Palace On Wheels - A Rail Journey through Northern India

Today depart the UK on the British Airways flight to Delhi.

Delhi is India's capital and one of the most influential cities in the country. Old Delhi – the heart of Muslim India between the 17th and 19th centuries – is an historic district of grand mosques, large forts, narrow alleys and crumbling monuments. In contrast New Delhi, with its large government buildings, tree-lined avenues and colonial era white-washed bungalows was purpose-built during the 1930s by the British as its capital and remains the epicentre of Indian political power.

After breakfast commence a morning tour of Old Delhi with your guide to explore the area's dense network of alleyways, homes, bazaars and mosques. Highlights include the famous Chandni Chowk market, beautiful Jama Masjid, Red Fort and Rajghat. In the early afternoon visit New Delhi. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, today this area is home to Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the Indian President, Rajpath and imposing India Gate. Later, transfer to Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station in time to join the Palace on Wheels (Deluxe Cabin) for the special seven night rail journey around northern India and Rajasthan. The train departs for Jaipur at 1830 hours.

• Breakfast,
• Dinner

Arriving in Jaipur, this morning visit the Albert Hall Museum, spectacular City Palace and UNESCO protected Jantar Mantar – the largest stone observatory in the world. There will also be an opportunity to see the beautiful Hawa Mahal, better known as the ‘Palace of the Winds’. Heading out of the city, after lunch ascend rugged hills to the 700 year old Amber Fort to explore palaces, gardens and temples of this Rajput complex. Return to the city and Jaipur Railway Station and later, at 1800 hours, depart for Sawai Madhopur.

• Breakfast,
• Lunch,
• Dinner

Early this morning arrive into Sawai Madhopur which is a short drive from the entrance of Ranthambore National Park. Running from the easternmost spur of the Aravallis to the Vindhya Range, visit the reserve in 15-seat canters. Ranthambore supports a wide range of birds and mammals including tiger, leopard, jackal and hyena, sambar, chital, wild boar, nilgai, chinkara and crocodile. Return to the train and continue to Chittorgarh to visit the monumental fort and later re-board the Palace on Wheels, departing for Udaipur.

• Breakfast,
• Lunch,
• Dinner

This morning arrive in Udaipur and start the day with a visit to the City Palace. This impressive complex houses several palaces which overlook Lake Pichola and are still owned by the Maharaja of Udaipur. Also visit the Fateh Prakash Palace and its unique Crystal Gallery and grand Durbar Hall. From here enjoy a cruise on Lake Pichola and after lunch time will be available to visit the old town and the Saheliyon-Ki-Bari gardens. Return to the train mid-afternoon and begin the journey to Udaipur.

• Breakfast,
• Lunch,
• Dinner

Arrive into Jaisalmer – a desert city located in the far west of Rajasthan. The main attraction is the fort which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and spend plenty of time exploring the medieval streets, palaces, temples and havelis of the walled city. After lunch there is an opportunity to visit the Sam Sand Dunes of the Thar Desert before enjoying a cultural show and dinner at a local hotel. Return to the train in the evening and depart for Jodhpur.

• Breakfast,
• Lunch,
• Dinner

After breakfast arrive into Jodhpur and visit the impressive Meherangarh Fort. Arguably the grandest of Rajasthan’s forts, the complex offers a fascinating insight into the historic life of the city and contains many palaces and temples and an excellent museum. Enjoy spectacular views from the ramparts then visit the nearby cenotaphs of members of the royal family. Spend time this afternoon at the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum which houses a collection of artefacts personal to the Maharaja of Jodhpur. Return to the train and depart for Bharatpur.

• Breakfast,
• Lunch,
• Dinner

Following an early arrival, visit the reserve at Bharatpur which is considered to be one of the leading bird sanctuaries in the world and home to numerous different species of local and migratory birds. Return to the rain, travel the short distance to Agra and visit the imposing Agra Fort which was established by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565. After lunch continue to the Taj Mahal, arguably the greatest monument to love, built by Shah Jahan as a memorial to his wife Mumtaz and an architectural wonder. Return to the train and, in the evening, begin your journey north to Delhi.

• Breakfast,
• Lunch,
• Dinner

Early this morning arrive at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station. Disembark the Palace on Wheels by 0715 hours where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. The remainder of the day will be at leisure.

• Breakfast