Grand India ON THE DECCAN ODYSSEY - LUXURY TRAIN with Scott McGregor GRAND INDIA TOUR 27 th JAN - 6 th FEBRUARY 2018 SHIMLA EXTENTION 7 th - 10 th FEBRUARY 2018 MUMBAI VADODARA UDAIPUR JODHPUR AGRA JAIPUR DELHI
OVERVIEW India is defined by its diversity, its people, its landscapes and its traditions. Spirituality is the common thread strung across the vast and diverse tapestry that is the subcontinent, and nowhere epitomises this better than the world cities of Mumbai and Delhi, the sweeping plains and grand forts of Rajasthan, and the spectacular setting and character of the old British-Raj hill station in Shimla. Immerse yourself in the life of luxury train travel as you discover the splendors of India s most compelling destinations on the opulent Deccan Odyssey. Our journey begins in Mumbai, an epicentre of energy and rich history, and continues through Jodhpur, set like a pearl amidst the stark desert, renowned for its forts and glorious palaces. Visit the wondrous Taj Mahal as you traverse through Agra, and the palaces, mansions and formidable forts in The City of Victory, Jaipur. Enjoy 7 nights on the luxury Deccan Odyssey, 5-star hotels and resorts, all meals and a feast of cultural excursions, exploring India s most prosperous and grand regions. Choose to extend your journey to Shimla, the old British hill station, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayan mountains, where you will enjoy luxurious accommodation, views of the Himalayas and an exclusive private charter on the famous Shimla Mountain Railway. THE DECCAN ODYSSEY LUXURY TRAIN TRAVEL IN INDIA India s very own Blue Train is equipped with state of the art amenities to offer a lavish and pampering ride to its guests. Spacious sleeping coaches with private facilities are inspired by the imperial carriages used by the Maharajas of the yore. All the sleeping compartments are fully equipped with facilities such as private bathrooms, air-conditioning, internet connectivity and personalised guest amenities to make sure that your journey will be a comfortable and memorable one. Moreover, the multicuisine dining car, the spacious well stocked bar car, high-tech conference and health-spa car add to the sense of occasion as you cruise by rail through the heart of India. WHY TRAVEL WITH US Small groups - less queuing, easier access to attractions, better chance to get to know your fellow travellers. Unique itineraries with authentic experiences - lovingly crafted tours with a focus on spectacular scenery, heritage and culture via private charters, VIP access and genuine cultural activities. Expert local guides - the inside story from the locals. Gently paced - plenty of time to smell the roses, go shopping, explore, and chill out Fully escorted tours - experienced, knowledgeable, caring and well-resourced tour leaders who will make sure your adventure is as stress-free as possible Ranthambore Tiger Mehrangarh Fort in Jodphur MEET YOUR TOUR LEADER SCOTT MCGREGOR has been involved in the media for over 30 years as an actor, presenter, writer and producer, and has been a traveller all his life, including leading tours for a decade before launching Railway Adventures. Graduating from NIDA in 1979, he appeared in a wide range of stage, film and TV roles, including the lead role in the ABC s epic mini-series 1915. He s presented for, or hosted, numerous prime-time ratings winners including Better Homes and Gardens and Room For Improvement, two series of his own - Railway Adventures for Channels 10 and 7, and a number of programs for The Lifestyle and History Channels at Foxtel. He also owns and operates RUWENZORI a unique Orient Express style tourist retreat, comprising lovingly and faithfully restored rail carriages, on the Great Dividing Range near Mudgee in Central NSW.
HIGHLIGHTS Visit numerous architectural marvels including the Taj Mahal, the Agra Fort and the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodphur Traverse the wonders of Northern India with 7 nights on board the opulent Deccan Odyssey Reside in some of India s most luxurious hotels and resorts and on board your very own palace on wheels Transfers, tipping, luggage handling and all meals included Beautiful landscapes at the Ranthambore Tiger Park, the jungles of Gujarat state, and deserts of Rajasthan Special excursions off the beaten track to numerous markets, villages, museums and palaces Optional extension to the old British Hill Station of Shimla on the world heritage listed mountain railway Enjoy delectable meals created by the on board chef on the train and at some of India s best restaurants TOUR MAP Jodhpur Udaipur Jaipur Shimla Ambala Sonipat Solan Kurukshetra Delhi Agra Sawai Madhopur/ Ranthambore Extension Train Vadodara Mumbai HOW YOU WILL TRAVEL The best train trips possible, private luxury coach for off-train travel and many other appealing ways to travel. Here s a selection: Deccan Odyssey Shimla Moutain Railway Shatabdi Express
DAY 1: Saturday 27 Jan - ARRIVE MUMBAI Arrive at Mumbai Airport where you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. (Most flights into Mumbai arrive late in the evening.) Experience Indian hospitality as you are welcomed with a traditional Aarti ceremony, then meet with Scott for a welcome drink before settling into your room. Overnight: Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai DAY 2: Sunday 28 Jan - MUMBAI Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel before setting out to explore this busy city. Our guided tour begins at Mumbai s most iconic monument, the Gateway of India, before we continue with a visit to the vast Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus train station (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). As we drive through this bustling city, view the Rajabai Clock Tower (the Big Ben of India), the Oval Cricket Ground and the beautiful Bombay High Court. We then arrive at the astonishing Dhobi Ghat, where hundreds of workers do masses of Mumbai s washing in open-air concrete wash pens. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue this adventure with a stop at Mani Bhavan, Mahatma Gandhi s residence in Mumbai, before visiting the Jain Temple, Banganga Tank and Kamala Nehru Park. Later in the afternoon, make a stop at the Crawford Market and spend some time at your leisure, shopping at the Colaba Causeway or wandering the atmospheric streets around your hotel. Tonight, take a short walk down the boulevard to Indigo, one of Mumbai s best restaurants, for a delicious local dinner. Overnight: Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai (B, L, D) DAY 3: Monday 29 Jan - MUMBAI Board Deccan Odyssey Enjoy a leisurely morning, including a sumptuous buffet breakfast in the hotel s grand dining room, before checking out at noon. We visit the Prince of Wales Museum on our way to lunch at the famous Khyber restaurant. The astounding Victory Terminus station, where we arrive in the midafternoon, is the setting for your introduction to the Deccan Odyssey. You are greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and drinks, as the Deccan Odyssey departs Mumbai, heading north to Vadodara. DAY 4: Tuesday 30 Jan - Vadodara Today we arrive at the ancient regional capital of Vadodara. Following breakfast, we visit the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only unchanged pre-mughal Islamic city in India. Marvel at the Jami Masjid (Great Mosque), built in 1513, which represents a perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture. After a leisurely lunch on board the Deccan Odyssey we visit the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, originally constructed as a school for the Maharaja s children. Enjoy high tea at the resplendent Laxmi Vilas Palace, built in 1890 and the residence of the Royal family even today. Witness a folk performance typical of the region as you savor some of the special delicacies from the Royal kitchens. Dinner tonight is on board the Decca Odyssey. Amer Fort in Jaipur DAY 5: Wed 31 Jan - Udaipur As the Deccan Odyssey rolls into Udaipur, enjoy your breakfast while admiring the picturesque landscape of the Aravalli hills. We then disembark to visit the famous City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan and the home of the spectacular Crystal Gallery. Our tour continues with a boat cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola, before we return to the Deccan Odyssey for lunch. Later we embark on a walking tour through the Old City. Sample the exquisite variety of handicrafts, including jewelry, paintings and pottery. As the evening descends, we return to the Deccan Odyssey for a relaxed evening and dinner. DAY 6: Thurs 1 Feb - Jodhpur This morning the Deccan Odyssey travels through the striking panorama of the Thar Desert as we approach Jodhpur. The morning is free to spend at your leisure. Those who wish to step out have the option of visiting a weavers village, a potters village and a Bishnoi village, home of the Bishnoi tribe, whose traditions and skills are passed down unchanged through generations. An additional option is to enjoy spa facilities at a hotel. Following lunch on the train, we set out to explore the magnificent city of Jodhpur, a former capital of Marwar, which boasts some of the finest architecture from the Rajput era. Experience glimpses of the local lifestyle as you walk through the Old Clock Tower market on the way to the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort. The intricate carvings and expansive courtyards of the several palaces, and the intriguing palanquins, paintings and costumes showcase the opulence of the life of the great Rajputs. In the evening enjoy an array of sumptuous Marwar barbeque delights, served in the royal courtyard of Mehrangarh Fort. As we find ourselves back on board this evening, the train rolls on toward Agra the heart of the Mughal story. DAY 7: Fri 2 Feb - Agra Arriving at Agra, you will discover that the Mughals were not just the greatest dynasty to rule India, but also its greatest builders. After a leisurely breakfast on board, you will visit the Taj Mahal Emperor Shah Jahan s gift of love to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and truly the world s most wondrous monument. After lunch at a city hotel, your tour of Agra continues as we visit the mausoleum of Ghiyas Beg. Beautifully conceived in white marble, mosaic and lattice, it is often referred to as the Baby Taj. The Agra Fort is another outstanding example of Mughal architecture, and was the seat of Mughal reign and administration for three generations. We will visit the Diwan-e-Am (Hall of Public Audience) and the Royal Pavilions. Later, you have the opportunity to wander the local markets or, as an optional activity, enjoy luxury spa facilities at a hotel. Dinner tonight will be on board the Deccan Odyssey
DAY 8: Sat 3 Feb - Sawai Madhopur Ranthambore National Park Your day starts early with an introduction to India s wild side, a safari in the famous Ranthambore National Park. The park prides itself on its efforts to conserve the dwindling tiger population. It is the most likely place to spot one of these majestic animals, as well as many other species including leopards, crocodiles, deer and gazelle, all from the vantage point of your open-top Jeep. Enjoy an early lunch in the comfort of the Deccan Odyssey before we set off for another excursion, this time to a local village. The people of Rajasthan s villages are mostly tribals who subsist on farming and hunting. They are friendly and welcoming, happy to offer deep insights into their daily lives. After a fulfilling afternoon, proceed for high tea at the Sawai Madhopur Lodge, the former hunting lodge of the erstwhile royal family of Jaipur. We then return to the Deccan Odyssey where you can relax with a drink before dinner on board. DAY 9: Sun 4 Feb - Jaipur Today we explore Jaipur, the City of Victory, legendary for the triumphs of its proud Rajputs. After breakfast we drive to Maharaja Man Singh s 17th century masterpiece, the Amber Fort, a sprawling complex of courtyards, halls and rooms adorned with beautiful paintings. Behold the Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), where a single lamplight reflects in many mirrors and lights up the entire room, creating a dazzling effect. En route to the Amber Fort, visit the Palace of Winds, otherwise known as the Hawa Mahal, famous for its intricate pink sandstone carvings and beautiful views of the city. The City Palace of Jaipur is another grand palace complex with an exquisite collections of rare manuscripts, armoury, costumes and carpets. Walk across to the adjacent Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory built in the 18th century, and a wondrous achievement for its time. Lunch today will be at a city hotel. This afternoon is free for you to enjoy spa facilities at a palace hotel or to explore the colourful bazaars of the Pink City. After a full day of delving into the royal past of Jaipur, return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner on board as it journeys on to Delhi. DAY 10: Mon 5 Feb - Delhi We bid farewell to the beloved Deccan Odyssey before setting out to explore Delhi on a guided city tour. Drive through the iconic war memorial, The India Gate, and take a short walk on the Raisina Hill to the Presidential Palace. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through the Chandni Chowk streets, a myriad of alleyways, full of colorful bazaars, markets and temples. Here we make a stop at Asia s largest spice market, before continuing onto The Jama Mosque. Your lunch stop is a European and Middle-Eastern al fresco at the Lodi Garden Restaurant. Spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure in the magnificent surrounds of your hotel with its many gardens, pools and bars. This evening dinner is at the celebrated Veda Restaurant. Overnight: Imperial Hotel, Delhi (B, L, D) DAY 11: Tues 6 Feb - DELHI Departure Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel on your last morning of the tour. We will check out at noon and drive to see the Emperor Humayun s Tomb, a Mughal icon and an architectural marvel that has inspired many grand Mughal structures including the Taj Mahal. We celebrate our journey together with a farewell lunch at the Olive Bar & Kitchen, a Mediterranean restaurant. Following lunch, we visit the Qutab Minar, a colossal red sandstone victory tower built by the first Muslim rulers in the 11th century. For those heading home, you will be transferred to the airport for your late evening flights back home. If you are continuing your journey to Shimla, enjoy a little more sightseeing in Delhi and an evening at leisure. (B) PRICE Per person twin share... $12,485 Single supplement... $2,585 Deposit (per person)... $1000 at time of booking Final payment due by... 1 December 2017 INCLUSIONS 10 nights accommodation on twin-sharing basis at the hotels mentioned above or similar (including 7 nights on board Deccan Odyssey train from Mumbai to Delhi). Daily buffet breakfast at the hotels/on board Deccan Odyssey as mentioned above. All lunches and dinners at the hotels/local restaurants as mentioned in the program (beginning with breakfast on 28th January till lunch on 6th February 2018). All transfers, excursions and sightseeing tours by an airconditioned mini coach in Mumbai and Delhi and a shared large coach while traveling on the Deccan Odyssey. Entrance fees at all monuments, road taxes, parking fees, fuel charges and interstate taxes. Services of a local English speaking guide in all cities. Local representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers at the airport and in cities. Deccan Odyssey: guided off-train excursions and game drives as illustrated in the itinerary, inclusive of entrance fees, park fees and jeep rides. EXCLUSIONS Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc. International flights. All activities mentioned as options in the itinerary.
OPTIONAL SHIMLA EXTENSION DAY 12: Wed 7 Feb- Delhi Shimla A century ago the British selected Shimla as their summer capital, using it as a retreat from the blistering heat of the plains. Named the abode of the high and mighty, Shimla is spectacularly set at over 2000 metres, with beautiful promenades, graceful colonial buildings, wooded ravines, evergreen forests and the snow-capped Himalayas as a backdrop. We begin our Shimla journey with an early morning transfer to the station to board the Shatabdi (India s popular fleet of fast-express trains). Later in the morning, we reach Kalka, a small station on the foothills of the great Himalayan range, and the boarding point of the narrow gauge Toy Train. Your journey is a once in a lifetime opportunity to marvel at spectacular scenery on a line that winds its way up the mountains, crossing more than 800 bridges and diving through over 100 tunnels. We arrive in the quaint Barog station in the early afternoon and head to a local restaurant for refreshments, before continuing further up the mountain in private cars to our grand hotel. The Wildflower Hall, formerly the abode of Lord Kitchener, exudes the ambience of a colonial hill station home. Luxurious rooms, lavish lounges, a bridge room and a library will be yours for the next few nights. Top this off with panoramic views of the Himalayas and 23 acres of beautiful protected Cedar forest. Overnight: Wildflower Hall, Shimla ( L, D) DAY 13: Thurs 8 Feb - Shimla Spend the morning relaxing at the hotel; enjoy a leisurely breakfast, unwind by the pool overlooking the snow-capped mountain peak, or take a short walk in the cedar forest. After lunch, we travel to Shimla for a walk in and around the ridge, lined with grand examples of British architecture, including the Town Hall, the church, the post office, and the neo-gothic Gorton Castle, formerly the government secretariat. You will have time to wander the streets or cap off the day with some fine mountain tea at the Indian Coffee House. Late in the afternoon we transfer back to the hotel for dinner. Overnight: Wildflower Hotel, Shimla (B, L, D) DAY 14: Fri 9 Feb - Shimla After breakfast at the hotel, we will pay a visit to the Viceregal Lodge, the official summer residence of the British viceroys, which was completed in 1888. The Indian subcontinent was ruled from here for half of every year from that time till WWII. Today it houses the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, and the beautiful gardens make an enjoyable stroll. Your afternoon is free to spend some time shopping in the extensive markets and artisan stalls surrounding the Mall, or to return to the hotel for time at your leisure. Overnight: Windflower Hotel, Shimla (B, L, D) DAY 15: Sat 10 Feb - Shimla Delhi This morning, bid adieu to the queen of the hills and transfer to the station, where our exclusively chartered vintage rail car will be waiting to take us back down the mountain. Enjoy the journey back to Shimla through pine forests and past charming Victorian-style railway stations. At Barog station, we transfer to our private car to continue the journey to Chandigarh, where we will have lunch at a local restaurant and board the Vistara flight to Delhi. On arrival at Delhi airport, you will be assisted and transferred to the terminal for your flight back home. (B, L) PRICE Per person twin share... $3,475 Single supplement... $895 Deposit (per person)... $500 at time of booking Final payment due by... 1 December 2017 INCLUSIONS Shimla Mall 3 nights accommodation on twin-sharing basis at the hotels mentioned above or similar. Daily buffet breakfast at the hotels as mentioned above. All lunches and dinners at the hotels/local restaurants as mentioned in the program (begins with dinner on 7th February to lunch on 10th February 2018) All transfers, excursions and sightseeing tours by air-conditioned mini coach in Delhi and air-conditioned Toyota Innova (3-seater) in Shimla. Entrance fees at all monuments, road taxes, parking fees, fuel charges and interstate taxes. Services of a local English speaking guide in all cities. Local representative for assistance on all arrival and departure transfers at the airport and in cities. Chair car train tickets from Delhi to Kalka on Shatabdi Express and chair car train tickets on the Kalka-Shimla Himalayan Queen. EXCLUSIONS Viceroy Castle, Shimla Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc. International flights. All activities mentioned as options in the itinerary.
SUGGESTED FLIGHTS We have recommended flights for this itinerary depending on your departure point from Australia and your pre and post tour activities and/or stopovers en route. We can investigate your preferred airline and offer you a solution based on connection times and price. Contact 1300 733 323 to discuss your options. HOW TO BOOK Contact Guidepost Tours on 1300 733 323 or enquiries@guidepost-travel.com for a booking form. Submit the booking form along with your deposit of $1000 per person to secure your place on tour. DETAILS SUBJECT TO CHANGE We endeavour to have all the details of our tours correct at the time of printing however sometimes factors beyond our control such as the availability of requested hotels, the operation of trains and other services may affect the final inclusions and price. Therefore, items mentioned in the brochure such as quoted prices, hotels, tour leaders and inclusions are subject to change. Although it is rare and we will only do it as a last resort, tours can sometimes be cancelled if minimum numbers aren t reached. TOUR PACE / LEVEL OF FITNESS: Our itineraries are designed to make the most of what is available along the way so a reasonable amount of activity is built into most days, which is why we call them adventures. Our philosophy is to offer the most of a destination leaving you, the guests, to pace yourselves and choose how much or how little you may like to do. We do however incorporate some free time for exploration and relaxation on your own and time at leisure is peppered throughout the tour. A reasonable level of fitness is required for most of our tours. Being able to manage your own luggage, get on and off all manner of trains, various amounts of walking, standing and climbing steps and stairs are all part of our adventures. Our Grand India Tour is a Luxury Adventure, please talk to the team if you are unsure of your ability to participate or need more detail about what is involved. ADDITIONAL TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS We can assist you with your flights, pre- and post-travel including extended stays and travel insurance. Call our office on 1300 733 323 if you would like to discuss options. TERMS AND CONDITIONS For more information on factors that may affect your ability to participate in the tour such as fitness levels, fees and charges, payment schedules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions that accompany the booking form. Terms and Conditions can also be requested at any time. WHERE YOU WILL STAY Hand-picked hotels and resorts based on location, customer feedback, value and atmosphere. Here s a selection; Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai Deccan Odyssey Interiors The Imperial Hotel, Delhi Wildflower Hall, Shimla
Jal Mahal Palace, Jaipur THE RAILWAY ADVENTURES STORY Railway Adventures was Launched in 2012 by well-known Australian TV personality and self-declared rail aficionado Scott McGregor. A lifelong passion for travel has taken Scott to scores of countries and his preference for rail has seen him exploring many of the world s great train journeys, confirming his belief that the most relaxing and engaging way to see a country is by rail. Since 2012 more than 50 tours from Sweden to Sri Lanka, Tasmania to Transylvania, Britain to Burma and Venice to Vietnam have thrilled and delighted over 700 travellers. Scott s numerous rail-themed TV documentaries, his ongoing involvement in rail heritage and his extensive connections with private train owners around the world guarantee that a Railway Adventures tour is exclusive, entertaining and authentic. New tours are launched regularly, inspired by new trains, new routes and the growing interest in taking a train to some of the world s most fascinating places. This tour is operated by Platinum Travel Corp in association with Scott McGregor s Railway Adventures. ATAS Accreditation No: A10597 Thoroughly rewarding trip. Well constructed itinerary including both railway interest and a diverse variety of heritage sites...a most enjoyable journey. - Murray, AUCKLAND, NZ