Indian Sojourn - Deccan Odyssey

Welcome aboard the Deccan Odyssey. Assemble at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus early evening at 1530 hours to complete the registration process and check in formalities. Your Indian Sojourn journey begins as you get a traditional Indian welcome and a refreshing welcome drink. Settle in your cabins as the Deccan Odyssey departs from Mumbai to reach Vadodara. Enjoy dinner on board.
Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.

 

Today the Deccan Odyssey reaches Vadodara, set along the seasonal River Vishwamitri. Have your breakfast and then disembark as the train reaches Vadodara. Leave to visit Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The site includes a palace, an ancient citadel, a number of military structures and buildings, and water installations. Earlier the site was the capital region of the empire of Mahmud Begda. The place gives you an insight of India's history and culture. Later, pay a visit to the Great Mosque or Jami Masjid that was constructed in the year 1513. The structure features a blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. Get back to Vadodara for a leisurely lunch onboard the Deccan Odyssey. Post lunch; visit the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, a popular attraction of Vadodara which was originally constructed as a school for the Maharaja's children. A major attraction for art lovers, Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum displays the works of different artists and it houses great collection paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and other renowned European Masters. The museum also has a collection of sculptures made in marble and bronze. Enjoy high tea at the grand Laxmi Vilas Palace, which was built in the year 1890. A royal family still resides in the palace. Durbar Hall is the star attraction of Laxmi Vilas Palace which features a Venetian mosaic floor, intricate decorations and Belgian stained glass windows. The palace also houses a remarkable collection of old armory and sculptures made in bronze, marble and terracotta by Fellici. Enjoy a folk performance of the region as you enjoy special delicacies from the Royal kitchens. Return to the Deccan Odyssey as it heads for Udaipur. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on board; High tea at Laxmi Vilas Palace.
Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.

 

This morning, the Deccan Odyssey reaches Udaipur. Located on the shores of the serene Lake Pichola, Udaipur, the City of Lakes, is one of the most romantic cities of India. All around surrounded by scenic hills, Udaipur is one of the most visited destinations of India. Munch your breakfast while enjoying the picturesque landscape of the Aravali hills. Disembark to visit the famous City Palace, which is one of the largest palace complexes in Rajasthan. The palace is best known for housing the spectacular Crystal Gallery. Enjoy a boat cruise on the tranquil water of Lake Pichola. Get back to the Deccan Odyssey for lunch. Thereafter, leave for a walking tour through the Old City of Udaipur. You can shop for different handicrafts items like toys, terracotta sculptures, puppets, wall hangings, brassware, cloth lanterns, handmade papers, jewellery, paintings, painted wooden boxes and pottery from the markets of Udaipur. Return to the Deccan Odyssey for a relaxed evening and savor dinner as the Deccan Odyssey departs for Jodhpur. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on board.
Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.

 

Begin your relaxed morning with delicious breakfast onboard. Lay back and have a look at the picturesque landscape of the Thar Desert as the Deccan Odyssey enters the Marwar region of Jodhpur. Spend the morning at leisure onboard the Deccan Odyssey. You can step out to visit weavers' village, potters' village and Bishnoi village. Have a look at the daily work of weavers and potters of Jodhpur. Bishnoi Village is home to the Bishnoi Tribe who follow 29 principles laid down by their Guru around 540 years ago in order to protect trees and wildlife to ensure a healthy eco-friendly social life of the community. Peep into the lives of the locals and see how their traditions and skills are carried on through the years. Or you can also enjoy spa facilities at a hotel. Enjoy lunch onboard the Deccan Odyssey. Post lunch, leave for a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur. Get ready to explore the beauty of the Blue City- Jodhpur. Located right amid the desert, Jodhpur, former capital of Marwar, is known for housing some of the finest architecture of the Rajput era. As you walk through the city, have a look at the lifestyle of the people. Watch the bustling streets of the Old Clock Tower market, walk past the old havelis and houses and then visit the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, one of the most popular attractions of Jodhpur. Have a look at the intricate carvings of the fort, palanquins, arms, paintings, costumes and the arts and crafts of the bygone era at the museum. In the evening, savor dishes from Marwar barbeque delights that will be served in the royal courtyard of Mehrangarh Fort while you enjoy the cityscape from the top. Get back to the Deccan Odyssey. The Deccan Odyssey departs for the next destination, Agra. Breakfast & Lunch on board; Barbeque at Mehrangarh Fort.
Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.

 

Relish a leisurely breakfast onboard as the Deccan Odyssey arrives in Agra. Disembark to experience the royalty of the greatest dynasty, the Mughals. Start with a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World Taj Mahal. The structure was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a gift of love for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. People from all across the world visit the attraction to have a look at this monument of love. Savor lunch at a City Hotel. After having your lunch, continue with your sightseeing tour of Agra and visit Itmad-ud-Daulah, also known as Baby Taj, a marble mausoleum which was built by Nur Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir, in memory of her father, Ghiyas Beg. Later, visit Agra Fort, one of the most spectacular examples of Mughal architecture. The fort was also the seat of Mughal reign and administration for three generations. The present structure was built by Emperor Akbar on the eastern bank of the river Yamuna. More additions to the structure were made by Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. Do visit the Diwan-e-Am, 'Hall of Public Audience' and the Royal Pavilions. Visit the local markets and shop for exquisite Pietra Dura (marble inlay) artifacts and Mughal ornaments. OR you can enjoy spa facilities at a hotel before ending your sightseeing tour of Agra. In late evening, get back to the comforts of the Deccan Odyssey for dinner. The Deccan Odyssey departs for Sawai Madhopur. Breakfast on board; Lunch at a City Hotel; Dinner on board.
Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.

 

Enjoy an early morning breakfast as the Deccan Odyssey rolls into Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. Sawai Madhopur houses the popular Ranthambore National Park, which is one of India's efforts to conserve the tiger population. Ranthambore National Park is one of the finest tiger reserves in the country. Disembark in the morning and leave for Ranthambore National Park. The national park is home to a number of species like wild boar, chital, Sambhar, Nilgai, chinkara gazelles, sloth bear, leopards and crocodiles. The park is also home to a variety of birds like jungle fowl, partridges, quails, the crested serpent eagle, woodpeckers, flycatchers etc. A number of water birds like storks, ducks and geese at the lakes and waterholes of the park. Lucky visitors can also get a chance to spot a tiger near the lake. After completing your jungle safari, return to the comforts of the Deccan Odyssey. Have your lunch and then leave for an exploration tour of a local village. As you walk through the village, enjoy the warm welcome of the locals who show you around their village. Have an insight of their local life by interacting with them. Enjoy high tea at the Sawai Madhopur Lodge, which was earlier the former hunting lodge of the erstwhile royal family of Jaipur. 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. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on board; High tea at Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge.
Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.

 

The pink city of Jaipur welcomes you this morning with immense love, royalty and warmth. Surrounded by the Aravali hills, Jaipur is a beautiful city dotted with forts, palaces, mansions and gardens. Jaipur promises you a colorful ride that gives you an unforgettable experience. Have your breakfast and then leave for Amber Fort which is a 7th century masterpiece by Maharaja Mansingh. The fort overlooks the beautiful Maota Lake and sprawls over a large area which includes halls, courtyards, and rooms that features paintings, precious stones and mirrors. Do visit the Sheesh Mahal, 'Hall of Mirrors', which is best known for creating a unique effect in the mirrors. En-route to Amber Fort, also visit the Palace of Winds, which is also as the Hawa Mahal. The palace is known for its intricate pink sandstone carving. It is also known for offering a great view of the city. Later, visit the famous City Palace of Jaipur, which is a huge complex consisting palaces, gardens and courtyards. All the structures feature decorative art. The palace also has museum which houses a collection of rare manuscripts, armory, costumes and carpets. Also visit the famous Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory which was built back in 18th century by Sawai Jai Singh. The observatory is still known for giving accurate readings. Have your lunch at a City hotel. After lunch, you can participate in any of the optional tours of your choice. You can enjoy spa facilities at a palace hotel or explore the colorful bazaars of the Pink City and shop from a wide range of ethnic handicrafts produced in Jaipur. Get back to the Deccan Odyssey after exploring the royal side of Jaipur. Enjoy your dinner onboard as the train departs for Delhi. Breakfast on board; Lunch at a City hotel; Dinner on board.
Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.

 

This brings the end of our wonderful Deccan Odyssey tour. You would be reaching Delhi Cantt Railway Station early in the morning. From here, carry on with your onward journey back home.
Breakfast on board.