Hidden Treasures of Gujarat

Welcome onboard Deccan Odyssey. In the evening, around 1530 hours, guests have to gather at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus to complete their registration and check-in formalities for royal journey to commence; mean while enjoy your welcome drink. Later, guest will be taken to their respective cabins. Make yourself comfortable in your impressive cabins. Dinner and overnight stay onboard, as the train proceeds for Vadodra.

On second day of your Hidden Treasures of Gujarat tour, post an unhurried breakfast, the train enters Vadodra. Settled along the seasonal River Vishwamirtri, Vadodra is the capital of Gaekwads. As soon you are done with breakfast, leave to visit Champaner.

Champaner is a pre-Mughal Islamic city in India that boasts of historic, archaeological and living cultural heritage. Make your visit to Pavagadh Archaeological Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, you visit Jami Masjid. Constructed in 1531, the Great Mosque, Jami Masjid presents a perfect mélange of Hindu and Muslim styles.

Thereafter, drive back to Vadodra. Savor lunch onboard Deccan Odyssey. Then you proceed to visit Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, which was formerly built as a school for Maharaja's children. The museum exhibits a rich display of collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Verma and European masters. You can also see sculptures made of marble and bronze.

Post lunch; visit the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, a popular attraction of Vadodara which was originally constructed as a school for the Maharaja's children. A major attraction for art lovers, Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum displays the works of different artists and it houses great collection paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and other renowned European Masters. The museum also has a collection of sculptures made in marble and bronze.

Afterwards, tea-lovers can enjoy high-tea at Laxmi Vilas Palace. The palace was constructed in 1890 and is believed to be four times the size of Buckingham Palace. Laxmi Vilas is the home of royal family, even today. There is a Durbar Hall that has mosaic floor, Belgian stained-glass windows and the walls are decorated with intricate mosaic designs. You can see the wonderful collection of old armory, sculptures made of bronze, marble and terracotta by Fellici.

Afterwards, as you relish delectable and delicious dishes from Royal kitchen, enjoy folk performances.

Return to the comforts of Deccan Odyssey. Dinner and overnight stay on the luxury train, as it departs for Palitana.

Have breakfast while you enjoy the passing landscape. Third day is set-out for exploring Palitana. Palitana is one among the world's largest complexes, majorly known for its brilliant cluster of Jain temples built in marble. Pay a visit to the most popular temples among the 900 temples, which are settled on a hilltop.

Get back onboard Deccan Odyssey for scrumptious lunch. The luxury train progresses towards the next site Sasan Gir, which is home to Asiatic Lion. Thereafter, in the afternoon, you have free time, relax in your cabins or enjoy the amenities of Deccan Odyssey. Indulge in some activity or watch a movie or get to know about the rule of a popular game 'carom'. You may also opt for a rejuvenating massage in our spa section onboard.

Dinner and overnight stay on the luxury train.

Today, have breakfast and straight away drive to Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. On reaching, a guide takes you for a morning game-drive in the forest. If you are lucky enough, you may spot the endangered Asiatic lion.

Next, while you enjoy a tribal dance at the Gateway hotel, have your lunch. Then, you head to Somnath Temple. Somnath is a highly-revered site that is blessed with one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The holy shrine is believed to be disheveled a lot of times. Firstly, it was constructed in 4th century A.D.,later, destroyed, looted and restored several times.

Later, come back to the train and relax with a drink. Dinner and night stay onboard Deccan Odyssey and continue your journey to Little Rann of Kutch.

On fifth day, have breakfast as the luxury train arrives in Viramgam Railway Station. From the station, disembark to drive to a particular stop and further get transferred to a jeep for a safari to Little Rann of Kutch; a seasonal salt marsh, which is spread over 7500 square km. During monsoon this salt marsh turns into a salty sea. Discover the location of Rann on jeep. You may visit Wild Ass Sanctuary which is home to endangered species of desert fox, jungle cat, jackal and few avifaunas. You may also get to spot Indian wild ass.

Afterwards, lunch is served at Rann Riders resort. The menu here will serve you the regional specialties of the Maliks of Rann and delicious Gujarati fare. Done with lunch, you may stroll around the lodge and spend time with Marwari and Kathiawari horses.

Further, take a village safari and meet varied communities. Here, you get to see the Agarias and saltpanners, busy in their work drying out the salt and beaded bangles made by Mirs and Dasada. You may also visit home of Rabari tribe and get to know about their everyday life and local school of the place where children greets you and share their experiences.

Return back to the comforts of Deccan Odyssey. Dinner is served onboard followed by overnight stay as the train leaves for Patan.

In the morning the train reaches Patan. In medieval times, Patan was known to be the capital city of Gujarat. Post an unhurried breakfast, then disembark and drive to Sun Temple in Modhera. Devoted to Sun god, Sun temple is a notable 11th century shrine constructed by Solanki dynasty. Inside the complex of the shrine, you can see intricate carvings. In front of the temple there is a tank that has 108 shrines.

Later, proceed to Patan to visit the Rani ki Vav, a step-well which is a perfect example of subterranean well architecture. As you walk down, you pass hundreds of delicate carvings and statues on the side walls, the statues of Hindu gods and goddess including Parvati, Shiva and Vishnu.

Make your visit to Patola House, where Salvi family's traditional craft making of beautiful silk Patola sarees takes place. After visiting Patola Palace, get back to the luxury train for lunch. Rest of the time is at leisure, as Deccan Odyssey proceeds towards Nashik. Dinner and night stay on the luxury train.

Today, have breakfast as the train enters the holy city of Nashik, which is gaining the position of Wine Capital of the Country. Disembark and proceed to visit Pandu Leni. Pandu Leni is one of the ancient Jain and Buddhist cave temples in India. The caves here date back to 13th century A.D. and the set of 24 caves here date back to 1st century B.C. Later, you visit Grover Zampa vineyards, where you get to see and know about best Indian wine producing facilities. Take a long walk along the vines laden with Chenin, Chardonnay and Shiraz grapes. Wine lovers can also ask sommelier to serve some wine with lunch at vineyards. Watch how popular wines are prepared through the age old 'méthode traditionnelle'. Thereafter, you head to Godavari Ghats, where all the worship ceremonies associated with birth, death and life are performed.

After a fun-filled day drive back to Deccan Odyssey as it continues for Mumbai. Later, dinner is served and night stay on board.

On eight and last day of your Hidden Treasures of Gujarat tour, enjoy a hearty breakfast onboard and disembark at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station, Mumbai. Reaching Mumbai marks the end of your luxurious journey. Bid farewell to Deccan Odyssey.