The 8 day Hidden treasures of Gujarat tour is meant to explore the spectacular vistas of this vibrant land in one of India’s most luxurious trains, the Deccan Odyssey. On the royal journey, we wish to take you across the spell binding destinations of Gujarat that include the medieval capital of Vadodra, the holy city of Nashik, the wild sojourn of the Little Rann and pilgrim spots of Palitana.
Experience the Royalty
Day 1 ( Saturday) - Mumbai – Vadodara
| Day Summary | Welcome aboard the Deccan Odyssey.Early this evening, assemble at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus at approximately 1530 hours to complete the registrationprocess and check in formalities for your Hidden Treasures of Gujarat journey, as you receive a traditional Indian welcome and enjoya refreshing welcome drink.After completion of all formalities, you will be shown to your delightful cabins. As you settle in, the Deccan Odyssey shall departMumbai for Vadodara. |
Day 2 - Vadodara
| Day Summary | As you enjoy breakfast this morning the Deccan Odyssey arrives at the capital of the Gaekwads – Vadodara, located along theseasonal river Vishwamitri.Breakfast over, you will disembark and proceed to visit Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritagesite and the only complete and unchanged pre-Mughal Islamic city in India. This concentration of largely unexcavatedarchaeological, historic and living cultural heritage properties is cradled in an impressive landscape. Marvel at the Jami Masjid(Great Mosque) built in 1513 representing a perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture which was a model for later mosquearchitecture in India.Drive back to Vadodara for a leisurely lunch on board the Deccan Odyssey. After lunch, you will visit the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, originally constructed as a school for the Maharaja’s children. Today, art lovers can view a large number of works of art displayed in the museum including a collection of the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and other renowned European Masters as well as a collection of sculptures in marble and bronze. Enjoy high tea at the resplendent Laxmi Vilas Palace, built in 1890, and the residence of the Royal family even today. Reputedly four times the size of Buckingham Palace, its overwhelming urbar Hall boasts a Venetian mosaic floor, Belgian stained glass windows and walls with intricate mosaic decorations. The palace also houses a remarkable collection of old armoury and sculptures in bronze, marble & terracotta by Fellici. Witness a folk performance typical of the region as you savour some of the special delicacies from the Royal kitchens. Return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner as it departs for Palitana. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner onboard; High tea at Laxmi Vilas Palace. Overnight on Deccan Odyssey |
Day 3 - Palitana
| Day Summary | Rise early this morning and after breakfast head out to explore one of the world’s largest temple complexes, Palitana, famed forits spectacular cluster of Jain temples exquisitely carved in marble.Spend the day exploring the most significant of the over 900 temples located on a hilltop at Palitana – considered to be the mostsacred pilgrimage of the Jains.After a full morning with the Jain Tirthankars, return to the Deccan Odyssey for a sumptuous lunch as it makes its way to SasanGir, the sole home of the Asiatic Lion.The afternoon is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy some of the activities available on board. Watch a movie, learn the rules of‘carrom’, a popular Indian board game, from a Deccan Odyssey team member or book yourself a relaxing massage in our spa on board.Relax and watch the tapestry of rural India unfold as you sip a sun downer before dinner. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on board. Overnight on Deccan Odyssey |
Day 4 - Sasan Gir
| Day Summary | Wake up to a golden dawn and after an early breakfast, disembark for your drive to Sasan Gir – The Gir Forest National Park andWildlife Sanctuary. A guide will accompany you for your morning game drive into the Gir forest; keep your fingers crossed for asighting of the majestic and extremely rare Asiatic lion! Experience the magic of the wild all around you as you venture deep intothis natural habitat, with everything from tiny wild birds, not easily seen, but heard, singing in the forest canopy, to crocodilessunning themselves in marshy waters.After the excitement of the morning, enjoy a relaxed lunch followed by a tribal dance at the Gateway hotel before proceeding tothe Somnath temple.Watch the vibrant village panorama unfold as you drive to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (manifestations of Lord Shiva) of India, housed in the beautiful Somnath temple. Located on the shores of Arabian Sea, Somnath, first said to be built in 4th century AD, is positioned such that there is no land mass between it and the Antarctic. The temple has been destroyed, looted and rebuilt several times.As the afternoon melts into evening, soak in the view of Somnath temple bathed in the hues of the setting sun. Return to the Deccan Odyssey and unwind with a drink before dinner on board, as you set off for the Little Rann of Kutch. Breakfast on board; Lunch at the Gateway hotel, Gir forest; Dinner on board. Overnight on Deccan Odyssey |
Day 5 - Little Rann of Kutch
| Day Summary | Breakfast at the first blush of dawn today as the Deccan Odyssey pulls into the Viramgam station where you will disembark to drive to a stop over point and transfer to jeeps for a safari into the deceptively named Little Rann of Kutch.The Rann is a seasonal salt marsh, the largest in the world at over 7500 sq. km, a saline desert where the dry air whips your face,mirages abound and parched earth unfolds as far as the eye can see. During the monsoons, these arid flatlands fill with watercreating a still, salty sea.Explore the Rann on your jeep safari; the Wild Ass Sanctuary here is one of the few places to spot the ghudkar, or Indian wild ass.Other species here include the desert fox, jungle cat, jackal and several birds. Since there is virtually no vegetation for animals tohide behind, they are easy to spot while driving around.After your visit to the sanctuary, lunch will be at the Rann Riders Resort with time to relax and refresh yourselves. Enjoy the regional specialties of the Maliks of Rann, and delicious Gujarati fare in this charming resort surrounded by the desert.Spend some time walking around and meeting the other species of the lodge which include the unique to the region Marwari and Kathiawari horses. Later, drive out for a village safari to meet the varied communities that call the Rann their home. You will find the Agarias, salt- panners, hard at work drying out the salt. Visit the homes of the Rabari tribe and experience their way of life. Another interesting aspect to look out for are the beaded bangles made by the Mirs of Dasada. Continue to a local school where you will be greeted by enthusiastic children eager to share information about themselves and learn about your part of the world. Having taken in your share of this great white vastness, return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner and head for Patan. Breakfast & Dinner on board; Lunch at the Rann Riders Safari Resort. Overnight on Deccan Odyssey |
Day 6 - Modhera – Patan
| Day Summary | This morning the Deccan Odyssey rolls into Patan, the 8th century fortified town, the capital of Gujarat in medieval times.Breakfast over, disembark and drive to the sun temple at Modhera. This grand, awe-inspiring 11th century sandstone monumentwas built by the Solanki dynasty and is dedicated to the sun god. The complex is full of elaborate carvings and the resident priestenjoys explaining the legends they depict. A step tank in front of the temple has 108 shrines that lead down to the water.After visiting the sun temple, drive to Patan to visit the lovely 11th century step well called Rani ki Vav, a fine example ofsubterranean well architecture. Walk down into the depths of this extravagant step well, one of the biggest in Gujarat, passinghundreds of delicate carvings and statues of Parvati, Shiva, Vishnu and other gods etched into its side walls. It is evident that thiswell was constructed not just to store water but was also a site for worship and community gatherings. Thereafter, visit Patola house, the centre of the Salvi family’s traditional craft, the creating of exquisite silk Patola sarees. Weavers since the 12th century, the Salvi’s have enjoyed the patronage of the royalty of Gujarat as the sarees created by them have gained the reputation of works of art. Having visited Patola house, drive back to the Deccan Odyssey for lunch on board. The afternoon is at leisure as you proceed towards Nashik. In the evening watch the tapestry of rural India unfold as you sip a sun downer before dinner. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on board. Overnight on Deccan Odyssey |
Day 7 - Nashik
| Day Summary | This morning the Deccan Odyssey brings you to the holy city of Nashik, which is rapidly gaining the status of being the winecapital of the country.After breakfast, disembark for an active start to your morning as you head to Pandu Leni – considered one of the most ancientJain and Buddhist cave temples in India. Some of this set of 24 caves, date back to 1st century BC and others are from a morerecent period like 13th century AD. After your climb down from the caves, drive to the Grover Zampa vineyards for an exclusivetour of one of the finest Indian wine producing facilities. Walk through vines laden with Chenin, Chardonnay and Shiraz grapes.Be taken through the age old ‘méthode traditionnelle’ used to make one of the best known brands of sparkling wines in India. Allowthe sommelier to acquaint your taste buds with their finest creations of white, red, rose and sparkling wines and experiment pairing them with your meal at the vineyards. Return to the Deccan Odyssey for lunch, and relax for a while. In the evening, disembark once more for a walk along the Godavari Ghats; observe the various Hindu rituals related to birth, death and initiation being performed here. Once again, return back to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner as it rolls towards it’s ultimate destination – Mumbai. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner on board. Overnight on Deccan Odyssey |
Day 8 - Disembark in Mumbai
| Day Summary | Early this morning, after breakfast, you will disembark at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station, Mumbai.Bid farewell to the Deccan Odyssey as your royal passage through the grand vistas of India comes to an end. |
| Month | Days |
|---|---|
| October, 2021 | 23 |
| March, 2022 | 19 |
Note: At Present 5 % GST is levied by Government of India EXTRA ON TOP OF THE TARIFF. I Extra Surcharges for departures during Christmas and New Year. The Prices for the Train may vary for Sterling Pounds & Euro quotes according to the Exchange Rate against the DOLLAR.
Please NOTE SUPPLEMENT FOR DOUBLE BEDDED CABINS will COST U S Dollars 250 Per Person or Sterling Pounds 220 Per Person EXTRA
Price in Sterling Pounds Per Person from September 2020 till May 2021
| Price Per Person Per Journey | Deluxe Cabin | Presidential Suite |
|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | £6365 | £ 13790 |
| Twin/Double Cabin | £4565 | £6895 |
| 2 Children in a Separate Deluxe Cabin Per Child | £ 3425 | £ 3425 |
Price in US Dollars Per Person from September 2020 till May 2021
| Price Per Person Per Journey | Deluxe Cabin | Presidential Suite |
|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $ 7320 | $ 15855 |
| Twin/Double Cabin Per Person | $ 5250 | $ 7928 |
| 2 Children in a Separate Deluxe Cabin Per Child | $ 3939 | $ 3939 |
Price / Cost Includes
*** Accommodation in Air Conditioned Deluxe Cabin or Presidential Suite with attached Bathroom on board The Deccan Odyssey
*** All meals including tea, coffee and mineral water during The Deccan Odyssey
*** Transport for sightseeing with Deluxe Coaches during The Deccan Odyssey for Deluxe Cabin
*** Transport for sightseeing with Private Vehicle & Private Guide during The Deccan Odyssey for Presidential Suite Clients
*** Entrance fee to palaces, museums & parks during The Deccan Odyssey
*** English speaking guide during The Deccan Odyssey
*** Service of the Tour Manager on Board
*** Two Transfer in Mumbai by Private Vehicle with Driver
Ramada Plaza Palm Grove Mumbai
Ramada Plaza Palm Grove offers 5-star luxury on Juhu Beach. Providing free parking and buffet breakfast, it has a fitness centre and hot tub. Boasting views from oversized windows, rooms at Palm Grove Ramada have a flat-screen TV, safe and seating area. Private bathrooms come with separate shower and bath areas. Guests can relax at the hotel’s steam rooms or enjoy soothing massages. Other facilities include a book and handicraft store, beauty salon and internet cafe. European, Italian and Indian cuisines are served at the Tangerine Cafe. Asian dishes are available at the Oriental Bowl Restaurant. The Shooters Bar offers drinks and snacks. Ramada Plaza Palm Grove is 5 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. The popular Pali Hill is located within 4 km from the hotel. Hotel offers 115 Rooms
The Oberoi Mumbai
The Oberoi offers luxury and convenience with its 24-hour spa, fitness and concierge service. It also features 5 food and beverage options offering a variety of cuisines. Free WiFi is available for 30 minutes. The Oberoi Mumbai’s elegant rooms feature wooden floors, large windows offering beautiful views and en suite bathroom separated by a glass panel with electronic blinds. Rooms are equipped with an LCD TV, tea/coffee maker and iPod docking station. Free local newspapers are available. Guests can relax with a swim at the outdoor heated pool or enjoy shopping at the high-end shopping arcade. The Oberoi Spa offers a variety of treatments and therapies. Guest services include 24-hour laundry service and babysitting. European, Asian and Indian specialities are featured on the menu at Fenix, alongside traditional Japanese delicacies. Vetro serves Italian dishes, while Indian cuisine can be savoured at Ziya. The Eau Bar overlooks the Arabian sea and features a live Jazz band. The Champagne Lounge serves an extensive selection of Champagne and teas. Situated at Nariman Point at the end of Marine Drive, The Oberoi Mumbai is a 45-minute drive from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. A 20-minute drive leads to the railway station. Hotel Offers 287 Rooms
Trident Bandra Kurla Mumbai
Trident Bandra Kurla provides an outdoor swimming pool and full spa services. Concierge services and room service are available 24 hours. Stylish with accents of red, the air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, DVD Player and iPod connections. A well-stocked minibar and a personal safe are also included. En suite bathrooms come with either a shower or a bathtub. Trident Bandra Kurla is located in North Mumbai, a 15-minute drive from the domestic airport. It is a 20-minute drive from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and a 40-minute drive from Western Railway Terminus. Botticino restaurant serves fine wine and Italian dishes, while 022 restaurant offers an interactive sushi bar, as well as Western and Asian food. Other dining options include regional Indian food at Maya restaurant and salads at Trident Patisserie & Delicatessen. At Trident Spa & Fitness Centre, guests can look forward to relaxing massage treatments or a good workout at the gym. Hotel offers 436 Rooms
Taj Mahal Palace , Mumbai
Standing majestically opposite the Gateway of India, this iconic 5-star hotel features a landscaped pool, fitness facilities and a first-rate spa. The hotel provides 11 dining options. Hotel offers 560 Rooms. The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower is 2 km from Mumbai’s city centre and 32 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. Free parking is available. Featuring a private balcony, elegant rooms are tastefully furnished with fine linen and classic wood furnishings. They offer the comfort of a flat-screen TV, sofa and luxurious bathrooms that feature a bathtub. Enjoy the use of steam rooms and sauna facilities after an energizing workout at the well-equipped gym. Attentive staff at Taj Mahal Palace offer childcare, tour and concierge services. Hearty meals featuring Indian specialities are availabe at Masala Kraft. Other dining highlights include Golden Dragon Chinese restaurant, Mediterranean fare at Souk and Wasabi Japanese restaurant.
