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Deccan Odyssey >> Hidden Treasures of Gujarat |
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Detailed Itinerary
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Duration : |
7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS |
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Places to See : |
MUMBAI - VADODARA - PALITANA - SASAN GIR - SOMNATH
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LITTLE RANN OF KUTCH – MODHERA - PATAN - NASHIK – MUMBAI |
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| Welcome to Hidden Treasures of Gujarat, a spellbinding railroad journey on board the iconic Deccan Odyssey, one of India's most luxurious and opulent trains. On this exciting journey through Gujarat, India's most westerly state, explore the medieval capital of Vadodara and the pilgrim town of Palitana. Discover the pugmarks of history at the only sanctuary of Asiatic Lions in the Subcontinent; marvel at the unique featureless landscape of the Little Rann; wander through the architectural wonders of Modhera and visit the holy city of Nashik, before culminating your journey in the financial city, Mumbai. |
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Visit the World Heritage Site of Champaner-Pavagadh |
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Admire the historic monuments at Palitana and Modhera |
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A Kodak moment with the Asiatic Lions in Sasan Gir |
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A Wine Tour of Nashik |
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Welcome on board Deccan Odyssey. In the evening, around 1530 hours, guests have to gather at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus to complete their registration and check-in formalities for royal journey to commence; mean while enjoy your welcome drink. Later, guest will be taken to their respective cabins. Make yourself comfortable in your impressive cabins. Dinner and overnight stay on board, as the train proceeds for Vadodra.
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On second day of your Hidden Treasures of Gujarat tour, post an unhurried breakfast, the train enters Vadodra. Settled along the seasonal River Vishwamirtri, Vadodra is the capital of Gaekwads. As soon you are done with breakfast, leave to visit Champaner. Champaner is a pre-Mughal Islamic city in India that boasts of historic, archaeological and living cultural heritage. Make your visit to Pavagadh Archaeological Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, you visit Jami Masjid. Constructed in 1531, the Great Mosque, Jami Masjid presents a perfect mélange of Hindu and Muslim styles.
Thereafter, drive back to Vadodra. Savor lunch onboard Deccan Odyssey. Then you proceed to visit Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, which was formerly built as a school for Maharaja's children. The museum exhibits a rich display of collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Verma and European masters. You can also see sculptures made of marble and bronze.
Afterwards, tea-lovers can enjoy high-tea at Laxmi Vilas Palace. The palace was constructed in 1890 and is believed to be four times the size of Buckingham Palace. Laxmi Vilas is the home of royal family, even today. There is a Durbar Hall that has mosaic floor, Belgian stained-glass windows and the walls are decorated with intricate mosaic designs. You can see the wonderful collection of old armory, sculptures made of bronze, marble and terracotta by Fellici. Afterwards, as you relish delectable and delicious dishes from Royal kitchen, enjoy folk performances. Return to the comforts of Deccan Odyssey. Dinner and overnight stay on the luxury train, as it departs for Palitana.
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Have breakfast while you enjoy the passing landscape. Third day is set-out for exploring Palitana. Palitana is one among the world's largest complexes, majorly known for its brilliant cluster of Jain temples built in marble. Pay a visit to the most popular temples among the 900 temples, which are settled on a hilltop.
Get back onboard Deccan Odyssey for scrumptious lunch. The luxury train progresses towards the next site Sasan Gir, which is home to Asiatic Lion. Thereafter, in the afternoon, you have free time, relax in your cabins or enjoy the amenities of Deccan Odyssey. Indulge in some activity or watch a movie or get to know about the rule of a popular game 'carom'. You may also opt for a rejuvenating massage in our spa section onboard. Dinner and overnight stay on the luxury train.
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| Day 04 |
| Place: Sasan Gir – Somnath |
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Today, have breakfast and straight away drive to Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. On reaching, a guide takes you for a morning game-drive in the forest. If you are lucky enough, you may spot the endangered Asiatic lion.
Next, while you enjoy a tribal dance at the Gateway hotel, have your lunch. Then, you head to Somnath Temple. Somnath is a highly-revered site that is blessed with one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The holy shrine is believed to be dishevelled a lot of times. Firstly, it was constructed in 4th century A.D. later, destroyed, looted and restored several times.
Later, come back to the train and relax with a drink. Dinner and night stay on board Deccan Odyssey and continue your journey to Little Rann of Kutch.
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| Day 05 |
| Place: Little Rann of Kutch |
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On fifth day, have breakfast as the luxury train arrives in Viramgam Railway Station. From the station, disembark to drive to a particular stop and further get transferred to a jeep for a safari to Little Rann of Kutch; a seasonal salt marsh, which is spread over 7500 square km. During monsoon this salt marsh turns into a salty sea. Discover the location of Rann on jeep. You may visit Wild Ass Sanctuary which is home to endangered species of desert fox, jungle cat, jackal and few avifaunas. You may also get to spot Indian wild ass.
Afterwards, lunch is served at Rann Riders resort. The menu here will serve you the regional specialties of the Maliks of Rann and delicious Gujarati fare. Done with lunch, you may stroll around the lodge and spend time with Marwari and Kathiawari horses.
Further, take a village safari and meet varied communities. Here, you get to see the Agarias and saltpanners, busy in their work drying out the salt and beaded bangles made by Mirs and Dasada. You may also visit home of Rabari tribe and get to know about their everyday life and local school of the place where children greets you and share their experiences.
Return back to the comforts of Deccan Odyssey. Dinner is served onboard followed by overnight stay as the train leaves for Patan.
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| Day 06 |
| Place: Modhera – Patan |
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In the morning the train reaches Patan. In medieval times, Patan was known to be the capital city of Gujarat. Post an unhurried breakfast, then disembark and drive to Sun Temple in Modhera. Devoted to Sun god, Sun temple is a notable 11th century shrine constructed by Solanki dynasty. Inside the complex of the shrine, you can see intricate carvings. In front of the temple there is a tank that has 108 shrines.
Later, proceed to Patan to visit the Rani ki Vav, a step-well which is a perfect example of subterranean well architecture. As you walk down, you pass hundreds of delicate carvings and statues on the side walls, the statues of Hindu gods and goddess including Parvati, Shiva and Vishnu.
Make your visit to Patola House, where Salvi family's traditional craft making of beautiful silk Patola sarees takes place. After visiting Patola Palace, get back to the luxury train for lunch. Rest of the time is at leisure, as Deccan Odyssey proceeds towards Nashik. Dinner and night stay on the luxury train.
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| Today, have breakfast as the train enters the holy city of Nashik, which is gaining the position of Wine Capital of the Country. Disembark and proceed to visit Pandu Leni. Pandu Leni is one of the ancient Jain and Buddhist cave temples in India. The caves here date back to 13th century A.D. and the set of 24 caves here date back to 1st century B.C. Later, you visit Grover Zampa vineyards, where you get to see and know about best Indian wine producing facilities. Take a long walk along the vines laden with Chenin, Chardonnay and Shiraz grapes. Wine lovers can also ask sommelier to serve some wine with lunch at vineyards. Watch how popular wines are prepared through the age old 'méthode traditionnelle'. Thereafter, you head to Godavari Ghats, where all the worship ceremonies associated with birth, death and life are performed. After a fun-filled day drive back to Deccan Odyssey as it continues for Mumbai. Later, dinner is served and night stay on board.
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| On eight and last day of your Hidden Treasures of Gujarat tour, enjoy a hearty breakfast onboard and disembark at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station, Mumbai. Reaching Mumbai marks the end of your luxurious journey. Bid farewell to Deccan Odyssey.
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| TOUR ENDS |
| Check in Procedure |
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| 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 |
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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.
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Deccan Odyssey >> Hidden Treasures of Gujarat Schedule
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HIDDEN TREASURES OF GUJARAT DEPARTURE DATES FOR SEASON 2016-17 & 2017-18 |
| Month |
Departure Dates |
| Oct-16 |
29 |
| Mar-17 |
4,25 |
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Hidden Treasures of Gujarat Tariff for Season 2016-17 & 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 |
$ 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 |
Terms & Conditions : |
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All Costs are in USD. |
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The above costs are per cabin per Journey. |
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Government Service tax of 4.50% is additional and will be charged extra on the published tariff. |
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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. |
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Prices are subject to change incase of any amendment in the routing or other hikes such as fuel,taxes etc. |
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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. |
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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. |
Child Policy : |
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Deccan Odyssey does accommodate children but we ask parents to be mindful of the sophisticated adult atmosphere we endeavor to maintain. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Please note that we do not have the facility for interconnecting cabins. |
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All applicable taxes will be charged extra. |
Inclusions: |
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Accommodation in double / twin bedded cabin with en suite bathrooms |
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Soft Beverages during meals(B, L,D) |
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Valet Service |
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Still Camera fees |
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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: |
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Taxes, Insurance , Gratuities |
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Laundry, Alcoholic Beverages, Soft beverages during non meal hours |
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Video and professional Still Camera fees |
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Arrival and Departure transfers |
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International and Domestic air tickets |
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Pre and Post tour accommodation and any tour extensions unless specifically mentioned as a part of the journey |
Payment : |
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20% of the ticket value at the time of booking |
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80% of the ticket value 45 days before the departure date |
Cancellation : |
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Any cancellation must be advised immediately by Email and subsequently confirmed by letter to the Central Reservation Division |
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No cancellation on cancelling 60 days prior to the departure date |
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Retention of 20% of ticket value on cancelling 59 - 45 days prior to the departure date |
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Retention of 50% of ticket Value on cancelling 44 - 30 days prior to the departure date |
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Retention of 100% of ticket value on cancelling 29 days prior to the departure date |
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