Guest Reviews
The Indian Maharaja (Aboard The Deccan Odyssey)
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Day 01: Wednesday Tour Begins in Mumbai at 16:30 Hrs

The Train starts its journey from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Mumbai at 1630 Hrs.

MUMBAI: Welcome to Mumbai, a city of dreams that 300 years ago was an agglomeration of seven islands. Modern, yet preserving its antiquities, a short drive through the city will reveal this inherent truth. Board the train in the evening at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, undoubtedly one of the famous Gothic buildings and an integral part of Mumbai's skyline. Wine and dine in the luxurious comforts of this train and whistle your train takes off on your royal voyage...

Day 02: Thursday Explore Ellora Temples

ELLORA CAVES: This morning arrive at Aurangabad. After breakfast on board, proceed for sightseeing of Ellora Caves (22 kms/1 hr). Ellora caves, a World Heritage site, having 34 cave temples dedicated to three different religion - Hinduism, Buddhism & Jainism. The cave temples and monasteries at Ellora, excavated out of the vertical face of an escarpment, are 26 km north of Aurangabad. Extending in a linear arrangement, the 34 caves contain Buddhist Chaityas or halls of worship, and Viharas, or monasteries, Hindu and Jain temples. Spanning a period of about 600 years between the 5th and 11th century AD, the earliest excavation here is of the Dhumar Lena (Cave 29).The most imposing excavation is, without doubt, that of the magnificent Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) which is the largest monolithic structure in the world.

Return back to the train for lunch and evening at leisure. This evening, the train leaves for Jalgaon.

Day 03: Friday Explore Ajanta Caves

AJANTA :This morning arrive at Jalgaon railway station. Board your coach to reach Ajanta Caves, renowned Buddhist caves of Ajanta are World Heritage Site. Witness some of the finest paintings and sculptures of the second century AD. 'Bodhisattva Padmapani', 'Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara', The Birth of the Buddha & Thousand Buddha's are a few amongst the many fine murals & sculptures.

Return to the train for lunch and set off on your overnight journey to Udaipur.

Day 04: Saturday : Explore Udaipur, the romantic lake city of Rajasthan

UDAIPUR: This morning, arrive Udaipur, the land founded by Maharana Udai Singh of Mewar, after the Sisodia dynasty was driven away by the Mughal’s, in 1559A.D. Spend the day in Udaipur, popular as the lake city of Rajasthan. Perhaps the two most beautiful sites of Udaipur are the dream-like marble Palaces - the Jag Niwas (Lake Palace) and the Jag Mandir, which appear to rise from the blue waters of Lake Pichola. Also enjoy an exhilarating visit to the famous City Palace.

Return to your train for lunch and siesta. This evening, enjoy dinner at a fabulous heritage hotel. Return to your train for overnight journey to Sawai Madhopur.

Day 05: Sunday: Explore Ranthambore, home to the tigers

SAWAI MADHOPUR:One can almost sense a life of the wilderness, as the train arrives in Sawai Madhopur, a city named after its founder Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I. After breakfast, enjoy a wildlife safari into the Ranthambore National Park, spread around the ruins of a 10th century fort. This wildlife sanctuary is considered to be one of India’s best for observing and photographing tigers in the wild. The park, covering an area of 392 sq. kms is home to more than 300 species of birds. The tiger, hyena, deer, jackal and fox are among popular wildlife found here.

After lunch, enjoy a second round of afternoon jungle safari in the wildlife park, followed by high tea at Lodge. Return to your train for dinner and overnight journey to Jaipur.

Day 06: Monday: Explore Jaipur, the pink capital city of Rajasthan

JAIPUR: Jaipur is one of the most well planned cities of India. This capital city of Rajasthan, popularly known as the Pink City, was founded by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, in 1727 A.D. To explore the city, an air-conditioned coach takes you to Amber Fort, a fine example of splendid fusion of Rajput and Mugal style of architecture. Enjoy lunch at a fabulous 5* hotel in Jaipur. You also get an opportunity to shop for Jaipur’s famous gems and jewellery, handicrafts, carpets, blue pottery and block printed textiles

Lunch at Palace hotel, Later visit Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds, which is a remarkable five storied building along the main street of the old city in pink splendor with semi-octagonal and delicate honey-combed sandstone windows. This is followed by a visit to the City Palace, home of the erstwhile royal family. Right across the road from the City Palace is the Jantar Mantar, the largest observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh II. Return to your train for dinner and overnight journey to Agra.

Day 07: Tuesday: Explore Agra

AGRA: This morning, visit Fatehpur Sikri - the red sandstone Mughal palatial complex. Within the enclosure is a mosque built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and dedicated to the Sheikh Salim Chisti, a Muslim Sufi Saint who blessed Emperor Akbar with a son. After lunch at city hotel, Later in afternoon, visit the Agra Fort & the Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world and a pristine monument of eternal love. Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal.

Agra is known for its splendid marble inlay work like the Pietra Dura work on the Taj, leather goods and jewelry. This evening, you have some time to shop around in Agra.

Return to your train for dinner and overnight journey back to New Delhi

Day 08: Wednesday: Arrival in Delhi

DELHI : Morning arrive Delhi and bid goodbye to your Indian Maharaja Journey

About the Train

Coaches:

The train has 21 coaches, out of which 13 are passenger cars accommodating 8 people per coach (11 passenger Cars, 4 coupes per coach - 2 Presidential Suite Cars, 2 coupes per coach), 1 Conference Car, 2 Dinning Cars, 2 Generator Cars with Luggage Store, 1 Staff, spare Car, 1 Spa Car, 1 Bar Car.


Rooms:

11 fully air-conditioned Deluxe Cabin saloons, each with combination of 4 twin bedded chambers and 2 fully air-conditioned Presidential Suite saloons each with 2 suites with combination of living room & bed room. Saloons are equipped with channel music, intercom, player, attached toilets, running hot and cold water, shower, wall-to-wall carpeting and other amenities


Restaurants:

The Train has two lavish and beautifully done restaurants Peshwa I and Peshwa II which serves mouth watering Indian cuisines that would definitely make way to your heart through your stomach.


Bar:

A well stocked bar, Mumbai Hi serves wine, liquor and spirits of Indian and International Brands, to keep you in `high spirits'


Facilities:

The Deccan Odyssey is well furnished with modern facilities like Conference Room with satellite communication, Internet, computer with printer and fax, and telephone exchange, Library,Channel Music, Ayurveda Massage Centre, Steam Bath, Gymnasium, Beauty Parlour, special Suite for Physically challenged etc


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