Day 1 – Arrive Delhi
Arrive Delhi late evening. Meet / greet & assistance on arrival at the international airport followed by transfer to hotel. Arrive at the hotel & check in.

Overnight at Taj Mahal or Similar.

Day 2 – Delhi
Breakfast at hotel.

In the morning visit Old Delhi. Rajghat, Gandhi Memorial, Red fort & Jamma Masjid.

India Gateis a majestic high arch, 42 meters high, built as a memorial to the Indian soldiers killed in the World War I. Beneath it burns an eternal flame. From the base of the arch one can get a good view of the Rashtrapati Bhavan

Rajghat - On the banks of the river Yamuna is the Rajghat where the father of the nation Mahatama Gandhi was cremated in 1948, soon after India attained it freedom.

Jama Masjid - It is one of the largest mosques in India. The tomb was constructed when Shah Jahan decided to make Delhi his capital. Built in 1656 AD, the mosque took about six years to complete and about 5,000 labourers and craftsmen worked on the mosque.

Red Fort - Also known as Lal Quilla, the Red Fort is another important addition by Shah Jahan on the landscape of Delhi. Shah Jahan built the Red Fort in 1648.

Lunch at Chor Bizzare (Indian cuisine).

In the afternoon visit of New Delhi visiting Qutab Minar & Humayun's Tomb. Qutab Minar - built in 1199, The 72.5 metres long monument has 379 steps to reach the top. Qutab-ud-din Aibak started the construction of Qutab Minar in 1199 but he died before completing it. Later his son-in-law and successor completed Qutab Minar.

Humayun's Tomb - The mausoleum of the Mughal emperor Humayun is a popular monument in Delhi. The tomb was constructed by Humayun's wife in his memory. The tomb was built between 1562 and 1572 AD. The tomb is located near the shrine of saint Nizamuddin Aulyia.

Also drive past visit Rahstrapati Bhawan (from outside) – Parliament & India Gate.
Return back to hotel in the evening.

Dinner at House of Ming (Chinese Cuisine)
Overnight at Taj Mahal or Similar.

Day 3 – Delhi / Palace on Wheels
Reporting Time 16.00 hrs. Dep. 18.30 hrs.

The journey of a lifetime begins at the Delhi Safdarjung Railway station where the guests are accorded a warm, traditional welcome before the Palace-on-Wheels pulls out into the night for a week-long luxury cruise through fascinating Rajasthan

Day 4 – Jaipur
Arrival 03.00 hrs. Departure 19.30 hrs.

The first stop of the 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, in 1727 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 a one the main street of the old city in pink splendor with semi-octagonal and delicate honey combed sandstone windows. This is followed by a visit to Amber Fort where elephant ride is available to climb up the hill. Lunch at a Five Star Hotel followed by visit to City Palace Museum and Observatory.

Day 5 – Jaisalmer
Arrival 09.00 hrs. Departure 23.45 hrs.

In the heart of the Thar desert lies Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal,in 1 1 56 A.D. Here the yellow sandstone fort is an imposing sight,towering magnificently over the city. Discover the painstakingly latticed havelis or mansions with their grand facades. The Nathmalji-ki-haveli, Patwon-ki-haveli and Salim Singh-ki-haveli are fine examples of the stone carver's skill.Shop for fine pattu shawls ,mirror work and embroidered articles , wooden boxes , trinkets , silver jewellery and curios.

After lunch on board, go for an exciting camel ride on the sand dunes of Sam, before sipping a refreshing cup of tea. Enjoy the dinner and the cultural porgramme at a Five Star hotel.

Day 6 – Jodhpur
Arrival 07.00 hrs. Departure 15.30 hrs.

Next morning the Palace-on-Wheels is in Jodhpur, a city ringed by a high stone wall with seven gates and several bastions. This second largest city of Rajasthan, founded by Rao Jodha in 1459 A.D. is known for its rock-solid Mehrangarh Fort. The grand palaces within -Moti Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Phool Mahal, Sileh Khana and Daulat Khana are impressive examples of architectural excellence. Near the fort complex lies Jaswant Thada, and a group of royal cenotaphs made of white marble. After lunch at a Palace hotel, return to the Palace-on-Wheels. While in Jodhpur shop for exquisite handicraft articles including the famous breeches, embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware, paintings and tie and dye fabrics.

Day 7 – Sawai Madhopur
Arrival 04.00 hrs. Departure 10.30 hrs.

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. After breakfast 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 392 sq. kms. is home to more than 300 species of birds. The tiger, hyena, rate, jackal and fox are among those constituting the carnivorous population here. Sawai Madhopur is known for its excusive toys, ethnic ornaments and costumes. Upon return to the Palace-on-Wheels, you leave for Chittaurgarh, when one gets an opportunity to watch the colourful countryside passing by in the daylight.

Chittorgarh
Arrival 16.00 hrs. Departure 05.30 hrs (next day)

After lunch on board you are in Chittaurgarh. Images of love and velour; scars of battles lost and won...thrice-besieged, Chittaurgarh Fort is all this and more. Moving legends of honor and pride will echo in your mind as you proceed to Udaipur.

Day 8 – Udaipur
Arrival 07:30 hrs. Departure 17.30 hrs.

Udaipur, the Lake City, was founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty was driven way by the Mughals, in 1559A.D. Perhaps the two most beautiful sites of Udaipur are the dream-like marble palaces- the Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) and the Jag Mandir, which appear to rise from the blue waters of Lake Pichhola. After lunch at a Five Star Hotel, a visit to the City Palace.

Day 9 – Bharatpur
Arrival 06.30 hrs. Departure 9.00 hrs.

In the morning, the Palace on Wheels arrives in Bharatpur, the capital of Maharaja Suraj Mal . After breakfast pay a visit to the world famous bird sanctuary, Keoladeo Ghana National Park, the nesting place for thousands of Egrets, Siberian Cranes, migratory Water Fowl and other species of birds.

Agra  
Arrival 12.00 hrs. Departure 21.00 hrs.

Upon arrival visit the Agra Fort and after lunch arrive at the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world. A pristine monument of undying love. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. Agra is known for its splendid marble inlay work like the Pietra Dura work on the Taj, leather goods and jewellery..

Day 10 – Delhi
Arrival 04.00 hrs.

Arrive at Delhi Safdarjung Railway station at 04.00 hrs. Breakfast on board and let the pleasant memories of the past week linger on your mind for a long, long time.

At 0800hrs transfer to domestic airport to board Jet Airways flight 9w 723 at 1040hrs to Khajuraho. Arrive at 1300hrs, on arrival transfer to hotel.

Khajuraho - the capital of the Chandela kings. The city's many temples were built in the short span of hundred years, from 950-1050 AD. Muslim invaders destroyed most, and only 22 temples remain of the original 85. Khajuraho's temples are covered with hundreds of sculptured figures--a galaxy of gods and goddesses, beasts and serpents, and a multitude of erotic couples.

Lunch at hotel.

In the afternoon visit Western Group of Temples.

The temples
The architectural style of the Khajuraho temples is very different from the temple prototype of that period. Each stands, instead of within the customary enclosure, on a high masonry platform. Combined with the upward direction of the structure, which is further accentuated by vertical projections, the total effect is one of grace and lightness, reminiscent of the Himalayan peaks. Each of the chief compartments has its own roof, grouped in such a way that the highest is in the center, the lowest over the portico, a triumph of skill and imagination in recreating the rising peaks of a range.

The Western group is the best known, because it is to this group that the largest and most typical Khajuraho temple belongs: The Kandariya Mahadev. The four temples that stand at the corners of the main shrine are now in ruins; the main shrine has an exquisitely carved entrance arch with a multitude of themes. Celestial beings, lovers serenading musicians... movements captured in stone, frozen in time, yet retaining a quality of warm, pulsating life. The very stone seems to have taken on the living, breathing quality of the carved figures. Also visit Chaunsat Yogini.

Return back to hotel in the evening.

In the evening drive back to Western Group of Hotels to witness the Sound & Light Show at 1830hrs, 50 minute show.

This fascinating Son-et-Lumière spectacle evokes the life and times of the great Chandela Kings and traces the story of the unique temples from the 10th Century to the present day.

Dinner & overnight at Chandela Hotel or Similar.

Day 11 – Khajuraho / Varanasi
Breakfast at hotel.

In the morning visit Eastern Group of Temples.

Hindu and Jain temples make up the Eastern Group. The largest Jain temple, Parswanath, is in this group. Exquisite in detail, the sculptures on the northern outer wall make this temple perhaps the finest in the group. The themes of these carvings are the timeless ones of every day, mortal activity. The other Jain temple in this group is the Ghantai Temple.

Though almost in ruins now, it still bears evidence of its original splendour. Particularly, arresting is the frieze, which depicts, in graphic detail, the 16 dreams of Mahavira's mother and a multi-armed Jain goddess riding on a winged Garuda. North of Parswanatha is the more modestly sized Adinatha Temple.

The three Hindu temples in the Eastern Group are the Brahma, Vamana and Javari Temples. A double row of apsaras, celestial nymphs, adorns the outer walls of the Vamana temple.

After the visit transfer to airport to board Jet airways flight 9w 724 at 1330hrs to Varanasi. Arrive Varanasi at 1410hrs. Meet / greet on arrival at the airport followed by transfer to hotel.

Late lunch at hotel.

In the evening drive to
Late evening enjoy Aarti Ceremony on the banks of Ganges performed by the pundits the priest.

Dinner at Rooftop Restaurant of Palace on Ganges.
Overnight at Taj Ganges or Similar.

Overnight at Taj Ganges or Similar.

Day 13 – Varanasi / Delhi
Breakfast at hotel.

Early afternoon transfer to airport en-route visiting Sarnath.

Sarnath : where the Buddha preached his first sermon to five disciples at Deer Park. Visit the Dhamek Stupa the location of a once – resplendent monastery. Sarnath also has an interesting archaeological museum, which has preserved the famous Sarnath Pillar, whose capital forms India’s national emblem drive to Sarnath.

Tour costs do not include
1. Items of personal nature like, tips at hotel / restaurants, laundry, telephone calls.
2. Any drinks & beverage during tour
3. Any airfare
4. Any other items not mentioned in “tour cost includes” section.

The Palace on Wheels Tour Cost does not Includes
Guest has to pay for video cameras, liquor, laundry and other items of personal nature