Deccan Odyssey Train India

Months of Operation : (October till April next year)

The Deccan Odyssey luxury train takes you on an unforgettable week-long sojourn through the erstwhile kingdom of the Mahrattas. The interiors showcase the history and culture of Maharashtra and boast of state-of-the-art facilities. Start from Mumbai through Ratnagiri, Sindhu Nagari, Goa, Pune Ajanta, Aurangabad, Ellora and Nasik. All along the way, every comfort is provided for within the train with 21 coaches comprising restaurant, conference, bar and spa cars.

Day 1: Mumbai
Tour starts from Mumbai, a city of dreams that 300 years ago was an agglomeration of seven islands. Modern, yet preserving its antiquities as a short drive through the city will reveal. Board the train in the evening at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, one of Mumbai’s most famous gothic landmarks. Wine and dine in comfort as the train sets about its voyage.

Day 2: Jaigad - Ganapatipule - Ratnagiri
Alight at the Bhoke Station from where you go to the Jaigad Fort. The fort’s awesome pride and stance is sure to leave you speechless. Travel next Ganapatipule, the beach bathed in golden sunshine and silver moonlight all for you to relish. And after a sumptuous lunch here, head straight to Ratnagiri, famous for Alphonso mangoes. Visit the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak Fort and then you’re back to the laps of luxury.

Day 3: Sindhuburg - Tarkali - Sawantwadi
The train chugs into the tip of Konkan Coast, Sindhudurg Nagri Station. A luxury bus transfer you to Malvan Jetty. From here boats ride to the unconquered Ocean Fort of Sindhudurg. See the temples dedicated to Bhavani, Mahadeo, Jarimari, Mahapurush and Shivaji in its premises. The next stop, Tarkarli. A virgin beach at the confluence of river Karli and Arabian Sea. A hard day at the sea is imminent, so rest at the Tarkarli Beach Resort’s ‘Konkani’ style cottages is soothing. From here, move on to

Tarkarli Jetty for a romantic boat ride to Kalse Jetty. A luxury bus then takes you to Sawantwadi.

Day 4: Goa
Goa, the fabled land for many, is the next stop. Brilliant lust green field surrounded by the villages and hamlets, whitewashed churched standing against the occasional empty patches of startling soil. Some of India’s finest golden sand beached along with jungle-clad hills, imposing ancient churches and elegant mansions dot this state. Perhaps that’s why people from all over the world flock here in droves.

Start off with Old Goa, as you walk amid the ruins of vast gardens and old churches of bom Jesus, Se Cathedral and the Church of St. Assissi. Also on the cards is a walk through Fontanhas, the Latin quarters at Panjim. Followed by typical Goan styled lunch, after which you are free to explore Goa on your own.

Day 5: Pune
Next morning the trains pulls into Pune, the erstwhile capital of the Marathas. Also known as the cultural capital of the state. Pune is the hometown of the Marathas awakening and the traditional centre of the Maharashtrian culture; nay famous writers, poets, singers and artist were either born or lived here. Start off with a visit to the Raja Kelkar Museum, a treasure house enriched with antiques of 17th , 18th and 19th centuries. Next stop, the magnificent Shaniwarwada built by the Peshwas in 1732. And after a splendid lunch, visit the imposing Aga Khan Palace. On to the world famous Rajneesh (OSHO) Ashram next. And finally, the David Sassoon Synagogue. Built by Sir David Sassoon in 1867, the synagogue is believed to be one of the biggest an finest in the world.

Day 6: Aurangabad
It’s Aurangabad the next morning. Get set to travel along the rolling hills and picturesque ruins of the past. After a scrumptious breakfast in the train, a luxury bus takes to the majestic fortes of Daulatabad. An impregnable defense in its days, it still stands tall and proud. Aurangabad, founded by the ruler Aurangzeb, has scores of monuments, tombs and Buddhist caves. Visit the world famous Ellora Caves. This World Heritage Site’s 34 brilliantly carved rock-cut temples represent Buddhist, Jain and Hindu faiths. Back to Aurangabad for lunch with live cultural entertainments. Also on the itinerary will the Bibi-Ka-Maqbara. And for the perfect memorabilia, do spend time shopping at Aurangabad.

Day 7: Ajanta - Nasik
This day brings you to Jalgaon railway station. After a royal breakfast in the train, board the MSRTC bus to surround yourself by the dramatic views of the Waghora Valley; the hideout of the Ajanta Caves. Older than Ellora Caves, these caves once lost to the world, were discovered accidentally by a party of British solders on a hunting trip. ‘Bodhisattva Padmapani’, ‘Boddhisattva Avalokitesvara’, ‘The Birth Place of Buddha’ and ‘The Thousand Buddha’ are few amongst the many fine murals and sculptures you’ll cherish. Then a mouth watering lunch as you reach Nasik, from where you travel to vineyards at Govardhan Park in comforts of a luxury air-conditioned bus. On your way to Sula Winery Yard you will visit the Old Ghat (The Kumbh Mela is held here once every 12 years) and see some great views of the Gangapur Dam Site. Enjoy a lavish wining and dining session at Wine Yard.

Day 8: Mumbai
Enjoy breakfast on board as we arrive in Mumbai, India’s commercial capital. Alight at Chhatrapati Shivaji rail terminus as the tour draws to its conclusion.