The term ‘royalty’ in India signifies the pomp and panache of erstwhile Indian monarchs, out of whom the largest chunk was occupied by the Rajput rulers of Rajasthan. Every destination of Rajasthan reverberates with the splendor of these Rajput monarchs wrought in number of forts and palaces housed here. Palace on Wheels, adjudged as 4th best luxury train in the world and modeled on the royal carriages of erstwhile Rajput rulers, Nizam of Hyderabad and the Viceroy of India, embark on its voyage through erstwhile princely states of Rajasthan. In this blog, I will highlight the royal factors which associated with the Place on Wheels destinations.
Amber Fort ,Jaipur |
Crowned with the title of ‘Pink City’, Jaipur is home to some very famous forts and palaces and a World Heritage Site. Right from Amber Fort to City Palace and Hawa Mahal to Jantar Mantar, several generations of Kacchawa Rajputs immensely contributed in the development of this city.
Udaipur
Lake Palace,Udaipur |
Founded by Maharana Udai Singh in 1559, the city of Udaipur is sprinkled with lakes and encompassed by Aravalii hills. There are several places in this city that will acquaint you with the bygone royal splendor. The first is the City Palace, an exquisite palatial edifice comprised of palaces, lakes and gardens built at different times from 1559. The Durbar Hall, housed with various artifacts such as Mewari paintings, splendid chandeliers and Rajputana artilleries, is a must place to visit.
Jodhpur
Umaid Bhavan Palace in Jodhpur |
Jaisalmer
Camel Safari – Jaisalmer |
Situated atop the Trikuta Hill, amidst the undulating Thar desert, Jaisalmer is most famous for its royal havelis that exhibits the architectural wealth of this desert city through its screened windows, intricate carvings and large courtyards. Then there is ‘Sonar Qila’ that changes its hues from tawny lion to honey gold between sunrise and sunset.