The railways, like electricity, were one of the inventions the British used in India. While its early arrival and promote use may have been governed by the Raj's need to ferry troops rapidly through the length an breadth of the country, it was also clearly marketed as an innovation. The princes, therefore, were quick to seize the idea, and various states were able to establish their own networks for the movement of people within their state, and with linked towns around. Particularly those in Rajasthan where travel through the burning sands could hardly have been a convenience. Soon after independence, they were merged into the state-run railway. But fifty years back, the railways were the property of princely states and even now the facilities at some of the main stations in Rajasthan, and their maintenance is among the best in the country.

Old Palace on Wheels
For, along with the restored carriages-some still glowing with their original teakwood panels intact-came liveried attendants, royal repasts from the attached kitchen, a lounge and a dining car. A tour was built as part of the fixed itinerary. Palace on Wheels The journey began and ended in Delhi. En route, the train halted at Agra, and then travelled through princely Rajasthan, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur being its principal highlights. Each morning, guests woke to bed tea and breakfast on board, perhaps a hot water bath, and then a visit to the town the train had halted in, to see the sights and colours of Rajasthan. The forts and palaces and temples, the bazaars thronging with people, the incredible, amazing celebration of colour. By night visitors slept in their own palace, even if it was a palace on wheels, and by day they visited the very sites that had made these palaces possible. It was an experience not to be missed.

Day 01, :- Delhi /Jaipur

The journey of a lifetime begins at the Delhi Cantonment 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.

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Day 02 :- Jaipur

You will be greeted by caparisoned elephants and strains of the Shehnai & Welcome to the Pink city of Jaipur. Lunch at Rambagh Palace. Discover Hawa Mahal, Nahargarh fort, Amber fort& silent sentinels of a glorious era. To explore the city, an air-conditioned coach takes you to Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, which is a remarkable five storeyed 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 Amber Fort, eight kms. Away, where rides on caparisoned elephants add to the ambience. Shop for Jaipur's famous jewellery, handicrafts, carpets, blue pottery and textiles. Near Ajmeri Gate is located Rajasthali - the only Rajasthan Govt. Emporium selling genuine handicrafts at fixed prices.

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Day 03 :- Jaisalmer

In the heart of the Thar Desert lies Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal, in 1156 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. Jodhpur Jaswant Thada Shop at Rajasthali- the only Rajasthan Govt. emporium, 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 programmes at a hotel in Jaisalmer.

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Day 04 :- Jodhpur

Next morning the Palace-On-Wheels is in Jodhpur, a city ringed by a high stonewall 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 handcrafted articles including the famous breeches, embroidered shoes, metal curios, silverware, painting and tie and dye fabrics.

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Day 05 :- 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. After breakfast a visit is arranged to the Ranthabor 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, ratel, jackal and fox are among those constituting the carnivorous population here. Sawai Madhopur is known for its exclusive 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.

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Day 06 :- Udaipur

The Luxury Coach will take you to Udaipur, the Lake City, the next morning. It was founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty was driven away by the Mughals, in 1559 A.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 Pichola. After lunch at Lake Palace Hotel, a visit to the City Palace is exhilarating. The luxury coach then takes you back to the Palace-On-Wheels at Chittaurgarh, thus winding up a day full of delights.

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Day 07 :- Bharatpur

Early next 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 nestling place for thousands of Egrets, Siberian Cranes, migratory Water Fowl and other species of birds.

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Day 07 :- Agra

Arrive at Fatehpur Sikri- the red sandstone Mughal palatial complex. Within the enclosure is a mosque built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and dedicated to Sheikh Salim Chishti, a Muslim Sufi saint who blessed him with a son. After lunch move on from the Red Fort and 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.

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