August 2018 55 www.bahrainthismonth.com A Poetical Tour Eight days seems like a long time to explore one state and usually we’d agree. However, if the state in question is Gujarat and the chosen mode of travel is the Deccan Odyssey, we’re happy to concede. From Mumbai, you will head to Vadodara, the cultural epicentre of Gujarat. From coaches that recreate a long-gone era and facilities including an on-board spa, you will step out of the train and into Jama Masjid, the 15th century mosque, an exquisite merging of HinduMuslim architecture. You can also visit Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum and Laxmi Vilas Palace, a royal residence complete with intricate mosaic designs and a collection of sculptures and armour. You will spend time at Palitana next, a pilgrimage spot that gained popularity by way of a hilltop with 900 Jain temples. The next morning will bring with it an excursion to a wildlife sanctuary in Sasan Gir that boasts majestic Asiatic lions, and the evening will highlight Somnath Temple’s golden hues with you as its eager spectator. The churning wheels of this ‘blue limousine on rails’ will then transport you to the waiting scenic white, marshy salt desert of the Rann of Kutch, which is one of a kind. After what will definitely be a photo opportunity, Patan, an eighth-century town, home to the sun temple beckons you. Rani Ki Vav, a well of the 11th century and one of the biggest in Gujarat, will also vie for your attention with other historical architectural landmarks. Before you disembark back in Mumbai, the Deccan Express will embark on a visit to Pandavleni, where its ancient Jain and Buddhist cave temples will leave you awestruck. Bringing the Palace to You The very first luxury train to run in the country, the magnificent ‘Palace on Wheels’ drew inspiration from the personal carriages of former Maharajas, Nizams and viceroys of India. Its sole journey aims to explore the land of past kings – Rajasthan. With coaches named after former Rajput states and the aesthetics and interior matching that of the royal past, this luxury train promises a royal experience like no other. The tour, beginning with a golden opportunity for pictures with traditionally dressed Palace on Wheels staff, departs from the capital, New Delhi. At Jaipur, the first destination, you will be royally welcomed, after which you can feast your eyes on the Pink City Palace, a compound of elaborate palaces, courtyards, gardens, decorative art and doorways and overall admirable architecture. Make your way up the steep ramparts of the Hill Fort Palace of Amber for a spellbinding view. You will leave Jaipur and arrive in Ranthambore to an early morning jungle safari at Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. The jungle, home to big cats, pythons, crocodiles and a great many other wild animals will have you on the edge of your seat hoping to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures. You will witness the Hill Fort at Chittorgarh and enjoy a boat ride around Lake Pichola in Udaipur, known as the City of Lakes. Why stop there? The train also runs through Jaisalmer, allowing you to witness the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jaisalmer Fort, straight out of a fable. Revel in a brief excursion to the sand dunes of the Thar Desert for awesome sunset snaps. Another fort viewing and a bird sanctuary later, at Jodhpur and Bharatpur, respectively, the highlight of your journey will be in Agra, your next-to-last destination, where you will visit the Taj Mahal, an ivory-white, marble mausoleum of flawless architecture. Palace on Wheels Lake Pichola, Udaipur Pink City Palace Deccan Odyssey Palitana Rann of Kutch
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