Deccan Odyssey - Hidden Treasure of Gujarat
8 Days / 7 Nights
Highlights :
Mumbai - Vadodara - Palitana - Sasan Gir - Little Rann of Kutch - Modhera & Patan - Nashik - Mumbai
Package Includes:
Accommodation
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Sightseeing
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Meal
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Transfer
ITINERARY
DAY 1
(Saturday) Board the Deccan Odyssey at Mumbai on to Vadodara
Early this evening, assemble at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus at approximately 1530 hours to complete the registration process and check in formalities for your Hidden Treasures of Gujarat journey, as you receive a traditional Indian welcome and enjoy a refreshing welcome drink. After completion of all formalities, you will be shown to your delightful cabins. As you settle in, the Deccan Odyssey shall depart Mumbai for Vadodara. Dinner on board Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.
DAY 2
(Sunday) Vadodara
As you enjoy breakfast this morning the Deccan Odyssey arrives at the capital of the Gaekwads – Vadodara, located along the seasonal river Vishwamitri. Breakfast over, you will disembark and proceed to visit Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the only complete and unchanged pre-Mughal Islamic city in India. This concentration of largely unexcavated archaeological, historic and living cultural heritage properties is cradled in an impressive landscape. Marvel at the Jami Masjid (Great Mosque) built in 1513 representing a perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture which was a model for later mosque architecture in India. Drive back to Vadodara for a leisurely lunch on board the Deccan Odyssey. After lunch, you will visit the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, originally constructed as a school for the Maharaja’s children. Today, art lovers can view a large number of works of art displayed in the museum including a collection of the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and other renowned European Masters as well as a collection of sculptures in marble and bronze. Enjoy high tea at the resplendent Laxmi Vilas Palace, built in 1890, and the residence of the Royal family even today. Reputedly four times the size of Buckingham Palace, its overwhelming Durbar Hall boasts a Venetian mosaic floor, Belgian stained glass windows and walls with intricate mosaic decorations. The palace also houses a remarkable collection of old armoury and sculptures in bronze, marble & terracotta by Fellici. Witness a folk performance typical of the region as you savour some of the special delicacies from the Royal kitchens. Return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner as it departs for Palitana.
DAY 3
(Monday) Palitana
Rise early this morning and after breakfast head out to explore one of the world’s largest temple complexes, Palitana, famed for its spectacular cluster of Jain temples exquisitely carved in marble. Spend the day exploring the most significant of the over 900 temples located on a hilltop at Palitana – considered to be the most sacred pilgrimage of the Jains. After a full morning with the Jain Tirthankars, return to the Deccan Odyssey for a sumptuous lunch as it makes its way to Sasan Gir, the sole home of the Asiatic Lion. The afternoon is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy some of the activities available on board. Watch a movie, learn the rules of ‘carrom’, a popular Indian board game, from a Deccan Odyssey team member or book yourself a relaxing massage in our spa on board. Relax and watch the tapestry of rural India unfold as you sip a sun downer before dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on board Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.
DAY 4
(Tuesday) Sasan Gir
Wake up to a golden dawn and after an early breakfast, disembark for your drive to Sasan Gir – The Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. A guide will accompany you for your morning game drive into the Gir forest; keep your fingers crossed for a sighting of the majestic and extremely rare Asiatic lion! Experience the magic of the wild all around you as you venture deep into this natural habitat, with everything from tiny wild birds, not easily seen, but heard, singing in the forest canopy, to crocodiles sunning themselves in marshy waters.
After the excitement of the morning, enjoy a relaxed lunch followed by a tribal dance at the Gateway hotel. Return to the Deccan Odyssey and unwind with a drink before dinner on board, as you set off for the Little Rann of Kutch. Breakfast on board; Lunch at the Gateway hotel, Gir forest; Dinner on board Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.
DAY 5
(Wednesday) Little Rann of Kutch
Breakfast at the first blush of dawn today as the Deccan Odyssey pulls into the Viramgam station where you will disembark to drive to a stop over point and transfer to jeeps for a safari into the deceptively named Little Rann of Kutch. The Rann is a seasonal salt marsh, the largest in the world at over 7500 sq. km, a saline desert where the dry air whips your face, mirages abound and parched earth unfolds as far as the eye can see. During the monsoons, these arid flatlands fill with water creating a still, salty sea. Explore the Rann on your jeep safari; the Wild Ass Sanctuary here is one of the few places to spot the ghudkar, or Indian wild ass. Other species here include the desert fox, jungle cat, jackal and several birds. Since there is virtually no vegetation for animals to hide behind, they are easy to spot while driving around. After your visit to the sanctuary, lunch will be at the Rann Riders Resort with time to relax and refresh yourselves. Enjoy the regional specialties of the Maliks of Rann, and delicious Gujarati fare in this charming resort surrounded by the desert. Spend some time walking around and meeting the other species of the lodge which include the unique to the region Marwari and Kathiawari horses. Later, drive out for a village safari to meet the varied communities that call the Rann their home. You will find the Agarias, saltpanners, hard at work drying out the salt. Visit the homes of the Rabari tribe and experience their way of life. Another interesting aspect to look out for are the beaded bangles made by the Mirs of Dasada. Continue to a local school where you will be greeted by enthusiastic children eager to share information about themselves and learn about your part of the world. Having taken in your share of this great white vastness, return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner and head for Patan.
Breakfast & Dinner on board; Lunch at the Rann Riders Safari Resort. Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.
DAY 6
(Thursday) Modhera – Patan
This morning the Deccan Odyssey rolls into Patan, the 8th century fortified town, the capital of Gujarat in medieval times. Breakfast over, disembark and drive to the sun temple at Modhera. This grand, awe-inspiring 11th century sandstone monument was built by the Solanki dynasty and is dedicated to the sun god. The complex is full of elaborate carvings and the resident priest enjoys explaining the legends they depict. A step tank in front of the temple has 108 shrines that lead down to the water. After visiting the sun temple, drive to Patan to visit the lovely 11th century step well called Rani ki Vav, a fine example of subterranean well architecture. Walk down into the depths of this extravagant step well, one of the biggest in Gujarat, passing hundreds of delicate carvings and statues of Parvati, Shiva, Vishnu and other gods etched into its side walls. It is evident that this well was constructed not just to store water but was also a site for worship and community gatherings. Thereafter, visit Patola house, the centre of the Salvi family’s traditional craft, the creating of exquisite silk Patola sarees. Weavers since the 12th century, the Salvi’s have enjoyed the patronage of the royalty of Gujarat as the sarees created by them have gained the reputation of works of art. Having visited Patola house, drive back to the Deccan Odyssey for lunch on board. The afternoon is at leisure as you proceed towards Nashik. In the evening watch the tapestry of rural India unfold as you sip a sun downer before dinner
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on board Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.
DAY 7
(Friday) Nashik
This morning the Deccan Odyssey brings you to the holy city of Nashik, which is rapidly gaining the status of being the wine capital of the country. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast on-board the Deccan Odyssey and avail the various options the Deccan Odyssey has to offer. Disembark post lunch and drive to the Grover Zampa vineyards for an exclusive tour of one of the finest Indian wine producing facilities. Walk through vines laden with Chenin, Chardonnay and Shiraz grapes. Be taken through the age old ‘méthode traditionnelle’ used to make one of the best known brands of sparkling wines in India. Allow the sommelier to acquaint your taste buds with their finest creations of white, red, rose and sparkling wines and experiment pairing them with your meal at the vineyards. In the evening, head for a walk along the Godavari Ghats; observe the various Hindu rituals related to birth, death and initiation being performed here. Return back to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner as it rolls towards it’s ultimate destination – Mumbai.
Breakfast, Lunch at the vineyard, Dinner on board Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.
DAY 8
(Saturday) Disembark in Mumbai
Early this morning, after breakfast, you will disembark at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station, Mumbai. Bid farewell to the Deccan Odyssey as your royal passage through the grand vistas of India comes to an end.
Season 2019-20
Prices in US $
Occupancy | Sept 2019 & Apr 2020 | Oct 2019 to March 2020 | Description |
Single | US$ 650 per night | US$ 865 per night | Single Cabin |
Double/Twin | US$ 500 per person per night | US$ 650 per person per night | Twin Sharing Cabin |
Super Deluxe | US$ 1800 per cabin per night | US$ 1800 per cabin per night | Double Super Deluxe Cabin |
Prices in INR for Indian Natonal
Occupancy | Sept 2019 & Apr 2020 | Oct 2019 to March 2020 | Description |
Single | INR 39000 per night | INR 51900 per night | Single Cabin |
Double/Twin | INR 30000 per person per night | INR 39000 per person per night | Twin Sharing Cabin |
Super Deluxe | INR 108000 per cabin per night | INR 108000 per cabin per night | Double Super Deluxe Cabin |
Reservation / Cancellation - Terms & Conditions
Booking Policy:
- 20% of ticket value plus applicable taxes at the time of confirming the booking.
- Remaining 80% of ticket value 45 days prior to departure date.
Cancellation Policy:
- 10% of ticket value 90 days or more prior to departure date.
- 20% of ticket value between 89 to 30 days prior to departure date.
- 100% of ticket value 29 days prior to departure date.
For USD bookings:
The payable amount in INR should be credited in our account as per the rate of exchange
Freebies
Honeymooners / Silver & Golden Wedding Jubliee
- A bottle of Sparkling wine & fruit basket
Birthdays
- Cake and Bottle of wine
Package Exclusions
- 10% extra surcharge during Christmas and New Year departures.
- 5% GST will be extra as applicable.
- 50% of the prevailing tariff will be charged for the children between 05-12 years of age
- 10% of the prevailing tariff will be charged for the children below 05 years.
- The tariff structure for the guests having Indian Identity proof (Passport/Voter ID/Aadhaar) will be applicable.
- 5% TDS on commission will be charged
No show/ En route termination of tour/amendment:
- No Show – In case of No Show / Non-arrival of the guest, no refund or adjustment in future travel will be possible. The whole amount shall be treated as forfeited.
- En route termination of tour – In case of termination of tour by the guest, for any reasons, no refund or adjustment for future travel will be possible. The amount for unused portion of the tour shall be treated as forfeited.
- Amendment – Is only possible under the circumstances like Natural Disaster / Natural Calamity or Serious Health Problem’s (this needs to be supported by doctor’s certificate) and is subject to availability. No refunds are possible and every case will be decided on merits on a case to case basis. No amendment will be permissible in case of booking of groups or complete train.
