Indian Sojourn – A Luxury Train Journey

Itinerary

Day 1 – To Mumbai:

Overnight flight from London to Mumbai with British Airways. (N)

Day 2 – Mumbai:

Arrive and transfer to The LaLiT Mumbai (or similar) for an overnight stay. Rest of day at leisure. (N)

Day 3 – Mumbai:

Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus to board the Deccan Odyssey for your 7-night journey. Dinner will be served on board this evening. (B, D)

Day 4 – Vadodara:

On arrival in the ancient royal city of the Gaekwads, formerly known as Baroda, you will be driven to the world heritage site of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, an ancient town full of ruins. You will also visit the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, originally constructed as a school for the maharaja’s children. Later today, enjoy a live folk performance while enjoying high tea at the magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace, the exquisite residence of the royal family. Overnight journey to Udaipur. (B, L, D)

Day 5 – Udaipur:

Arrive in Udaipur and morning at leisure. In the afternoon visit the magnificent City Palace complex. Continue to the jetty and take a boat ride around Lake Pichola for spectacular views of the city of Udaipur. In the evening, enjoy a walking tour through the markets of Udaipur, famous for their handcrafted toys, puppets, cloth lanterns and jewellery. (B, L, D)

Day 6 – Jodhpur:

This morning the train will arrive in the blue city of Jodhpur where you will have time at leisure or take an optional visit to a Bishnoi indigenous village. Located at the entrance to the Thar desert, enjoy a walking tour of the old market and the magnificent Mehrangarh fort. Looming over the city, the complex includes several palaces with fabulous views of the city, making it one of the most impressive complexes in Rajasthan. Dinner today will consist of an array of sumptuous Marwar barbecue delights served in the royal courtyard of Mehrangarh fort. (B, L, D)

Day 7 – Agra:

This morning, on arrival in Agra and morning at leisure. After lunch continue to the Taj Mahal, which was built by Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his favourite queen, Mumtaz. Constructed entirely out of white marble, it is an architectural masterpiece with beautiful inlay work and marble screens. After, visit the mausoleum of Itmad-ud-Daulah, known as the ‘Baby Taj’ and the 16th-century Agra Fort. Mughal emperor Akbar began Agra Fort in 1565, with additions to the citadel being made through to the time of Akbar’s grandson, Shah Jahan. The citadel consists of marble palaces, ornate alcoves and terrace pavilions. (B, L, D)

Day 8 – Ranthambore:

This morning, arrive in Ranthambore and spend a day in the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, once the private hunting ground of the maharajas of Jaipur. Enjoy breakfast before setting out on a village safari to meet the tribal villagers. After lunch on board the Deccan Odyssey enjoy an adventurous morning safari at the Reserve, looking for the elusive big cats.
(B, L, D)

Day 9 – Jaipur:

Morning arrival in the pink city of Jaipur. Built by Raja Jai Singh in the 18th century, Jaipur is renowned for its magnificent palaces, forts and temples. Your tour begins with a visit to Amber Fort. Situated on a ridge just outside the city, this fort palace is surrounded by fortified battlements. Take a tour of the royal apartments and step back into the Mughal era as you enter the Chamber of Mirrors and the Hall of Victory. Later, proceed to the City Palace, which is still the home of the Maharaja of Jaipur. On show is an extensive collection of art, carpets, textiles and weapons, all beautifully preserved. Later this afternoon you have the option to either enjoy the spa facilities at a local hotel or explore the teeming colourful bazaars of Jaipur on foot. (B, L, D)

Day 10 – Delhi:

Arrive and transfer to the Radisson Blu Dwarka in New Delhi, near the airport, for an overnight stay. (B)

Day 11 – To London:

Fly to London with British Airways. (B)