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The Indian Maharajah.
Indian Maharajah Route Map
The Indian Maharajah is the Deccan Odyssey broad gauge train
which covers the major cities of Rajasthan (a state known for its
palaces & forts) & Aurangabad in Maharasthra known for the world
heritage site of Ellora caves. The trip is on a full board basis inclusive
of local sightseeing at the destinations, cultural programmes, elephant/boat
rides etc. Travel between the cities is by overnight train. Full day
sightseeing at the places of interest in the cities. Meals are arranged
on the Palace on Wheels & sometimes at the Palace hotels.
It starts in Bombay and concludes in Delhi or vice versa.
The Indian Maharaja - Deccan Odyssey - Mumbai to
Delhi .
Tour Duration: 07 Nights / 08 Days
Departure Day: Wednesday
Departure Dates:
2011 : 28 Sep, 12 Oct, 26 Oct, 09 Nov, 23 Nov, 21 Dec.
2012 : 18 Jan, 08 Feb, 22 Feb, 14 Mar, 04 Apr.
Detailed itinerary is given below:
Travel between destinations overnight.
| WEEKDAY |
DESTINATION/ACTIVITIES |
TRAVEL: POINT - POINT |
| WED |
MUMBAI. Meet and greet at 1600 hrs at Victoria
Terminus (now also called as Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus)
Railway Station to board the train.
Dinner and overnight on board the train
the train travels from Mumbai to Daulatabad (Aurangabad)
|
Mumbai - Aurangabad. |
| THU |
AURANGABAD. Morning arrive at Daulatabad. After
breakfast on board, proceed for sightseeing of Ellora Caves.
Ellora is one of the highly visited World heritage sites
of India. It houses 34 monasteries and temples with some
exclusive uninterrupted sequence of monuments that date
back from 600 to 1000 AD. The temples of Ellora are dedicated
to Brahmanism, Jainism, and Buddhism. It also has some of
the excellent stonework depicting the legends related to
Lord Shiva.
Lunch at a City Hotel. Then drive to Ajanta (100 kms / 3
hrs) for sightseeing. Ajanta - Famous for its caves, is
one of the few historical and architectural marvels of India.
Recognised as the World Heritage site today, it was discovered
during the 19th century by a group of British officers who
were on a tiger hunt. The Ajanta group of caves, located
deep within the Sahyadri hills above the Waghora, depict
the story of Buddhism that prevailed here during 200 BC
to 650 AD. Later, drive to Jalgaon railway station to board
the train (55 kms / 1 ½ hrs). Dinner on board the
train which then leaves for overnight journey to Udaipur.
|
Aurangabad - Udaipur. |
| FRI |
UDAIPUR. Arrive Udaipur, Late brunch on board
the train. Set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded
by hills. As capital of the old Mewar State it was the only
Rajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance in the
face of Muslim invasion. Proceed for Sightseeing Tour of
Udaipur City. Visit the vast and exquisite City Palace,
a well-fortified, majestic white monument. 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
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 (cruise subject to water levels),
which covers almost four acres and is noted for its marble
pavilion and an imposing dome. You'll see people doing their
laundry on the shores of the lake against the backdrop of
the massive City Palace and the old city. Gala dinner at
a city hotel. After dinner, board the train for overnight
stay. The train travels overnight to Sawai Madhopur.
|
Udaipur - Ranthambore |
| SAT |
RANTHAMBORE. Morning Jungle Safari at Ranthambore
National Park by Non Air conditioned (Canter). Afternoon
Jungle safari by Non Air Conditioned Canter.
All meals on board the train. Overnight on board the train
which then travels on an overnight journey to Jaipur.
|
Ranthambore - Jaipur. |
| SUN |
JAIPUR. Arrive Jaipur. After breakfast on board,
you will be driven just outside Jaipur to the ancient capital
of Amber to see the fabulous Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh,
Mughal Emperor Akbar's most successful General, started
the construction of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before
the City Palace was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the
seat of power. The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements
and overlooks the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread
over the Aravalli hills and sprawling crenulated walls lattice
the surrounding area.
An elephant (alternatively by jeeps) will spare you the
trouble of reaching up to the fortress. Once on top, stroll
through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many
of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious
stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Most fascinating,
perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single
lamplight is reflected in the many mirrors, lighting up
the room.
En-route to Amber you will stop and see the `Palace of Winds',
otherwise known as Hawa Mahal. It is really an elaborate
facade behind which the ladies of the court used to watch
the daily goings on in the street below.
In the afternoon, you will visit the city of Jaipur. Among
the highlights to be seen while touring Jaipur include the
City Palace, which is an overwhelming complex of exquisite
palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved
doorways. The palace museum houses collections of rare manuscripts,
armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature paintings. Walk
to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical Observatory
made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726 and is one
of the five such astronomical wonders built by Sawai Jai
Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this day. You
will also have the opportunity to wander about the local
markets. Return to your hotel after the sightseeing tour
of Jaipur City.
Lunch and Dinner on board train. Train leaves for Bharatpur
on overnight journey.
|
Jaipur - Bharatpur/ Agra. |
| MON |
FATEHPUR SIKRI/ AGRA.. Arrival early in the morning
in Bharatpur. After breakfast on board drive to Agra via
Fatehpur Sikri. Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted red sandstone
city, built by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital
and palace in the late 16th century. It was abandoned soon
after it was built when the local wells went dry and it
remains today in much the same condition that it was over
300 years ago. It is complete with palaces and mosques and
used to be a town larger than London when it was originally
constructed. Now it is an extraordinary place to wander
around with its buildings in near perfect condition.
Later visit Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is everything
that has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and
20,000 men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles
away and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000
elephants. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an
expression of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid
17th century, the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders
of the world.
Also visit Agra fort.
Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture.
Agra Fort - the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire
under successive generations. This was the seat of Mughal
rule and administration and the present structure owes its
origins to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the
first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Shah
Jehan added the impressive quarters and the mosque while
Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. Visit its Hall of Public
Audience and its Royal Pavilions. Lunch, dinner and overnight
on board the train which then leaves for Delhi.
|
Udaipur - Bharatpur/Fatepur Sikri/Agra. |
| TUE |
DELHI. Breakfast on board. Later, proceed for
sightseeing of Delhi with lunch at 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. Amidst the fast
spiraling skyscrapers the remnants of a bygone time in the
form of its many monuments stand as silent reminders to
the region's ancient legacy. The first impressions for any
visitor traveling in from the airport are of a specious,
garden city, tree-lined with a number of beautiful parks.
You will first visit Old Delhi. The tour will begin with
a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi;
drive past the Red Fort - a world heritage site, continuing
to the Jama Masjid, It is the largest mosque in India, accommodating
up to 25,000 worshippers at one time.
The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to the Qutub
Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Qutub-ud-din Aibak
started it in 1199. Pulling down 27 Hindu and Jain temples
and using their columns erected the attached Quwwat-ul-Islam
mosque also built by him. The tour also includes a photo
stop at the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building
and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President's residence.
Cocktail Dinner & Overnight onboard train.
|
Agra - Delhi. |
| WED |
DELHI. Breakfast on board. The tour concludes
on arrival in Delhi. |
|
Note: The Indian Maharajah train is run by the Indian Railways
in conjunction with Travel Corporation. They reserve the right to
amend the programme locally depending upon local circumstances. SD
Enterprises does not accept any liability in regard to this.
The Indian Maharaja - Deccan Odyssey - Delhi to
Mumbai
Tour Duration: 07 Nights / 08 Days
Departure Day: Wednesday
Departure dates:
2011: 05 Oct, 19 Oct, 02 Nov, 16 Nov, 30 Nov, 28 Dec.
2012: 25 Jan, 15 Feb, 29 Feb, 21 Mar, 11 Apr.
Travel between destinations overnight.
| WEEKDAY |
DESTINATION/ACTIVITIES |
TRAVEL: POINT - POINT |
| WED |
DELHI. In the morning, welcome meeting at hotel.
Later, proceed for sightseeing of Delhi with lunch at 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. Amidst the fast spiraling skyscrapers the remnants
of a bygone time in the form of its many monuments stand
as silent reminders to the region's ancient legacy. The
first impressions for any visitor traveling in from the
airport are of a specious, garden city, tree-lined with
a number of beautiful parks. You will first visit Old Delhi.
The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial
to Mahatma Gandhi; drive past the Red Fort - a world heritage
site, continuing to the Jama Masjid, It is the largest mosque
in India, accommodating up to 25,000 worshippers at one
time. The tour to Imperial Delhi will include a visit to
the Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India. Qutub-ud-din
Aibak started it in 1199. Pulling down 27 Hindu and Jain
temples and using their columns erected the attached Quwwat-ul-Islam
mosque also built by him. The tour also includes a photo
stop at the imposing India Gate, the Parliament building
and the Rastrapathi Bhawan, the President's residence.
Evening proceed to railway station for check-in.
Dinner on board and then depart for Bharatpur (Agra). Overnight
onboard train.
|
Delhi - Bharatpur |
| THU |
AGRA/ Fatehpur Sikri. After breakfast on board
the train, drive to Agra visiting Fatehpur Sikri enroute.
Fatehpur Sikri - the deserted red sandstone city, built
by the Great Mughal Emperor Akbar as his capital and palace
in the late 16th century. It was abandoned soon after it
was built when the local wells went dry and it remains today
in much the same condition that it was over 300 years ago.
It is complete with palaces and mosques and used to be a
town larger than London when it was originally constructed.
Now it is an extraordinary place to wander around with its
buildings in near perfect condition.
Later visit Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is everything that
has been said about it and more. Taking 22 years and 20,000
men to build, the white marble was quarried 200 miles away
and was transported to the site by a fleet of 1000 elephants.
Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an expression
of his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, in mid 17th century,
the Taj Mahal is truly one of the wonders of the world.
Visit Agra fort.
Agra Fort, an outstanding example of Mughal architecture.
Agra Fort - the seat and the stronghold of the Mughal Empire
under successive generations. This was the seat of Mughal
rule and administration and the present structure owes its
origins to Akbar who erected the walls and gates and the
first buildings on the eastern banks of Yamuna River. Shah
Jehan added the impressive quarters and the mosque while
Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. Visit its Hall of Public
Audience and its Royal Pavilions. Lunch, dinner and overnight
on board. The train leaves for Jaipur.
|
Agra - Jaipur. |
| FRI |
JAIPUR. After breakfast on board, you will be
driven just outside Jaipur to the ancient capital of Amber
to see the fabulous Amber Fort. Maharaja Mansingh, Mughal
Emperor Akbar's most successful General, started the construction
of Amber Fort in the 17th century. Before the City Palace
was constructed in Jaipur, Amber was the seat of power.
The fort is surrounded by fortified battlements and overlooks
the Moat Lake. Ruins and remains are spread over the Aravalli
hills and sprawling crenulated walls lattice the surrounding
area. An elephant (alternatively by jeeps) will spare you
the trouble of reaching up to the fort. Once on top, stroll
through the sprawling complex of courtyards and halls. Many
of the rooms have delightful wall paintings, with precious
stones and mirrors inlaid in the walls. Most fascinating,
perhaps, is the Sheesh Mahal (hall of mirrors) where a single
lamplight is reflected in the many mirrors, lighting up
the room. Travelling back to main city, you will stop and
see the `Palace of Winds', otherwise known as Hawa Mahal.
It is really an elaborate facade behind which the ladies
of the court used to watch the daily goings on in the street
below. It is extremely intricate in its pink sandstone carving.
The cool wind blows through its facade of windows and latticed
screens through which the queens of the court once viewed
the streets of the city. In the afternoon, you will visit
the city of Jaipur. Among the highlights to be seen while
touring Jaipur include the City Palace, which is an overwhelming
complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative
art and carved doorways. The palace museum houses collections
of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes, carpets and miniature
paintings. Walk to the adjacent Jantar Mantar or Astronomical
Observatory made by the Maharaja of Jaipur, built in 1726
and is one of the five such astronomical wonders built by
Sawai Jai Singh and makes accurate predictions even to this
day. You will also have the opportunity to wander about
the local markets.
Lunch and Dinner on board train. Train leaves for Sawai
Madhopur on overnight journey.
|
Jaipur - Ranthambore |
| SAT |
RANTHAMBORE. Morning Jungle Safari at Ranthambore
National Park by Non Air conditioned (Canter). Afternoon
Jungle safari by Non Air Conditioned Canter.
All meals on board the train. Overnight on board the train
which then travels on an overnight journey to Jaipur.
|
Ranthambore - Udaipur. |
| SUN |
UDAIPUR. Breakfast on board. Later proceed for
sight seeing at Udaipur
Set on the shores of Lake Pichola and surrounded by hills,
Udaipur grew in complete contrast to the harsh deserts of
the rest of Rajasthan. As capital of the old Mewar State
it was the only Rajput stronghold to uphold its Hindu allegiance
in the face of Muslim invasion. Visit the vast and exquisite
City Palace, a well-fortified, majestic white monument.
The main entrance, a triple-arched gate named the Tripolia,
was built in 1725 and is a marvel. The Suraj Gokhada, the
Balcony of the Sun, where the Suryavanshi Maharanas of Mewar
presented themselves in times of trouble to the people to
restore their confidence, is also a fascinating sight. Also
visit the Cristal Gallery. Lunch on board the train. 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.
The garden brings to the fore the unique lifestyle of the
royal ladies, who once strolled through these gardens. Continue
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. You'll see
people doing their laundry on the shores of the lake against
the backdrop of the massive City Palace and the old city.
(boat ride subject to water levels in the lake)
Special dinner at city hotel. Return to train which leaves
for Ahmadabad during the night.
|
Udaipur - Ahmedabad. |
| MON |
AHMEDABAD. After Breakfast sight seeing at Ahmedabad.
You will first visit Teen Darwaza - a triple gateway 37
feet high built by Sultan Ahmed. From here the Sultans watched
the processions from the palace to the Jama Masjid. Your
next stop would be Jamma Masjid - which is one of the biggest
and oldest mosques for Friday prayers. Built by Sultan Ahmed
Shah in 1423, the mosque is situated in the centre of the
old city. It is one of the finest mosques in India with
260 pillars supporting 15 domes at different elevations.
You will also visit Shaking minarets & Jain Temple.
Lunch, dinner and overnight on board train. Train leaves
for Jalgaon in the evening.
|
Ahmedabad - Aurangabad. |
| TUE |
AURANGABAD. Early morning arrive in Jalgaon.
Breakfast on board. Then leave by bus to Ajanta (55 kms
/ 1 ½ hrs). Train will move on without the guests
to Daulatabad.
Famous for its caves, Ajanta is one of the few historical
and architectural marvels of India. Recognised as the World
Heritage site today, it was discovered during the 19th century
by a group of British officers who were on a tiger hunt.
The Ajanta group of caves, located deep within the Sahyadri
hills above the Waghora, depict the story of Buddhism that
prevailed here during 200 BC to 650 AD.
Then drive to Aurangabad for lunch at city hotel (100 kms/3
hrs).
Sightseeing of Aurangabad visiting Bibi Ka Maqbara , Panchakki.
Bibi Ka Maqbara - Modelled on the Taj Mahal, Aurangabad's
Mughal tomb garden was built by Prince Azam Khan in memory
of his mother, Begum Rabia Daurani. Panchakki , the word
Panchakki literally means water mill. It is another major
attraction of Aurangabad.
Transfer to Daulatabad (15 kms/30 mnts). Upon arrival board
on train. Dinner on Board.
Later evening departure for Mumbai on an overnight journey.
|
Aurangabad - Mumbai. |
| WED |
MUMBAI. Breakfast on board. The tour concludes
on arrival in Delhi. |
|
Note: The Indian Maharajah train is run by the Indian Railways
in conjunction with Travel Corporation. They reserve the right to
amend the programme locally depending upon local circumstances. SD
Enterprises does not accept any liability in regard to this.
Rates given above are based on twin share cabin basis. If
you require costing based on single rooms or triple rooms or superior
rooms, please email us and we shall get back to you with a costing.
Cost Includes: stay in a twin share cabin on a full board basis;
excursions as mentioned; entrance fees to monuments and guides as
mentioned on the itinerary; boat rides, elephant rides if applicable.
Cost Excludes: flights; hotels in Bombay and Delhi; transfers
at the beginning and end of the train journey; camera fees at wildlife
parks; laundry; personal drinks & extra mineral water; tips; items
of a personal nature.
Not Included: International air travel.
However, S.D.Enterprises would be happy to recommend agents that could
procure international scheduled air tickets as "ticket providers".
(London - Delhi - London).
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