Palace on Wheels Destinations

The heart of India beats in Delhi, the national capital and the Palace on Wheels tour also begins from here. Delhi has witnessed more ups and downs in history than any other city in the world. Delhi today has vivacious and kaleidoscopic character which has stemmed from its organic growth over millennia. Find yourself lost in the delightful medieval ambience, historic monuments, labyrinthine streets, bazaars and much more. If you fancy the idea of reliving the medieval in the modern day setting, Old Delhi is the right place for you. With its ancient and medieval monuments such as Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Humayun's tomb, myriad Temples, and countless relics of the past, you can well have a bite of your history in Delhi.

JWith a history deeply entwined with the legends of royal maharajas, princes and princesses, and millions of ordinary people, the modern day Jaipur is astonishing on all counts. Jaipur is one of the major Palace on Wheels destinations Every glance at Jaipur is a photograph and you'll wonder if you could spare some sights from lens to feast on eyes only. Amongst myriad of places worth a dekko, here's the list you mustn't miss out on: Hawa Mahal, Amber Fort, City Palace Complex, Jaigarh Fort, Rambagh Palace, Jantar Mantar, Raj Palace, Jai Mahal Palace, Naharganj Fort, Albert Hall Museum, and Sawai Man Singh Museum.

Home to Ranthambore Fort and Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur is a historic place. Ranthambore is the only place in Rajasthan where tigers can be spotted. The park is a part of government's Project Tiger, but unfortunately odds are reducing each year with poaching and illegal hunting of the wild cat. Spotting a tiger though is not a matter of luck as there are still a number of tigers in the park. Apart from tiger, the park is also a big draw for ornithologists as it is home to more than 300 species of birds.

Known in history with Chitrakut and Chitrang, Chittorgarh has a long history of blood and battle. A great deal of Rajasthan's history belongs to Chittorgarh. History gives account of three times when under the prolonged siege of the city by invaders, the Rajput romantics chose death before dishonor. The soldiers donned in saffron robes left their families on funeral pyres for the final attacks. Chittorgarh makes a splendid day trip from Udaipur. The fort at Chittor, one of the greatest in Rajasthan, is worthwhile a dekko with stunning palaces, gates, temples and splendid Jaya Stambha.

Sprawled around a pristine lake, the city of Udaipur is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities of the world. The Traveler + Leisure magazine voted Udaipur as world's best city in 2009. Known as 'Venice of the East' and 'Lake City', Udaipur is hemmed in lush hills of Aravali along the azure waters of Lake Pichola. Udaipur has a long history of bloody battle with invaders for centuries until the British intervention in 19th century which protected the city by a treaty. The sophisticated architecture, stunning landscape and romantic ambience as also the unique Rajput charm, makes the city a must visit. The must-visits include City Palace, Lake Pichola and Pratap Memorial.

Jaisalmer has got the title the Golden City owing to its yellow sandstone structures. The entrance to the Jaisalmer from barren Thar Desert is simply dramatic as the town shimmers like a mirage. The town is famous for sand dunes and vast expanse of Indus Valley Civilization which thrived some 5000 years ago. The luster and brilliance of Jaisalmer is still remarkable and astonishing after centuries of wear and tear. The magical medieval look with its narrow streets lined with golden buildings on both sides, transports one to a different world. Once here, you must visit its imposing majestic fort, havelis, museums, Jain Temples as also the sand dunes in the surrounding deserts.

The second largest city in Rajasthan is situated close to the edge of the Thar Desert. Founded by a Rajput chieftain of Rathore clan Rao Jodha in 1459, Jodhpur served as the capital of Marwar state. Owing to presence of large number of blue houses in the town, Jodhpur is also known as city of blue houses. Other titles associated with the city are Gateway to Thar and Sun City. While in Jodhpur, the must-see includes Mehrangarh Fort - the largest fort of Rajasthan, Jaswant Thada - the royal cenotaph, and Umaid Bhavan Palace - the last great palace of the city completed only in 1944, the Maharaja of Jodhpur lives here to this day. Other sights of interest are Balsamand Lake, Kailana Lake, Mahamandir Temple and others.

Bharatpur's listing in UNESCO sites for its Keoladeo Ghana National Park is the reason people visit the scenic place. Founded by Maharaja Suraj Mal in 1733 Bharatpur is regarded as the eastern gateway of Rajasthan. The name of the town is derived from Bharat, the elder brother of Rama. The marshland park area is vital wintering point for migratory birds from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China and Siberia.

Fatehpur Sikri was founded in 1564 by Mughal Emperor Jalal-ud-Din Akbar on advice of a saint Sheikh Salim Chishti. Located around 23 miles from Agra, the deserted town was formerly a small village known as Sikri. The city remained Mughal capital until 1585 and was abandoned for mysterious reasons, probably due to lack of water as local wells went dry. The palaces and mosque in the town are still glaring pieces of Mughal architecture which remain almost unchanged even after 300 years.

Agra is invariably the part of first-time visitors to India for who would miss the legendary Taj Mahal? The city is home to three generations of world's one of most dynamic and dynasties of the medieval period. The Mughals immortalized their talent, taste and wealth in marble and stone. The beauty of Taj Mahal, and for that matter other Mughal era structures in Agra, will surely bowl you over. Soak up the fascinating history by visiting Taj Mahal, Agra Fort - and further afield sites of Fatehpur Sikri and Sikandra.