Rudyard Kipling described Mumbai as 'the Mother of Cities' and the city’s history is...
Read more >16th April.
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 overnioght stay. (N)
Day 3 - Mumbai:Morning at leisure. Later this afternoon, board the Deccan Odyssey train for a 7-night journey through the Deccan. (B)
Day 4 - Bijapur:Morning arrival in Bijapur, known as the ‘Palmyra of the Deccan’ where many scholars, poets and painters flocked to in the middle ages. After breakfast, visit the tomb of Adil Shah, the second largest tomb in the world and known as Gol Gumbaz, literally meaning ’round dome’. Proceed to Jumma Masjid, one of the first Indian mosques, and the Malik-e-Maidan, a large medieval cannon believed to grant any wish. Before returning to the train visit the 17th-century Mehtar Mahal and the Ibrahim Rouza tomb, with its 24-metre-high minarets said to have inspired those of the Taj Mahal. (B, L, D)
Day 5 - Aihole & Pattadakal:Arrive into Aihole and explore some of the 70 rock-cut temples built by Chalukyan kings. Each temple is different from the other and also different from others in India. Continue along the banks of the river to Pattadakal to see its architecture, a mixture of north Indian (Nagara) and south Indian (Dravidian). Return to the train for lunch. After lunch, take part in an optional tour. Choose from visiting the weaving village of Guledgud or visit the rock-cut caves and historical temples of Badami. Return to the train for dinner and overnight journey to Hospet. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Hospet:Arrive in Hospet and spend the day visiting the exceptional ruins of the 15th-century Vijayanagar empire. Take a short drive to Hampi and its boulder-strewn landscape to visit the Narasimha statue and take in the incredible views from the Hemkuta hills. As you walk along the Tungabhadra river, visit the extravagant Vittala temple. After lunch on the train at Hospet, return to Hampi and visit the Royal Centre, the old citadel of the Vijayanagra kings. Now a Unesco world heritage site, explore many of the enclosures such as the Queen’s Bath, the Stepped Tank or the great platform from where you can access the summit. (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Hyderabad:Arrive into Hyderabad, the royal city of the Nizams and proceed to the Golconda Fort, built in the 13th century and eventually becoming the seat of power of the Qutub Shahi dynasty. Return to the train for lunch after which you can choose to take an optional shopping tour around Hyderabad, known for its pearls, bangles and fragrances. Later in the afternoon visit the Falaknuma Palace for high tea. (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Ellora caves:Morning arrival in Daulatabad, gateway to Aurangabad and the Ellora cave temples. This morning, visit the world heritage-listed cave temples of Ellora. These caves are a spectacular culmination of Deccan rock-cut architecture. Over five centuries, generations of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monks carved monasteries, chapels and temples from a 2-kilometre-long escarpment and decorated them with a profusion of sculptures of remarkable imagination and detail. Return to the train for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Ajanta cave temples:Today, visit the spectacular caves at Ajanta. These Buddhist cave temples date from around 200BC, and continued to be added to until 650AD, predating those at nearby Ellora. As Ellora developed and Buddhism gradually declined, the Ajanta caves were abandoned and eventually forgotten, but in 1819 a British hunting party stumbled upon them, and their remote beauty was soon unveiled. Ajanta is listed as a world heritage site by Unesco. After lunch on the train visit a memorial to Mahatma Ghandi, one of the most influential leaders not just in India but in the whole world. (B, L, D)
Day 10 - Mumbai:Morning arrival in Mumbai, where you will disembark. Continue to the LaLiT Mumbai (or similar) for an overnioght stay. (B)
Day 11 - To London:Fly to London with British Airways. (B)
Meal basis:As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
Important informationFrom London with British Airways on Thursday evenings.
Departures:From London with British Airways on Thursday evenings.
Itinerary changes:Please check the itinerary when you board the train as this is subject to change at the discretion of the operator.
Luxury tour:Featuring some of the most luxurious accommodation throughout the tour. Prices are based on the standard category, unless indicated otherwise.
Cabin upgrades:The guideline price quoted is based on a Deluxe cabin. Please contact Cox & Kings for a quote based on the Presidential suite.
Overnight journeys:The train operator has made every effort to ensure that the train travels between cities and towns during early mornings and late evenings, allowing guests to see the beautiful and diverse scenery as the train cuts across the Indian countryside; however, on certain days there are overnight journeys to cover the vast distances and, on other days, some overnight travel is essential to follow the schedule as per the requirements of the Indian Railways.
Tailor-made travel:For a price quote based on alternative accommodation standards, to discuss flight options or to tailor this itinerary, please call to speak with a Cox & Kings consultant or enquire online.
Located approximately 10 minutes drive from Sahar International airport, the The Lalit Mumbai offers first-class accommodation in its 369 comfortably furnished rooms and suites. The rooms are spacious and combine traditional features with contemporary style. The hotel offers a variety of dining options and leisure facilities include a holistic health centre and an outdoor swimming pool.
The Deccan Odyssey train comprises 12 air-conditioned deluxe saloons. Guests are accommodated in fully air-conditioned, spacious and comfortably furnished carriages, each carriage featuring four twin- / double-bed cabins complete with modern en suite facilities. The cabins are furnished with essential modern conveniences including a flat-screen television and a telephone. The bar car provides an ideal setting for a leisurely drink after a day's sightseeing and a comfortable place to relax and meet fellow passengers. On board, guests can take advantage of the spa car, which has been set aside for relaxation and rejuvenation. The Deccan Odyssey also features two restaurant cars serving an array of superb Indian and international cuisine. Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the train. Please check the itinerary when you board the train as this is subject to change, at the discretion of the operator. All excursions taken from the Deccan Odyssey are on a shared basis.
JWL2020
Flexible Prices & Itineraries
For a quote based on alternative accommodation standards or flight options, or to tailor this
itinerary, please call 020 7873 5000
or
send an email enquiry
Please call 020 7873 5000 for more information or to make a booking.
Prices above are per person in pounds sterling (£), based on two people sharing a twin-room. The prices which were valid at the time of publication, may be subject to change, particularly as a result of variable flight costs. You will be informed of any such changes prior to booking.
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