The Indian Maharaja - Deccan Odyssey

Train Tour, India Train Tour, Luxury Train Tour
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The Indian Maharaja - Deccan Odyssey
As the wind whispers through the halo of legends crowning the land of the mighty Marathas, a lone majestic whistle blows its salutation of honour as it gracefully traverses this land of fantastic fantasy. Welcome to the mesmerizing Maharashtra experience aboard the luxurious The Indian Maharaja - Deccan Odyssey.

The weeklong The Indian Maharaja - Deccan Odyssey tour includes several exotic destinations covering the vast expanse of Maharashtra and North India. Covering Mumbai, Aurangabad, Udaipur, Sawai Modhopur, Jaipur, Agra and Delhi

The Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train project is a joint venture of the Ministry of Railway, Government of India and MTDC (Maharashtra Tourist Development Corporation). The Deccan Odyssey has been benchmarked against the best luxury trains in the world like the Blue Train of South Africa, The Orient Express of Europe and the Eastern and Oriental of South East Asia.

The Deccan Odyssey's sheer luxury is a sight to behold. Everything in the train reflects the ways of Indian Royalty - "Maharaja". The plush interiors, an awesome cuisine and grate sites to see makes the journey memorable. Welcome aboard!

Coaches
The Indian Maharaja - Deccan Odyssey has 21 coaches out of which 11 are passenger cars with 4 coupes each. There are 2 Presidential Suite Cars with 2 coupes per car. The train also has a conference car (can be redesigned as dance floor in the night) and two restaurant cars. There is also a lounge/bar car and one surprising addition is a Spa Car. Apart from the above there are generator cars with luggage store and staff car or spare car.

Presidental Suite Dimensions
• Cabin area: 191 sq ft (18sqm)
• Cabin length: 27' 7" (8.4m)
• Cabin width: 7' 7" (2.3m)
• Bed width single: 3' (0.9m)
• double: 5' (1.5m)
• Bed Length: 6' 5" (2m)
• Cabins per car: 2

Deluxe Cabin Dimensions
• Cabin area: 95 sq ft (9sqm)
• Cabin length: 13' (3.97m)
• Cabin width: 7' 7" (2.3m)
• Bed width twin: 3' (0.9m)
• Bed Length: 6' 5" (2m)
• Cabins per car: 4
 

Dining
Fine Indian and Continental cuisine is served on board in two restaurant cars. The high level of on-board service is delivered by one of the prestigious hotel chain of India.

Facilities
Conference Room with capacity to host 50 guests with facility for satellite communication, Internet, computer with printer and fax, and telephone exchange

Library
• Bar
• Channel Music
• Ayurvedic Massage Centre
• Steam Bath
• Gymnasium
• Beauty Parlour
• Business Centre
• Special Suite for Physically challenged
• Fully loaded mini pantry in each coach
• Telephone in each saloon
• Television in each coach
• Plasma TV in Lounge Car
• PA System/ 6 Channel Music System
• Lounge in each passenger car
 
The Indian Maharaja : Tour Highlights
1)Ellora Temple Caves
The cave temples of Ellora were excavated from the solid rock and symbolizes the three faiths of Buddhism ,Jainism and Hinduism. Carved during the 350 AD to 700 AD period, these supreme examples of cave - temple architecture houses detailed facades and extremely carved interiors.

The caves opening to the west are equally linked to Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism.Out of total 34 caves, the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, and the 5 caves to the north are dedicated to Jainism.

From south to north there are about 34 caves here, which corresponds more or less (Cave 21 with some important exceptions) to the order in which they were constructed. The caves 1 to 12 in southernmost direction, are devoted to Buddhism and were constructed in & around 7th & 8th centuries AD. The middle caves 13 to 29 are devoted to Hindu deities, which dates back from 7th century to 9th century AD. The upper caves are linked to Jainism (9th century).

2)Ajanta Caves
These 3rd-century caves are excellent achievements by Buddhist monks and are considered the most excellent masterpiece of Buddhist architecture and art. The caves are cut from the volcanic lava of the Deccan and are set in attractive blooming surroundings. These historical manmade caves include good-looking paintings on the walls and ceilings that represent the life of the Buddha. At Ajanta, the paintings on the walls, demonstrate the events in the life of Gautama Buddha.

3)City Palace
City Palace of Udaipur is one of the architectural wonders of Rajasthan, situated quietly on the banks of Lake Pichola. This imposing City Palace is the most-visited tourist attraction of Udaipur and often famous as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Initially, Maharana Udai Singh founded this superb wonder, but the present form of the Palace is the result of subsequent additions by his successors.

City Palace boasts of the fantastic blend of European, Chinese and Medieval Architecture. The Palace has several domes, arches and towers which add to the flavor of heritage site. Towering on the banks of Pichola Lake, City Palace is really a feast to the eyes.

City Palace is a amazing assortment of corridors, pavilions, courtyards, terraces, rooms and hanging gardens. Surrounded by fortifications, this magnificent Palace is wholly built in marble and granite.
 

4)Amber Fort
Amber is situated at a distance of 11 kilometers from Jaipur and was the old fort of the Kachhwaha clan of Amber, which used to be the capital, till it was moved to Jaipur.

The construction of the Amber Fort began in the year 1592 and was started by Man Singh I, but it was ended by his descendant Jai Singh I. The exterior of the Fort is not in the least like its interiors. The outside is very striking and rough looking whereas the inside is a comforting and warm interior which is influenced by both Hindu and Muslim style of decoration. On the walls, there are paintings depicting several hunting scenes, and there is also a lot of work on walls,which are enclosed with intricate carving, mosaic and minute mirror work that make the halls look very imposing and majestic.

The fort is built with red sandstone and white marble and look even more beautiful because of the Maota Lake in the foreground. The fort in itself is a attractive sight to behold but as one looks on the fort with its clear reflection on the lake in the front, one cannot help but surprise if it is a dream or a beautiful illusion.

5)Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world, and some Western historians have noted that its architectural magnificence has never been surpassed. The Taj is the most attractive monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built completely of white marble. Its striking architectural magnificence is beyond adequate description, mainly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to shine in the light of the full moon. On a cloudy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across the Jamuna river.

Taj Mahal was founded by a Muslim, Emperor Shah Jahan (died 1666 C.E.) in the memory of his dear wife and queen Mumtaz Mahal at Agra, India. It is an "elegy in marble" or some say an expression of a "dream." Taj Mahal (meaning Crown Palace) is a Mausoleum that houses the grave of queen Mumtaz Mahal at the lower chamber. The grave of Shah Jahan was added to it later. The queen’s real name was Arjumand Banu. In the tradition of the Mughals, important ladies of the royal family were given another name at their marriage or at some other important event in their lives, and that new name was generally used by the public. Shah Jahan's real name was Shahab-ud-din, and he was known as Prince Khurram before ascending to the throne in 1628.

Taj Mahal was constructed over a period of twenty-two years, employing twenty thousand workers. It was completed in 1648 C.E. at a cost of 32 Million Rupees. The construction documents show that its master architect was Ustad 'Isa, the well-known Islamic architect of his time. The documents contain names of those employed and the inventory of construction materials and their origin. Expert craftsmen from Lahore, Qannauj, Multan and Delhi were employed. In addition, many famous Muslim craftsmen from Shiraz , Bukhara and Baghdad worked on many specific tasks.

The Taj stands on a raised, square platform (186 x 186 feet) with its four corners truncated, forming an unequal octagon. The architectural design uses the interlocking arabesque concept, in which each element stands on its own and perfectly integrates with the main structure. It uses the principles of self-replicating geometry and a symmetry of architectural elements.

Its central dome is fifty-eight feet in diameter and rises to a height of 213 feet. It is flanked by four subsidiary domed chambers. The four graceful, slender minarets are 162.5 feet each. The whole mausoleum (inside as well as outside) is ornamented with inlaid design of calligraphy and flowers using valuable gems such as jasper and agate. The main archways, chiseled with passages from the Holy Qur'an and the bold scroll work of flowery pattern, give a appealing charm to its beauty. The central domed chamber and four adjoining chambers comprise many panels and walls of Islamic ornamentation.

The mausoleum is a part of a huge complex comprising of a main gateway, an elaborate garden, a mosque (to the left), a guest house (to the right), and several other palatial buildings. The Taj is at the farthest end of this complex, with the river Jamuna behind it. The large garden contains four reflecting pools dividing it at the center. Each of these four sections is further subdivided into four sections and then each into yet another four sections. Like the Taj, the garden elements serve like Arabesque, standing on their own and also constituting the whole.
 


The Indian Maharaja : Tour Itinerary
08 Days / 07 Nights
Tour 1: Mumbai to Delhi (Mumbai - Ellora - Ajanta - Udaipur - Sawai Madhopur - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi)
(to view the route of this tour on a Map please click here)
 

Day 1 - Mumbai (Wednesday)
Board the Train in the evening. Train leaves at 19:30hrs. Dinner on board and train departs for Agra.

Day 2 - Aurangabad (Thursday), Visit Ellora Caves
Morning sightseeing of Ellora Caves. Return to Train for Lunch and rest of the day at leisure on board. The Train departs for Jalgaon in the night. Dinner on board.

Day 3 - Aurangabad (Friday), Visit Ajanta Caves
Morning de-board the Train for an excursion to Ajanta Caves. Return to Train for Lunch and rest of the day at leisure on board as the train leaves for Udaipur. Dinner on board.

Day 4 - Udaipur (Saturday)
Morning sightseeing of City Palace followed by boat rides on lake Pichola (subject to water levels). Return to Train for Lunch on board. In the evening de-board the Train for a Gala Dinner at Fateh Prakash Palace hotel. The Train travels to Sawai Madhopur in the night.

Day 5 - Sawai Madhopur (Sunday)
After early breakfast leave for jungle safari. Lunch on board followed by afternoon safari. High-Tea at The Taj Lodge. Dinner on board as the Train leaves for Jaipur.

Day 6 - Jaipur (Monday)
Morning excursion to Amber Fort. Lunch at the Jai Mahal Palace hotel. Afternoon Jaipur sightseeing. Dinner on board as the Train proceeds towards Agra

Day 7 - Agra (Tuesday)
Breakfast on board. Proceed for sightseeing of Fatehpur Sikri. Lunch at City Hotel. Afternoon visit Agra Fort and Taj Mahal. The Train departs forDelhi. Dinner on board.

Day 8 - Delhi (Wednesday)
After Breakfast, check-out in the morning and de-board the Train at Railway Station in Delhi.

• The itineraries are subject to change depending on the Indian Railway’s schedule
 


The Indian Maharaja : Tour Itinerary
08 Days / 07 Nights
Tour 2: Delhi to Mumbai (Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Sawai Madhopur - Udaipur - Ellora - Ajanta - Mumbai)
 

Day 1 - Delhi (Wednesday)
Board the Train in the evening. Train leaves at 19:30hrs. Dinner on board and train departs for Agra.

Day 2 - Agra (Thursday)
After Breakfast on board disembark, and proceed to visit Agra Fort and Taj Mahal. Lunch at City hotel. Then visit Fatehpur Sikri and board the Train at Bharatpur Railway Station. Train leaves for Jaipur while dinner is served on board.

Day 3 - Jaipur (Friday)
Morning excursion to Amber Fort, Observatory and Hawa Mahal. Lunch at the Jai Mahal Palace hotel. Evening visit City Palace followed by Gala Dinner at the Palace. The Train proceeds towards Sawai Madhopur at night.

Day 4 - Sawai Madhopur (Saturday)
After early breakfast enjoy jungle safari by canter. Lunch on board followed by afternoon safari. High-Tea at The Taj Lodge. Dinner on board as the Train leaves for Udaipur.

Day 5 - Udaipur (Sunday)

Morning sightseeing of Udaipur city followed by boat rides on lake Pichola (subject to water levels). Return to Train for Lunch on board. Rest of the day at leisure. The Train travels to Aurangabad in the afternoon

Day 6 - Aurangabad (Monday), Visit Ellora Caves
Morning at leisure after breakfast on board. Early lunch on board / packed lunch as we drive to Ellora. After sightseeing of Ellora Caves, drive back to Jalgaon in the evening to board the train. Dinner on board

Day 7 - Aurangabad (Tuesday), Visit Ajanta Caves
Morning de-board the Train for an excursion to Ajanta Caves. Return to Train for Lunch on board. The rest of the day free on board as the train leaves for Mumbai. Dinner on board

Day 8 - Mumbai (Wednesday)
After Breakfast, check-out and de-board the Train at Railway Station in Mumbai.

• The itineraries are subject to change depending on the Indian Railway’s schedule
 

Please note :
» The costs are per person per night and are for a minimum of 7 nights package on the train
» All the costs are excluding Govt Service tax which presently is @3.09 % on the total bill. This service tax is to be added to any of these costs.
» 10% Surcharge shall be levied on departures during Christmas / New Year.
» Triple occupancy is not available.

Inclusion & Exclusions:
Silver class: Stay in deluxe cabins, all transfers, tours and excursion by air-conditioned luxury coaches.

Gold Class: Stay in deluxe cabins, all transfers, tours and excursions by air-conditioned private car with private language failing English speaking local guides (different guides in different cities, guide not staying on the Train with clients, only English Speaking naturalist for jungle safari).

Platinum class: Stay in Presidential suite, all transfers, tours and excursions by air-conditioned private car with private language failing English speaking local guides (different guides in different cities, guide not staying on the Train with clients, only English Speaking naturalist for jungle safari).

General inclusions for all the classes of travel:
• All meals starting from Dinner on Wednesday till Breakfast on day 08 i.e. next Wednesday.
• Entrances to monuments, National Park and other places of visits as per program.
• 02 Jungle Safari by canters at Ranthambhore (even for Gold class). Jeep safaris for Platinum class
• Boat ride at Lake Pichola (subject to water levels).
• Gala Dinner at Durbar Hall at Fateh Prakash Palace-Udaipur or Gala Dinner at City Palace-Jaipur
• Services of English Speaking guides for sightseeing as per booking class.
• Mineral water, Tea and Coffee throughout the journey.

General exclusions for all the classes of travel
• Any drinks (soft drinks, cocktails or liquor) whether on board the train or at land hotels will be payable directly.
• Camera/ video camera charges, insurance, any airfare, airport tax
• Facilities at Conference car, Business centre, Beauty Saloon and Spa.
• Tips, laundry, telephone calls etc.
• Anything which is not mentioned in the “inclusions” section above.

Booking Policy
Payment:
» At the time of booking: USD 1000 per person, non refundable, non-adjustable.
» Balance payment: 60 days before departure.

Cancellation terms:
» 30% of ticket value 59-45 days prior to departure.
» 50% of ticket value 44-30 days prior to departure.
» 100% of ticket value less than 29 days prior to departure.

* Tariff is Subject to change without notice.
 

We always look forward for any changes in the itinerary as wished by you for your individual trip.

If you are willing to travel in a group - the
Group Departure dates are available !
If you are  group over 15 people please e-mail us with the number of participants and the wished dates to enable us to workout the tour cost !
Please have a look at our
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