TOUR OVERVIEW
Set forth on a majestic adventure through Rajasthan on the Palace on Wheels, featuring 7 nights and 8 days of lavishness and cultural engagement. Beginning in New Delhi, the train carries you to famous sites including Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, and more. Relish the magnificence of historic forts, splendid palaces, and bustling markets. Experience wildlife safaris at Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve and partake in cultural activities at the desert dunes. Each day is filled with sightseeing, luxurious lodgings, and fine dining experiences, making it a journey deserving of royalty. Explore the allure of Rajasthan with the Palace on Wheels, where every moment is rich in royal charm.
IS THIS HOLIDAY FOR YOU?
This touring and sightseeing adventure holiday incorporates many of the highlights of northern India into little more than a week and is perfect for anyone wanting to experience the culture and architecture to be found in this corner of North India. There is a fair amount of travelling, as we journey between Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur. However, using luxury train and air-conditioned transportation, the effect of this is kept to a minimum. Whilst sightseeing, there will be some leisurely walking on city streets, local markets and on good trails.
Meeting and assistance on arrival and you will be transferred to your hotel.
Delhi, the capital of India, has a long and storied history that goes back 3,000 years. One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, and has been the beating heart of many empires, from the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals to the British. Each one has left its imprint on Delhi’s architecture, creating a varied and multicultural cityscape. Three UNESCO World Heritage sites span the centuries and are arguably the highlights of our tour today. The 12th-century Qutub Minar is an early example of Delhi’s Islamic heritage. Humayun’s Tomb, built in the 16th century, features a garden mausoleum with a striking octagonal design. Finally, there is the iconic sandstone Red Fort, or Lal Quila, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. Today, Delhi is split between ‘Old Delhi’, with its narrow streets, bazaars, and historical monuments, and ‘New Delhi’, with its wide boulevards and grand government buildings. One thing they both have in common is delicious street food ranging from chaat and kebabs to flaky parathas, making Delhi a food lover’s paradise.
The day begins with a sumptuous breakfast onboard the Maharajas’ Express as it rolls into the royal city of Jaipur, also known as the Pink City. Upon arrival at the station, guests are greeted with a majestic elephant welcome, evoking the regal traditions of Rajasthan.
The morning we visit to the Albert Hall Museum, the oldest museum in Rajasthan, showcasing a fine collection of art, crafts, and historical artefacts. From there, guests proceed to the City Palace, a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture that still houses the royal family. We continue with a visit to Jantar Mantar, an extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most accurate and well-preserved observatories. A picture stop at the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) offers a perfect photo opportunity with its ornate façade designed for royal women to observe street life in privacy.
In the afternoon, guests head to the majestic Amber Fort, perched high on a hill overlooking Maota Lake. Those wishing to embrace the traditional experience may choose an optional elephant ride up the steep ramparts.
Enjoy a royal dining experience steeped in old-world charm.
After lunch, there is time to explore the grand halls, mirrored rooms, and courtyards of the 16th-century Fort Palace, a stunning fusion of Rajput valour and Mughal elegance. We have an opportunity to stroll through Jaipur’s vibrant local markets, famous for textiles, jewellery, handicrafts, and gemstones.
Evening return to the train, and the Maharajas’ Express departs for its next destination. The day concludes with a delectable dinner served onboard, as guests relax and reflect on a day steeped in history, culture, and regal splendour.
Following breakfast, visit the 16th-century Mehrangarh Fort, perched 125 meters above Jodhpur town. The fort’s gateways are designed to thwart enemy charges. Inside, explore breathtaking palatial apartments (Mahals) and a museum showcasing royal dresses and medieval weapons.
Nearby is the 19th-century Jaswant Thada, a cluster of royal cenotaphs in white marble. Visit the museum at Umaid Bhawan Palace, displaying artefacts of the Maharaja of Jodhpur.
Enjoy lunch at Hanwant Mahal Boutique Restaurant before returning to the train. Dinner is served on board.