall with seven gates and several bastions. Jaswant Thara is an expression of masterly craftsmanship. The royal cenotaphs made of white marble are fascinating.
The Mehrangarh Fort enchants you with its rock-solid structure. It has grand palaces each with its distinct architectural design. The interiors recreate the royal past. Designed by famed British architect Henry Lanchester, Umaid Bhavan is a golden yellow sandstone palace. It took 15 years to build this palace and was finished in 1943. Next, the visitors will be surprised by a grand feast at this royal palace.
Back to the comforts of the Palace On Wheels, the best amenities are available on the train, including Internet and DVD players. Once the day is over, it is time once again to relax while on one's way to reach Madhavpur, the next destination. As you spend an enjoyable evening, your meals are prepared on board at a well-equipped kitchen and by the top chefs of the country.
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Widely renowned all over the world for their majestic presence and stunning architecture, the palaces and forts in Rajasthan are a lasting testament to India’s rich heritage and culture. Learn more at Tourist Guide to Palaces and Forts in Rajasthan.
Day 5 (Sunday): Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve
Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve
Day 5 at Madhavpur begins much before dawn, with a visit to the Ranthambore National Park. It is one of the best Indian locations for sitting and photographing the animals and birds in their natural habitats; the park is home to more than 300 species of birds. Ranthambore is also the domain of the Lord of the woods - the tiger. It also has Panthers, Sloth bears, Pythons, Marsh crocodiles, and hundreds of deers. It is a heaven for all nature lovers.
You will be returned back to the Sawai Madhopur Railway Station by noon. Lunch will be served to you onboard. By 4:00 PM, the Palace On Wheels will take you to the Chittorgarh Railway Station. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Chittorgarh Hill Fort is spread over a huge plateau.
With a rich history that dates back to the 11th Century AD, the Chittorgarh Fort is considered to be the largest fort in India. In the evening, guests are entertained by a Sound & Light program that is hosted within the fort complex, and later they are returned back to the Palace On Wheels.
Day 6 (Monday): Udaipur, the City of Lakes
Lake Palace Hotel
The train approaches the city by 8:00 AM. After being served a grand breakfast, guests proceed to the City Palace Complex which was built back in the 17th century. It constitutes eleven constituent palaces, balconies, towers and cupolas. The Crystal Gallery is a must-visit for all guests, a personal housing collection of H.H of Udaipur.
Later, guests are taken to enjoy a boat ride at the "Lake Palace Hotel", which sits on a small island in the middle of Lake Pichola. You will be served lunch at the magnificent Fatehprakash Palace Hotel. You will get the opportunity to go shipping at the famous markets of Rajasthan, followed by a visit to the Royal Gardens at Saheliyon Ki Bari.
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India Immigration Authority has suspended issuance of 1 year and 5 years e-Tourist Visa from 2020 with advent of COVID19 pandemic. At the moment, India Immigration Authority only issues 30-day tourist India Visa Online. Read more to learn about durations of different visas and how to extend your stay in India. Learn more at Indian Visa Extension Options.
Day 7 (Tuesday Early Morning): Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
At around 6:20 AM the next day, you will be headed towards the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride as you take in a view of the 375 species of both local & migratory birds, from places like Sri Lanka, Europe, Siberia, China and Tibet that live here.
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The culture, natural charm and untouched regions of Nagaland located on the northeast side of the country would make this place appear to you as one of the most welcoming states in the country. Learn more at Travel Guide to Nagaland, India.
Day 7 (Tuesday Noon): Agra, City of the Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal
The Palace On Wheels will next take you to the outskirts of the Agra railway station, at around 10:30 AM. The day will continue with a sightseeing tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Agra Fort, which was once the mighty seat of power of the great Mughal Empire.
Guests will be served lunch at the ITC Mughal Hotel, which will be followed by a visit to the marvelous Taj Mahal. One of the seven wonders of the world, the flawless wonder that is built entirely from white marble is guaranteed to take your breath. At the end of the day, guests will get some leisure time to go shopping at the buzzing Agra markets. Guests will return to the train again for dinner and departure.
Day 8 (Wednesday): New Delhi Return
The Palace On Wheels will return you to the Safdar Jung Railway Station in New Delhi by 5:30 AM on the eighth day. Guests are served an early breakfast and can check out by 7:30 AM. This marks the end of the grand tour.
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