India’s Fabled Rajasthan by Rail

Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi at any time and check in to your hotel.

Set out on a tour of Old Delhi, a patchwork of 8 different cities built by a succession of rulers and a center of Muslim India between the 13th and 19th centuries. Explore Humayun's Tomb, a milestone in the history of Mughal architecture, and Gandhi Smriti, a museum honoring Mahatma Gandhi. Marvel at the golden spiked minarets of Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India and the final architectural achievement of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Take a bicycle rickshaw ride through the Old City’s busy, narrow lanes, stopping at a local spice market to capture vibrant photos of the colorful bustle. This evening, gather for a special welcome reception and dinner.

Travel from Delhi to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, and spend the next day exploring on foot. Known as the "Pink City" for its rose-colored buildings, Jaipur is protected by high fortifications and multiple gates. Stroll through a local bazaar and visit Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of the Winds, a stunning 5-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. Ascend to the hilltop Amber Fort, a 16th- and 17th-century complex. Explore its exquisite and well-preserved palaces, temples, gardens and pavilions. After lunch, 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, board the Palace on Wheels and settle into your cabin.

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 on the train, arrive in the city of Chittaurgarh, where you’ll trace a turbulent history of siege, valor and sacrifice at Chittaurgarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India. Later this afternoon, meet villagers on a walk within the hilltop fortified walls and stop for tea at sunset.

Known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur is most celebrated for its fairy-tale marble palaces, which appear to emerge 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 mirrorwork, mosaics and frescoes. Cruise by the Lake Palace Hotel on an afternoon boat ride on Lake Pichola.

This morning, venture into the heart of the Thar Desert to magical Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal in AD 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. In the late afternoon, set out on a Jeep ride across the sand dunes of the Thar Desert and stop for a traditional tea. Enjoy dinner off the train this evening while watching a performance by traditional folk dancers.

Spend the morning exploring Jodhpur, the blue-hued old city which lies at the foot of the massive Mehrangarh Fort, perched on a rocky outcrop some 394 feet (120 m) high. Visit the 15th-century fort with stunning views of the city, elaborately mirrored rooms and a museum with a spectacular collection of miniature paintings, ivory artifacts and weapons. Delve into the city’s narrow streets, seeing sights like the clock tower, and mingling with people shopping at the Sardar Bazaar. Enjoy lunch before returning to the Palace on Wheels for the final leg of your rail journey.

Disembark the train in Bharatpur and head into the wetlands of Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a renowned bird sanctuary. Search for egrets and flamingos, as well as other bird species and wildlife. Then stop at a hotel near the park for a cooking demonstration and lunch. Take a guided walk around the Bharatpur village of Fatephur Sikri before heading to Agra.

Rise early this morning to see the Taj Mahal's marble sparkle in the dawn 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. 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. Return to the Taj Mahal Hotel at sunset before gathering for a farewell dinner.

After breakfast, pay a visit to a local orphanage if you wish. Then drive to Delhi and relax in day rooms at the Taj Mahal Hotel. Later, transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and catch your flight home.