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PALACE
ON WHEELS
A World Heritage Sites Tour of India |
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India
is a remarkable country and our Palace on Wheels tour
is one of the best ways to experience it. We relive a
nostalgic era in Indian history going back to the days
of extravagance and luxury when the Maharajahs traveled
in style. We follow their route and see many palaces and
forts while traveling on our air-conditioned luxury coaches.
Each coach consists of just four cabins with double /
twin beds, attached washrooms, running hot and cold water,
built in wardrobes, plush decor, music and personal attendants
ready to pamper us as they used to pamper the Maharajahs.
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Tour
Summary
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Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
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Delhi |
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02
|
Delhi |
| 03 |
Delhi
/ Jaipur |
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04
|
Jaipur
/ Jaisalmer |
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05
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Jaisalmer / Jodhpur |
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06
|
Jodhpur
/ Rathambore |
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07
|
Ranthambhore
/ Chittaurgarh / Udaipur |
|
08
|
Udaipur
/ Bharatpur Bird Scantuary |
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09
|
Bharatpur
Bird Sanctuary / Agra |
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10
|
Delhi |
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11
|
Delhi |
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|
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UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
|
World Heritage Sites in India covered on this tour |
|
Agra Fort (1983) |
Near
the gardens of the Taj Mahal stands the important 16th-
century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra.
This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within
its 2.5- km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of
the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces,
such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built
by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas;
and two very beautiful mosques. |
| Taj
Mahal (1983) |
An
immense mausoleum of white marble, built in Agra between
1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan
in memory of his favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the
jewel of Muslim art in India and one of the universally
admired masterpieces of the world's heritage. |
| Fatehpur
Sikri (1986) |
Built
during the second half of the 16th century by the Emperor
Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri (the City of Victory) was the capital
of the Mughal Empire for only some 10 years. The complex
of monuments and temples, all in a uniform architectural
style, includes one of the largest mosques in India, the
Jama Masjid. |
|
Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi (1993) |
Built
in the early 13th century a few kilometres south of Delhi,
the red sandstone tower of Qutb Minar is 72.5 m high,
tapering from 2.75 m in diameter at its peak to 14.32
m at its base, and alternating angular and rounded flutings.
The surrounding archaeological area contains funerary
buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate,
the masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art (built in 1311), and
two mosques, including the Quwwatu'l-Islam, the oldest
in northern India, built of materials reused from some
20 Brahman temples. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day
01: Arrive Delhi
Namaste! Welcome to New Delhi, the hustling and bustling
capital of India. We are greeted in the traditional manner
and transferred to our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Taj Palace (2 nights) (D)
Day 02: Delhi
Our full day tour of Delhi starts with New Delhi, visiting
India Gate, the House of Parliament, Connaught Place and
Qutub Minar, a perfect minaret towering 102 metres / 112
into the sky. New Delhi is a blend of colonial and modern
architecture with wide boulevards and open areas. This
afternoon we go back into history with a tour of Old Delhi
beginning with the Red Fort. Built by Shah Jehan, this
was once the most opulent fort of the Mughal Empire. We
also visit Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque, and Raj
Ghat, the cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi. We end the
day with a visit to Chandni Chawlk, the street of silver
and goldsmiths.
(B, D)
Day 03: Delhi / Jaipur (Palace on Wheels)
Morning at leisure. Our "Palace on Wheels" experience
starts with a transfer to the railway station in time
for a lovely dinner on board. The whistle sounds and for
the next 8 days we will ride the rails in luxurious style.
We settle into a lavishly decorated coach, still emblazoned
with the crest of the royal family to which it once belonged.
This is a sublime atmosphere, a delightful treat for both
body and mind.
Overnight: Aboard the Palace on Wheels train (7 nights)
(B, L, D)
Day 04: Jaipur / Jaisalmer
We arrive in Jaipur, the beautiful rose pink capital of
Rajasthan. Our first land tour starts with a visit to
Amber Palace, a distinguished specimen of Rajput architecture
on a hill 12km / 7miles from Jaipur. After ascending the
hill on elephant back, arriving in proper style for the
17th century when the palace was built, we are rewarded
with splendid views of the lake below. Lunch at Rambagh
Palace Hotel. Our afternoon tour of Jaipur is of the historical
astronomical observatory built by Jai Singh who founded
the city. Next we visit the Palace, which houses a rare
collection of Indian art, followed by the bazaar where
we will have the opportunity to sharpen our bargaining
skills. Jaipur is noted for its craftsmen, skilled in
brass inlay, lacquer work and stone setting. Most of the
buildings in the old city are made of pink sandstone and
one of the most beautiful of them is the Palace of Winds,
where the ladies of the royal harem used to view the city
from behind the intricately carved facade. We enjoy tea
and dinner at Man Singh Hotel after which we board our
"Palace on Wheels" and head for Jaisalmer (B, L, D)
Day 05: Jaisalmer / Jodhpur
We arrive Jaisalmer in time for a tour of the Thar Desert
and the ancient capital of the Yadavas, where people still
live in buildings that date back to the 12th century.
Each of these buildings is a monument to the skills and
creativity of the Rajasthani craftsmen of medieval times
with their exquisite carvings and filigree work. Jaisalmer
houses magnificent forts, palaces, temples and elegant
faced havelis with carvings in yellow stone. The impact
of early morning and late evening light bathes Jaisalmer
in a radiant effect giving this city an ethereal beauty.
Afternoon, at leisure. A camel ride at sunset as the sky
is set on fire and Rajasthani folk musicians play haunting
tunes will be an unforgettable experience. Dinner at Moomal
Bungalow. Tonight we rest in opulence as our train wheels
us off to Jodhpur (B, L, D)
Day 06: Jodhpur / Ranthambore
We notice the magnificence of Jodhpur as we arrive at
the railways station located in the heart of the city.
Jodhpur stands on a range of sandstone hills surrounded
by a fortified wall nearly 10kms / 6 miles in length,
with seven gates. Dominating the city is the massive fortress,
safeguarding the royal palaces with their collections
of arms and priceless jewels. Lunch at Umaid Bhawan Palace
Hotel. This afternoon we take in Jodhpur. This evening
we leave for Ranthambore. (B, L, D)
Day 07: Ranthambhore / Chittaurgarh / Udaipur
Early morning arrival and we are transferred by motor
coach for a safari in Ranthambhor National Park. This
Project Tiger Reserve surrounds the imposing ramparts
of the 10th century fort. Late morning we depart for Chittaurgarh
and upon arrival we visit the Chittaurgarh Fort lauded
in legends of valour and chivalry. Late evening our train
whistles off for Udaipur. (B, L, D)
Day 08: Udaipur / Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
What good timing! We arrive in time for a boat cruise
providing us an interesting and unique way to discover
the beautiful city of Udaipur. Set on the shores of Lake
Pichola, the white palaces and buildings of Udaipur seem
like a fairy tale. We lunch in true Maharajah style at
The Palace. The Palace is located at the centre of the
lake and was once an actual Palace. The city palace boasts
a maze of intricate courtyards, patios and balconies,
complete with tile and mirror inlay work. Dinner is another
interesting feast at the Shivniwas Palace (B, L, D)
Day 09: Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary / Agra
Morning, we head off for the Bharatpur Sanctuary. As dawn
breaks our slow moving boat works its way through the
water right up to the low trees where the birds congregate.
From September to November the lake itself is the most
notable breeding centre of thousands of indigenous water
birds of over a dozen different species. The rarest of
these exotic visitors, the Siberian crane comes to Bharatpur
in small numbers, winters here exclusively. After an interesting
visit of Bharatpur we drive to Fatehpur Sikri. Erected
by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, this
red sand stone city was soon deserted due to a shortage
of water. The climax of the day is of course Agra and
our visit to the most photographed building in the world
- the Taj Mahal. The legendary Taj Mahal, an eternally
enchanting monument of love that has inspired poets and
painters alike through the ages, stands in all its pristine
beauty. Tonight we spend our last night on the Palace
on Wheels as we head to Delhi. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival in Delhi we are cordially welcomed and transferred
to our hotel. The balance of the day is free to unwind
and enjoy the bazaars and the many, many monuments the
city offers.
Overnight: Hotel Taj Palace (1 night) (B, D)
Day 11: Delhi / departure
All good things come to an end. After what will have been
a holiday in royal style, we are transferred to the airport
for our flight. (B)
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|
B
= Breakfast
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L
= Lunch
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D
= Dinner
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Departure Dates |
|
2012
Please
call for details - 1-800-663-0844 / 604-264-7378
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| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ |
Single
Sup US$ |
| 2012 |
Please
call for details |
NOTE: Prices are based upon a minimum of two (02) persons
travelling together. 1/2 price for children 5-12 years old.
Please also note: There is 15% surcharge for departures which span
Christmas or New Year. |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
•
Hotel accommodation as mentioned
• Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• All sightseeing and transfers
• Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites
• Local English speaking guides
• Porterage
|
•
International Airfare / Departure Taxes
• Personal Insurances
• Visa Fees
• Drinks / Beverages with meals
• Tips / Gratuities to Drivers & Guides |
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US
$ 1200 |
| West
Coast |
US
$ 1400 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 30
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
33
years in small group journeys
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Site
updated Nov 07, 2011
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