b'DeccanOdysseyKHAJURAHO TEMPLEYOUR ITINERARYDays 1-3Discovering theAuthor Raaja Bhasin joins us on Day 5o er impeccable service throughout delights of old and new Delhi to talk about Shimlas history. We putour expedition. As we settle in to our We meet our fellow travellers and Tourour newfound knowledge of Shimla toprivate ensuite cabins, with a dedicated Manager at London Heathrow readygood use on a guided tour, includingcrew member in each carriage, there is for our directight to magical India.the Viceregal Lodge, and colourfultime to relax or make use of the Deccan Arriving on Day 2, we transfer to ourSankat Mochan Temple. This afternoon,Odysseys excellent facilities. After our landmark hotel in the capital, Delhi, forour tour continues with a visit thetrain begins its journey, we gather for a chance to unwind and acclimatise. Gothic Revival Gaiety Theatre. a welcome drink. The chefs prepare excellent cuisine that re ects the local On Day 3, we explore the capitalsDay 6 is free to explore independently.area which we sample over dinner in fascinating sights, starting with theYou could visit the mountain town ofone of the elegant restaurant cars.17th-century Jama Masjid and Raj Ghat,Kufri and indulge in an opulent high-tea where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.at Wild ower Hall. Alternatively, strollDays 9-10Ranthambore tiger safari Passing the striking Red Fort, we enterdown Mall Road and the Ridge, theand Jaipurs vibrant palacesChandni Chowk bazaar for a rickshawcolonial heart of Shimla, and make yourWaking up as the Deccan Odyssey rolls ride through its lively streets. Thisway to Lakkar Bazaar as the sun sets. through eastern Rajasthan, we enjoy afternoon, we focus on New Delhisbreakfast on board before setting wide, leafy avenues, admiring IndiaDays 7-8Leaving Shimla to boardout on game drives in Ranthambore Gate and the opulent 16th-centurythe nostalgic Deccan Odyssey National Park. In modern open-topped tomb of Mughal emperor Humayun. Returning down the mountains tosafari vehicles, we keep our eyes peeled Chandigarh, we board our train back tofor elusive Bengal tigers, as well as a Days 4-6Himalayan QueenDelhi for a night in our heritage hotel. host of other spectacular animals.Toy Train to delightful ShimlaThe modern Shatabdi Express carriesA relaxing morning on Day 8 precedesDay 10 provides the opportunity to us north to Kalka this morning, wherea highlight of our Indian holiday as wediscover the Pink City of Jaipur on a we board the UNESCO-listed, narrow- are transferred to the railway stationguided tour. Our sightseeing begins gauge Himalayan Queen, a ectionatelyto board the Deccan Odyssey. Thewith a visit to the gorgeous 17th-referred to as the Toy Train, for aenduring opulence of our hotel oncentury City Palace, before admiring 60-mile journey through the stunningrails harks back to the golden age ofthe ornate faade of the Palace of the Shivalik Hills to Shimla, formerly thetravel. We are greeted on board byWinds, and gaining an insight into daily summer capital of the British Raj. the friendly and professional stawholife as we delve into a bustling bazaar. 24 INDIAN SUBCONTINENT'