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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:
2009 : 18 Nov , 09 Dec, 23 Dec
2010 : 20 Jan, 10 Feb, 24 Feb, 10 Mar, 07 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:
2009: 25 Nov, 16 Dec, 30 Dec
2010: 27 Jan, 17 Feb, 03 Mar, 17 Mar, 14 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.
Cost per person in $'s on a twin share basis.
| |
Twin Share Basis Sep 09 - Apr 10 |
| Ground Arrangements |
$ 3770 |
Special Offer for : Delhi - Mumbai: 17 Mar 10, 14 Apr 10
Special Offer for : Mumbai - Delhi: 10 Mar 10, 07 Apr 10 |
$ 2450 |
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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