Mumbai
Mumbai
You would be starting with your wonderful journey from Mumbai. Gather at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus at 1530 hours. Upon arrival, guests would be greeted with a warm traditional Indian welcome, accompanied with a refreshing drink. Post registration, you will be escorted to your luxury cabins. With that, Deccan Odyssey will depart from Mumbai, for its first destination i.e Vadodra. Dinner on board. Overnight stay on Deccan Odyssey
Located on the banks of Vishwamitri river, Vadodra is the the cultural epicenter of Gujarat. After you would be done relishing your morning breakfast, embark on a sightseeing trip of Vadodra. First, you would be visiting a world heritage site, Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological park. The park is renowned for its historic and cultural heritage properties, which are dotted all over its lush green landscape. Post that, visit the 15th century Mosque, Jama Masjid, the construction of which is a beautiful blend of Hindu-Muslim architecture. Sightseeing plans after lunch will include visit to Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum and Laxmi Vilas Palace. Laxmi Vilas Palace is a royal residence, which is even more sprawling than the Buckingham Palace. Plus, the intricate mosaic decorations on the windows and walls, exquisite collection of armory and sculptures are the prime highlights of Laxmi Vilas Palace. Enjoy a folk performance in the palace and after that, head back to Deccan Odyssey as it leaves for Vadodra. Dinner on board. High tea at Laxmi Vilas Palace. Overnight stay at Deccan Odyssey
Palitana in the state of Gujarat is a popular pilgrim spot. Right after your breakfast, embark on a visit to the renowned Jain temples, which are in a group of 900 at a hilltop. The first half of your day would be spend in the company of Jain Tirthankaras at the temples. Post that, return back to Deccan Odyssey as it churns its wheels towards Sasan Gir. Spend your afternoon at leisure in the comforts of Deccan Odyssey. Watch a movie, play board games or enjoy a relaxing massage in the onboard spa. Dinner on board. Overnight stay at Deccan Odyssey.
Start your day with an early morning drive to Sasan Gir (Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary). The wildlife sanctuary is a lone habitat of majestic Asiatic lions in India. A guide would be accompanying you in the wildlife tour. Sasan Gir is also suitable for bird watching. As you would be done with the sanctuary tour, head towards Somnath temple. But before that, enjoy a tribal dance show at the Gateway hotel. The 4th century Somnath temple is amongst the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. Enjoy the setting sun as it washes away the corners of Somnath temple with its golden hues. Post that, return to Deccan Odyssey as it sets off for the Little Rann of Kutch. Breakfast on board. Lunch at the Gateway hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at Deccan Odyssey.
With the break of the dawn, Deccan Odyssey would be reaching the Viramgam station. Post breakfast, you would be heading towards the marshy salt desert of the Rann of Kutch. The Little Rann of Kutch is one of its kind tourist attraction in the world, as it is not defined as a lush green paradise, or a place of exotic beaches. Rather, it is a scenic white desert. As part of the desert jeep safari, guests would be visiting the Wild Ass Sanctuary. The habitat is known for its huge population of Indian Wild Asses. Besides, it is also a perfect place to spot exquisite variety of birds in large numbers. Post lunch, you would be embarking on a village safari tour of the Rann of Kutch. The region is home to numerous tribes like the Agarias and Rabari tribe. After that, return to your luxury train as it leaves for Patan. Breakfast and dinner on board. Lunch at the Rann Riders Safari Resort. Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.
Patan is an 8th century fortified town which is renowned for its forts, lakes, holy places and a world heritage site. Deccan Odyssey would be reaching this historic town by the morning. After having a sumptuous breakfast, head onto a drive to the sun temple at Modhera. Dedicated to the Sun God, the temple is an architectural masterpiece of sandstone. Besides the intricate carvings, the temple complex has a total of more than 108 shrines. After that, you would be visiting the world heritage site of Rani Ki Vav. This 11th century step well is one of the biggest in Gujarat and is a beautiful example of subterranean well architecture. Guests would also be visiting the traditional home of Patola sarees in Gujarat. Then, return back to Deccan Odyssey for lunch. Spend your evenings watching the tapestry of rural India as the luxury train makes it run towards Nashik. Overnight stay on Deccan Odyssey.
Dedicate this day to explore the whereabouts of Nashik. By the break of the dawn, Deccan Odyssey would be reaching the city. As you are done with your breakfast, embark on a visit to one of the most ancient Jain and Buddhist cave temples in India, Pandu Leni. Some of the caves are as old as 1st century BC, while the others belong to the period around 13th century. Nashik is also one of the largest wine producing states in India. Thus, guests would be taken to a visit to Grover Zampa vineyards, which is the finest wine facility in Nashik. Savor different wines of Chenin, Chardonnay and Shiraz grapes, brewed from traditional old methods. In the evenings, feel free to walk along the sacred Godavari Ghats. Post that, return to Deccan Odyssey as it makes it’s runway back home to Mumbai Lunch at vineyard, Dinner on board.
Bid farewell to Deccan Odyssey as it reaches Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway station in Mumbai. This marks the end of the wonderful Gujarat tour.
