The Palace on Wheels

 

Delhi	Taj Palace Hotel	Day room
On board	Palace on Wheels	7 nights

Click on the name of the train for details

 

9 days from £2950

excluding international flights

 

DAY 1 - Depart UK.

Recommended flight from London: Jet Airways from London Heathrow (see below). If you are travelling from a country other than the UK we would be happy to give you guidance on your flight options.

DAY 2 - Arrive Delhi.

On arrival in Delhi in the morning you will be met by a representative of World Discovery outside immigration and customs. You will then be taken by private car direct to your hotel, where a day room has been reserved for you.  In the late afternoon you will be taken to the railway station to board the 'Palace on Wheels'.  The train departs at 6.00 p.m. on a week-long journey of discovery.
Meals included: Dinner.

DAY 3 – Jaipur and Amber Fort

First stop on the itinerary is Jaipur, one of the most well-planned cities of the world of its time. This capital city ofRajasthan, popularly known as the 'Pink City', was founded by MaharajaSwai Jai Singh II, in 1727 A.D. To explore the city, an air-conditionedcoach takes you to the Hawa Mahal or the 'Palace of Winds', which is aremarkable five-storied building along the main street of the old city.  Continue to the JantarMantar, the large outdoor observatory built by the Sawai Jai Singh II.  This is followed by a visit to Amber, [more]. Lunch is taken at Amber.  Return to the city centre for some shopping' near AjmeriGate can be found Rajasthali - the only Rajasthan Government Emporium sellinggenuine handicrafts at fixed prices. Returnto the train to get freshen up, and then in the evening visit one of Jaipur'stop hotels for dinner, accompanied by a folk performance.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 4 - Ranthambhor National Park.  Chittorgarh.

An early breakfastwill be served at the Hotel Vinayak in Sawai Madhopur, followed by a visit to Ranthambhor National Park [more].  Lunch will be served back at the train before travelling westward through rural Rajasthan to visit the legendary Chittorgarh Fort, one of the most dramatic of all Rajasthan's fortresses, with more than 5 kilometres of honey-coloured battlements set high on a rocky promontory.  Amongst its many monuments is the Vijay Stambh victory tower built in the 15th century (pictured left).  In the evening enjoy a Sound and Light performance at the fort followed by dinner and a cultural show at a local hotel restaurant before reboarding the train.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 5 - Udaipur.

After breakfast depart by luxury coach to Udaipur, considered by many to India's most romantic destination.  Built around a man-made lake in the heart of the Aravali Hills, the city was founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar in 1559, after theSisodia dynasty was driven away by the Mughals.  On islands in the lake are two beautiful white marble palaces - the famous Lake Palace (now a luxury hotel) and the smaller Jag Mandir Palace.  Enjoy a boat ride on the lake follwed by lunch, then visit the interesting City Palace.  A fairly long drive through the desert will then take you to rejoin the train in Jaisalmer.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 6 - Jaisalmer.

In the heart of the Thar Desert lies Jaisalmer, founded in 1156. The yellow sandstone fort is an imposingsight, rising out of the desert like a mirage and towering magnificently over the city. Discover the intricately-carved 'havelis' or mansions with their grand facades.  After lunch at the Hotel Moomal, go for an exciting camel ride onthe sand dunes of Sam before sipping a refreshing cup of tea. Enjoydinner and a cultural show at a hotel in the city. The train leaves at night for Jodhpur.

DAY 7 - Jodhpur.

Next morning the 'Palace on Wheels' is in Jodhpur, a city ringed by ahigh stone wall with seven gates and several bastions. This secondlargest city of Rajasthan, founded by Rao Jodha in 1459, is knownfor its massive Mehrangarh Fort, which you will visit.  Near the fort complexlies a  group of Royal Cenotaphs made of whitemarble.  You will also visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace, the largestpalace in the world (now partly a luxury hotel). While in Jodhpur shop for the exquisitehandcrafted articles including the famous breeches, embroidered shoes,metal curios, silverware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics. Dinner tonight is served on board the train.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 8 - Bharatpur.  Agra.  The Taj Mahal.

Early next morning, the train arrives in Bharatpur. After breakfast pay a visit to the world famous Keoladeo Ghana National Park, the nesting place ofthousands of egrets, Siberian Cranes, migratory waterfowl and many otherspecies of birds. The park boasts of over three hundred species ofbirds.   Continue to Agra, capital of the Mughal Empire, where you will enjoy a city tour, and after lunch visit the incomparable Taj Mahal, one of the world's most famous monuments, builtby Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal.  Agrais known for its splendid marble inlay work, leather goods and jewellery.  Tonight there will be a Gala Dinner at the Mughal Hotel in Agra before the final night on the train.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 9 – Depart for home.

Disembark from the 'Palace on Wheels' in Delhi.  Private transfer to the airport for your international flight home.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

International Flights.

We recommendtheservices of Jet Airways from London Heathrow. Flights are non-stopandhave a choice of classes. Current timings (subject to possiblechange)are as follows:
Heathrow/Delhi. Depart at 20.50; arrive Delhi at 10.40 (next day)
Delhi/Heathrow. Depart at 12.55; arrive Heathrow at 16.55

The Palace on Wheels (Tour Reference: WDIN018)
2010 Departures
Price per person based on a minimum of two persons travelling together:

Departures on Tuesdays	Price
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr	£2950
Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec	£3045

The 'Palace on Wheels' does not operate from May to August.

Single Room Supplements on request.

The price includes:

• Hotel and train accommodation as listed above in twin-bedded rooms/cabins with private facilities.
• 7 full breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners as shown in the itinerary.
• Private transfers on arrival and departure.
  
• All sightseeing as shown (unless indicated as ‘optional’), including entrance fees.
• The services of guides for the included sightseeing.
  

Not included in the price:

• International flights (see our recommendation above). We are happy to discuss the flights with you and give you further guidance
• Optional sightseeing
• International airport taxes
• Tipping. We will be pleased to give guidance in this often sensitive matter
• An Indian Visa. This should be obtained before departure from the United Kingdom. We recommend that you obtain your visa through CIBT in London - www.uk.cibt.com.

A deposit of £500 per person is required at the time of booking. The balance of the price for your travel arrangements must be paid at least 8 weeks before your departure date.