Travelpack

Note:
- Price is based on Double Occupancy (Twin Sharing during During Train Journey) (per person cost)

Highlights: Delhi –Sawai Madhopur - Agra – Jaipur –Udaipur – Vadodara – Ellora Caves – Mumbai

Alternate travel dates: 07 Jan 21 - £5059 // 28 Jan 21 - £4865 //1 Apr 21 - £5135
Deluxe Twin Cabin - Single Occupancy: 07 Jan 21 - £6965 // 28 Jan 21 - £6775 // 4 Mar 21 - £6725 //1 Apr 21 - £7039

Hotels/Train (or similar)
Delhi – The Claridges
Train – Deluxe (Twin Cabin),
Mumbai – Trident Nariman Point)

Welcome to Indian Odyssey, a spectacular train journey in inimitable royal style and luxury on one of India’s iconic trains, the Deccan Odyssey. The Odyssey will take you on an 8-day extravaganza, through the fascinating, ever-changing vistas of a colourful, vibrant and ancient India, from its capital Delhi to its premier metropolis Mumbai, traversing ancient kingdoms and their historic traditions as you attempt tiger spotting at Ranthambore, visit the glorious Taj Mahal at Agra, the effervescent city of Jaipur, the lakes and palaces at Udaipur, view the beautiful monuments of Vadodara, and visit some of the most prominent & unexplored destinations of west-central India, with a trip to the unrivalled Ellora Caves. A railroad journey like none other, in a land like no other, we welcome you onboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Itinerary:

Day 01 (Thu)
London Heathrow to Delhi by flight.

Day 02 (Fri) Delhi
Arrive at Delhi airport, Upon arrival at Delhi airport welcome, meet and assist by our representative and transfer to Hotel. Afternoon proceeds for City tour of New Delhi visiting Humayun’s Tomb, built by his wife Haji Begum in the 16th Century. An early example of Mughal architecture considered the predecessor of the Taj Mahal. The Qutab Minar - the landmark of Delhi, a huge tower of victory started in 1199 and completed in 1368. The Minar is 72.5m high with a diameter at the base 14.4m and 2.7m at the top. Proceed to the Rashtrapati Bhawan (Drive Pass) once the Viceroy’s residence and now the official residence of the President of India. Designed by Lutyens, it combines western and eastern styles - the dome reflects the Buddhist stupa, the chhattris “Hindu” and the graceful colonnades very “British”. It has 340 rooms.
The India Gate (42m), C commemorates the 70,000 Indian soldiers who died in the 1st world war. 13516 names of British and Indian soldiers killed in the Afghan War of 1919 are engraved on the arch and foundations. Under the arch, glows the Amar Jawan Jyoti flame commemorating Indian armed forces’ losses in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971. Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 03 (Sat) Board the Deccan Odyssey at Delhi – on to Sawai Madhopur
After breakfast enjoy a city tour of Old Delhi visiting Raj Ghat which is located on the banks of the river Yamuna, This is Mahatma Gandhi’s Memorial, where he was cremated following his assassination in January 1948. The memorial lies in the midst of landscaped gardens and made of a simple square platform of black marble inscribed with his last words “Hey Ram”. Drive Pass Red Fort (closed on Monday) – the 17th-century imposing fortress built in red sandstone is surrounded by a huge boundary wall 33m high. Inside are exquisite palaces and beautiful gardens. Board the 'cycle rickshaw' for a unique experience from the Red Fort, through "Chandni Chowk" or Silver Street, experiencing the sights and sounds of this very busy avenue-heading west from the Fort. Opposite the Red Fort lies Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque) made of red sandstone and white marble, completed in 1656. It is India’s largest mosque where more than 20,000 people can kneel in prayer at one time.
Transfer to the railway station to board Deccan Odyssey. Welcome aboard the Deccan Odyssey.
This evening assemble at the railway station at approximately 1700 hours to complete the registration process and check-in formalities for your Indian Odyssey journey, as you receive a traditional Indian welcome and enjoy a refreshing welcome drink.
After completion of all formalities, you will be shown to your delightful cabins. As you settle in, the Deccan Odyssey shall depart Delhi for Sawai Madhopur. Dinner on board. Overnight on Deccan Odyssey

Day 04 (Sun) Sawai Madhopur – Ranthambore National Park
Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan is the alighting point for the famous Ranthambore National Park, and India’s efforts to conserve the dwindling tiger population can be seen here. The park is one of the finest tiger reserves in the country and the most likely place to spot one of these majestic animals.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before you set out for your village safari. The people of Rajasthan’s villages are mostly tribal who subsist on farming and hunting. These friendly folk are warm and welcoming, happy to show guests around their villages, giving deep insights into their daily lives. The women here wear bright colours to offset the drab desert, and most people live in mud huts. Visit a local home and interact with the family. When you’re done with the village safari, return to the comfort of the Deccan Odyssey. Enjoy a leisurely lunch before you set out for a game drive. Ranthambore is home to several other species as well; you can see herds of Chital and Sambhar deer as well as wild boar, Nilgai antelope and chinkara gazelles. There are also sloth bear, a few leopards and crocodiles. Extensive bird life includes jungle fowl, partridges, quails, the crested serpent eagle, woodpeckers, flycatchers etc. There are also water birds like storks, ducks and geese at the lakes and waterholes. If it’s your lucky day, you could spot a tiger lolling around lazily in the sun, or feverishly hunting down deer around the lakes!
After a fulfilling afternoon, proceed for high tea at the Sawai Madhopur Lodge, the former hunting lodge of the erstwhile royal family of Jaipur. Feel free to share the spoils (of your photo-shoots!) After high tea, it is time to head back to the Deccan Odyssey where you can relax with a drink before dinner on board, as the Deccan Odyssey sets off for Agra, the city of the world-famous “Taj Mahal”. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on board; High tea at Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge. Overnight on Deccan Odyssey

Day 05 (Mon) Agra
Arriving at Agra, you will realize that the Mughals were not just the greatest dynasty to rule India but also its greatest builders. After a leisurely breakfast on board, you will visit the Taj Mahal, which was Emperor Shah Jahan’s gift of love to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and is truly the world’s most wondrous monument. The making of the Taj Mahal is as much a fable as the edifice itself. It took 20000 men 22 years to build this unrivalled mausoleum and its exquisite white marble was brought from 200 miles away by caravans of elephants and camels.
Lunch at the City Hotel. After lunch, your tour of Agra continues as you visit Itmad-ud-Daulah, a marble mausoleum built by Nur Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir, in memory of her father, Ghiyas Beg. Sometimes called the ‘Baby Taj’, it is beautifully conceived in white marble, mosaic and lattice.
Thereafter proceed to Agra Fort, another outstanding example of Mughal architecture, and the seat of Mughal reign and administration for three generations. The present structure owes its origins to Emperor Akbar who had its first buildings of red sandstone erected on the eastern bank of the river Yamuna. His grandson Shah Jahan, the most artistic and prolific builder of the dynasty, later added the impressive marbled private quarters and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. A visit to the Diwan-e-Am, ‘Hall of Public Audience’ and the Royal Pavilions is not to be missed. Later, you have the opportunity to visit the local markets to admire the exquisite Pietra Dura (marble inlay) artefacts and Mughal ornaments OR as an optional activity you may avail of spa facilities at a hotel before completing your tour of this historical city. Late evening, you return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner and your onward journey to Jaipur, The Pink City. Breakfast on board; Lunch at a City Hotel; Dinner on board. Overnight on Deccan Odyssey

Day 06 (Tue) Jaipur
Legendary for the triumphs of its proud Rajputs, Jaipur, the City of Victory, is surrounded by the rugged Aravali hills - crowned by formidable forts - and beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens. Royal processions and parades, in all their splendour, graced these palaces and forts once. The city is a colourful oasis in the desert and you will notice a timeless quality to Jaipur's bazaars and its people. After breakfast, you drive to Maharaja Mansingh’s 17th-century masterpiece, the Amber Fort that overlooks the beautiful Maota Lake. The fort is a sprawling complex of courtyards, halls and rooms adorned with beautiful paintings, precious stones and mirrors. Behold the Sheesh Mahal, ‘Hall of Mirrors’, where a single lamplight reflects in many mirrors, and lights up the entire room, creating a dazzling effect. En-route to Amber Fort visit the Palace of Winds, otherwise known as the Hawa Mahal, famous for its intricate pink sandstone carving and a beautiful view of the city.
Thereafter you will visit the famous City Palace of Jaipur, an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes and carpets. Walk across to the adjacent Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory built in the 18th century by Sawai Jai Singh. A wondrous achievement for its time the observatory gives accurate readings even to this day.
Lunch at a City hotel. Following lunch, you may choose to participate in one of the optional tours. Enjoy spa facilities at a palace hotel OR have the opportunity to explore the colorful bazaars of the Pink City which offer a wide range of ethnic handicrafts produced in the city-centre and its outskirts.
After your full day of delving in the royal past of Jaipur, you will return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner on board as it departs for Udaipur. Breakfast on board; Lunch at a City hotel; Dinner on board. Overnight on Deccan Odyssey

Day 07 (Wed) Udaipur
The Deccan Odyssey rolls into Udaipur in the morning. Set on the shores of the placid Lake Pichola, Udaipur, known as the City of Lakes, is easily one of the most romantic cities of India, surrounded by scenic hills. Enjoy your breakfast as you admire the picturesque landscape of the Aravali hills. You will then disembark to visit the famous City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas, which also houses the spectacular Crystal Gallery. Later, board a ferry to ride on Lake Pichola to reach Jagmandir, a 17th century Palace located on an island on the picturesque lake, for an exquisite lunch. Allow the sounds of the Tabla and the unique Jal Tarang to soothe your inner rhythm as you glance out to the lovely views of one of the most romantic cities of Rajasthan.
After lunch, return to Deccan Odyssey for a short rest. Later embark on a Walking Tour through the Old City of Udaipur. Sample the exquisite variety of handicrafts ranging from toys, bewitching puppets, wall hangings, cloth lanterns, handmade papers, jewellery, paintings, painted wooden boxes, pottery, brassware and terracotta sculptures. Thereafter you return to the Deccan Odyssey for a relaxed evening and dinner as we depart for Vadodara. Breakfast on board, Lunch at Jagmandir & Dinner on board. Overnight on Deccan Odyssey

Day 07 (Thu) Vadodara
Today you arrive at the capital of the Gaekwads, Vadodara, located along the seasonal river Vishwamitri. Breakfast on board the Deccan Odyssey. Post breakfast, you will disembark and proceed to visit Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the only complete and unchanged pre-Mughal Islamic city in India. This concentration of largely unexcavated archaeological, historic and living cultural heritage properties is cradled in an impressive landscape. Marvel at the Jami Masjid (Great Mosque ) built-in 1513 representing a perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture which was a model for later mosque architecture in India. Return to Deccan Odyssey for lunch. Post lunch, drive to the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, originally constructed as a school for the Maharaja's children. Today, art lovers can view a large number of works of art displayed in the museum including a collection of the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and other renowned European Masters as well as a collection of sculptures in marble and bronze. Enjoy high tea at the resplendent Laxmi Vilas Palace, built-in 1890, and the residence of the Royal family even today. Reputedly four times the size of Buckingham Palace, its overwhelming Durbar Hall boasts a Venetian mosaic floor, Belgian stained glass windows and walls with intricate mosaic decorations. The palace also houses a remarkable collection of old armoury and sculptures in bronze, marble & terracotta by Fellici. Witness a folk performance typical of the region as you savour some of the special delicacies from the Royal kitchen. Return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner as it pulls out for Aurangabad. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on board; High tea at Laxmi Vilas Palace. Overnight on Deccan Odyssey

Day 09 (Fri) Aurangabad – Ellora Caves
Aurangabad, named after the last Great Mughal Aurangzeb, is an industrial town in Maharashtra and the stop from where to head out to visit the exceptional Ellora Caves, a World Heritage site. The city itself has deep Mughal influences and there are several monuments of note here; the Daulatabad Fort, Bibi-ka-Makbara and the city’s 52 gates, each with its own history, amongst them. Today brings a late start, leaving the morning free for you to enjoy a languid breakfast and enjoy some of the activities available onboard. Later, as you savour lunch, the Deccan Odyssey arrives at Aurangabad, from where a scenic drive takes you to the Ellora Caves, carved into the side of a basaltic hill 30 km from the city. The finest specimen of cave-temple architecture in India, the site encompasses 34 rock-cut shrines representing Buddhist, Jain and Hindu art dating from the 4th to 5th century AD. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre Hindu, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain. The most remarkable is the Kailash temple, meant to be a replica of Shiva’s celestial abode on Mt. Kailash. It is the best example of rock-cut architecture and an engineering marvel. After exploring Ellora, return to the Deccan Odyssey. This evening relax with a sundowner at the Mumbai-Hi before dinner is served. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on board. Overnight on Deccan Odyssey

Day 10 (Sat) Disembark in Mumbai
Early this morning, after breakfast, you will disembark at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station, Mumbai. Bid farewell to the Deccan Odyssey as your royal passage through the grand vistas of India comes to an end. Breakfast on board. Transfer from the railway station to Hotel. Rest of the day at leisure and Overnight stay at Hotel

Day 11 (Sun) Mumbai to London Heathrow by flight
Transfer from Hotel to Mumbai airport in time to board flight for London Heathrow

Exclusions
- Visa Fees & Travel Insurance
- Any vehicle on leisure days
- Expenses of personal nature such as soft drinks, liquor, laundry, tips, telephone calls, porterage, visa fees, camera fees, alcoholic Beverages (Video and professional still camera Fees) – Gratuities (We recommend USD 175 PP per train journey)
- Anything not mentioned in the above inclusion

Please note
- This is a quotation only and not a confirmation of the arrangements.
- All schedules and ground prices are subject to change
- All the flights and accommodation are subject to availability at the actual time of receiving the go-ahead from your end
- Check-in and check-out the timing of the hotels will be according to the timing of the respective hotel
- Complimentary usage of WIFI is as per the respective hotel policy
- Any Hike in Fuel and Indian Government taxes. The cost will be revised and the same will be advised well in advance
- Offered special rates will not be applicable on Sold Out Dates, City Event Dates and Black Out Dates.
- Indian Odyssey Prices are subject to change in case of any amendment in the routing or other hikes such as fuel, taxes etc.
- As the train runs on the tracks of the Indian Railways, the itineraries are subject to change in case of any changes in the routing etc.

Offer Includes

Meal Plans