Royal Rajasthan on Wheels (07 nights / 08 days) Travel Package India
Overview
The Royal Rajasthan on Wheels is the regal delight where every moment is woven together into an everlasting and immemorial experience to be lived and cherished forever. The makers of the Palace on Wheels have rekindled the charm of luxury with utmost consideration of your comfort and modern amenities at the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels. This tour is extensively planned to take you through the whispering sands of desert, the intriguing sagas of forts and palaces, and the adventurous escapades to the wilds; while you witness the luxuries on the train in a truly royal fashion. This train is newly built and designed in a contemporary royal style. You will be delighted with the magnificent interiors, sumptuous meals, expensive wines, and personalised service by the Khidmatgars, the likes of which you would rarely experience. The train takes you through a seven day exploration of the vibrant state of Rajasthan.
Day 1 : Board the train
This evening arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Mumbai (Bombay) and board the train to embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Maharashtra. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner on board and prepare yourself for the next few magical days
Day 2 : Explore the Konkan Coast
Arrive at Bhoke Railway Station in the morning. After breakfast proceed to Rai Bhatgaon Jetty by A/C bus for backwater cruise up to historical fort Jaigad which is a fort located at the tip of the peninsula and is said to be constructed in the 17th century. Explore the beautiful beaches surrounding the fort along the the Konkan coast. Lunch will be served at Ganapatipule beach resort followed by the sightseeing tour of Ratnagiri town. The tour will include Ratnadurg Fort which is shaped like a horse shoe and is surrounded by the sea on three sides, it was conquered by the famous Maratha leader Shivaji in 1670, Lokmanaya Tilak Smarak and time permitting Ratnagiri Bazaar. Later board the train at Ratnagiri railway station and enjoy the Dinner which will be served on board. Overnight stay onboard
Day 3 : Witness the Sindhudurg Sea Fort
This morning arrive at Sindhudurg Nagari Railway station. Breakfast on board and then proceed to Malvan Jetty to witness the Sindhudurg Sea Fort. The fort was built in 1664 a.d. by the Maratha King Shivaji with the help of Portugese experts from Goa. Big attractions are Shivaji’s palm and footprint in dry lime preserved in the fort premises. Lunch at Tarkarli beach resort followed by back water cruise through the Tarkarli creek up to Kale Jetty. Visit to Sawantwadi town by bus to witness fabulous lacquer handicrafts, paintings and furniture at the "Shilpagrama" in the town. Late in the evening board the train at Sawantwadi railway station. Dinner will be served on the train. Overnight stay on board.
Day 4 : Goa Beach Day
Arrive at Karmali – Goa which is the most frequented tourist spot in India, land of sun, sand and beautiful beaches. Breakfast on board and proceed to Old Goa in a bus. Witness Basilica De Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Church of St. Francis of Assisi the most popular churches of Old Goa which were built during 16th -17th century and owe their existence to the Portuguese rule in this part of the western coast of India . Followed by the visit to Old Goa explore the modern city of Panjim for a short walk in the colourful city and bazaar. Enjoy the lunch at Taj Fort Aguada Beach Resort and thereafter proceed to Dona Paula for a magnificient view of the Mormugao. and this is also the spot where the two rivers Mandovi and Zuari meet the Arabian sea. Abosultely not to be missed site is Mrs. Braganza house which is almost 300 years old and is a real connoisseur’s delight. Board the train from Madgaon in the evening followed by dinner. Overnight stay on board.
Day 5 : Pune the second largest city of Maharastra
Arrive at Pune, the second largest city of Maharashtra, board the bus to visit the various attractions. Maharashtra Phule Mandai which is the Pune's 128 years old vegetable and fruit market, the old central market, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Musuem which houses variety of artifacts of the 17th, 18th & 19th centuries. Visit to the Sir David Sasoon Synagogue built in 1867, also known as the “Lal Deval (Red Synagogue)” as it is built in red bricks. The Osho International commune is one of the biggest centers for meditation and spiritual growth. Lunch is served at Hotel Le Meridien followed by a visit to the tribal museum having collection of 2000 rare and precious articles related to tribal life. Aga Khan Palace built by Sultan Muhammed Aga Khan III in 1892; a place where Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned in 1942 and where his wife Kasturba Gandhi passed away during captivity. It has been converted into a museum dedicated to Gandhi family. Witness the Sound and light show at Shaniwarwada which was a palace built by Bajirao I in 1732. Board the train at Pune railway station. Dinner will be served on board the train. Overnight stay on board.
Day 6 : Visit the 600 years old Ellora Caves
This morning arrive at Aurangabad station. Post breakfast proceed to visit the Daulatabad Fort magnificent 12th century fortress stands on a hill, built by Raja Bhillamraj. Ellora caves, dating back to a period of about 600 years between the 5th and 11th century AD. This is a world heritage site having 34 cave temples dedicated to three different religions - Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Lunch will be served at Taj Residency. These caves are actually structures excavated out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills. There is a cultural show organized during the lunch after which proceed to Shivaji Museum, which houses weapons and antiques from the great Maratha Empire. Also visit Aurangabad caves no. 7 & 8 which are 12 rock cut buddist shrines dating back to 6th and 7th century. Bibi-ka-Maqbara, a replica of Taj Mahal is a grand piece of Moghul architecture. Later in the evening board the train at Aurangabad railway station. Dinner will be served on board the train. Overnight.
Day 7 : Ajanta the beautiful paintings dating back to the 2nd century
Gangtok is the capital city of Sikkim and is situated at the elevation of 1,650 meter. In the morning set out to explore the Rumtek Monastery, 24Km away from Gangtok. It is situated on a hill facing the city. This monastery is lavishly built and is the largest monastery in Sikkim. It contains many sacred objects. The most magnificent of these is a golden stupa built to hold the relics of His Holiness, the sixteenth Karmapa. Afternoon is dedicated to the visit of the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology. This museum was inaugurated by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1958. The architecture of the museum is in Tibetan style. It has some rare and valuable Buddhist manuscripts and books, Tibetan Thangakas, statutes etc. Come back to the hotel and relax in the evening, stay overnight in the hotel.
Day 8 : Farewell
Return back to Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus Mumbai in the morning, where your majestic journey ends