|
|
|
Vibrant cities, immaculate beaches,
rich cultural heritage, peaceful backwaters, standing in contrast with
rolling foothills and innumerable ancient monuments - all make India a
fascinating travel destination.
Carefully designed to take in the very
best of Southern India, the Madras Mail, our new tour available from
2010, covers everything from India's most important cities to
spectacular World Heritage Sites and stunning coastlines. The gateways
of Bombay and Madras are key ports of call in the South. They open the
door to a more tropical India, slower, tranquil and even more exotic.
A remarkable opportunity waits for you
to discover the mysteries, diversity and traditions of Southern India
in style on board our private train, the Deccan Odyssey.
|
|
|
| Madras Mail 2010 Itinerary
Bombay - Madras - Delhi
|
| 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,
weather permitting, 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 Sé 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
|
| 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 the only Rack and Pinion Railway in India 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 HARBOUR |
|
The beautiful natural harbour of
Cochin 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 & KANANYAKUMARI |
|
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 the southernmost point of mainland India, 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. Tonight, we have our final dinner aboard the Deccan Odyssey.
|
| 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 Fisherman's Cove hotel
for a 3 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 - 12: 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 13: DELHI |
| Transfers to the airport are included for all guests. |
|
2012
Tour Dates and Prices
|
Prices per
person for 2012
|
|
Viceroy Class
|
Maharaja Class
|
| |
£
|
US$
|
€
|
|
£
|
US$
|
€
|
|
Twin
|
6,895
|
10,995
|
8,495
|
Twin
|
10,295
|
16,495
|
12,695
|
|
Single
|
10,295
|
16,495
|
12,695
|
Single
|
15,795
|
25,295
|
19,495
|
|
Deposit
|
750
|
1,500
|
1,000
|
Deposit
|
1,000
|
2,000
|
1,500
|
2012 Tour Date
|
| 31
August - 12 September |
|
|
IMPORTANT Visa
Information: British citizens will require a single entry visa
for India. No Nepalese visa is required. Citizens of other
nationalities should contact their local consulate for specific visa
information. Please note that all visa requirements are subject to
change.
Special Offer - UK
residents only: Please ask about our FREE visa service. You
pay only the applicable Consular fee.
Prices are land only. Flights
not included.
|
|
|
 |
|
