Golden Triangle 7 Days / 5 Nights

India – A living Heritage

For the avid traveler, India provides an authentic adventure – stimulating, absorbing, daunting, sometimes moving and shocking. Here is one of the world’s great dramas; an ancient, vast and crowded land committed to the most formidably challenging exercise in mass democracy. It is a spectacle in which hope, pride, paradox and uncertainty mingle and struggle. It is conducted on the whole, and to India’s credit in the open. The lasting memories of the land are hospitality, kindness, good humor and generosity. Here is a society of over a 1000 million people, growing by a million a month, divided and united by language, caste, religion and regional loyalties. It has often been described as a functioning anarchy; and it is in many ways an amiable one, of marvelous fluidity and tolerance. Indeed, the true Indian motif is not the Taj Mahal, the elephant or the patient peasant behind the ox drawn plough. It is the crowd, the ocean of faces in the land of multitudes, endlessly stirring, pushing and moving. It is in this human circulation that one sees India’s colour, variety, busyness, and, senses also its power, vitality and grandeur…………………!!

 Day 01 / Tue             Arrive / Delhi

Upon arrival, after clearing your immigration & customs you will be met by our airport facilitation staff carrying placard of your name in visitor’s arrival hall. You will be greeted and transferred to your hotel with necessary assistance. 9 Check in time 1400 Hrs)

Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 / Wed                        Delhi / Jaipur                        (Board Place on Wheels)

Following breakfast, proceed for the combined city tour of Old & New Delhi.

Old Delhi ‑ Former centre of Moghul Power, Old Delhi offers ancient monuments, narrow streets and bustling bazaars. Drive past the Red Fort, built in 1648 and board the ‘cycle rickshaw’ for a unique experience from the Red Fort, through “Chandni Chowk” or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue heading west from the Fort. Later visit the Jama Masjid, the greatest mosque in India and completed in 1658 by Shah Jahan who also built the Taj Mahal, and the Raj Ghat, the simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi

New Delhi. Our tour of New Delhi includes visits to such sights as the Qutab Minar 72 meters high and one of the most perfect towers in the Persian world.  The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years.  Continue with a drive through Embassy area, the Government buildings (1921-1930) and Connaught Place, the heart and main shopping district of the capital.

After visit you will be transferred to Safdarjung Railway Station in time to board your train Palace on Wheels.

1630 hours
Assemble at the railway station at least an hour before the actual departure time to complete check-in and registration formalities.

The train leaves Delhi at around 1830 hours and proceeds towards its first destination Jaipur.

Overnight at Train Palace On Wheels With Dinner.

Day 03 / Thu                        Jaipur

0345 hrs: Train will reaches Jaipur early in the morning.

0700 hrs: Breakfast will be served at 0700 hrs.

0800 hrs: Departure by coach for sightseeing tour of 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, was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in1727 A.D. To explore the city, an air-conditioned coach takes you to Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, which is a remarkable five storied building along the main street of the old city in pink splendour with semi-octagonal and delicate honey-combed sandstone windows. This is followed by a visit to Albert Hall and 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.

1330 hrs: After reaching at Amber you can enjoy the festively decorated elephant for a ride up to the fort. After lunch visit of Amber fort the best example of splendid fusion of Rajput and Mugal style of Architecture. The hall of victory Jai Mandir has a stunning ceiling adorned with mirror work an inlaid panel. Return back to train by bus for fresh n up after rest awhile enjoy sumptuous dinner on board.

1800 hrs: The Luxury coach will take you back to Palace on Wheels.

Overnight at Train Palace On Wheels With All Meals.

 Day 04 / Fri               Jaipur / Sawai Madhopur                                                                Ranthambore National Park

0530 hrs: Arrival at 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. A visit is arranged to the Ranthambhor National Park, wherein are located the ruins of a 10th century fort. This wildlife sanctuary is considered to be the country’s best for observing and photographing the activities of the tiger. The park, covering an area of 392sq kms is hometo more than 300 species of birds. 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.

0600 hrs: Departure for Ranthambore National Parl (Sanctury visit)

0900 hrs: After the game, a safari canter will take you back to Palace on Wheels for breakfast on board.

(De board Palace on Wheels)

After breakfast, De board from Palace on Wheels and you will be picked up by our facilitation staff and transferred to your hotel.

Afternoon Jungle excursion in an open Jeep / Centre.

Overnight at hotel.

 Day 05 / Sat              Ranthambore / Agra                        (270 Km / 5hrs approx)

Following breakfast, you will be driven to Agra enroute visit Abhaneri is a village in the Dausa district of Rajasthan state in India. It is situated at a distance of 95 km from Jaipur, on the Jaipur-Agra road. The place is popular for the Chand Baori step well and Harshat Mata Temple. After the visit continue your drive to Agra. Upon arrival in Agra check into the hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

 Day 06 / Sun             Agra / Delhi              (205 Km / 4hrs approx)

Following breakfast, proceed for city tour of Agra including Taj Mahal.

Agra City: Agra is not only famous for Taj Mahal but the impressive Mughal Red Fort known as the Agra Fort.  The story of the Mughal Empire in stone. Built by Emperor Akbar and successively enriched with places and marble pavilions

Taj Mahal: is the medieval city of the famous 17th century masterpiece Taj Mahal, which of course is the most splendid of all buildings – perhaps, the most perfect architectural monument in the world. It was built in the memory of the beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal of one of the greatest kings Shah Jehan of the Mughal Empire. (TAJ MAHAL CLOSED ON FRIDAYS)

 Afternoon, you will be driven to Delhi. Upon arrival you will be transferred to Delhi International airport in time to connect your flight for back home.

(No Accommodation)

Day 07 / Mon                        Leave Delhi

End Of Services…

Palace on Wheels departure dates (From Delhi):

October 2017          : 04,11,18,25

November 2017      : 01,08,15,22,29

December 2017       : 06,13,

January 2018           : 03,10,17,24,31

February 2018         : 07,14,21,28,

March 2018             : 07,14,21,28,

History of Palace on Wheels

 The Palace on Wheels started on January 26 in 1982. The concept of the Palace on Wheels was derived from the royal background of the coaches, which were originally meant to be the personal railway coaches of the erstwhile rulers of the princely states.

 Palace on Wheels was rated as one of the ten best luxurious rail journeys in the world. The royal grandeur of this luxury train could win it with the honour of PATA Gold Award in 1987.The effort behind the establishment of this luxurious train has gained remarkable success and popularity world over. A tour on Palace on Wheels is a best option to experience true royalty. The luxury train starts its journey from the capital city of Delhi, moves on to Agra and then reaches Rajasthan. The travelling is covered mostly at night, and each morning marks the arrival at a different destination. In 1991, a new air-conditioned broad-gauge Palace on Wheels on the lines of the old heritage train was launched with 13 salons, 2 restaurants, kitchen car, bar-cum-lounge and 4 service cars. ‘Khidmatgars’ or personal attendants, in each cabin, cater to all the needs of the guests.

Nothing can beat the romanticism of the royal train tour on Palace on Wheels that chugs along the scenic routes coupled with historical landmarks. The history of Palace on Wheels is as interesting and fascinating as its journey itself. A definite tribute to the royal tradition of Indian Maharajas, this train travels down to the heart of India’s rich cultural and historical heritage, Rajasthan. Dotted with forts, palaces, lakes, sand dunes and green forestry, Rajasthan is the land where the folklores of yore are still alive.

Under the aegis of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways, Palace on Wheels was introduced on January 26, 1982. One of the prestigious luxury trains in the world, Palace on Wheels derives its name from the royal background of its guest coaches which are the replica of the personal carriages used by the Maharajas, Nizams & the Viceroys.

After India got independence in 1947, all the royal carriages were ceased to be used as it was not feasible to include these in the normal passenger trains because of their valuable furnishings of the train interiors which required heavy upkeeping cost. Thus, with a view to promote tourism in Rajasthan and to provide the world travelers a royal experience of traveling, Palace on Wheels was launched in the year 1982. The motive was noble, to promote tourism in the train as well as to preserve the private cars of the erstwhile Nizams, Maharajas and Viceroys of India. Within just few years of its inception, the train caught the global fancy and was awarded the PATA Gold Award in 1987.

Palace on Wheels

The Palace on Wheels travel package takes you to a vibrating journey to the royal land of sand dunes and regal palaces. Visit the majestic expanse where Royal Rajputs lived in a grand style. Explore this imperial land on the Palace on Wheels, the luxurious train of India that carries with it an intrinsic ambience that goes perfectly well with the majestic charm and beauty spread so lavishly here and there in Rajasthan. The Palace on wheels is rated as one of the top ten luxury train journeys in the world. It offers you a heart-rending trip to the splendid forts and palaces of Rajasthan in just seven days. Also discover the royal history of Taj Mahal in Agra. The journey to the hinterland of the desert starts every Wednesday evening at 1800 hrs from Delhi and ends on the following Wednesday early in the morning at 0730 hrs.

The Royal Background of the Palace on Wheels On rolling back wheels of time, we find the rulers of princely states of Rajputana, Gujarat, the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of British India travelled by these luxurious coaches. After independence, these coaches were parked and remained in this state for a quarter of a century until in 1981-82, when the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation and Indian Railways launched a special heritage tourist train for providing a unique memorable experience to the tourists visiting Rajasthan.

The Coaches: The 14 coaches are named after former Rajput states matching the aesthetics and interiors of the royal past. Each saloon has a mini pantry and a lounge to ensure availability of hot and cold beverage, and refreshments and a place to relax and get together.

Rooms: 14 fully air-conditioned deluxe saloons, each a combination of 4 twin bedded chambers with channel music, intercom, attached toilets, running hot and cold water, shower, wall to wall carpeting and other amenities. The furniture with its inlaid motifs has been specially created for the Palace on Wheels.

Bar: The train also boasts of a well stocked bar offering the choicest of sprits of Indian and international brands. Each coach also offers a good collection of books to choose from.

Facilities: The Palace on Wheels is regularly refurbished to a great extent. The decor in the saloons, bar lounge has been changed, keeping in mind the traditionally aesthetic yet modern, Palace on Wheels. Toilets have been redone and are maintained sparkling clean. Each saloon lounge has been equipped with colour television and a CD player. A satellite phone is on the way to make you communicate anywhere in the world from the train.