Ranthambore(Sawai
Madhopur)
Arrival In Sawai Madhopur
The Palace on Wheels reaches Sawai Madhopur at 04.00 hrs. After breakfast,
tourists are taken for a visit to the attractions in and around Sawai
Madhopur.
About Sawai Madhopur
Named after its founder Sawai Madho Singh I, Sawai Madhopur is one of the
most visited places in Rajasthan. The reason for this is the variety of
attractions that are available here to enjoy. It is a gateway to discover
the magnificent Ranthambore fort and the exotic wildlife of Ranthambore
National Park.
Morning Sightseeing
Ranthanbore National Park - Ranthambore National Park is one of the best
wildlife destinations in India to view the Tigers. The place was declared a
National Park in the year 1955 and was later included in the Projact Tiger
in 1973. Occupying an area of around 400 sq km, the park is situated between
the Aravalli and Vindhya Ranges. The deciduous forest of the Ranthambore
National Park also provides shelter to other animals and reptiles like
Leopards, Striped Hyenas, Sambar deer, Chital, Nilgai, Snub Nosed Marsh
Crocodiles, Desert Monitor Lizards, Tortoise, Banded Kraits, Cobras, Common
Kraits, Ganga Soft Shelled Turtles and Indian Pythons. There are also 272
species of birds to be seen in the park.
»
Ranthambore Fort - Ranthambore National Park is not only famous for its
exotic wildlife. It also holds the distinction of being a World Heritage
Site because of the numerous historical ruins that are located inside the
park. Prominent among these is the Ranthambore fort. Initially a hunting
lodge for the Maharana of Jaipur, the fort has pavilions, walls and chhatris
majestic monuments. Though all these are not in a very good condition, still
they are worth seeing. An important attraction within the fort is the
Ganesha Temple which till date attracts a number of devotees.
» Shopping - Sawai Madhopur is famous for its for
bandhani and lahariya, block printed textiles, silver jewellery, antique
furniture, wood, metal handicrafts, carpets, exclusive toys, ethnic
ornaments and costumes. Quickly pick up quiet a few items of your choice
from the local markets.
Back to Palace on Wheels
The train departs for Chittaurgarh at 10.30 hrs. Lunch is served on board
at 13.00 hrs.
Arrival In Chittaurgarh
The train arrives at Chittaurgarh at about 16.00 hrs
About Chittaurgarh
One
of the most important places in Rajasthan, Chittaurgarh is a place where the
Rajput rulers laid down there life everytime foreign aggressors tried to
overpower it. The earliest settlement in this place is traced back to around
some 1400 years back. However, the place shot into prominence when
Ala-ud-din Khilji set his eyes on Rani Padmini. To possess her, he attacked
Chittaurgarh but his attempts were turned futile by the Rani who, along with
many other women and children, committed sati. This was the first major
attack on Chittaurgar. The rest two followed soon.
Evening Sightseeing
» Chittaurgarh Fort - Chittaurgarh fort is the
standing reminder of the bravery of the Rajput rulers who preferrd to die
defending their territory rather than live a life of subjugation and
humiliation. The fort saw three massive invasion that led to the death of
not only fighting warriors but also the royal women. These women, like the
warriors, felt that death was a better option than humilation at the hands
of foreign invaders. The fort itself is perched on a hill, around 150 metres
above the nearby areas and covers an area of 3 km in length.
Back to Palace on Wheels
Tourists are brought back to the Palace on Wheels. Dinner is served on
board.
Udaipur
Departure from Chittaurgarh and Arrival In Udaipur
The Palace on Wheels leaves Chittaurgarh at 05.30 in the morning and
reaches Udaipur in 07.30 hrs. After breakfast, the tourists are taken to
explore the city of Udaipur.
About Udaipur
Sprawling over an area of around 37 sq kms, Udaipur is completely
dissimilar to other barren places of Rajasthan. Its beautiful location in
the middle of a forested hill region gives it an apperance of an oasis in
the desert region. The beauty of the city that is reflected in its every
nook and corner has earned it the sobriquet of the 'City of Dawn.' Its
historical significance is amply understood by the fact that it was declared
the capital of the Mewar kingdom (Sisodia dynasty) immediately after it was
founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559 AD.
Today, notwithstanding the interests of the tourists, Udaipur is loved by
one and all. The attractions within the city ensure that the guests do not
go back disappointed. The enchanting surroundings leave the visitors
completely spellbound.
Morning Sightseeing
» Lake Palace - Situated right in the middle of the
Lake Pichola, on the Jag Niwas Island, the Lake Palace is a visual delight.
Constructed by Maharana Jagat Singh in the year 1754, the palace gives a
momentary impression of a palace floating on the water. The white marble of
which the palace is built glows like a jewel with golden sun rays falling on
it during the daytime. However, the glittering beauty of the palace is best
seen in the evening when the setting sun and rising moon lends it a unique
charm of its own. The reflection in the water is awesome. Today, the Lake
Palace has been converted into a heritage hotel as such enjoying its beauty
has become all the more easier for the tourists.
» Jag Mandir - A Palace is situated on another
island of Lake Pichola. Its construction was started by Maharaj Jagat Singh
but it was completed by Maharaja Karan Singh. Karan Singh gave this palace
to prince Khurram, son of emperor Jehangir, as a place to hide from his
father. Within the palace, there is a temple dedicated to Lord Jagdish. The
name Jag Mandir is derived from the name of Lord Jagdish.
» Lunch - Have your lunch at the Lake Palace hotel.
Post Lunch Sightseeing
» City Palace - The City Palace towers over Lake
Pichola and was built by Maharan Udai Singh. However, many successors of the
Maharana also added their own structures in this palace complex. The
entrance to the palace is through the Hati Pol or the Elephant Gate. The
interiors of the palace is exqusitely decorated with mirror work, glass
work, and colourful murals. From outside, the beauty of this white marble
palace is tremendously enhanced by well laid out lawns and gardens. A major
part of the palace, today serves as a museum that showcases artifacts from
the bygone era.
» Crystal Gallery - The Crystal Gallery is an awe
inspiring collection of crystal items - from washing bowls, decanters and
perfume bottles to tables, sofa sets, dinning table, dressers, fountains and
even beds. Located in the Fateh Prakash Palace, these crystal items were a
dream possesion of Maharana Sajjan Singh. It was he, who ordered these items
from the F&C Osler, England. Unfortunately, his sudden death deprived
him the pleasure of seeing these glittering art work. Today, these crystal
goods are showcased for the visitors in the Crystal Gallery. Needless to
mention that the beauty of this gallery collection is simply outstanding.
Back to Palace on Wheels
After a day full of sightseeing, tourists are brought back to the Palace on
Wheels. The luxury train proceeds towards Bharatpur at 20.00hrs. Dinner is
served on board.
