The
Darjeeling Mail
Explore
India aboard the private Deccan Odyssey
April 14-28, 2008; Sept. 15-29, 2008
Sept. 19-Oct. 3, 2008
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ON APRIL DEPARTURE!
Itinerary
Day 1: Bombay (Mumbai)
Transfer from airport to Taj Mahal Hotel for a two-night stay.
Day 2: Bombay (Mumbai)
Morning boat trip to Elephanta Island, a beautiful thickly wooded area. See the fascinating cave complex dating to the 3rd-5th centuries and, if we’re lucky, spot some of the local monkeys. Welcome drinks and dinner in the hotel.
Day 3: Bombay (Mumbai)
City tour including famous “Dhobi Ghats” outdoor laundry, Fort Bombay and Gandhi’s House (now a museum). Lunch in traditional Khyber restaurant. Afternoon to visit local market, then transfer to Deccan Odyssey train, which will be your hotel-on-wheels for seven nights. Welcome reception in bar car and breakfast.
Day 4: Udaipur
Relax on the train until afternoon arrival in Udaipur, “City of Lakes.” Visit the all-marble Lake Palace and the superbly decorated City Palace.
Day 5: Rewari, Delhi
Visit Rewari Heritage Locomotive depot. Arrive Delhi for city tour including Jama Masjid Mosque, the Raj Ghat memorial to Gandhi, Humayuns Tomb and Qutab Minar. Dinner on board.
Day 6: Jaipur
Arrive the “Pink City” of Jaipur; visit Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar observatory, City Palace and Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds). Dinner in elegant Rambagh Palace Hotel.
Day 7: Fatehpur Sikri
After breakfast visit haunting World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri, called the “ghost city.” Lunch en route to Agra; afternoon visit of Agra Fort.
Day 8: Agra
Full day dedicated to exploring the stunning Taj Mahal, built in 1648 by Shah Jahan as a monument to his beloved wife.
Day 9: Varanasi
Early morning arrival into Varanasi on the banks of Ganges, one of India’s holiest places. Hindus believe bathing in the Ganges washes away all sin. Private river cruise to view pilgrims’ bathing ritual and walk through the old city.
Day 10: Darjeeling
Morning arrival into Siliguri and bid farewell to Deccan Odyssey train. Embark on spectacular journey towards hill station of Darjeeling. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) “Toy Train,” takes 6-7 hours or more. En route, the train passes breathtaking scenery and climbs to 7,400 feet at Ghum (highest station on Indian Railways), where snow-covered Mt. Kanchenchunga (28,000 feet and the world’s third highest mountain) dominates the skyline (weather permitting) before dropping 600 feet to Darjeeling. Ancient locomotives (oldest built in 1889) climb through zigzags and loops to gain height. Lunch served on train before arriving Darjeeling.
Day 11: Darjeeling
Awaken to beautiful scenery of Mt. Kanchenchunga. Ride DHR up to Batasia Loop and Ghum, a three-mile journey that climbs 600 feet. Train travels along a road with overloaded buses, trucks and cars and passes within inches of roadside shops and houses. Afternoon Darjeeling tour includes Tibetan refugee center.
Day 12: Darjeeling
Optional early-morning trip to Tiger Hill for sunrise over the Himalayas—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch sun light up snow-capped peaks of Kanchenchunga and Everest, 200 miles away (weather permitting). Sample local tea at a nearby plantation this afternoon.
Day 13: Calcutta
Breakfast in Darjeeling. Transfer to airport for one-hour flight to Calcutta. Two-night stay at Hotel Taj Bengal.
Day 14: Calcutta
Full day sightseeing Calcutta, cultural capital of India, including Victoria Memorial, South Park Cemetery and Dalhousie’s Square. Farewell dinner in local restaurant.
Day 15: Calcutta
Transfers to airport included.
2008 Tour Dates:
Eastbound (Bombay-Calcutta): April 14-28, 2008; Sept. 15-29, 2008
Westbound (Calcutta-Bombay): Sept. 19-Oct. 3, 2008
TOUR RATES:
$11,395 per
person, twin share
$17,195 single occupancy
$17,195 per
person, twin share SUITE
$26,395 single occupancy SUITE
NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ON APRIL DEPARTURE!
The Deccan Odyssey is the perfect fusion of luxury with the charm of train travel. An all inclusive luxury rail cruise with an opportunity to view India's unique landscapes and visit some of the world's outstanding attractions along the way. Carriages are extremely well appointed, spacious and comfortably furnished, making this an ideal setting to enjoy the many wonders that this varied country has to offer. Guests are accommodated in fully air conditioned deluxe carriages, which feature four twin bedded cabins, each with modern en-suite facilities including a shower and toilet, plus an audio and CD player in each room. Presidential suites for those looking for extra comfort and style are available at a supplement.
LOUNGE/BAR CARS
A lounge/Bar Car provides an ideal setting for a leisurely drink after a day's
sightseeing, or a comfortable place to relax and meet fellow passengers. There
are telephones located in each carriage, plus a state-of-the-art plasma TV
screen in the lounge car. On-board the guests can also take advantage of traditional
Ayurvedic massage, in the 'spa car'; set aside for relaxation and rejuvenation.
RESTAURANTS
The Deccan Odyssey features two restaurant cars, supplying an array of Indian,
Continental and International cuisine as the train passes through Maharashtra,
Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar pradesh, Bihart and Western Bengal.
Please note while we cater for certain diets, we remind you that gluten-free
and other such speciality diets are difficult to cater for, as products for
these diets may not be available in India.
Click here to download our tour
booking form.
CLICK HERE FOR TERMS & CONDITIONS OF THIS
TOUR.
The Society of International Railway Travelers
2010 Edgeland Ave., Louisville, KY 40204
800-478-4881 or 502-454-0277
Click
here to send us an e-mail.
|
|
|
