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The Indian Maharaja - Deccan
Odyssey
As the wind whispers through the halo of legends crowning the land of
the mighty Marathas, a lone majestic whistle blows its salutation of
honour as it gracefully traverses this land of fantastic fantasy.
Welcome to the mesmerizing Maharashtra experience aboard the luxurious
The Indian Maharaja - Deccan Odyssey.
The weeklong The Indian Maharaja - Deccan Odyssey tour includes
several exotic destinations covering the vast expanse of Maharashtra
and North India. Covering Mumbai, Aurangabad, Udaipur, Sawai Modhopur,
Jaipur, Agra and Delhi
The Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train project is a joint venture of the
Ministry of Railway, Government of India and MTDC (Maharashtra Tourist
Development Corporation). The Deccan Odyssey has been benchmarked
against the best luxury trains in the world like the Blue Train of
South Africa, The Orient Express of Europe and the Eastern and
Oriental of South East Asia.
The Deccan Odyssey's sheer luxury is a sight to behold. Everything in
the train reflects the ways of Indian Royalty - "Maharaja". The plush
interiors, an awesome cuisine and grate sites to see makes the journey
memorable. Welcome aboard!
Coaches
The Indian Maharaja - Deccan Odyssey has 21 coaches out of which 11
are passenger cars with 4 coupes each. There are 2 Presidential Suite
Cars with 2 coupes per car. The train also has a conference car (can
be redesigned as dance floor in the night) and two restaurant cars.
There is also a lounge/bar car and one surprising addition is a Spa
Car. Apart from the above there are generator cars with luggage store
and staff car or spare car.
Presidental Suite Dimensions
Cabin area: 191 sq ft (18sqm)
Cabin length: 27' 7" (8.4m)
Cabin width: 7' 7" (2.3m)
Bed width single: 3' (0.9m)
double: 5' (1.5m)
Bed Length: 6' 5" (2m)
Cabins per car: 2
Deluxe Cabin Dimensions
Cabin area: 95 sq ft (9sqm)
Cabin length: 13' (3.97m)
Cabin width: 7' 7" (2.3m)
Bed width twin: 3' (0.9m)
Bed Length: 6' 5" (2m)
Cabins per car: 4
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Dining
Fine Indian and Continental cuisine is served on board in two
restaurant cars. The high level of on-board service is delivered by
one of the prestigious hotel chain of India.
Facilities
Conference Room with capacity to host 50 guests with facility for
satellite communication, Internet, computer with printer and fax, and
telephone exchange
Library
Bar
Channel Music
Ayurvedic
Massage Centre
Steam Bath
Gymnasium
Beauty
Parlour
Business
Centre
Special
Suite for Physically challenged
Fully
loaded mini pantry in each coach
Telephone
in each saloon
Television
in each coach
Plasma TV
in Lounge Car
PA System/
6 Channel Music System
Lounge in
each passenger car
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The
Indian Maharaja : Tour Highlights |
1)Ellora
Temple Caves
The cave temples of Ellora were excavated from the solid rock and
symbolizes the three faiths of Buddhism ,Jainism and Hinduism. Carved
during the 350 AD to 700 AD period, these supreme examples of cave -
temple architecture houses detailed facades and extremely carved
interiors.
The caves opening to the west are equally linked to Hinduism, Jainism
and Buddhism.Out of total 34 caves, the 17 in the centre dedicated to
Hinduism, 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, and the 5 caves to the
north are dedicated to Jainism.
From south to north there are about 34 caves here, which corresponds
more or less (Cave 21 with some important exceptions) to the order in
which they were constructed. The caves 1 to 12 in southernmost
direction, are devoted to Buddhism and were constructed in & around
7th & 8th centuries AD. The middle caves 13 to 29 are devoted to Hindu
deities, which dates back from 7th century to 9th century AD. The
upper caves are linked to Jainism (9th century).
2)Ajanta Caves
These 3rd-century caves are excellent achievements by Buddhist monks
and are considered the most excellent masterpiece of Buddhist
architecture and art. The caves are cut from the volcanic lava of the
Deccan and are set in attractive blooming surroundings. These
historical manmade caves include good-looking paintings on the walls
and ceilings that represent the life of the Buddha. At Ajanta, the
paintings on the walls, demonstrate the events in the life of Gautama
Buddha.
3)City Palace
City Palace of Udaipur is one of the architectural wonders of
Rajasthan, situated quietly on the banks of Lake Pichola. This
imposing City Palace is the most-visited tourist attraction of Udaipur
and often famous as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan.
Initially, Maharana Udai Singh founded this superb wonder, but the
present form of the Palace is the result of subsequent additions by
his successors.
City Palace boasts of the fantastic blend of European, Chinese and
Medieval Architecture. The Palace has several domes, arches and towers
which add to the flavor of heritage site. Towering on the banks of
Pichola Lake, City Palace is really a feast to the eyes.
City Palace is a amazing assortment of corridors, pavilions,
courtyards, terraces, rooms and hanging gardens. Surrounded by
fortifications, this magnificent Palace is wholly built in marble and
granite.
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4)Amber Fort
Amber is situated at a distance of 11 kilometers from Jaipur and was
the old fort of the Kachhwaha clan of Amber, which used to be the
capital, till it was moved to Jaipur.
The construction of the Amber Fort began in the year 1592 and was
started by Man Singh I, but it was ended by his descendant Jai Singh
I. The exterior of the Fort is not in the least like its interiors.
The outside is very striking and rough looking whereas the inside is a
comforting and warm interior which is influenced by both Hindu and
Muslim style of decoration. On the walls, there are paintings
depicting several hunting scenes, and there is also a lot of work on
walls,which are enclosed with intricate carving, mosaic and minute
mirror work that make the halls look very imposing and majestic.
The fort is built with red sandstone and white marble and look even
more beautiful because of the Maota Lake in the foreground. The fort
in itself is a attractive sight to behold but as one looks on the fort
with its clear reflection on the lake in the front, one cannot help
but surprise if it is a dream or a beautiful illusion.
5)Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world, and
some Western historians have noted that its architectural magnificence
has never been surpassed. The Taj is the most attractive monument
built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built
completely of white marble. Its striking architectural magnificence is
beyond adequate description, mainly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems
to shine in the light of the full moon. On a cloudy morning, the
visitors experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across
the Jamuna river.
Taj Mahal was founded by a Muslim, Emperor Shah Jahan (died 1666 C.E.)
in the memory of his dear wife and queen Mumtaz Mahal at Agra, India.
It is an "elegy in marble" or some say an expression of a "dream." Taj
Mahal (meaning Crown Palace) is a Mausoleum that houses the grave of
queen Mumtaz Mahal at the lower chamber. The grave of Shah Jahan was
added to it later. The queens real name was Arjumand Banu. In the
tradition of the Mughals, important ladies of the royal family were
given another name at their marriage or at some other important event
in their lives, and that new name was generally used by the public.
Shah Jahan's real name was Shahab-ud-din, and he was known as Prince
Khurram before ascending to the throne in 1628.
Taj Mahal was constructed over a period of twenty-two years, employing
twenty thousand workers. It was completed in 1648 C.E. at a cost of 32
Million Rupees. The construction documents show that its master
architect was Ustad 'Isa, the well-known Islamic architect of his
time. The documents contain names of those employed and the inventory
of construction materials and their origin. Expert craftsmen from
Lahore, Qannauj, Multan and Delhi were employed. In addition, many
famous Muslim craftsmen from Shiraz , Bukhara and Baghdad worked on
many specific tasks.
The Taj stands on a raised, square platform (186 x 186 feet) with its
four corners truncated, forming an unequal octagon. The architectural
design uses the interlocking arabesque concept, in which each element
stands on its own and perfectly integrates with the main structure. It
uses the principles of self-replicating geometry and a symmetry of
architectural elements.
Its central dome is fifty-eight feet in diameter and rises to a height
of 213 feet. It is flanked by four subsidiary domed chambers. The four
graceful, slender minarets are 162.5 feet each. The whole mausoleum
(inside as well as outside) is ornamented with inlaid design of
calligraphy and flowers using valuable gems such as jasper and agate.
The main archways, chiseled with passages from the Holy Qur'an and the
bold scroll work of flowery pattern, give a appealing charm to its
beauty. The central domed chamber and four adjoining chambers comprise
many panels and walls of Islamic ornamentation.
The mausoleum is a part of a huge complex comprising of a main
gateway, an elaborate garden, a mosque (to the left), a guest house
(to the right), and several other palatial buildings. The Taj is at
the farthest end of this complex, with the river Jamuna behind it. The
large garden contains four reflecting pools dividing it at the center.
Each of these four sections is further subdivided into four sections
and then each into yet another four sections. Like the Taj, the garden
elements serve like Arabesque, standing on their own and also
constituting the whole.
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The Indian Maharaja : Tour Itinerary
08
Days / 07 Nights
Tour 1: Mumbai to Delhi (Mumbai - Ellora
- Ajanta - Udaipur - Sawai Madhopur - Jaipur - Agra - Delhi)
(to view the route
of this tour on a Map please click
here)
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Day 1 -
Mumbai (Wednesday)
Board the Train in the evening. Train leaves at 19:30hrs. Dinner on
board and train departs for Agra.
Day 2 - Aurangabad (Thursday), Visit Ellora Caves
Morning sightseeing of Ellora Caves. Return to Train for Lunch and
rest of the day at leisure on board. The Train departs for Jalgaon in
the night. Dinner on board.
Day 3 - Aurangabad (Friday), Visit Ajanta Caves
Morning de-board the Train for an excursion to Ajanta Caves. Return to
Train for Lunch and rest of the day at leisure on board as the train
leaves for Udaipur. Dinner on board.
Day 4 - Udaipur (Saturday)
Morning sightseeing of City Palace followed by boat rides on lake
Pichola (subject to water levels). Return to Train for Lunch on board.
In the evening de-board the Train for a Gala Dinner at Fateh Prakash
Palace hotel. The Train travels to Sawai Madhopur in the night.
Day 5 - Sawai Madhopur (Sunday)
After early breakfast leave for jungle safari. Lunch on board followed
by afternoon safari. High-Tea at The Taj Lodge. Dinner on board as the
Train leaves for Jaipur.
Day 6 - Jaipur (Monday)
Morning excursion to Amber Fort. Lunch at the Jai Mahal Palace hotel.
Afternoon Jaipur sightseeing. Dinner on board as the Train proceeds
towards Agra
Day 7 - Agra (Tuesday)
Breakfast on board. Proceed for sightseeing of Fatehpur Sikri. Lunch
at City Hotel. Afternoon visit Agra Fort and Taj Mahal. The Train
departs forDelhi. Dinner on board.
Day 8 - Delhi (Wednesday)
After Breakfast, check-out in the morning and de-board the Train at
Railway Station in Delhi.
The itineraries are subject to change depending on the Indian
Railways schedule
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The Indian
Maharaja : Tour Itinerary
08
Days / 07 Nights
Tour 2: Delhi to Mumbai (Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Sawai Madhopur - Udaipur - Ellora - Ajanta - Mumbai)
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Day 1 -
Delhi (Wednesday)
Board the Train in the evening. Train leaves at 19:30hrs. Dinner on
board and train departs for Agra.
Day 2 - Agra (Thursday)
After Breakfast on board disembark, and proceed to visit Agra Fort and
Taj Mahal. Lunch at City hotel. Then visit Fatehpur Sikri and board
the Train at Bharatpur Railway Station. Train leaves for Jaipur while
dinner is served on board.
Day 3 - Jaipur (Friday)
Morning excursion to Amber Fort, Observatory and Hawa Mahal. Lunch at
the Jai Mahal Palace hotel. Evening visit City Palace followed by Gala
Dinner at the Palace. The Train proceeds towards Sawai Madhopur at
night.
Day 4 - Sawai Madhopur (Saturday)
After early breakfast enjoy jungle safari by canter. Lunch on board
followed by afternoon safari. High-Tea at The Taj Lodge. Dinner on
board as the Train leaves for Udaipur.
Day 5 - Udaipur (Sunday)
Morning sightseeing of Udaipur city followed by boat rides on lake
Pichola (subject to water levels). Return to Train for Lunch on board.
Rest of the day at leisure. The Train travels to Aurangabad in the
afternoon
Day 6 - Aurangabad (Monday), Visit Ellora Caves
Morning at leisure after breakfast on board. Early lunch on board /
packed lunch as we drive to Ellora. After sightseeing of Ellora Caves,
drive back to Jalgaon in the evening to board the train. Dinner on
board
Day 7 - Aurangabad (Tuesday), Visit Ajanta Caves
Morning de-board the Train for an excursion to Ajanta Caves. Return to
Train for Lunch on board. The rest of the day free on board as the
train leaves for Mumbai. Dinner on board
Day 8 - Mumbai (Wednesday)
After Breakfast, check-out and de-board the Train at Railway Station
in Mumbai.
The itineraries are subject to change depending on the Indian
Railways schedule
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Please note :
» The costs are per person per night and are for a minimum of 7 nights
package on the train
» All the costs are excluding Govt Service tax which presently is
@3.09 % on the total bill. This service tax is to be added to any of
these costs.
» 10% Surcharge shall be levied on departures during Christmas / New
Year.
» Triple occupancy is not available.
Inclusion & Exclusions:
Silver class: Stay in deluxe cabins, all transfers, tours and
excursion by air-conditioned luxury coaches.
Gold Class: Stay in deluxe cabins, all transfers, tours and
excursions by air-conditioned private car with private language
failing English speaking local guides (different guides in different
cities, guide not staying on the Train with clients, only English
Speaking naturalist for jungle safari).
Platinum class: Stay in Presidential suite, all transfers,
tours and excursions by air-conditioned private car with private
language failing English speaking local guides (different guides in
different cities, guide not staying on the Train with clients, only
English Speaking naturalist for jungle safari).
General inclusions for all the classes of travel:
All meals starting from Dinner on Wednesday till Breakfast on day 08
i.e. next Wednesday.
Entrances to monuments, National Park and other places of visits as
per program.
02 Jungle Safari by canters at Ranthambhore (even for Gold class).
Jeep safaris for Platinum class
Boat ride at Lake Pichola (subject to water levels).
Gala Dinner at Durbar Hall at Fateh Prakash Palace-Udaipur or Gala
Dinner at City Palace-Jaipur
Services of English Speaking guides for sightseeing as per booking
class.
Mineral water, Tea and Coffee throughout the journey.
General exclusions for all the classes of travel
Any drinks (soft drinks, cocktails or liquor) whether on board the
train or at land hotels will be payable directly.
Camera/ video camera charges, insurance, any airfare, airport tax
Facilities at Conference car, Business centre, Beauty Saloon and
Spa.
Tips, laundry, telephone calls etc.
Anything which is not mentioned in the inclusions section above.
Booking Policy
Payment:
» At the time of booking: USD 1000 per person, non refundable,
non-adjustable.
» Balance payment: 60 days before departure.
Cancellation terms:
» 30% of ticket value 59-45 days prior to departure.
» 50% of ticket value 44-30 days prior to departure.
» 100% of ticket value less than 29 days prior to departure.
* Tariff is Subject to change without notice.
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We
always look forward for any changes in the itinerary as wished
by you for your individual trip.
If you are willing to travel in a group - the
Group Departure
dates are available !
If you are group over 15 people please
e-mail
us with the number of participants and the wished dates to
enable us to workout the tour cost !
Please have a look at our
References
to read the testimonials of tourists & guests who have traveled with us.
Please also check our
FAQ
page to get more information.
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