North Central India with the Palace on Wheels (17 Days / 16 Nights)
Enjoy India with royalty. This itinerary is specially designed keeping in mind an urge to explore the romance of Indian rail in royal style with the exotic destinations. With five nights on Palace on Wheels this journey will definitely give an everlasting impression.
Day 1: Delhi
Friday, May 24, 2024 - Saturday, May 25, 2024
Upon arrival at Delhi, Our representative will meet you at the airport. He will assist you check in at the hotel of your choice.
Overmight stay at hotel.
Day 2: Delhi
Saturday, May 25, 2024 - Sunday, May 26, 2024
Morning half-day city tour of Old Delhi visiting
Raj Ghat the Mausoleum of Mahatma Gandhi. Jama Masjid and drive past
Red Fort. you may take a tricycle tour of Chandini Chowk. Afternoon half day city tour of New Delhi visiting drive past President House,
Parliament House (House of Representatives) and
India Gate - War Memorial (stop for photography). Visit the
Qutub Minar , 72.55 meters, high Victory Tower and proceed onto
Bahai Temple (lotus temple). Also visit the
Humayun's Tomb built of red sandstone, the first substantial example of the Mughal architecture and Laxmi Narayan Temple - a modern Hindu temple built by the Birlas, leading Indian industrialists. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 3: Delhi - Khajuraho
Sunday, May 26, 2024 - Monday, May 27, 2024
Transfer to airport to leave by air for Khajuraho.
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments in Khajuraho,a town in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, located in Chhatarpur District, about 620 kilometres (385 mi) southeast of New Delhi, are one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Khajuraho has the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples, famous for their erotic sculpture. The Khajuraho group of monuments has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is considered to be one of the "seven wonders" of India
Arrive and transfer to Hotel.
Day 4: Khajuraho - Agra
Monday, May 27, 2024 - Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Khajuraho, a small dusty and an isolated village in the interior plains of Madhya Pradesh, far away from the hustle bustle of the towns and cities, holds a unique manifestation of art on its temples. The temples of Khajuraho are perhaps the most visited tourist sites after the
Taj Mahal in India. Today famous for its erotic sculptures, the temples of Khajuraho tell something more than the eroticism it portrays.Morning visit the world famous Chandela Temples. Out of the total 85 temples only 22 remain, but offer a beautiful and extravagant ode to human life. Built in 10th and 11th centuries, these temples are dedicated to aparticular deity and the on the outer walls are carved various themes, but actually it is an ode to woman hood, an ode to fertility, the form of birth and an ode to greatest form of life.Afternoon drive to Jhansi Railway Station (3 hrs. drive) to board train to Agra at 1755 hrs. By AC chair car.Arrive Agra at 2010 hrs. and transfer to Hotel.
Day 5: Agra - Jaipur
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Morning half day city tour visiting the World famous
Taj Mahal built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jehan in the year 1652 as a memorial for his beloved wife MumtazMahal. The grandeur called the Taj is perhaps the most photographed, filmed, described and sketched building of the world.
Taj Mahal is where fantasy coincides with reality in perfect harmony. An inspiration for innumerous artists over the centuries, the Taj is an ode to love. It took 22 years to create this jewel. Agra Fort built and renovated over the centuries, this massive fort gained recognition only during the Mughal reign. Tomb of Itmad-ud-daullah- built by Empress Noorjehan in the memory of her father.Afternoon drive to Jaipur, the pink city of India. The capital of Rajasthan was given a colour coat of pink, a century ago in the honour of a visiting Prince, ever since it has retained the pink color. Enroute visit Fatehpur - Sikri (40 kms. from Agra) - once the capital of Mughal Empire and abandoned after 15 years due to scarcity of water. Its fortifications and Palaces are in a wonderful state of preservation.Upon arrival at Jaipur check-in at Hotel.
Day 6: Jaipur - Jaisalmer
Wednesday, May 29, 2024 - Thursday, May 30, 2024
After breakfast at Hotel, JOIN PALACE ON WHEELS AT 0800 HRS.You will be greeted by caparisoned Elephants and tunes of the Shehnai. Welcome to the Pink City of Jaipur. Morning city tour visiting City Palace-where the former MAHARAJA still resides in a part of it, but rest of it now serves as a Museum. It has collection of Rajput weapons and treasure of Royal House like textiles, carpets, miniature paintings and precious manuscripts etc. Jantar Mantar-an observatory scientifically designed represent the high points of medieval Indian astronomy. Discover
Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh Fort, Amer Fort-remarkable for majestic grandeur of its surroundings as for its sturdy battlements. Depart to Jaisalmer.
Day 7: Jaisalmer - Jodhpur
Thursday, May 30, 2024 - Friday, May 31, 2024
Arrive at the 12th century city of Jaisalmer dominated by its sandstone fort of 99 bastions. Visit the exquisitely carved
Havelis and palaces with their latticed windows, balconies, cupolas and facades. Experience the famed camel safaris & desert camps and dine under the stars as the rhythm of Rajasthani music drifts into the night. Depart for Jodhpur.
Day 8: Jodhpur - Sawai Madhopur
Friday, May 31, 2024 - Saturday, June 1, 2024
Arrive Jodhpur-a 15th century city surrounded by a high stone wall with seven gates and countlessbastions. The second largest city of Rajasthan is famous for the impregnable
Meharangarh Fort. Visit this magnificent Fort and Jaswant Thada-a collection of royal cenotaphs built in white marble,
Mandore Gardens. Lunch at the Umaid Bhawan Palace, the royal residence a part of which is now a hotel. Depart for Sawai Madhopur.
Day 9: Sawai Madhopur - Chittorgarh
Saturday, June 1, 2024 - Sunday, June 2, 2024
Welcome to verdant Sawai Madhopur and the beautiful 10th century fort of Ranthambore.The oldest settlement in the area near Sawai Madhopur was around the Ranthambhore fort. The exact origin of the Ranthambore fort is still disputed but it is generally accepted that there was a settlement at the site of
The Fort, as far back as the 8th century A.D. It is widely believed that the construction of the Ranthambhore Fort was started during the reign of the Chauhan rajput King Sapaldaksha in 944 AD. Another theory stipulates that King Jayant, also a Chauhan rajput, built the Ranthambore Fort during 1110 AD. It is most likely that the construction of
The Fort commenced during the mid 10th Century A.D. and continued for a few centuries after that. Surrounded by the Ranthambore National Park a Project Tiger reserve, the imposing ramparts of
The Fort soar above standing testimony to their historical past. Depart for Chittaurgarh.
Day 10: Chittorgarh - Udaipur
Sunday, June 2, 2024 - Monday, June 3, 2024
Arrive and visit
The Fort which is the best known fort of Rajasthan - impragnable and undaunted.Chittorgarh is the epitome of Chattari Rajput (Indian warrior caste) pride, romance and spirit for people of Chittor always chose death before surrendering against anyone. It reverberates with history of heroism and sacrifice that is evident from the tales still sung by the bards of Rajasthan. Though it can now be called a ruined citadel there is much more to this huge fort. It is a symbol of all that was brave, true and noble in the glorious Rajput tradition Images of love and valour, scars of battles lost and won... thrice besieged Chittaurgarh is all this and more. Moving legends of honour and pride will echo in your mind as you proceed to Udaipur.Historically, it is considered that Chittor was built by the Maurya dynasty in the 7th century AD.[citation needed] It was then named Chitrakut after Chitrangada Mori, a Rajput chieftain as inscribed on ancient Mewari coins.
The Fort is surrounded by a circular wall which has seven huge gates before one can enter inside the main fort area. Some accounts say that the Mori dynasty was in possession of
The Fort when Bappa Rawal the founder of the kingdom of Mewar seized Chittor garh (Chittor fort) and made it his capital in 734 AD.
After sightseeing proceed to Udaipur by Palace on Wheels.
Day 11: Udaipur
Monday, June 3, 2024 - Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Udaipur is one of the most beautiful cities of Rajasthan, known as the city of
Lakes, Palaces and Gardens, Temples and Forts. Lunch at Hotel Lake Palace, the former summer residence of the princess of Mewar. Enjoy the tranquility of
Lake Pichola. Visit The
City Palace in all its ancient glory, the residence of the Maharajas of Udiapur.AT EVENING PALACE ON WHEELS ENDS Check in Hotel.
Day 12: Udaipur
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Full day trip to Ranakpur-Almost hidden in a green valley of the Aravalli Hills, the Jain temples of Ranakpur are some of the most beautifully carved temples in India.The dating of this temple is controversial but it is largely considered to be anywhere between the late 14th to mid-15th centuries. Inspired by a dream of a celestial vehicle, Dhanna Shah, a Porwad, is said to have commissioned it, under the patronage of Rana Kumbha, then ruler of Mewar. The architect who oversaw the project is said to have been named Deepaka. There is an inscription on a pillar near the main shrine stating that in 1439 Deepaka, an architect, constructed the temple at the direction of Dharanka, a devoted Jain. Light colored marble has been used for the construction of this grand temple which occupies an area of approximately 60 x 62 meters. The temple, with its distinctive domes, shikhara, turrets and cupolas rises majestically from the slope of a hill. Over 1444 marble pillars, carved in exquisite detail, support the temple. The pillars are all differently carved and no two pillars are the same. It is also said that it is impossible to count the pillars. Also all the statues face one or the other statue. There is one beautiful carving made out of a single marble rock where there 108 heads of snakes and numerous tails. One cannot find the end of the tails. The image faces all four cardinal directions. In the axis of the main entrance, on the western side, is the largest image.
The temple is designed as chaumukha—with four faces. The construction of the temple and quadrupled image symbolize the Tirthankara's conquest of the four cardinal directions and hence the cosmos
These unexplored temples are supposed to be the only cluster of Jain temples in the country.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 13: Udaipur - Mumbai
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 - Thursday, June 6, 2024
Transfer to airport to leave by air for Mumbai.Arrive and transfer to Hotel.Morning half day city tour visiting
Prince of Wales Museum housing collection in the Indo Saracenic architecture. Visit Flora Fountain, Victoria Terminus, St. Thomas Cathedral, Crawford Market, Malabar Hill and the Hanging Gardens. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight stay at Mumbai hotel.
Day 14: Mumbai - Goa
Thursday, June 6, 2024 - Friday, June 7, 2024
Morning transfer to airport to leave by air for Goa. Arrive Goa and transfer to Hotel.
Goa, one of the most famous beach cities of India, is known to be full of fun and frolic throughout the year.
Upon checkng in at the hotel, enjoy the beach and the sea. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 15: Goa
Friday, June 7, 2024 - Saturday, June 8, 2024
Morning half day visit to Panjim City. Panjim, a former fishing Village, was made the capital of Goa by royal decree from the court of Lisbon. It's spread around 'Altinho' meaning hillock, a residential area with Portuguese style bungalows where the dominant structure is the Patriarch's Palace with the statue of Christ the King on its lawns. From Altinho one gets a panoramic view of Panjim. The oldest monument in Panjim is the Idalco or Adil Shah's Palace built in 1490 and there is also the beautiful Church of our Lady of Immaculate Conception. Afternoon half day visit to Miramar Beach and proceed onwards to Dona Paula en route the Quaint fishing village of Caranzalem. The Dona Paula Bay overlooks Marmagoa, the largest natural harbour in India and the expanse of the Arabian Sea. On the return, drive down through 'Fountainhes' with its Latin atmosphere and quaint houses to Old Goa, the heartland of ancient Christianity, once a bustling metropolis now in ruins. Visit the beautiful Basilica of Bom Jesus where the incorruptable body of St.Francis Xavier is enshrined in a silver casket. Visit the majestic Se Cathedral, which is the largest church in Goa, with its booming golden bell and other churches. Later proceed onto the bustling city of Mapusa noted for its colorful Friday Market. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day 16: Goa
Saturday, June 8, 2024 - Sunday, June 9, 2024
Relax on the beach or just visit the shops to check the local handicraft items. You may also enjoy the water sports which are available on the beach.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 17: Goa - Mumbai
Sunday, June 9, 2024 - Monday, June 10, 2024
Transfer to airport to leave by air for Mumbai. Arrive and transfer to International airport to fly onward destination.
