| VIRTUAL TOUR
- PALACES ON WHEELS |
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Palace Wheels offers a magical
train ride across North India. The Palace on Wheels
luxury train, takes you to the beautiful cities, historic
forts, enchanting palaces and thrilling wildlife sanctuaries
in Rajasthan, India, as well as the mesmerizing Taj
Mahal in Agra. Enjoy an enchanted voyage on the royal
luxury train - the Palace on Wheels.Times have changed
and the winds have shifted, but the Palace on Wheels
cruises along in royal style, the kind only the
Maharajas of yesteryears could have perpetuated
and enjoyed. Today, of course, each traveller
on board is treated like royalty in his or her own
right.
Itinerary:
Delhi - Jaipur - Chittorgarh - Udaipur- Sawai
Madhopur(Ranthambor) - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur-
Bharatpur- Agra - Delhi |
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| Day 01 - Wednesday |
Reporting Time 16.00 hrs. Dep.
18.30 hrs.
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NEW DELHI
 The
journey of a lifetime begins at the Delhi Cantonment
station where the guests are accorded a warm,
traditional welcome before the Palace on Wheels
pulls out into the night ... for a week-long
luxury cruise through fascinating Rajasthan.
It stands on its tracks; a gleaming sealed carriage,
every bit as royal as the original, and perhaps
more. The air-conditioning works silently, creating
a space where only the excitement of the history
of the Rajput kingdoms permeates through, clearly
captured in a contemporary mode.
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| Day
02 - Thursday |
Arrival 02.00 hrs. Departure 19.30
hrs
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JAIPUR
 The
first stop of Palace on Wheels is Jaipur, one
of the most well planned cities of the world
of its time. This capital city of Rajasthan,
popularly known as the Pink City, To
explore the city, an air-conditioned coach takes
you to Hawa Mahal or the Palace of
Winds, This is followed by a visit to Amber
Fort, eight kms. away, where rides on caparisoned
elephants add to the ambiance. Shop for Jaipurs
famous jewellery, handicrafts, carpets blue
pottery and textiles.
After lunch at a Palace Hotel, you are off to
the City Palace, home of the erstwhile royal
family. Right across the road from the City
Palace is the Jantar Mantar, the largest
observatory built by the Sawai Jai Singh II.
The Luxury coaches will take you back to Palace
on Wheels around 6.30 pm. Dinner on Board.
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| Day
03 - FRIDAY |
Arrival 08.15 hrs. Departure
23.00 hrs.
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JAISALMER
 In
the heart of the Thar Desert lies Jaisalmer,
founded by Rawal Jaisal, in 1156A.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.
After lunch on board, go for an exciting
camel ride on the sand dunes of Sam,
before sipping a refreshing cup of tea.Enjoy
the dinner and the cultural programmes
at a hotel in Jaisalmer.The train leaves
for Jodhpur at night
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| Day
04 - SATURDAY |
Arrival 07.00 hrs.
Departure15.30 hrs
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JODHPUR
 Next
morning the Palace on wheels is
in Jodhpur, a city ringed by a high
stone wall with seven gates and
several bastions. This second largest
city of Rajasthan, founded by Rao
Jodha in 1459 A.D. is known for
its rock-solid Mehrangarh Fort.The
grand palaces within- Moti Mahal,
Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal,
Sileh Khana and Daulat
Khana are impressive examples
of architectural excellence. Near
the fort complex lies Jaswant
Thada, and a group of royal
cenotaphs made of white marble.
After lunch at a royal Palace hotel,
return to the Palace on Wheels.
While in Jodhpur shop for the exquisite
handcrafted articles including the
famous breeches, embroidered shoes,
metal curios, silverware, paintings
and tie and dye fabrics.
|
| Day
05 - SUNDAY |
Arrival 04.00
hrs. Departure 10.30 hrs
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SAWAI
MADHOPUR
One
can almost sense a life of the wilderness,
as the Palace on Wheels arrives in
Sawai Madhopur, a city named after
its founder Maharaja Sawai Madho
Singh I. After breakfast a visit
is arranged to the Ranthambhor
National Park, wherein are located
the ruins of a 10th century fort.The
tiger, hyena, ratel, jackal and fox
are among those constituting the carnivorous
population here.
Sawai Madhopur is known for its exclusive
toys, ethnic ornaments and costumes.
Upon return to the Palace on Wheels,
you leave for Chittaurgarh, when one
gets an opportunity to watch the colourful
countryside passing by in the daylight. |
| Day
05 - SUNDAY |
Arrive 16:00
hrs.
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CHITTAURGARH
 After
lunch on board you are in Chittaurgarh.
Images of love and valour; scars
of battles lost
In the evening visit the crystal
gallery. Later proceed to Bharatpur
on board Palace on Wheels.
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| Day
06 - MONDAY |
Departure 05:30
hrs. from Chittaurgarh for Udaipur
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UDAIPUR
 Arrive
in Udaipur, the Lake City
at 7:30 AM. It was founded by Maharana
Udai Singh of Mewar, after the
Sisodia dynasty was driven away
by the Mughals, in 1559A.D. Perhaps
the two most beautiful sites of
Udaipur are the dream-like marble
Palaces- the Jag Niwas (Lake Palace)
and the Jag Mandir, which
appear to rise from the blue
waters of Lake Pichhola. After
lunch at Lake Palace Hotel a visit
to City Palace is exhilarating.
In the evening visit the crystal
gallery. Later proceed to Bharatpur
on board Palace on Wheels.
|
| Day
07 - TUESDAY |
Arrival 06.30hrs.
Departure 11.45 hrs
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BHARATPUR
 Early
next morning, the Palace arrives
in Bharatpur, the capital of
Maharaja Suraj Mal. After breakfast
pay a visit to the world famous
bird sanctuary, Keoladeo Ghana
National Park, the nesting place
of thousands of Egrets, Siberian
Cranes, migratory Water Fowl and
other species of birds.
|
| Day
07 - TUESDAY |
Arrival 14.30
hrs Departure 23.00 hrs
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AGRA
 Arrive
at Fatehpur Sikri-the red sandstone
Mughal palatial complex. Within
the enclosure is a mosque built
by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and
dedicated to the Sheikh Salim Chisti,
a muslim Sufi Saint who blessed
him with a son. After lunch move
on from the Red Fort and
arrive at the Taj Mahal,
one of the seven wonders of the
world. A pristine monument of undying
love. It was built by Emperor Shah
Jahan in memory of his beloved queen
Mumtaz Mahal.Agra is known for its
splendid marble inlay work like
the Pietra Dura work on the Taj,
leather goods and jewelry.
After dinner on board and a good
nights sleep, arrive at Delhi
Cantt. at 6.00 hrs the next morning
and let the pleasant memories of
the past week linger on your mind
for a long, long time.
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The exquisite & exclusive Palace
on Wheels has luxurious cabins, wall-to-wall carpeting,
a well stocked bar, two dining cars, personalised
service..... infact everything that could comprise of heaven
on earth for a whole week.
Departure dates from Delhi (Cantonment
Station): Every Wednesday from September to April.
Length of journey : 8 days and seven
nights. Departure from Delhi on Wednesday evening, return
to Delhi the following Wednesday morning.
Comforts in the Palace on Wheels :
- Every saloon coach is equipped with a saloon, mini-bar
and kitchenette.
- Each cabin has its own toilet with shower and hot and
cold running water.
- Indian or European food is served in separate dining
cars.
- A panorama saloon coach with bar is waiting to
be visited.
- In each saloon coach a chief steward and his assistant
look after your needs.
- A public address system provides background music
and is used for important announcements.
- A library is available.
- A bureau de change which also accepts travelers
cheques is also on board the train.
Cabins on board the Palace on Wheels
On the Palace on Wheels there are 52 sleeping
car compartments each with two beds; the beds are no longer
one above another but side by side. The air-conditioned
train travels in a leisurely manner so that the ever-changing
landscape can be fully appreciated.
Tariff
for season 2008-2009 (from September 2008
till April 2009)
Per person per night* |
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Occupancy
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October to March
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September & April
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Single occupancy
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Rs. 23,000.00
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Rs. 17,000.00 |
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Double occupancy
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Rs. 17,200.00
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Rs. 13,200.00 |
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Triple occupancy
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Rs. 13,900.00
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Rs. 10,700.00
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- The tariff will continue to be collected
in US dollars from foreign nationals using
the Rupee vs. Dollar exchange rate applicable
at the time of sale of tickets by rounding
off to the nearest dollars. 50% payment
is to be paid while booking is confirmed
and rest 50% payment is to be paid two
months prior to departure.
- Date plus service tax 3.09% . The tariff
is subject to change. 10% surcharge shall
be levied on departure during Christmas/
New Year.
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