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Day 01: Mumbai
Assemble at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus at around 15:30
hours and enjoy a warm conventional welcome. As you relish a welcome drink,
complete the check-in formalities. Then settle down in your cabins as the train
makes it way to Vadodara. Overnight stay and dinner onboard the train.
Day 02: Vadodara
The train arrives to the first destination, Vadodara. Once the
seat of the Gaekwad rulers, Vadodara is one of Gujarat's most important cities.
Post breakfast, disembark from the train. Your first visit is to the UNESCO
World Heritage, Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park- the only Islamic
pre-Mughal city that remained unchanged. The site comprises of water
installations, religious buildings, palaces, agricultural structures, palaces
and more. Later on, go aboard the luxury train for a sumptuous lunch.
Post lunch, visit Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum that is known not
only for its fine collection of sculptures, paintings and more but also for its
magnificent structure. This is followed by high teat at the wonderful Laxmi
Vilas Palace, the residence of the Royalty even in the present times. Enjoy a
special folk performances along with dishes from the kitchen of Royalty.
Back aboard Deccan Odyssey for an overnight stay. The train
starts its journey towards Udaipur.
Day 03: Udaipur
In the morning, the train chugs into the City of
Lake, Udaipur that is quite popular for being one of the most romantic cities
of India. Relish breakfast while admiring the lovely views of the Aravali
ranges. Breakfast is followed by sightseeing tour of Udaipur. Explore the very
well-known City Palace complex that was erected during the span of 400 years.
The construction of this magnificent structure was started in 1559 by Maharana
Udai Singh II on the eastern banks of Lake Pichola. This tour is followed by a
boat ride on the placid waters of the Lake. Back aboard the train for lunch.
Lunch is followed by a walking tour of Old Udaipur.
Get on your hands on some great stuff such as puppets, clothe lanterns,
jewellery, wooden boxes, and other handicraft items. Back on-board the train
for dinner and overnight stay. The train begins its journey for the next
destination, Jodhpur.
Day 04:
Jodhpur
The
train, on the 4th day enters the Sun City of Rajasthan- Jodhpur. The former
capital of the Mar kingdom, Jodhpur boasts of the Thar Desert in the background
and houses some amazing temples, forts and palaces. After breakfast, the day is
at leisure and you have options to pick from- you can either visit a luxury
hotel for a relaxing spa session or you can visit the Bishnoi tribal village
along with potter and weavers villages. Get a sneak-peek into the life of the
people living there.
Lunch
on- board the luxury train is followed by tour of the Blue City. Now get all
set to explore the mighty Mehrangarh Fort, placed amidst the brown sands of the
Thar. One of country's largest forts, it was erected by Rao Jodha in 1459, on a
150 m high hill. A part of it has been turned into a museum that consists of
royal palanquins, armory, paintings, costumes, personal belongings of the
royalty and more. Do not miss visiting the colorful Turban Gallery. This visit
is followed by a wall around the city to get a sneak-peek into the life of the
locals. Walk past the Old Clock Tower market and old but extremely striking
havelis.
The
evening is scheduled for specially arranged lip-smacking Marwar barbeque
delicacies that you can savor in the royal courtyard the Mehrangarh Fort. Treat
your eyes to the lovely views of the surroundings, while you are standing on
the top.
Back to
the train as it starts its journey towards the next destination, the Mughal
City of Agra. Overnight on-board Deccan Odyssey.
Day 05:
Agra
Morning
arrival in Agra, home to some of the most magnificent architectural gems that
were built by Mughal emperors during their reign. After a relaxed breakfast,
get all set to enjoy a visit to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the
World. Built by Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, this
white marble mausoleum took 22 years to get completed and is festooned with
precious and semi-precious stones.
Relish
lunch at a City Hotel. Lunch is followed by a visit to the Itmad-ud-Daulah
tomb, nicknamed as the 'Baby Taj'. Another lovely marble mausoleum that was
commissioned by Nur Jahan, Emperor Jahangir's wife in memory of her father,
Ghiyas Beg. Do not miss noticing the wonderful latticework. Next visit is to
the mighty Agra Fort, another Mughal architectural gem. While some part of the
fort complex that is in red sandstone was constructed by Emperor Akbar, the
other is in white marble, the favorite Emperor Shah Jahan. The complex has a
number structures within its boundaries.
After
sightseeing, you have options to choose from. You can either opt for a relaxing
spa session at a popular city hotel or can visit the local markets of Agra
popular for Mughal-style ornaments and special artefacts with marble-inlay.
Go
on-board the Deccan Odyssey for dinner and overnight stay. The luxury train
starts moving towards Sawai Madhopur.
Overnight
on Deccan Odyssey.
Day 06:
Sawai Madhopur – Ranthambore National Park
Day 6 is going to be an exciting one. The
train chugs into its next destination, Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, popular for
the very well-known Ranthambore National Park. One of the largest national
parks in the northern part of the country, it is known for housing a decent
population of the big cats. It is quite famous for being one of India's finest
tiger reserves.
An early breakfast is followed a wildlife safari inside the
national park. Along with the big cats, you can also spot other species such as
Chinkara, Nilgai, Sambhar, Sloth Bear, Chital and more. Around 272 species of
species of resident as well as migratory birds call this national park their
home.
Back on-board the train for a lavish lunch. You can also
embark on a village safari interacting with the turban-wearing men and colorful
ghagra-choli wearing women. Interact with the locals. Thereafter, relish
high-tea at a popular hunting lodge of the royal family of the region. Late
evening, back aboard the train for dinner and overnight stay as it sets off for
the Pink City of Rajasthan, Jaipur.
Day 07:
Jaipur
On the
7th day of the tour, you are going to explore capital city of Rajasthan,
Jaipur, known for its vibrancy and splendor. Post breakfast, disembark from the
luxury train and visit the mighty Amer fort (Amber fort). One of the state's
most famous forts, it was commissioned by Raja Man Sing way back in the 1592.
While the top of the fort offers a nice view of the Maota Lake, it's inside a
number of wonderful structures. On the way to the Amer Fort, halt to explore
Hawa Mahal, also known as Palace of Winds. This pink sandstone structure is
known for its distinct and interesting honey cobweb-like construction. The next
attraction that you explore today is the City Palace, a lovely complex known
for its carved doorways, gardens, beautiful palaces, courtyards and a museum
with a fine collection.
Walk
past the UNESCO World Site- Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory that was
built by Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century. Enjoy sumptuous lunch in a city
hotel. After this, you have options to choose from. You can either relax for
senses by going for a spa session or you can visit the bustling and colorful
local markets of Jaipur to get your hands on colorful handicrafts, traditional
clothes, bangles, imitation jewellery and more.
In the
evening, back to the train for an overnight stay.
Day 08: Delhi
On the last day, the train returns back to Delhi. After an early
morning breakfast, disembark from the train at the Delhi Cantt Railway Station.
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