Expedition Details
Step aboard the newly renovated Palace on Wheels and set off on an unforgettable rail journey to the fabled cities of Rajasthan. Venture into majestic forts and palaces, and immerse yourself in the colors and rhythms of India's captivating culture. Visit the immense Amber Fort high above Jaipur, and watch the sunset light up the Taj Mahal. Experience one of India's celebrated festivals or fairs on each departure.
Trip Highlights
- Travel aboard the Palace on Wheels, a train designed in the style of a bygone era, evoking the splendor of the maharajas.
- Explore six UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Fatehpur Sikri and the incomparable Taj Mahal.
- Search for tigers in Ranthambore National Park, and for rare birds and other wildlife in Keoladeo National Park.
- Take a sunset camel safari among the evocative dunes of the Thar Desert.
Itinerary - 13 Days
Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Delhi, India
Depart on an overnight flight to Delhi and check into our hotel upon arrival.
The Taj Mahal Hotel
Day 3 — Delhi
Set out on a tour of New Delhi, the capital established by the British in 1911, and see the India Gate and Parliament buildings. Then delve into Old Delhi, a center of Muslim India between the 13th and 19th centuries which consists of eight different cities built by a succession of rulers. Explore Humayun's Tomb, a milestone in the history of Mughal architecture, and the soaring minaret of Qutb Minar. This evening gather for a special welcome reception and dinner.
The Taj Mahal Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 4 — Jaipur
Travel from Delhi to Jaipur in Rajasthan. Known for its "Pink City," Jaipur's rose-colored buildings are protected by high fortifications and multiple gates. Stroll through a local bazaar before visiting Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, a stunning five-story 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. Then take 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.
Jai Mahal Palace (B,L,D)
Day 5 — Jaipur
After a morning at leisure, climb up to the hilltop Amber Fort, a 16th- and 17th-century complex. Explore its exquisite and well-preserved palaces, temples, gardens, and pavilions. This evening, settle into your cabin on board the Palace on Wheels.
Palace on Wheels (B,L,D)
Day 6 — Ranthambhore National Park/Chittaurgarh
Set out on a morning game drive in Ranthambhore National Park in search of the elusive tiger as well as hyenas, jackals, and foxes. After lunch back on the train, arrive in the city of Chittaurgarh. Trace a turbulent history of siege, valor, and sacrifice at Chittaurgarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India.
Palace on Wheels (B,L,D)
Day 7 — Udaipur
Known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur is most celebrated for the fairy-tale marble palaces that appear to rise from the waters of Lake Pichola. Venture into a spectacular labyrinth of courtyards within the City Palace, a soaring creation of marble and granite perched on the lake's edge. This palace complex, the largest in Rajasthan, blends Medieval, European, and Chinese architecture and is richly decorated with inlaid mirror-work, mosaics, and frescoes. Join in the celebration of Vasant Panchami, a festival dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of learning.*
Palace on Wheels (B,L,D)
Day 8 — Jaisalmer
Today the train carries us into the heart of the Thar Desert to magical Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal in a.d. 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. Later, ride a camel across the sand dunes of Sam and stop for a traditional tea in the desert.
Palace on Wheels (B,L,D)
Day 9 — Jodhpur
Jodhpur's blue-hued old city lies at the foot of massive Mehrangarh Fort, perched on a rocky outcrop some 120 meters high. Visit the 15th-
century fort and learn about its colorful history. Enjoy lunch before returning to the Palace on Wheels for the final leg of our rail journey.
Palace on Wheels (B,L,D)
Day 10 — Keoladeo National Park/Agra
Disembark the train in Bharatpur after an early breakfast and head into the wetlands of Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a renowned bird sanctuary. Search for egrets, flamingos, and many other bird species and wildlife. Then stop at a hotel near the park for a cooking demonstration and lunch. Take a guided walk around Bharatpur village before heading to Fatehpur Sikri, the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1569 to 1585, where elegant carved sandstone palaces remain incredibly well-preserved. Continue to Agra this evening.
ITC Mughal (B,L,D)
Day 11 — Agra
Rise early this morning to see the Taj Mahal's marble sparkle in the dawn's light. Constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, the Taj Mahal is often described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love. After lunch, explore Agra Fort's courtyards, mosques, and private chambers, which bring to life the story of the Mughal Empire. Pay a visit to a marble inlay workshop to see how the intricate stonework of the Taj Mahal was created, and make a special visit to a local orphanage if you choose. This evening, visit the iconic Taj Mahal at sunset before gathering for a festive farewell dinner.
ITC Mughal (B,L,D)
Days 12 & 13 — Agra/Delhi/U.S.
After breakfast, drive to Delhi and relax in day rooms before transferring to the airport for your overnight flight, arriving home the next day.
The Taj Mahal Hotel (B,L,D)
Optional Extension
- Khajuraho and Varanasi - Post-Trip Extension, 4 Days
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Jan Nijman
Jan Nijman is Professor Emeritus of Geography and Regional Studies at the University of Miami. Chair of National Geographic's new Global Exploration Fund for Northern Europe and a former member of National Geographic's Committee for Research and Exploration, Jan has spent more than a decade researching socio-economic and cultural change in India. The National Geographic Society and the National Science Foundation have supported his work, and his publications have appeared in a wide range of international journals. Jan has received the University of Miami's Excellence in Teaching Award and a Guggenheim Fellowship.
Jan will join the following departures:
Nov 18 - 30, 2012 • Feb 17 - Mar 01, 2013Expedition Dates 
indicates a departure that has a slightly different itinerary than the one shown on this page. Click the icon to see the day-to-day itinerary.
* The itinerary shown describes the January departure which includes the Vasant Panchami festival on Day 7. The other departures follow a similar itinerary but include different festivals: the March 2012 departure includes the Holi Festival on Day 5, the November 18 departure includes a day trip to Pushkar for the annual camel fair on Day 5, the February departure includes the Desert Festival on Day 8, and the March 2013 departure includes the Mahashivaratri Festival on Day 8.
