DAY 1: BOMBAY (MUMBAI)
Your voyage of discovery begins at Bombay airport, where you will be met and
transferred to the five-star Taj Mahal Hotel, conveniently located at 'The Gateway of
India' for a luxurious two night stay. (Meals today at your own arrangements)
DAY 2: BOMBAY
This morning we take a short cruise to Elephanta Island, a lush island densely wooded
with palm, mango and tamarind trees. The atmospheric and fascinating cave complex,
which dates back to the 3rd - 5th century, was designed to honour the life of Lord
Shiva, one of the most auspicious Hindu gods and is now a World Heritage Site.
Marvel at the many statues and works of art dedicated to Lord Shiva. We return to
Bombay for lunch at the Khyber restaurant (or similar) and in the afternoon you are
free to explore Bombay independently or visit one of the colourful local markets. In the
evening a welcome drinks reception is followed by dinner at your hotel where you can
get to know your fellow travellers who will share this remarkable Indian odyssey.
DAY 3: BOMBAY
This morning we visit the 'Dhobi Ghats', an intriguing outdoor laundry. The dhobi is
a traditional laundryman who collects your dirty linen, washes it and returns it neatly
pressed. The Ghats are the laundries where they practice this historic tradition. Our
tour then takes in Fort Bombay and Gandhi's House, now turned into a fascinating
museum depicting his inspirational life. Mid-afternoon sees us boarding our private
train, the Deccan Odyssey, a perfect way to experience the colour, character and
amazing diversity of India. Settle into your beautifully appointed cabin and enjoy the
hospitable atmosphere of the Bar Car before experiencing fine Indian or western
cuisine in one of the restaurant cars. An all day option prior to boarding the Deccan
Odyssey is to take the 100 year old line from Neral to the hill station of Matheran (at
2,500 feet or 800 metres), 2 hours drive south of Bombay. As the little train climbs up
into the clear mountain air one can view the scenic vista of hills and plains below. The
total lack of motorised traffic at Matheran makes it an unusual and peaceful retreat.
(Guests will join the Deccan Odyssey, at Pavel Junction after descending from Matheran.)
DAY 4: GOA
Goa, renowned for its beaches, temples and world heritage architecture, was the capital
of the Portuguese Empire in the east and displays much of this heritage in its
architecture today. We take a morning tour to view Basilica De Bom Jesus and Se
Cathedral of Santa Catarina, a towering white structure with a grand baroque interior
and the most imposing church in Old Goa.
DAY 5: OOTY
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a World Heritage Site, starts from the town of
Mettupalayam and takes us on a journey full of twists and turns as this narrow gauge
steam train ascends 30kms on India's only Rack and Pinion Railway with gradients as
steep as 1:12 to the town of Coonor, from where for the final 16kms the train picks up
speed on its way to the hill resort at Ooty at 7,228 feet (2,225 metres) famous for its
pretty cottages and beautiful Botanical Gardens. The 'Toy Train' heads through
plantations and forest clad hills and with no less than 16 tunnels and tall bridges along
with the breathtaking views make a journey to Ooty an extraordinary experience!
DAY 6: COCHIN
Cochin's beautiful natural harbour and scenic backwaters has meant its history has
been rich and varied. The British, Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch and Chinese have all left
indelible marks on the architectural development of this city. We will visit the Dutch
Palace and the Jewish Synagogue and then see the Giant Chinese fishing nets that
billow from massive teak and bamboo poles which dot the entrance to the harbour and
are still in use today. The day ends in a visit to the 500 year old Fort Cochin where we
will walk through the historical Dutch and Portuguese buildings. In the evening there
is the opportunity to witness a Kathakali Dance performance where the dancers are
elaborately made up with paint and masks accompanied by drummers and musicians
as they act out a dance drama.
DAY 7: TRIVANDRUM & KANYAKUMARI
The Deccan Odyssey arrives in Trivandrum in the early morning. After breakfast we
visit the Napier Museum and the dominating Padmanabhaswamy Hindu Temple.
Following lunch we head to Kanyakumari which is mainland India's southernmost
point, where the three seas - Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea & Bay of Bengal - meet and
where the shore temple to the Virgin Goddess Kanyakumari stands.
DAY 8: MADURAI
The Temple City of Madurai was the capital of the Pandya Kingdom but it was during
the reign of the Nayaks that the magnificent Meenakshi Temple was constructed. In
the evening we will witness a Hindu ritual, an Aarti Ceremony in Madurai
DAY 9: PONDICHERRY
Pondicherry is the former capital of the French territories in India. Landmarks
include Raj Nivas, the residence of the Lt Governor of Pondicherry - a handsome 200
year old building which faces Government Park with its paths and lawns, fountains
and sculptures.
DAY 10: MADRAS (CHENNAI)
Madras, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is located on the legendary Coromandel Coast
with a marvellous tradition of music and dance. This city of 4 million people has a
pronounced colonial heritage dating back to the 17th Century. We arrive in Madras in
the morning and transfer to our luxurious Taj Coromandel hotel for a 2 night stay
before our tour of the city where we will visit highlights such as Fort St. George and
the National Art Gallery.
DAY 11: MADRAS
Situated south of Madras, we visit Mahabalipuram, a beautiful coastal resort classified
as a World Heritage Site. The rock cut temples and caves situated here are amongst the
finest in the world and originated between 7th and 9th century. The highlight is a visit
to the Shore Temple, which is renowned for its intricate carvings and skilled
craftsmanship
DAY 12: MADRAS - DELHI
This afternoon we fly from Madras to Delhi where we are transferred to spend 3 nights
at the 5-star Taj Mahal or Taj Palace Delhi. Sprawling on the banks of the River
Yamuna, New Delhi, the Capital of India, reflects the soul of the country. The city is a
curious blend of the modern and traditional, skyscrapers, beautiful gardens and wide
tree-lined avenues.
DAY 13: DELHI
Today we take a tour of Old Delhi. The walled city is crowded, full of activities and
still has the influence of the great Mughals who once ruled India through the ramparts
of the majestic Red Fort. In Old Delhi we will visit Jama Mosque, built in the 17th
Century and is the largest mosque in India; Chandni Chowk the typical Indian market
always abuzz with activities and Raj Ghat a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.
DAY 14: DELHI
We visit the 12th Century Qutab Minar, the Humayun Tomb which is known for its
inspiration for the Taj Mahal, the war memorial India Gate and the massive
community kitchen of the Bangla Sahib Gutudwara which daily feeds thousands of
devotees. We will also see Rashtrapati Bhavan - formerly the Viceroy's residence and
the Parliament House. In the evening we say our goodbyes to our fellow passengers at
a Farewell Dinner.
DAY 15: DELHI
Airport transfers are included for all guests. |
