Bushtracks Expeditions

Days 15 - 16

Mumbai, Goa, Pune

Fly to Goa and explore the city before boarding the luxurious Deccan Odyssey train. The following day explore the Maharaja's palace and museum, and the old central market and handicraft stalls in Pune, before reboarding the train for dinner.

Day 18

Aurangabad, Nashik

Discover the Buddhist caves of Ajanta set into the rocky sides of a crescent shaped gorge in the Inhyadri hills of the Sahyadri range. This hidden complex of temples and monasteries was once occupied by artisans and monks and houses some of India's most magnificent paintings. Continue aboard the train past vineyards across the Deccan Plateau, and visit a winery near the Godavari River, one of the holiest rivers of the Deccan.

Lodging:Overnight on the train.

Days 14 - 15

Mumbai, India/Paro, Bhutan/Thimphu

This evening fly to Calcutta and in the morning connect to Paro, Bhutan. Visit the National Museum in Paro before driving to Thimphu, a large village that is the national capital. This evening there will be a dinner with Bhutanese guests.

Lodging:Taj Tashi

Days 17 - 18

Thimphu, Paro

This morning drive to Paro, one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. Shrines dot the landscape and graceful willow trees line the edge of the Paro River as it winds between farmlands. Over the next two days explore the city, see elaborately carved houses, and hike to the "Tiger's nest," a famous hermitage that clings to a sheer cliff face above the Paro valley.

Lodging:Uma Paro