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| PACKAGE OVERVIEW |
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| India, the mystical land, boasts of numerous wonders, some man made and others natural. Admire its treasures ranging from majestic forts and ancient caves to beautiful lakes and verdant gardens, as you journey across the western region of this enchanting land. To add to the experience of discovering India, travel on board the luxurious train, The Indian Maharaja (Deccan Odyssey), all through your trip. A super luxury train, The Indian Maharaja has 21 coaches of which 11 are passenger car. Each compartment has a mini suite with a wardrobe and safe besides an attached washroom. Practically a luxury hotel on wheels, The Indian Maharaja has it all, a business centre, a spa with a steam room, Ayurvedic massage facilities and a well equipped gymnasium. Two cars are dedicated to providing sumptuous meals and beverages besides offering a cozy bar for guests to relax in. With all the offerings for a regal experience, this holiday is not to be missed. Get on board and enjoy the journey of a lifetime. |
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| INCLUSIONS: |
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 7 nights accommodation in Silver Class on board the train
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US - India - US airfare
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Travel
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Catering
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Sightseeing tours on seat in coach basis
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Entrance fee at monuments/parks
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Cultural programs
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Boat ride in Udaipur
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Rickshaw ride in Bharatpur
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| ITINERARY |
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DAY 1 - WEDNESDAY - DEPARTURE FROM DELHI
In the morning, attend a welcome meeting at the hotel.
Later, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Delhi and enjoy lunch at a city hotel.
Delhi: India's capital and a major gateway to the country, contemporary Delhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds - the ancient with the modern.
The tour starts with a visit to Old Delhi. Visit Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort - a world heritage site, then continue to the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India.
The tour to imperial Delhi includes a visit to the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. The tour also includes a photo stop at the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President's residence.
In the evening, proceed to railway station to board the train.
Dinner and overnight journey on board the train as it departs for Bharatpur (Agra).
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
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DAY 2 - THURSDAY - AGRA
After breakfast on board the train, drive to Agra visiting Fatehpur Sikri en route.
Fatehpur Sikri - A deserted red sandstone city built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace in the late 16th century. Agra in terms of ambiance is still associated with its Mughal period.
Later visit Taj Mahal.
The Taj Mahal is everything that has been said about it and more. It was a monument built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid 17th century.
Thereafter, visit Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture.
Agra Fort - A seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire under successive generations. Visit its Hall of Public Audience and its Royal Pavilions.
Dinner and overnight journey aboard the train as it leaves for Jaipur.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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DAY 3 - FRIDAY - JAIPUR
Jaipur, the city of victory, presides over the fascinating desert state of Rajasthan and its people.
After breakfast, visit the ancient capital of Amber to see the fabulous fort. An elephant (alternatively a jeep) spares one the trouble of reaching up to the fort on foot. Once inside the fort, stroll through the sprawling complexes of courtyards and halls.
Return to the main city, to see the 'Palace of Winds', otherwise known as Hawa Mahal.
In the afternoon, visit the City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. Also visit the palace museum. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory. Also enjoy an opportunity to wander around the local markets.
Enjoy lunch and dinner on board the train. Overnight journey aboard the train to Sawai Madhopur.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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DAY 4 - SATURDAY - SAWAI MADHOPUR
Enjoy an early morning jungle safari at Ranthambhore National Park.
Near the township of Sawai Madhopur, Ranthambhore National Park is an outstanding example of Project Tiger's efforts at conservation in the country. The forests around the Ranthambhore Fort were once the private grounds of the Maharajas of Jaipur.
All meals served on board the train.
Enjoy another jungle safari in the afternoon. (A canter is used for all jungle safaris.)
Overnight journey on board the train as it leaves for Udaipur.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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DAY 5 - SUNDAY - UDAIPUR
After breakfast aboard the train, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Udaipur.
Set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills, Udaipur is a complete contrast to the harsh deserts of the rest of Rajasthan.
Visit the vast and exquisite City Palace, a well-fortified, majestic white monument. Also visit the Crystal Gallery.
Enjoy lunch on board the train.
Later, drive past Fateh Sagar Lake; visit Sahelion-ki-Bari, the Garden of the Maids-of-Honor, which has numerous fountains in four pools, embellished with delicately chiseled kiosks and elephants. Continue the tour to visit Jagdish Temple. A 16th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it is the largest and most splendid temple in Udaipur.
In the evening, take a cruise on Lake Pichola to visit Jag Mandir Palace, which covers almost four acres and is noted for its marble pavilion and an imposing dome. (Boat ride subject to water levels in the Lake)
Enjoy a special dinner at a city hotel. Return to the train which leaves for Ahmedabad at night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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DAY 6 - MONDAY - AHMEDABAD
After breakfast, go on a sightseeing tour of Ahmedabad.
Visit Teen Darwaza - a 37 feet high triple gateway built by Sultan Ahmed. From this site, the Sultans watched the processions from the palace to the Jama Masjid. The next stop would be Jamma Masjid. It is one of the finest mosques in India with 260 pillars supporting 15 domes at different elevations. Also visit the Shaking Minarets & Jain Temple.
Enjoy dinner and overnight journey on board the train as it leaves for Jalgaon in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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DAY 7 - TUESDAY - AURANGABAD
Early in the morning, arrive in Jalgaon.
Enjoy breakfast on board the train, and then leave by bus to Ajanta (55 kms/1 hr). Train moves on to Daulatabad.
Ajanta - Famous for its caves, Ajanta is one of the few historical and architectural marvels of India and a World Heritage Site. The Ajanta Caves, located deep within the Sahyadri hills above the Waghora, depict the story of Buddhism that prevailed here during 200 BC to 650 AD.
After visiting Ajanta Caves, drive to Aurangabad for lunch at a city hotel (100 kms/3 hrs).
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Aurangabad, visiting Bibi Ka Maqbara and Panchakki. The former is a Mughal tomb garden modeled on the Taj Mahal. Panchakki literally means a watermill. With water sourced through an underground channel, Panchakki features a waterfall, a garden and fountains with fish filled tanks that enhance its beauty.
After the sightseeing tour, transfer to Daulatabad to board the train (15 km/30 mins). Enjoy dinner and overnight journey on board the train as it leaves for Mumbai.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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DAY 8 - WEDNESDAY - REACH MUMBAI
In the morning, arrive in Mumbai. Enjoy breakfast on board the train as the sun rises over the commercial capital of India. Alight at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in the morning enriched with the rich legacy of this land. The royal journey is over, but its memory will surely live on forever.
Meals: Breakfast
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| PHOTO GALLERY |
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Deluxe Pearl Room
The luxurious Deluxe Pearl room
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5 Photos
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India site
India