India & The Palace On Wheels





















A fascinating 15-day tour to India visiting its bustling capital, Delhi, and the peaceful town of Shimla in the Himalayas, with a private rail cruise around colourful Rajasthan in comfort and style.

Day 1 Thursday - Fly to Delhi
We depart London Heathrow for Delhi where we arrive late evening and transfer to the Oberoi Maidens Hotel for a two-night stay.

Day 2 - Sightseeing in Delhi
Our first day is devoted to a tour of Delhi, covering the narrow streets and markets of the old town as well as the wide avenues and official buildings of New Delhi set out by the British. We see India Gate, Presidents House (formerly the Viceroy's Palace) and the Parliament, before heading into old Delhi to Jama Masjib Mosque and the huge Red Fort built in the 16th century.

Day 3 - By train to Shimla
Today we leave Delhi on the Shatabdi Express for the train journey to Kalka. Here we change for the 'Toy Train', which climbs into the hills along a narrow-gauge line to the town of Shimla at over 7000ft. We spend three nights in Shimla at the magnificent Oberoi Cecil Hotel, with fabulous views of the Himalayas. Shimla was chosen by the British as their retreat from the summer heat, and not only is the main street called the Mall, but many buildings are very British in style.

Day 4 - Shimla
During our stay we discover Shimla, visiting the Botanical Gardens, Christ Church and the imposing Viceregal Lodge, a beautiful Elizabethan-style mansion with carefully manicured gardens.

Day 5 - Free time in Shimla
You have plenty of free time to explore the town further at your own pace, take a stroll into the pine forests or simply relax and enjoy the wonderful views from the Mall.

Day 6 -By train to Delhi
We leave Shimla in the morning and take the 'Toy Train' back down the mountains to Kalka, where we join the Shatabdi Express to Delhi for another night at the Oberoi Maidens Hotel.

Day 7 - The Palace on Wheels
Your day is free until mid afternoon when we transfer to Delhi station and join the Palace on Wheels for an enchanting journey through the bygone eras of the Maharajas. Once settled in to our cabins, we enjoy dinner together as the train heads into the night.

Day 8 - Jaipur
Our first stop is the Pink City of Jaipur, surrounded by a fortified wall with eight gates. Sightseeing includes the Palace of Winds and the Amber Fort, which we visit on the backs of elephants, and we enjoy lunch in the magnificent Taj Palace Hotel. During the night the train continues to Jaisalmer.

Day 9 -Jaisalmer
After breakfast we visit Jaisalmer, a fairytale walled town in the Thar Desert. We explore the narrow streets of the town centre, see merchants' houses with the finest carved filigree facades and enjoy a camel ride into the surrounding desert. Dinner is taken at Fort Rajwada Hotel under the stars before the train departs for Jodhpur.

Day 10 -Jodhpur
During our morning sightseeing tour we see the high walls of the Mehrangarh Fort and Palace with its fine sandstone carvings. We enjoy lunch in the beautiful Bhawan Palace Hotel, originally the Royal Palace of the Majharajas of Jodhpur, and visit Jaswant Thada, a magnificent white marble cenotaph. We rejoin the train and dinner is served as we continue our journey.

Day 11 - Sawai Madhopur and Chittorgarh
On arrival in Sawai Madhopur we leave the train to go in search of game; looking for tiger, leopard and other animals in their natural surroundings. We rejoin the train and enjoy lunch as we head to Chittorgarh to see the fort, Victory Tower and Tower of Fame. Dinner is served as the train travels to Udaipur.

Day 12 - Udaipur
We cross Lake Pichhola by boat to visit the beautiful Lake Palace Hotel, originally the Palace of the Maharani of Udaipur and idyllically situated in the middle of the lake. After lunch at the hotel you have free time to explore Udaipur before we rejoin the train for a farewell dinner.

Day 13 - Fatehpur Sikri and Taj Mahal
After a visit by rickshaw to the Bharatpur bird sanctuary, we continue to the magnificent city of Fatehpur Sikri, built in the 16th century but abandoned after only 20 years when the water supply ran out. The Palace on Wheels arrives in Agra, where we leave the train and transfer to the Taj View Hotel for an overnight stay. We visit the Red Fort and finally, the magnificent Taj Mahal, a masterpiece in white marble.

Day 14 - Journeys end
After a free day to enjoy the sights of Agra, we travel by coach to Delhi airport for our flight home. We arrive into London Heathrow early on the morning of Day 15 (Thursday).

The Palace on Wheels
The Palace on Wheels consists of 14 air-conditioned coaches to carry you in comfort and style through Rajasthan. Each sleeper has just four compartments with en suite facilities and twin lower beds. Your personal attendant or 'Khidmatgar' is available at all times and will bring you breakfast in the morning. The décor of the train reflects the colours of Rajasthan and the ornately detailed furniture was specially made for the train in traditional style.

Dining is in one of the two opulent restaurant cars, the Maharaja and Maharini, serving a variety of Indian, international and Chinese cuisine. There is a comfortable lounge car and a well stocked bar.

Each day a programme of excursions is included ensuring you see the best of Rajasthan.