Indian Sojourn (Deccan Odyssey)

Today, you wake up at the cultural capital of Gujarat, Vadodara. After relishing an on-board breakfast you get down to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park. Considered to be the only Islamic city prior to Mughal invasion, this old city is dotted with forts, palaces and mausoleums. Jama Masjid that was constructed in the year 1513, with its 30 metre minarets, delicate artwork and embellishments is a unique blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. At afternoon, you return to Deccan Odyssey for lunch and rest. After lunch, you resume your journey with a visit to the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum which is the popular attraction of vadodara, made up of a treasure of marble and bronze sculptures and ancient paintings by eminent European artists and Raja Ravi Varma. As sunsets, you are at Laxmi Vilas Palace to enjoy hi-tea with the royal residents of the palace, relishing authentic recipes from the royal kitchens. Listen to the legends of Gujarat, explore the imposing mosaic and crystalline glass works, armours, terracotta and bronze sculptures at the museum of the palace. Evenings are entertaining with folk performance. Return to Deccan Odyssey for dinner and overnight stay.

Today you are at the oasis of the Thar Desert, Udaipur. After an on-board breakfast, drive to the fascinating City Palace. Along with its white Chinese domes, hanging gardens and decorated pavilions, the palace also offers a panoramic view of the whole city. Later enjoy a boat cruise over the crystalline waters of Lake Pichola which takes you to the island palace of Jag Mandir. Return to the train for lunch. After lunch walk along the old lanes of Udaipur to enjoy puppet shows, buy the cloth lanterns, jewellery and wooden boxes with intricate designs. Return to Deccan Odyssey for a relaxed evening and lavish dinner. Overnight stay on Deccan Odyssey and luxury train departs for Jodhpur.

Today you are at the Sun City of Jodhpur. Lying at the edge of the Thar Desert, as the train crawls into Jodhpur, the lines of golden sand welcomes the tourists. After breakfast, relax and experience the utmost ambience of the train as it chugs into the Marwar region of the city. Later in the day step down to visit the rustic life of the deserts at the Bishnoi village, a 540 years old tribe which is actively involved in saving the flora and fauna and maintain an eco-friendly life. You can also visit the potters’ village to witness the amazing art and crafts of the villagers. Else, go for a rejuvenating spa massage at one of the premium hotels of the city. Enjoy lunch onboard the Deccan Odyssey. Post lunch, walk through the city to experience the real life of Rajasthan. You are also taken to one of the powerful forts of Rajasthan, Mehrangarh Fort. Considered as one of the largest forts of the country, this fort is known for intricate carvings, a treasure of royal palanquins, arms and armours, paintings and costumes used by the Rajput clan. Experience a royal lifestyle as Marwar barbeque delights are served at the evening at the Mehrangarh fort complex. Return to the Deccan Odyssey train for night stay as it heads off to Agra.

Today, enjoy the leisurely breakfast onboard the Deccan Odyssey as the train arrives in Agra. Get down to check out the grace and beauty of Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Walk around the memorial of love to see the fine Arabic inscriptions, engravings of semi-precious stones and bright floral prints. Enjoy lunch at a City Hotel. After relishing lunch at one of first class hotels of Agra, you are taken to ‘Baby Taj,’ the Itmad-ud-Daulah tomb. Believed to be the first marble edifice of the Mughal era, this mausoleum is beautiful with delicate lattice works which was by Nur Jahan. . Your next visit is to the Agra Fort, one part of which is made of red sandstone and the other of white marble. The present structure was built by Emperor Akbar on the eastern bank of the river Yamuna. A city in itself, the fort consists of the Mirror Palace, every inch of which is made of mirrors; the Pearl mosque, Diwan-i-aam and Diwan-i-khas are the other significant structures of the fort. Later go for a soothing spa massage at a city hotel or shop the marble inlays, leather shoes and ornaments at the city market. Dinner and night stay at the train. The Deccan Odyssey train departs for the next destination Sawai Madhopur.

Today Deccan Odyssey enters the terrain of mystery, Sawai Madhopur. After breakfast you head towards the Ranthambore National Park, the forest known for the Royal Bengal Tigers. Checkout the ferocious tigers hunting or lying lazily over the grass, leopards and hyenas strolling within the bush or the grazing herds of nilgai, sambar, chowsingha and elephants. The joyous woodpeckers, kingfishers, pelicans, geese and cuckoos break the silence of the forests. After completing your jungle safari, return to the comforts of the Deccan Odyssey. Enjoy your lunch in the train. Post lunch walk through the villages, chatting with the locals. Sip tea sitting at the royal hunting lodge of Sawai Madhopur as the sunsets behind the forests. After high tea, get back to your luxury ride the Deccan Odyssey and relax with a drink before dinner. The Deccan Odyssey sets off for Jaipur. Overnight stay at the train.

Today after breakfast you embark at the Pink City of Jaipur. With its pink hued buildings, the city is colourful. Ride on well decked elephants to visit the mighty Amber Fort which is a 7th century masterpiece by Maharaja Mansingh. While the majestic gateways impress you, the enchanting view of the Maota Lake is a treat to the eyes. Visit the Sheesh Mahal, ‘Hall of Mirrors’, which is best known for creating a unique effect in the mirrors. You are next taken to the Palace of Winds, which is also known as the Hawa Mahal, a masterpiece of Rajput architecture with almost 983 balconies and jharokhas. After a visit to the ancient observatory of Jantar Mantar, it is time for a sumptuous traditional lunch at a five start city hotel. Rest of the afternoon chill out with a spa massage at a world class city hotel or go on a shopping spree at the local markets; leather shoes, Jaipur printed boutique apparels, jewellery and mehendi designs are some of the star attractions of the place. Dinner and night stay at the train.

The journey comes to an end as Deccan Odyssey enters Delhi railway station. Breakfast on board.