T R AV E L E R F AV O R I T E
I N D I A ' S FA B L E D R A JA S T H A N BY R A I L
• Ride the Palace on Wheels, a train that evokes the splendor of the maharajas. • Explore six UNESCO World Heritage sites with a National Geographic Expert. • Experience the traditions of one of India’s vibrant festivals, such as Diwali or Holi.
DAY 3 I JAIPUR Travel to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. Known as the "pink city" for its rose-colored buildings, Jaipur is protected by high fortifications. Stroll through a local bazaar before visiting Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of the Winds, a stunning sandstone building where the delicate latticework and honeycombed windows were originally designed to allow ladies of the court to watch life on the streets below. Jai Mahal Palace | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
DAYS 1–2 I DELHI, INDIA Arrive in Delhi at any time. The next day, set out on a tour of New Delhi to see the India Gate and Parliament buildings. Then delve into Old Delhi, a patchwork of eight different cities built by a succession of rulers. Explore Humayun's Tomb, a milestone in the history of Mughal architecture; and Gandhi Smriti, a museum honoring Mahatma Gandhi. This evening, gather for a special welcome reception and dinner. The Taj Mahal Hotel | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D
DAY 4 I JAIPUR This morning, ascend to the hilltop Amber Fort. Explore its exquisite and well-preserved palaces, temples, gardens, and pavilions. Enjoy a guided tour of the City Palace, a vast complex with a museum housing rare manuscripts, paintings, and an armory. Visit the 18th-century royal observatory known as Jantar Mantar and examine a variety of precise astronomical tools. This evening, settle into your cabin aboard the train. Palace on Wheels through day 8 | Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D DAY 5 I RANTHAMBORE NATIONAL PARK/ CHITTAURGARH Set out on a morning game drive in Ranthambore National Park in search of the elusive tiger, as well as hyenas, jackals, and
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foxes. Continue to the city of Chittaurgarh and trace a turbulent history of siege, valor, and sacrifice at Chittaurgarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India. Meet villagers on a walk within the hilltop fortified walls, and stop for tea at sunset. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D DAY 6 I UDAIPUR Known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur is celebrated for its fairy-tale marble palaces, which appear to emerge from the waters of Lake Pichola. Venture into a labyrinth of courtyards within the City Palace. This palace complex—the largest in Rajasthan—blends medieval, European, and Chinese architecture and is richly decorated with inlaid mirror-work, mosaics, and frescoes. Cruise by the Lake Palace Hotel on a boat ride across Lake Pichola. Meals: 1B, 1L, 1D DAY 7 I JAISALMER Travel into the heart of the Thar Desert to magical Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal in 1156. Rising above the city, the imposing turrets and bastions of the golden sandstone fort conceal a lively town within. Explore this magnificent fort and discover the havelis, once the mansions of wealthy merchants, decorated with elaborate facades. Ride a camel across the
Clockwise from above: The breathtaking Taj Mahal was built in the 17th century by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan; a lounge in the sumptuous Palace on Wheels; women stroll through the blue-hued alleyways of Jodhpur; a tiger on the prowl in Ranthambore National Park.
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