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Great Indian Retreats

Palace on Wheels Luxury Voyage

Palace on Wheels Luxury Voyage

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.

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Why Great India Retreats?

We have carefully put together this trip for those wanting to see the outstanding highlights of Royal Rajasthan in one perfect package. More than the typical Golden Triangle tour this area is rightly renowned for, we also include the rich culture and heritage of Jodhpur and Udaipur. With visits to the architectural wonders of Rajasthan and Agra; this holiday represents a trip of the lifetime.

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.

Report by 4:30 PM at Safdarjung Railway Station for a traditional welcome, including garlanding, tikka, and turban, followed by check-in formalities for the ‘Week in Wonderland’ train tour. Time free for a photo shoot with traditionally attired Palace on Wheels staff. Be escorted to your saloon cabins by a personal attendant for a briefing on cabin facilities. At leisure, proceed to the Bar Lounge for a complimentary welcome drink. The train departs at 6:30 PM, and dinner is served onboard.

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.

Early morning proceed to a jungle safari in 15-seater canter vehicles inside Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. One of the most popular reserves in India with a rich history, the jungle is home to Tigers, Panthers, Sloth bears, Pythons, Marsh crocodiles, hundreds of deer, and numerous birds. Truly a delight for wildlife lovers. Return to Sawai Madhopur Railway Station and depart on the train by 10:00 AM. Lunch is prepared onboard. Late afternoon Palace on Wheels train reaches Chittorgarh Railway Station. Then, begin an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hill Fort of Chittorgarh, spread over a huge plateau. With a history dating back to the 11th century, it is considered to be the largest fort in India. In the evening, enjoy a Sound & Light program in the fort complex and later return to the train for dinner. The train departs post-midnight.
The Maharajas’ Express arrives in the romantic city of Udaipur—the famed “City of Lakes” where a delightful onboard breakfast sets the tone for a day steeped in royal elegance. Enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent City Palace complex, built in the 17th century. Overlooking Lake Pichola, the palace boasts a splendid blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture, featuring eleven distinct Mahals, ornate balconies, towers, and cupolas that echo the grandeur of the Mewar dynasty. The tour includes an exclusive visit to the Crystal Gallery, which houses the personal collection of rare crystal furniture and objects commissioned by His Highness of Udaipur—a dazzling showcase of royal extravagance. Experience a serene boat ride on Lake Pichola, offering panoramic views of Udaipur’s regal waterfront, ghats, and palaces. A highlight of the cruise is circling the Lake Palace Hotel, the former royal summer residence turned luxury icon, situated on a small island in the lake’s centre. Guests then proceed to the majestic Fatehprakash Palace Hotel for a royal lunch experience, set against stunning views of the lake and Aravalli Hills. Afternoon explore Udaipur’s vibrant markets, where exquisite handicrafts, miniature paintings, silverware, and textiles reflect the city’s rich artistic heritage. The final stop is a leisurely visit to the serene Royal Gardens of Saheliyon Ki Bari, a historic retreat built for the queen’s handmaidens, featuring fountains, lotus pools, and marble pavilions. By 3:00 PM, guests return to the train, and the Maharajas’ Express departs for its next destination. A royal delicious dinner is served onboard, wrapping up a day that perfectly captures Udaipur’s royal charm and timeless allure.
Morning starts with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jaisalmer Fort . The 15th-century fort, glowing golden in the sun, offers a leisurely walk through its massive gates and courtyard. Explore Patwon ki Haveli, a grand mansion house, and nearby 15th-century Jain Temples with ancient manuscripts. Enjoy a lavish lunch before returning to the train for a brief rest. Late afternoon, , visit Sam Sand Dunes for a camel ride during sunset. End the day with a cultural program and dinner at a 5-star hotel. Return to the train later tonight.

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.

Early morning proceed to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary and enjoy a cycle rickshaw ride to view many of the 375 species of both local and migratory birds (from places like Sri Lanka, Europe, Siberia, China, and Tibet). Return to the train for breakfast and depart for Agra. Late morning we visit UNESCO World Heritage Site of Agra Fort, the seat of power of the once mighty Mughal Empire. Lunch at the ITC Mughal Hotel is followed by a visit to the majestic Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the modern world and a flawless architectural wonder built in white marble. Afterwards, guests have some free time for shopping. Then, return to the train for onboard dinner and depart.
As your unforgettable journey aboard the Palace on Wheels draws to a close, the train arrives back in Delhi at Safdarjung Railway Station in the early hours. Wake up to the quiet hum of the capital city and are served an early breakfast onboard, allowing time for one last moment of comfort in the train’s regal ambiance. Its time to check out, as the courteous staff bids a warm farewell, marking the end of this remarkable voyage through India’s royal heritage, culture, and landscapes. With a camera full of memories and a heart enriched by the grandeur of Rajasthan and beyond, you disembark with stories and experiences that will last a lifetime.

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