INDIAN ODYSSEY JOURNEY (The Deccan Odyssey)

Day 01: Arrival in Delhi- Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore)

Guests gather at the railway station at 2015 hours and complete the formalities related to check-in and reservations. A traditional welcome with welcome drink is arranged for the guests and are then taken to their respected cabins. As guests relax, the train leaves for the next destination Sawai Madhopur. Dinner and overnight stay onboard.

Day 02: Sawai Madhopur- Ranthambore National Park

The train reaches Sawai Madhopur, which is mainly popular for Ranthambore National Park. Have your breakfast and set out for the game drive. Ranthambore National Park is one of the biggest and most popular national parks in North India. The park is also a tiger reserve. Other than tigers you can spot nilgai antelope, chinkara gazelles, sambhar deer, chital, leopard, crocodile, jungle fowl, quails, partridges, crested serpent eagle, flycatchers, woodpeckers, among others. Return to the train for lunch and relax for a while. Later, proceed for a village tour and interact with locals. After this, it is time for high-tea at the Sawai Madhopur Lodge, which served as a royal hunting ground for the erstwhile royal family of Jaipur. Return to the train as it leaves for Agra. Overnight stay and dinner onboard.

Day 03: Agra

On the third day of the tour, you luxury train reaches the City of Taj, Agra. Have your breakfast onboard and proceed to visit Taj Mahal. This white-marble mausoleum was built by Emperor Shah Jahan for his wife. Today it stands as a testimony of true love and magnificent architecture. Lunch is arranged in a city hotel, after which you visit Itmad-ud-Daulah (Also known as Baby Taj). This tomb belongs to Ghiyas Beg and was commissioned by his daughter Nur Jahan, years before the Taj Mahal. Afterwards explore the popular Agra Fort. Later, you can shop in the local markets or opt for massages in a spa. Return to the comforts of the luxury train and stay overnight.

Day 04: Jaipur

Welcome to the Pink City today, the capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Once you have your breakfast, leave for Amer Fort. This is a star attraction of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other Hill Forts of Rajasthan. The fort was built in the 17th century by Maharaja Mansingh, but its grace and charm don't seem to have faded. While on the way to Amer Fort, you can stop at other attractions of Jaipur, such as Hawa Mahal, City Palace and Jantar Mantar. Hawa Mahal is an iconic spot, with intricately placed windows that look like a honeycomb. Jantar Mantar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses world's largest stone sundial. Lunch is to be arranged in a city hotel. After lunch, you can either indulge in a spa session in a city hotel or take a stroll in the colorful markets of Jaipur which are stocked with handicraft, paintings, bangles, lehenga cholis and other knick-knacks. Return to the comforts of your luxury train, have dinner and stay overnight as it leaves for the next destination- Udaipur.

Day 05: Udaipur

The train arrives in the City of Lakes, Udaipur, on the fifth day of your tour. Owing to the spectacular backgrounds of the Aravali Range and scintillating lakes, Udaipur is also known as Venice of the East. Breakfast is served onboard. First site of the day is City Palace, the largest complex in Rajasthan with a beautiful Crystal Gallery in it. Then, take a ferry on the Lake Pichola in order to reach Jagmandir Palace. This is where lunch is to be served, accompanied with the taps of Tabla and rhythm of Jal Tarang. The palace dates back to 17th century and looks upon a brilliant view of the Aravalis. Return to Deccan Odyssey and relax for some time. After this, take a heritage-walk through the Old City of Jaipur. Board the train yet again in the evening. Dinner is served onboard as the train leaves for Vadodara. Overnight stay onboard.

Day 06: Vadodara

As you reach the Capital of Gaekwads, Vadodara, have your breakfast and disembark for visiting the Champaner-Pavagadh Archeological Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site). This is the only unchanged and complete Islamic city in India that belongs to the Pre-Mughal era. In one of its attractions (Jami Masjid), a blend of Hindu and Islamic architecture is seen. Drive back to the train and savor leisure lunch. Later, visit Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, which in the erstwhile era served as an educational institute for the children of royal households. Today, however it has turned into a treasure for an art-aficionado. Enjoy high tea at the Laxmi Vilas Palace, the royal residence even today. The palace was built in 1890 and is four times the size of Buckingham Palace. There also is a collection of old armory and sculptures made of marble, terracotta and bronze. Treat your taste-buds with local delicacies and your eyes with the cultural show. Return onboard as the dinner gets served and the train chugs off for Aurangabad. Overnight stay onboard.

Day 07: Aurangabad- Ellora Caves

On the seventh day of the tour, you reach Aurangabad, the Mughal city named after its Great Emperor Aurangzeb. The morning is to be spent at leisure, so can enjoy an unhurried breakfast session. The train arrives in Aurangabad as the lunch gets served. Take a scenic drive to Ellora Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site). This consists of 30 rock-cut shrines that represent Hindu, Buddhist and Jain forms of art, dating back to a time between 4th and 5th century AD. Return to the comforts of luxury train once you are done exploring Ellora Caves. Enjoy sun-downer at Mumbai-Hi in the evening, followed by dinner. Overnight stay onboard.

Day 08: Mumbai

The Deccan Odyssey reaches the final leg of its tour, Indian Odyssey, on the eighth day. The train stations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station of Mumbai. After having breakfast onboard, guests disembark and bid farewell to the Deccan Odyssey.

CHECK IN PROCEDURE: In Delhi security check will be conducted at the time of check-in at the railway station, whereby, luggage is required to be scanned. Please present your passport at the time of check in to collect ticket voucher and relevant documents.

# Note – Schedule is subject to change in case of any changes in the Security regulations directed by the Government of India