Hidden Treasures of Gujarat

Today the train enters the cultural capital of Gujarat, Vadodara, placed on the banks of Vishwamitri River. After breakfast in the train, get all set for a city tour of Vadodara. Proceed to visit the World Heritage Site of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park. It has various historic and cultural heritage properties along with lush landscape. Next is the visit to Jama Masjid, a 15th century mosque, an amalgam of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Post lunch, head to the well-stocked Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. After this explore Laxmi Vilas Palace, a royal residence, as stunning as the Buckingham Palace. Do not miss noticing complex mosaic decorations on the walls and the windows. The palace museum has a fine collection of armoury and sculptures. While in the palace, attend a folk performance during High-tea. Move back to the train, which leaves for Vadodra.

Overnight stay aboard Deccan Odyssey.

On the 3rd day of your rail tour, this Indian luxury train has entered Palitana, a popular sacred site in Gujarat. After relishing breakfast, get ready to explore the famous Jain temples, a group of 900 temple, which is built on a hilltop. These temples are dedicated to Jain Trithankaras. Return to the luxury Deccan Odyssey train for lunch. The train has now started its journey towards Sasan Gir. The rest of the day is ay leisure. You can enjoy the on-board entertainment options such as watching a movie, heading to the train's spa for a relaxing massage or play board games. Dinner is served on-board.

Stay overnight.

Go for an early morning wildlife safari at Sasan Gir. Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is the only home of the royal Asiatic Lions in India. A guide accompanies you during the wildlife tour. Bird watching is another popular activity here. Return to the train for breakfast. Next visit is to the highly revered Somnath temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. It is also known as Prabhas Pattan and Deo Pattan. The temple is popular for its stunning architecture, the wonderful carvings and use of precious stones. Have lunch at a popular city hotel. Back on-board the Deccan Odyssey that leaves for the Little Rann of Kutch. Enjoy the facilities offered on-board. Enjoy dinner.

Overnight stay.

Early morning arrival at the Viramgam station. Have breakfast on-board. By road, travel to the Rann of Kutch, the marshy salt desert, one of the most popular attractions in Gujarat. A mesmerizing white desert, it is a complete charmer. Head to the Wild Ass Sanctuary for desert jeep safari. The sanctuary is home to a decent population of Indian Wild Asses. Bird watching is another popular activity here with the sanctuary being home to a vast variety of colourful birds. Lunch at the Rann Riders Safari Resort is followed by a village safari tour in the Rann of Kutch. Interact with the resident tribes like the Agarias tribe and Rabari tribe. Back on-board the luxury train of India. The journey to Patan begins. Relish dinner on-board the train.

Stay Overnight.

Today, the train arrives in the historic town of Patan. This is an 8th century fortified town with holy sites, lakes, a world heritage site and forts. Have breakfast on-board the Deccan Odyssey luxury train. Disembark to visit the Modhera sun temple. Made up of sandstone, this temple is dedicated to Sun God. The temple complex is known for its delicate carvings and has 108 more shrines. Next you head to Rani Ki Vav- the world heritage site. This is an 11th century step well known to be one of the biggest step wells in Gujarat. It is a fine example of subterranean well architecture. Visit the traditional home of Patola sarees in Gujarat. Back to Deccan Odyssey train for lunch. The evening is scheduled for watching rural India as the luxury train makes it run towards Nashik.

Stay overnight.

On the 7th day, the train arrives in the holy city of Nashik. After enjoying dinner, get ready for a visit to the ancient Buddhist and Jain cave temples, some of the oldest ones in India- Pandu Leni. In this group of caves while some are as old as 1st century BC, others belong to 13th century. As Nashik is one of India's largest wine producing states, enjoy a visit to Grover Zampa vineyards, one of the finest wine facilities in Nashik. Notice the traditional process of producing wines from various kinds of grape varieties such as Chenin, Chardonnay and Shiraz. Enjoy a glass of your favourite wine, along with an elaborate lunch. The evening is scheduled for a leisure walk at the sacred Godavari ghats. Return to Deccan Odyssey train that starts its journey back to Mumbai. Dinner is served to the guests.

Overnight stay.

Deccan Odyssey reaches back to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway station in Mumbai. After breakfast, complete the check-out formalities and bid adieu.