Indian Maharaja-Deccan Odyssey, India’s first privately managed tourist train, offers two journeys- Mumbai to Delhi and Delhi to Mumbai- both of which traverse similar destinations in a vice-versa manner. Also known as the chartered version of the Deccan Odyssey train, this luxury train is operated by Travel Corporation of India (TCI). The destinations covered en route this journey include historically prominent and culturally significant destinations in Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. Aurangabad, Udaipur, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Fatehpur Sikri and Agra are some of the destinations covered by this luxury tourist train. Enlisted here are a few tourist destinations that can be added to the itinerary of Indian Maharaja to add to its worth as an Indian cultural experience.
Chittorgarh: Rajasthan, the erstwhile home of Rajput rulers, has the largest chunk in the pie of Indian Maharaja Tour itinerary with three destinations- Jaipur, Udaipur and Sawai Madhopur. Another true raconteur of Rajputana culture is Chittorgarh. Home to the Chittorgarh Fort, the largest in Asia, Chittorgarh has witnessed several historic events during the medieval age which include the horrific incident of “Jauhar” committed by Rani Padmini and Karnavati, audacious devotion of Meera for Lord Krishna and valor tales of Rana Pratap. A stroll around the Chittorgarh fort will bring to fore several stunning edifices marked by momentous events.
Varanasi: Since ages, Varanasi has been an important centre of spiritual awakening and religious learning in India. Renowned as the spiritual nerve centre of Hinduism, Varanasi is mainly visited for its bathing Ghats flanked by river Ganges and scores of Hindu temples such as Sankat Mochan, Bharat Mata, Tulsi Manas and the most famous Kashi Vishwanath. As per legend, a bath at the sacred Ghats such as Dasashwamedh, Manikarnika and Pancha-Ganga can wash away the sins of lifetime. The cultural excursion to Varanasi reaches its crescendo after paying reverence to river Ganges through evening aarti. Varanasi must be included in the Itinerary of Indian Maharaja Train.
Pune: A quaint city in Maharashtra, Pune has undergone a sudden transformation from being a Maratha domain to a major education and industrial hub. Over the course of history, Pune has witnessed the rule of several illustrious Deccan dynasties whose symbols are sprinkled all across the city. One of the best attractions to visit here is Shaniwar Wada, the seven storey summer residence of Peshwa rulers till 1818. Although the fort was reduced to ashes by fire, its remains are still visited as a prominent tourist site. Other prominent attractions are Mastani Palace built by Bajirao for her beloved Mastani, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum housed with artifacts and armaments of Mughals and Marathas and several beautiful temples which include Chatushrungi and Pataleshwar temple. Pune must be included as a nominee in the list of possible destinations for cultural excursions aboard Indian Maharaja Train.
Although the itinerary of Indian Maharaja encapsulates the essence of India’s cultural heritage, the aforementioned listed destinations will certainly more spark in this luxury train tour. The proximity of abovementioned destinations with the existing ones is a green signal for their possible future inclusion.
