HIDDEN TREASURES OF GUJARAT JOURNEY
Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
Destinations Covered: Mumbai - Vadodara - Palitana - Sasan Gir & Somnath- Little Rann of Kutch - Modhera & Patan - Nashik – Mumbai
The 8 day Hidden treasures of Gujarat tour is meant to explore the spectacular vistas of this vibrant land in one of India's most luxurious trains, the Deccan Odyssey. On the royal journey, we wish to take you across the spell binding destinations of Gujarat that include the medieval capital of Vadodra, the holy city of Nashik, the wild sojourn of the Little Rann and pilgrim spots of Palitana.
HIDDEN TREASURES OF GUJARAT ITINERARY
Day 01
Mumbai (Arrival)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
Day 02 Vadodara
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
Day 03 Palitana
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.
Day 04 Sasan Gir - Somnath
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.
Day 05 Little Rann of Kutch
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.
Day 06 Modhera - Patan
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.
Day 07 Nashik
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.
Day 08 Mumbai (Departure)
Bid farewell to Deccan Odyssey as it reaches Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway station in Mumbai. This marks the end of the wonderful Gujarat tour.
Highlights:
Face off with history at the world heritage Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum
Folk performances at Laxmi Vilas Palace
Wildlife safari at Sasan Gir
Shrines at Modhera
CHECK IN PROCEDURE
In Mumbai, security check will be conducted at the time of check-in at the railway station, whereby, luggage is required to be scanned. Please present your passport at the time of check in to collect ticket voucher and relevant documents
# Note – Schedule is subject to change in case of any changes in the Security regulations directed by the Government of India.
Meeting Point Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station, Mumbai at 1530 hours
Boarding Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station, Mumbai
Departure at 1640 hours
Disembarking at Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station, Mumbai at 0800 hours
Note:
Check-in venue is subject to change with prior intimation.
All arrival and departure timings are approximate and subject to change by the Indian Railways.
DEPARTURE DATES FOR SEASON 2016-17 & 2017-18
MONTH DEPARTURE DATES
Mar 2017 4,25
Oct 2017 28
Mar 2018 3,24
TARIFF FOR SEASON 2016-17
PER CABIN PER JOURNEY PRICE FOR 7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS JOURNEY
(FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS ONLY)
ROOM TYPE SINGLE OCCUPANCY TWIN/DOUBLE OCCUPANCY 02 CHILDREN
(in a separate Cabin)
Deluxe Cabin $ 5,810 $ 8,386 $ 6,290
Presidential Suite $ 12,579 $ 12,579 $ 6,290
(FOR INDIAN NATIONALS ONLY)
ROOM TYPE SINGLE OCCUPANCY TWIN/DOUBLE OCCUPANCY 02 CHILDREN
(in a separate Cabin)
Deluxe Cabin INR 3,71,900 INR 5,36,710 INR 4,02,530
Presidential Suite INR 8,05,100 INR 8,05,100 INR 4,02,530
TARIFF FOR SEASON 2017-18
PER CABIN PER JOURNEY PRICE FOR 7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS JOURNEY
(FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVELLERS ONLY)
ROOM TYPE SINGLE OCCUPANCY TWIN/DOUBLE OCCUPANCY 02 CHILDREN
(in a separate Cabin)
Deluxe Cabin $ 6,100 $ 8,750 $ 6,565
Presidential Suite $ 13,210 $ 13,210 $ 6,565
Terms & Conditions
All Costs are in USD.
The above costs are per cabin per Journey.
Government Service tax of 4.50% is additional and will be charged extra on the published tariff.
As the train runs on the tracks of the Indian Railways, the itineraries are subject to change incase of any changes in the routing etc.
Prices are subject to change incase of any amendment in the routing or other hikes such as fuel,taxes etc.
Children below 5 years of age shall be allowed free, subject to sharing of double bed with parents. This is subject to availability of double bed at the time of booking.
Presidential Suite can accommodate upto 3 adults or 2 Adults and 2 children (One child upto 5 years of age and second child up to 12 years of age) CHILD.
Payment:
20% of the ticket value at the time of booking
80% of the ticket value 45 days before the departure date
Cancellation:
Any cancellation must be advised immediately by Email and subsequently confirmed by letter to the Central Reservation Division
No cancellation on cancelling 60 days prior to the departure date
Retention of 20% of ticket value on cancelling 59 - 45 days prior to the departure date
Retention of 50% of ticket Value on cancelling 44 - 30 days prior to the departure date
Retention of 100% of ticket value on cancelling 29 days prior to the departure date
Inclusions:
Accommodation in double / twin bedded cabin with en suite bathrooms/li>
Soft Beverages during meals(B, L,D)
Valet Service
Still Camera fees
Guided off train excursions and game drives as illustrated in the itinerary - inclusive of entrance fees, park fees, transport and services of an English speaking local guide
Exclusions:
Taxes, Insurance , Gratuities
Laundry, Alcoholic Beverages, Soft beverages during non meal hours
Video and professional Still Camera fees
Arrival and Departure transfers
International and Domestic air tickets
Pre and Post tour accommodation and any tour extensions unless specifically mentioned as a part of the journey
Child Policy
Deccan Odyssey does accommodate children but we ask parents to be mindful of the sophisticated adult atmosphere we endeavor to maintain.
One child up to 5 years of age shall be allowed free of cost in the Deluxe Cabin, subject to sharing of double bed with parents. This is subject to availability of double bed at the time of booking.
For families, with a child between 6-12 years of age, or, with two children with one child below 5 years and another between 6-12 years, we recommend the Presidential Suite which has a double bed in the bedroom and can be shared with a child below 5 years and a sofa cum bed in the living room which can accommodate the older child. In this case, the child/children will be accommodated free of cost.
In case of two children between 6-12 years of age travelling with their parents, you will have to take 2 cabins. The first child pays 25% of the adult fare and the second child will have to pay 50% of the adult fare. One of the parents will have to be present with the child / children in the cabin.
Please note that we do not have the facility for interconnecting cabins.
All applicable taxes will be charged extra.
CONTACT - DECCAN ODYSSEY