deccan-odyssey-treasures-of-gujarat

Assemble at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Mumbai at approximately 1530 hours. The Hidden Treasures of Gujarat journey will begin soon after the completion of the registration process and check in formalities. Following a traditional Indian welcome and a refreshing drink, you will be assited to your cabins, your lodgings for the tour.

While you settle in, the Deccan Odyssey proceeds towards Vadodara. Dinner and overnight stay on board.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the onboard restaurants. The Deccan Odyssey shall arrives at Vadodara, the capital of the Gaekwads. De-board and proceed for sightseeing.

Drive for a visit to the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park. The UNESCO World Heritage site is the only unchanged Mughal Islamic city in India dating to the early 16 th century. The impressive landscape is home to archaeological, historic and living cultural heritage. After sightseeing, drive back to Vadodara for a leisurely lunch on board the Deccan Odyssey.

Post-lunch, disembark for a visit the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. Originally built as a school for the Maharaja's children, now it hosts a large number of works of art including a collection of the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and other renowned European Masters. Also explore a collection of sculptures in marble and bronze.

Later, enjoy high tea at the magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace. The 19 th century palace served as the residence of the Royal family as it does till date. Said to be almost four times the size of Buckingham Palace, the splendid palace is fascinating to explore. The prized highlight is the grand Durbar Hall is decorated with Venetian mosaic floor, Belgian stained-glass windows and walls with intricate mosaic decorations. Additionally, marvel at the remarkable collection of old armoury, sculptures in bronze, marble & terracota by Fellici. Later, witness a typical Marathi folk performance while you also relish special delicacies from the Royal kitchens.

Return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner and overnight stay as the train chugs towards Palitana.

After an early breakfast on board, disembark for a visit to Palitana, also known as the City of Temples.

Believed to be one of the world's largest temple complexes, Palitana is famed for its spectacular cluster of over 900 Jain temples exquisitely carved in marble. Sprawling over the Shatrunjaya hilltop, awe at the magnificent architecture as well as the spiritual blessings of the sacred pilgrimage of the Jains. Following sightseeing, return to the Deccan Odyssey.

A sumptuous lunch awaits on board. As you dig into the delicious food, the train proceeds to the next destination, Sasan Gir- the exclusive home of the Asiatic Lions in India.

Rest of the day is at leisure. Watch the passing scenery or enjoy some of the activities available on board. The luxury train has options to catch a movie, learn the rules of ‘carrom’- a popular Indian board game or indulge in a pampering massage in the onboard spa. The sundowner at the onboard lounge and bar offers the idyllic relaxing end to the day.

Dinner on board along with overnight stay aboard Deccan Odyssey.

Rise up at dawn and enjoy an early breakfast. Disembark for your drive to Sasan Gir.

The Gir Wildlife Sanctuary is the natural lair of the roaring lions. Accompanied by a guide, proceed for a morning game drive. Spot the rare majestic Asiatic Lion as well as experience the magic of the wild. Besides the ‘King of the Jungle’ the forest canopy is home to rare birds, crocodiles in marshy waters and more.

After the adrenaline-high morning, enjoy a relaxed lunch. Following lunch, enjoy a tribal dance performance at the Gateway hotel.

In the evening be back on board Deccan Odyssey. Relax with a refreshing drink before dinner. Savor a mouth-watering meal followed by a comfortable overnight stay. While you drift off to sweet dreams, the luxury train sets off for the Little Rann of Kutch.

Before the dawn breaks get up and ready. Finish up breakfast as the Deccan Odyssey pulls into the Viramgam station. While the train is stationed, disembark for a visit to the Little Rann of Kutch.

Enjoy jeep safari as the largest seasonal salt marsh in the world. The Rann of Kutch spread over 7500 sq. km. is a beauty, one of its kind. The white soil looks eerie and especially in moonlight it looks out of the world. In the season of rains, the Rann transforms to a sea. On your jeep safari, explore the Wild Ass Sanctuary where you can easily spot the Indian wild ass and other species like the desert fox, jungle cat, jackal and several birds.

After safari take a break. Lunch is scheduled at the Rann Riders Resort. Surrounded by the desert the resort offers a relaxing ambiance and additionally the taste of Gujarati fare as well as regional specialities of the Maliks of Rann. Post lunch, walk around the lodge and come across Marwari and Kathiawari horses, following a village safari.

On your visit meet the varied communities that have made their home in the Rann. The Agarias are salt-panners that lead hard lives working drying out the salt while the Rabari tribe teach the nomadic way of life and the Mirs of Dasada who are craftsmen of beaded bangles. Each of the community and especially the children greet you and open their hearts and homes.

After a well-spend day, be back on board the Deccan Odyssey. Dinner at on-board restaurants followed by overnight stay while train heads to Patan.

Start the day with refreshing breakfast on board Deccan Odyssey. The train has arrived to the 8 th century town Patan, the capital of Gujarat in medieval times.

Post breakfast, deboard and drive to Modhera for a visit to the Sun Temple. The magnificent 11th century sandstone monument dedicated to the Sun God was built by the Solanki dynasty. Marvel at the elaborate carvings, while the resident priest narrates the legends of the land.

Later, be back on road to drive to Patan. Pay a visit to the beautiful 11th century step-well Rani ki Vav. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a fine example of medieval architecture and wonderful craftsmanship. In the depths are hundreds of delicate carvings and statues of Indian mythology. Besides storing water, the step well was the popular site for worship and community gatherings.

Lastly on your sightseeing, pay a visit to Patola house. Watch the creation of exquisite Patola sarees. The traditional craft dates back to 12th century. The Salvi family who were the masters of the trade have for centuries’ enjoyed the patronage of the royalty of Gujarat and till date are favoured as treasures of Gujarat.

Post sightseeing, drive back to the Deccan Odyssey. Enjoy a mouth-watering lunch at the lavish onboard restaurants. Rest of the day is at your own leisure which you can spend enjoying the amenities of the luxury train or just simply gaze out of the window or relax with a sun downer. End the day with a lavish dinner on board.

Overnight in the cabins of the Deccan Odyssey.

The Deccan Odyssey arrives to Nashik. The city has a reputation of a holy city along the River Godavari as well as the wine capital of India. Start you day with sumptuous breakfast on- board. The day is at your leisure to be spent among the various options the Deccan Odyssey has to offer.

Post lunch at the charming restaurants on board, disembark the luxury train. Proceed with a drive to the Grover Zampa vineyards for an exclusive tour of one of the finest Indian wine producing facilities. The vineyards are famous for Chenin, Chardonnay and Shiraz varieties of grapes. The age old ‘méthode traditionnelle’ is the reason for the best known brands of sparkling wines in India. A sommelier will guide you acquaint your taste buds with the finest creations of white, red, rose and sparkling wines. Moreover, they help you experiment pairing with your lunch.

Post lunch, in the evening, head for a walk. Pass through the ghats along the Godavari River, which is believed to be among the holiest rivers in India. Observe the various Hindu rituals related to birth, death, initiation, etc.

Be back on board the Deccan Odyssey for dinner followed by overnight stay as the luxury trains rolls towards Mumbai.

Decca Odyssey rolls to the final destination of the tour- Mumbai. Post breakfast, de-board at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station, Mumbai with fond memories of your memorable journey.