Have you ever imagine "Palace on wheels" that takes you back to the princely states ? Chances are that, you will say gone nuts! If this is, what you can conjure, then we feel you haven't experience the "Palace on wheels". A virtual Palace on wheels that will take you on a week-long sojourn of the former royal kingdoms of Rajasthan. Once ruled by kings whose presence lingers on in forbidding fortresses and fairytale palaces, now converted into museums, hotels, and restaurants where retainers serve truly royal repasts.


The 14 coaches of the Palace On Wheels were brought together from different princely states and refurbished, and the Palace on Wheels was launched. A superb train that evoked the past with modern facilities and created a journey that was on offer to people around the world-wannabe princes who could be royals for their week of the journey.

These coaches are named after former Rajput states. Each evokes visions of those royal kingdoms. The names are romantic, mesmerizing... Kota, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Alwar, Sirohi, Kishangarh, Bundi, Dungarpur, Bharatpur, Jhalawar and Dholpur. It has been rated one of the ten best luxurious train journeys in the world.

Odessy of The By Gone Era
The week long odessy begins from Delhi, the capital city of India and its first stops is Jaipur, where a gala reception awaits you at the Pink City, with traditional Indian music of the shehnai, playing in the background, you will be welcomed like a Royal Celebrity. And why not.... This is the first stop of the Palace on Wheels in the land of Maharajas, magnificent Palaces and impressive forts. And this is just the beginning; from this time on, every moment that you spend on the Palace On Wheels will leave memories that you will cherish for long.



Next morning, the day starts with a visit to Chittaurgarh, the awe inspiring fort renowned for innumerable legends of valour and chivalry. Bappa Rawal, the founder of the Sisodia dynasty conquered Chittaur from the Maurya rulers in the middle of the 8th century . Chittor was ransacked three times ending in jauhar, the self sacrifice of its women folk in a sacred fire to protect their honour.

Jaisalmer
Located in the heart of the desert, Jaisalmer was founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156. Sharply etched against the sky, Jaisalmer is a splendid sight with its yellow sand stone walls and bastions that seem to rise from the golden sands. Visit the intricately latticed havelis with their elaborate facades. The superb craftsmanship of the stone carver is illustrated in Nathmalji-ki-haveli, Patwon-ki-haveli and Salim Singh-ki-haveli.

Jodhpur
A city surrounded by a high stone wall with seven gates and countless bastions. Founded in 1459 by Rao Jodha, this second largest city of Rajsthan is famous for the impregnable Mehrangarh Fort. Close to the fort complex is Jaswant Thada, a collection of royal cenotaphs built in white marble. Jodhpur offers an array of handcrafted articles like breeches, embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics for the discerning buyer.

Udaipur
Udaipur, the City of Lakes founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar in 1550, after the Sisodias were driven away from Chittaur by the Mughals. The two most enchanting spots in Udaipur are Jag Nivas and Jag Mandir, the marble palaces that seem to float in the middle of Lake Pichhola. After lunch visit the City Palace and Sahelion - ki - bari or the Garden of the Maids of Honour.

Sawai Madhopur
Excitement is in the air as the Palace on Wheels touches Sawai Madhopur, a city fortified in 1765 and named after its founder Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I. Here you can visit Ranthambhor National Park which is located amidst the imposing ruins of a 10th century fort. This reserve is reputed as the best in the country for observing and photographing the activities of the tiger. Spread over an area of 392 sq. kms. of thick forest with lush vegetation and waterfalls, the park is the abode of more than 300 species of birds. The carnivore population includes tiger, hyena, ratel, jackal and fox among others.

Bharatpur, Fatehpur Sikri and Agra
Bharatpur, the prized capital of Maharaja Suraj Mal. Visit Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a bird's paradise and the nesting ground of thousands of egrets, Siberian cranes, migratory water-fowl and other birds.

Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. A monument to eternal love, built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.