The Indian Maharaja - Deccan Odyssey

As the wind whispers through the halo of legends crowning the land of the mighty Marathas, a lone majestic whistle blows its salutation of honour as it gracefully traverses this land of fantastic fantasy. Welcome to the mesmerizing Maharashtra experience aboard the luxurious The Indian Maharaja - Deccan Odyssey.

The weeklong The Indian Maharaja - Deccan Odyssey tour includes several exotic destinations covering the vast expanse of Maharashtra and North India. Covering Mumbai, Aurangabad, Udaipur, Sawai Modhopur, Jaipur, Agra and Delhi

The Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train project is a joint venture of the Ministry of Railway, Government of India and MTDC (Maharashtra Tourist Development Corporation). The Deccan Odyssey has been benchmarked against the best luxury trains in the world like the Blue Train of South Africa, The Orient Express of Europe and the Eastern and Oriental of South East Asia.

The Deccan Odyssey's sheer luxury is a sight to behold. Everything in the train reflects the ways of Indian Royalty - "Maharaja". The plush interiors, an awesome cuisine and grate sites to see makes the journey memorable. Welcome aboard!

Coaches

The Indian Maharaja - Deccan Odyssey has 21 coaches out of which 11 are passenger cars with 4 coupes each. There are 2 Presidential Suite Cars with 2 coupes per car. The train also has a conference car (can be redesigned as dance floor in the night) and two restaurant cars. There is also a lounge/bar car and one surprising addition is a Spa Car. Apart from the above there are generator cars with luggage store and staff car or spare car.

Presidental                           Suite Dimensions

Cabin area:                           191 sq ft (18sqm)

Cabin length:                         27' 7" (8.4m)

Cabin width:                          7' 7" (2.3m)

Bed width single:                   3' (0.9m)

double:                                  5' (1.5m)

Bed Length:                           6' 5" (2m)

Cabins per car:                      2

Deluxe Cabin                       Dimensions

Cabin area:                           95 sq ft (9sqm)

Cabin length:                        13' (3.97m)

Cabin width:                          7' 7" (2.3m)

Bed width twin:                      3' (0.9m)

Bed Length:                           6' 5" (2m)

Cabins per car:                      4

Dining

Fine Indian and Continental cuisine is served on board in two restaurant cars. The high level of on-board service is delivered by one of the prestigious hotel chain of India.

Facilities

Conference Room with capacity to host 50 guests with facility for satellite communication, Internet, computer with printer and fax, and telephone exchange

• Library

• Bar

• Channel Music

• Ayurvedic Massage Centre

• Steam Bath

• Gymnasium

• Beauty Parlour

• Business Centre

• Special Suite for Physically challenged

• Fully loaded mini pantry in each coach

• Telephone in each saloon

• Television in each coach

• Plasma TV in Lounge Car

• PA System/ 6 Channel Music System

• Lounge in each passenger car

Dates & Prices

Months of operation:

The Palace on Wheels tour starts on every Wednesday of the week from New Delhi, from September untill April of the following year.

During summer and monsoon months (May to August), the train closes for maintenance.

Reporting time is 16:30 hrs at Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station where a royal reception awaits you.

This prestigious train departs from Safdarjung Railway Station at 18:30 hrs.

Please note that owing to global popularity of the Palace on Wheels, it is always advisable to book your space well in advance to avoid any availability problem ahead.

Tariff

Valid from October 2014 to April 2015

Tour : 7 Nights/ 8 Days Tour

Occupancy Type                    Deluxe Cabin                     Presidential Suite

Single                                     US$ 950                                     US$ 1110

Double                                   US$ 625                                      US$ 920

Triple                                      US$ 550                                     US$ 450

(Extra Occupancy)

10% of the tariff for the children upto 5 years of age.

Half fare for children between 5 and 12 years of age.

(Age proof of children is to be furnished, which is required at the time of issuance of tickets)

Please note :-

» The costs are per person per night and are for a minimum of 7 nights package on the train

» All the costs are excluding Govt Service tax which presently is @3.09 % on the total

bill.   This service tax is to be added to any of these costs.

» 10% Surcharge shall be levied on departures during Christmas / New Year.

» Triple occupancy is not available.

INCLUSION & EXCLUSIONS :

Silver class: Stay in deluxe cabins, all transfers, tours and excursion by air-conditioned luxury coaches.

Gold Class: Stay in deluxe cabins, all transfers, tours and excursions by air-conditioned private car with private language failing English speaking local guides (different guides in different cities, guide not staying on the Train with clients, only English Speaking naturalist for jungle safari).

Platinum class: Stay in Presidential suite, all transfers, tours and excursions by air-conditioned private car with private language failing English speaking local guides (different guides in different cities, guide not staying on the Train with clients, only English Speaking naturalist for jungle safari).

General inclusions for all the classes of travel:

• All meals starting from Dinner on Wednesday till Breakfast on day 08 i.e. next Wednesday.

• Entrances to monuments, National Park and other places of visits as per program.

• 02 Jungle Safari by canters at Ranthambhore (even for Gold class). Jeep safaris for Platinum class

• Boat ride at Lake Pichola (subject to water levels).

• Gala Dinner at Durbar Hall at Fateh Prakash Palace-Udaipur or Gala Dinner at City Palace-Jaipur

• Services of English Speaking guides for sightseeing as per booking class.

• Mineral water, Tea and Coffee throughout the journey.

General exclusions for all the classes of travel

• Any drinks (soft drinks, cocktails or liquor) whether on board the train or at land hotels will be payable directly.

• Camera/ video camera charges, insurance, any airfare, airport tax

• Facilities at Conference car, Business centre, Beauty Saloon and Spa.

• Tips, laundry, telephone calls etc.

• Anything which is not mentioned in the “inclusions” section above.

Booking Policy

Payment:

» At the time of booking: USD 1000 per person, non refundable, non-adjustable.

» Balance payment: 60 days before departure.

Cancellation terms:

» 30% of ticket value 59-45 days prior to departure.

» 50% of ticket value 44-30 days prior to departure.

» 100% of ticket value less than 29 days prior to departure.

* Tariff is Subject to change without notice.

The Indian Maharaja - Deccan Odyssey Schedule

Dates for departure from Mumbai to Delhi

* Optional return flight from Delhi to Mumbai is also available.

2014

15 Jan - 22 Jan 2014

12 Feb - 19 Feb 2014

12 Mar - 19 Mar 2014

Dates for departure from Delhi to Mumbai

* Optional return flight from Mumbai to Delhi is also available.

2014

22 Jan - 29 Jan 2014

19 Feb - 26 Feb 2014

19 Mar - 26 Mar 2014

The Indian Maharaja : Tour Highlights

Ellora Temple Caves

The cave temples of Ellora were excavated from the solid rock and symbolizes the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Carved during the 350 AD to 700 AD period, these finest examples of cave - temple architecture houses detailed façades and exceptionally carved interiors.

The caves opening to the west are equally associated to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Out of total 34 caves, 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the north are dedicated to Jainism.

From south to north there are about 34 caves here, which corresponds more or less (Cave 21 with some significant exceptions) to the order in which they were constructed. The caves 1 to 12 in southernmost direction, are dedicated to Buddhism and were built in & around 7th & 8th centuries AD. The middle caves 13 to 29 are dedicated to Hindu deities, which dates back from 7th century to 9th century AD. The upper caves are related to Jainism (9th century).

Ajanta Caves

These 3rd-century caves are fine achievements by Buddhist monks and are considered the finest masterpiece of Buddhist art and architecture.The caves are cut from the volcanic lava of the Deccan and are set in beautiful blooming surroundings. These historical man-made caves comprise of beautiful paintings on the walls and ceilings that depict the life of the Buddha. At Ajanta, the paintings on the walls, illustrate the events in the life of Gautama Buddha.

City Palace

Udaipur City Palace is one of the architectural marvels of Rajasthan, located peacefully on the banks of Lake Pichola. This majestic City Palace is the most-visited tourist attraction of Udaipur and often distinguished as the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. Initially, Maharana Udai Singh built this superb wonder, but the present form of the Palace is the result of subsequent additions by his successors.

City Palace boasts of the wonderful blend of Medieval, European and Chinese Architecture. The Palace has various towers, domes and arches, which add to the flavour of heritage site. Towering on the banks of Pichola Lake, City Palace is truly a feast to the eyes.

City Palace is a marvellous assortment of courtyards, pavilions, terraces, corridors, rooms and hanging gardens. Encircled by fortifications, this imposing Palace is wholly built in granite and marble.

Amber Fort

Amber is located at a distance of 11 kilometres from Jaipur and was the old fort of the Kachhwaha clan of Amber, which used to be the capital, till it was moved to Jaipur.

The construction of the Amber Fort began in the year 1592 and was started by Man Singh I, but it was finished by his descendant Jai Singh I. The exterior of the Fort is not in the least like its interiors. The outside is very imposing and rugged looking whereas the inside is a comforting and warm interior which is influenced by both Hindu and Muslim style of ornamentation. On the walls, are paintings depicting various hunting scenes, and there is also a lot of work on walls,which are covered with intricate carving, mosaic and minute mirror work that make the halls look very majestic and imperial.

The fort is built with white marble and red sandstone and look even more attractive because of the Maota Lake in the foreground. The fort in itself is a beautiful sight to behold but as one looks on the fort with its clear reflection on the lake in the front, one cannot help but wonder if it is a dream or a beautiful illusion.

Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world, and some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has never been surpassed. The Taj is the most beautiful monument built by the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate description, particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in the light of the full moon. On a foggy morning, the visitors experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across the Jamuna river.

Taj Mahal was built by a Muslim, Emperor Shah Jahan (died 1666 C.E.) in the memory of his dear wife and queen Mumtaz Mahal at Agra, India. It is an "elegy in marble" or some say an expression of a "dream." Taj Mahal (meaning Crown Palace) is a Mausoleum that houses the grave of queen Mumtaz Mahal at the lower chamber. The grave of Shah Jahan was added to it later. The queen’s real name was Arjumand Banu. In the tradition of the Mughals, important ladies of the royal family were given another name at their marriage or at some other significant event in their lives, and that new name was commonly used by the public. Shah Jahan's real name was Shahab-ud-din, and he was known as Prince Khurram before ascending to the throne in 1628.

Taj Mahal was constructed over a period of twenty-two years, employing twenty thousand workers. It was completed in 1648 C.E. at a cost of 32 Million Rupees. The construction documents show that its master architect was Ustad 'Isa, the renowned Islamic architect of his time. The documents contain names of those employed and the inventory of construction materials and their origin. Expert craftsmen from Delhi, Qannauj, Lahore, and Multan were employed. In addition, many renowned Muslim craftsmen from Baghdad, Shiraz and Bukhara worked on many specialized tasks.

The Taj stands on a raised, square platform (186 x 186 feet) with its four corners truncated, forming an unequal octagon. The architectural design uses the interlocking arabesque concept, in which each element stands on its own and perfectly integrates with the main structure. It uses the principles of self-replicating geometry and a symmetry of architectural elements.

Its central dome is fifty-eight feet in diameter and rises to a height of 213 feet. It is flanked by four subsidiary domed chambers. The four graceful, slender minarets are 162.5 feet each. The entire mausoleum (inside as well as outside) is decorated with inlaid design of flowers and calligraphy using precious gems such as agate and jasper. The main archways, chiselled with passages from the Holy Qur'an and the bold scroll work of flowery pattern, give a captivating charm to its beauty. The central domed chamber and four adjoining chambers include many walls and panels of Islamic decoration.

The mausoleum is a part of a vast complex comprising of a main gateway, an elaborate garden, a mosque (to the left), a guest house (to the right), and several other palatial buildings. The Taj is at the farthest end of this complex, with the river Jamuna behind it. The large garden contains four reflecting pools dividing it at the center. Each of these four sections is further subdivided into four sections and then each into yet another four sections. Like the Taj, the garden elements serve like Arabesque, standing on their own and also constituting the whole.