Delhi – Jaipur – Ranthambore NP – Chittorgarh – Udaipur – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur – Bharatpur – Agra – Delhi
About this trip
This trip is highly recommended for those who prioritize comfort and want to see a lot in a short amount of time! You’ll spend a week aboard the Palace on Wheels in luxury couchettes with private bathrooms. It’s one of India’s most luxurious trains. During the journey, the itinerary includes visits to Rajasthan’s magnificent forts and palaces, as well as the Taj Mahal and Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. And all this in just 11 days! It’s perfect for those who prefer a luxurious stay and want to see a lot. Because you spend every night on the train and it covers most of the miles overnight, the itinerary is still comfortable. This ensures you return home well-rested after a wonderful vacation
Your journey with "Best travel agent in India" begins today. Upon arrival at Delhi Airport, our local representative will greet you and escort you to a city hotel. Here, you can rest after the long flight
The morning is for your leisure. At the end of the morning, you will check out of the hotel and have some time to explore Delhi on your own. In the afternoon, you will be taken to the train station, where the Palace on Wheels will depart. After a traditional welcome, you will be escorted to your cabin, where you will live in luxury for the coming week. The train departs at 6:30 PM for Jaipur, where you will arrive the next morning. After a welcome drink, you can take your seat for dinner on the train.
You'll arrive in Jaipur in the morning, and after being welcomed at the station, you'll visit the Albert Museum, City Palace, and Observatory. Of course, you'll also pass by the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), whose exterior is remarkable. After a tour of the famous Amer Fort, lunch is planned at the fort's beautiful restaurant, which dates back to 1135. After lunch, you'll explore the fort's magnificently decorated palace, where you'll see a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. There's time for shopping in the city before returning to the train around 6:00 pm. You'll have dinner aboard the train again when the train departs for Ranthambore.
Note: At Amer Fort, decorated elephants are usually on standby to transport visitors to the fort. We request that you refrain from using them. PANGEA Travel does not support elephant rides. Those in good physical condition can walk on their own, but if you prefer to travel by jeep for a little extra, please indicate this when booking.
You will arrive in Sawai Madhopur early in the morning (5:30 AM), from where you will depart for Ranthambore National Park for the safari at approximately 6:30 AM. Breakfast is provided before or after the safari, depending on your preference. Ranthambore NP covers an area of approximately 410 km² and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. This park is one of the most beautiful parks in North India and one of the best places in the world to view tigers in the wild. In addition to tigers, spotted and sambar deer, wild boars, and other big cats, such as leopards, hyenas, jackals, and foxes, also inhabit the area. You'll also see a variety of birds and reptiles. The safari takes place in 15-seater open-top canter vehicles. After the safari, you return to the train for Chittorgarh around 9:30 am. Lunch is served on the train. In the afternoon, you arrive at Chittorgarh station. Here, a guided tour of the magnificent fort is included; it is India's largest fort, dating back to the 11th century. In the evening, you can enjoy a beautiful light and sound show within the fort complex. Dinner is again served on the train. After midnight, the train departs again.
Around 8:00 am, you arrive in Udaipur, a city of magnificent lakes and classic buildings. After another hearty breakfast, you visit the 17th-century palace complex, which consists of 11 separate palaces. You'll be amazed by the exquisitely decorated halls, filled with arches, gateways, and passageways. Of course, a boat trip on Lake Pichola, Udaipur's largest lake, is not to be missed. The boat takes you around the magnificent Lake Palace, located in the middle of the lake. Nowadays, it's a luxury hotel. Lunch is served at the Fateh Prakash Palace Hotel. Afterward, there's optional time for shopping or exploring the Shaheliyon ki Bari city gardens. Around 15:00, you board the train again, which will take you further into the desert. Dinner is served on board.
The day begins with a city tour of Bikaner. This desert city is situated along the ancient caravan routes connecting West Asia and Africa. Steeped in culture and tradition, time here seems to stand still. Bikaner's most renowned landmark is the Junagarh Fort, originally constructed to protect the people of Bikaner from invaders. Dating back to the 16th century, this fort is a magnificent structure, featuring numerous palaces and pavilions adorned with towering windows and balconies.
Subsequently, you head eastward toward Jaisalmer—a journey of approximately seven hours by road. This city rises from the desert like a mirage and is famously known as the 'Golden City.' It is the perfect destination for strolling through the streets and savoring the local sights and aromas. Upon your arrival in Jaisalmer, you may spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.
At approximately 8:00 AM, the train pulls into Jodhpur Station. You may enjoy a leisurely breakfast before disembarking to explore Rajasthan's second-largest city. Here, among other attractions, you will visit the Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada (the royal cenotaphs), and the Umaid Bhawan Palace—which currently operates as a hotel. The magnificent Mehrangarh Fort is perched atop a high rocky outcrop, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the 'Blue City.' Once you reach the summit of the fort, it becomes immediately apparent why Jodhpur has earned this distinctive nickname. You will also have the opportunity to indulge in some shopping. Lunch is included today at the 5-star palace hotel, Hanwant Mahal. At 3:30 PM (15:30), you will return to the train to depart for Bharatpur, where you are scheduled to arrive the following morning. Dinner is included on board the train.
You will arrive in Bharatpur early in the morning; this city is renowned for the Bharatpur (Keoladeo) Bird Sanctuary, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will set out from here around 6:30 AM, as this is the optimal time for birdwatching. You will explore the park on a cycle-rickshaw ride. At least 375 different species of birds can be spotted here; while some are resident birds that remain throughout the year, others are migratory species. Around 8:45 AM, you will return to the train to commence your journey to Agra. It is a short journey, and you are expected to arrive there around 10:30 AM. Before lunch, you will visit the Agra Fort. The defensive walls of this fort span 2.5 kilometers, and it was constructed in the 16th century to safeguard the city. Built entirely of red sandstone, it is also popularly known as the "Red Fort." After enjoying lunch at the magnificent ITC Mughal Hotel, you will reach another highlight of your journey: a visit to the world-famous Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Its construction took approximately 20 years to complete. You will be left spellbound by the intricate craftsmanship and the unparalleled symmetry of this architectural masterpiece. Shah Jahan had, in fact, envisioned building a similar structure for himself—albeit in black—but this dream never came to fruition. He lies buried within the Taj Mahal itself, resting alongside his wife. His tomb remains the sole element within the entire complex that slightly disrupts its otherwise flawless symmetry. Following your sightseeing tour, you will have some free time for shopping, should you wish to do so. Afterwards, you will return to the train for dinner and depart for your starting point—Delhi.
Tip: When visiting the Taj Mahal, you are permitted to carry only essential items inside. Please leave your bags and other belongings in your vehicle. Your guide will provide you with specific instructions regarding this in advance. It is also helpful to know beforehand that a visit to the Taj Mahal may take up to three hours. This is a new regulation implemented to prevent overcrowding within the Taj Mahal complex.
The train arrives at Delhi Station at 05:30 AM. However, you will first have the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely breakfast. You are required to check out by 07:15 AM. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in the city center. You may spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.Note: You can expect to access your hotel room by approximately 2:00 PM (14:00). If you wish, we can arrange for an early check-in for you. Please consult your travel specialist regarding the available options
After breakfast, you will embark on a city tour of New Delhi and Old Delhi accompanied by a private English-speaking guide. The primary distinction between the two parts of the city is that New Delhi was established by the British. Consequently, this section of the city possesses a distinctly British character and—unlike Old Delhi—was constructed according to a planned layout. During the city tour, you will visit—among other attractions—the Red Fort (exterior view), Raj Ghat (a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and other prominent leaders), the Qutub Minar, the Tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun, and the bustling Chandni Chowk market.
You will be transferred to Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport in time for your return flight. This marks the conclusion of your journey with “Best Travel Agents in India”.
Included
- Traditional welcome on arrival at New Delhi International Airport.
- Transfers in Delhi and transportation by private car with a driver during the city tour of Delhi
- Entrance fees during the city tour of Delhi
- English-speaking guide during the city tour of Delhi
- Accommodation in Delhi on a Bed & Breakfast basis
- Accommodation in a Deluxe Cabin on a Full Board basis during the train journey
- Sightseeing at the specified locations during the train journey (as part of an international group), including entrance fees
- A comprehensive information package containing country details, vouchers, e-tickets, and a hotel list, along with your travel documents
- Trip assistance during your journey (available 24 hours)
Excluded
- International airfare
- India Visa Cost
- Transportation on leisure days or during free periods (when not sightseeing)
- Optional excursions and associated entrance fees
- Early check-in / Late check-out charges (if applicable)
- Tips and camera fees
- Travel and cancellation insurance.
