Welcome to a fascinating journey aboard the Deccan Odyssey, an 8 day ride through the hinterlands of Maharashtra, the majestic Western Ghats, into the Deccan and Konkan regions of a vast and diverse continent. This itinerary includes visits to some of the most prominent & unexplored destinations of west-central India, with a trip to the holy city of Nashik, now also India’s wine capital; to the unrivaled Ajanta & Ellora Caves; the historical city of Kolhapur with its many experiences , to Goa, India’s most popular holiday destination; finishing with a visit to the holy city of Sindhudurg. A railroad journey like none other, in a land like no other, we welcome you on board the Deccan Odyssey.
Maharashtra Splendor
MUMBAI TO MUMBAI – 8 Days / 7 Nights
Mumbai – Nashik – Ellora Caves – Ajanta Caves – Kolhapur – Goa – Sindhudurg – Mumbai
Welcome to a fascinating journey aboard the Deccan Odyssey, an 8 day ride through the hinterlands of Maharashtra, the majestic Western Ghats, into the Deccan and Konkan regions of a vast and diverse continent. This itinerary includes visits to some of the most prominent & unexplored destinations of west-central India, with a trip to the holy city of Nashik, now also India’s wine capital; to the unrivaled Ajanta & Ellora Caves; the historical city of Kolhapur with its many experiences , to Goa, India’s most popular holiday destination; finishing with a visit to the holy city of Sindhudurg. A railroad journey like none other, in a land like no other, we welcome you on board the Deccan Odyssey.
Day 1: Saturday – Board the Deccan Odyssey at Mumbai – on to Nashik.
Welcome aboard the Deccan Odyssey.
Early this evening assemble at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus at approximately 1530 hours to complete the registration process and check in formalities for your Maharashtra Splendor journey, as you receive a traditional Indian welcome and enjoy a refreshing welcome drink.
After completion of all formalities, you will be shown to your delightful cabins. As you settle in, the Deccan Odyssey shall depart Mumbai for? Nashik.
Dinner on board.
Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.
Day 2: Sunday – Nashik
This morning the Deccan Odyssey brings you to the holy city of Nashik, which is rapidly gaining the status of being the wine capital of the country.
After breakfast, disembark and spend the morning walking along the Godavari Ghats observing several important Hindu rituals being performed. Continue on through the lively market by the Ghats which sells everything from vegetables to lentils, dried seafood to cow dung cakes and many things in between.
Thereafter drive to the Grover Zampa vineyards for an exclusive tour of one of the finest Indian wine producing facilities. Walk through vines laden with Chenin, Chardonnay and? Shiraz grapes. Be taken through the age old ‘m?thode traditionnelle’ used to make one of the best known brands of sparkling wines in India. Allow the sommelier to acquaint your taste buds with their finest creations of white, red, rose and sparkling wines and experiment pairing them with your meal at the vineyards.
After a sumptuous lunch, return to the Deccan Odyssey and set forth for Aurangabad
Breakfast on board; Lunch at the vineyard; Dinner on board.
Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.
Day 3: Monday – Aurangabad – Ellora Caves
Aurangabad, named after the last Great Mughal Aurangzeb, is an industrial town in Maharashtra and the stop from where to head out to visit the exceptional Ellora Caves, a World Heritage site. The city itself has deep Mughal influences and there are several monuments of note here; the Daulatabad Fort, Bibi-ka-Makbara and the city’s 52 gates, each with its own history, amongst them.
As you enjoy breakfast, the Deccan Odyssey arrives at Aurangabad, from where a scenic drive takes you to the Ellora Caves, carved into the side of a basaltic hill 30 km from the city. The finest specimen of cave-temple architecture in India, the site encompasses 34 rock-cut shrines representing Buddhist, Jain and Hindu art dating from the 4th to 5th century AD. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre Hindu, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain. The most remarkable is the Kailash temple, meant to be a replica of Shiva’s celestial abode on Mt. Kailash. It is the best example of rock cut architecture and an engineering marvel.
Savour a leisurely lunch on board as the hinterland of Maharashtra sweeps past, with its ever-changing colors and landscape.
In the evening, sit back, unwind and enjoy cocktails fixed by our bartender onboard, followed by a sumptuous dinner and a well deserved rest as the Deccan Odyssey proceeds towards Jalgaon to visit the exquisite Ajanta Caves.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on board.
Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.
Day 4: Tuesday – Ajanta Caves
The Deccan Odyssey arrives at Jalgaon station this morning from where, after breakfast on board, you will disembark and drive to the Ajanta Caves, another World Heritage site and an architectural marvel of its time. The 30 rock-hewn Buddhist caves at Ajanta have been masterfully carved and are adorned with sculptures and paintings of Buddhist religious art, depicting universal pictorial art and are known to depict the fusion between Buddhist and Hindu faith.
Lunch will be on board the Deccan Odyssey as it continues on to the multifaceted city of Kolhapur.
The rest of the day is at leisure for you to relax and enjoy some of the activities available on board. Watch amovie, learn the rules of ‘carrom’, a popular Indian board game, from a Deccan Odyssey team member or book yourself a relaxing massage in our spa on board.
In the evening watch the tapestry of rural India unfold as you sip a sun downer before dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on board.
Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.
Day 5: Wednesday – Kolhapur
Watch the hinterlands of Maharashtra sweep past as you relish breakfast. Enjoy time at leisure as the Deccan Odyssey rolls into Kolhapur, a city of many hidden treasures, all waiting to be discovered!
After an early lunch on board you will disembark for a tour of the city.
Visit the New Palace Museum, a lovely basalt and sandstone octagonal Palace from the 19th century. Behold its beautiful architecture and memorabilia of the Kolhapur rulers. Continue to the Town Hall Museum, a somber neo-Gothic building, its front porch flanked by towers with steeply pyramidal metal roofs.
Explore the local markets for a pair of beautifully handcrafted Kolhapuri chappals that you can carry back with you as a souvenir, before you proceed to a special venue for tea followed by Lavanya Sandhya, a vibrant folk performance.
You will then visit the 1300 year old Mahalakshmi temple, also called Shakti Pethas, or place associated with the Goddess Shakti, said to be the consort of Lord Vishnu. Following your temple visit, witness a traditional martial arts performance called ‘Mardani Khel’ literally translated to mean masculine games.
After your sojourn into Kolhapur, you return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner as we depart for India’s most happening destination – Goa
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on board.
Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.
Day 6: Thursday – Goa
Today you arrive at Goa, India’s smallest state, with strong Portuguese influences, having been a colony of Portugal till as late as 1961.
After breakfast, you will disembark and drive to Fontainhas, the Latin Quarters in Panjim which still has some well preserved houses built in Portuguese style architecture. Experience the UNESCO World Heritage Walk around Fontainhas with its winding alleyways adorned by tiled-roofed houses in spectacular shades of blue and red.
Continue to Ribandar, the erstwhile capital of Goa, for a walk through ancient churches and the ruins of the once lofty St. Augustine tower that continues to valiantly withstand the vagaries of nature.
Drive to the Sahakari spice plantation for a traditional Goan feast, a meal that has Hindu origins but is heavily influenced by 400 years of Portuguese rule and pays ode to the fruits of the Arabian sea – shrimps, kingfish and mackerel washed down with some ‘feni’, a potent liquor made from cashew. After lunch, enjoy a Goan folk performance and a tour of the plantation.
Complete your day in Goa with a visit to an old Portuguese house and get another peek into Goan life.
Return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner as it departs for Sindhudurg traversing through the Konkan, one of the most scenic railway routes in the country, bound by the Arabian Sea on the West and Sahyadri hills on the East, a marvelous feat of engineering, that made it possible to tunnel the tracks through the seemingly insurmountable hills.
Breakfast on board; Lunch at the spice plantation; High Tea at Palacio de deao; Dinner on board.
Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.
Day 7: Friday – Sindhudurg
Arrive in Sindhudurg which lies on a rocky island just off the coast of Malvan.
A visit to Sindhudurg’s Pinguli village and Sawantwadi Palace is on the cards today. Get a glimpse of the traditional Thakar folk arts and crafts at the local museum, then head towards the Sawantwadi Palace for a delicious luncheon.
Enjoy dinner on board as the Deccan Odyssey makes its way back to Mumbai
Breakfast & Dinner on board, Lunch at a city palace.
Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.
Day 8: Saturday – Disembark in Mumbai
Early this morning, after breakfast, you will disembark at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station, Mumbai.
Bid farewell to the Deccan Odyssey as your royal passage through the grand vistas of India comes to an end.
Breakfast on board.
Royal Accommodation
The train offers 21 coaches, out of which 13 are for passengers. These coaches are named after the historical monuments and different sites of Maharashtra. The fully air-conditioned deluxe saloons include 4 cabins with each saloon.
There are 4 Luxury Suite Cabins, 24 Twin Bedded Deluxe Cabins, 5 Double Bedded Cabins,14 Triple Bedded Cabins and 1 Cabin For Physically Challenged. Two-power Generator cars and Three Staff cars for on board staff are also available.
All the saloons are fitted with modern facilities like attached toilets, wall to wall carpeting, running hot and cold water, shower, intercom, channel music and CD/MP3 player.
Attendant
Personal attendants are available to take care of you throughout the journey.
Restaurants
The two restaurants Peshwa I and Peshwa II are there which are tastefully adorned. The restaurants serve you mouth-watering Indian, Continental, Maharashtrian, Goa and Chinese cuisines.
Bar
A well stocked bar, Mumbai High is available where passengers can taste a variety of drinks, both Indian as well as international.
Lounge
Each coach is combined with a well-maintained lounge where passengers can relax and make friends with each other.
Conference Facilities
The conference-cum- business centre with an accommodating capacity of 30 people is available. It has the facilities such as Computers with Internet connectivity, DVD players and television sets.
Shopping
A variety of beautiful handicrafts like paintings, metal ware, furniture, jewellery and fabrics can be purchased from different destinations while on the Journey.
Other Facilities and Services offered:
Luggage Collection
Arrival kit
Personal attendant
Mineral water
Medical Aid
Mail Box
Ayurvedic Body Massage
Steam bath
Gymnasium
Beauty Parlour
Separate suite cars for smoking
Library with books, journals, newspapers and magazines
Money exchange facility/credit cards
Fax machines
Cell Phone on demand
Laundary Services
Television & Cable Connections
24- Hour Room Service
Business Centre
PA System/ 6 Channel Music System
Fully loaded mini pantry in each coach
Telephone in each saloon
Television in each coach
Plasma TV in Lounge Car
A complimentary bottle of wine courtesy the Deccan Odyssey in all the rooms.
Toiletries
Wide collection of classic & non-classics films and music on channel.
The conference room of the fascinating train becomes a venue for different cultural programmes held in the evenings. Passengers can enjoy the dance, music and many other cultural programmes reflecting the royal glory of Maharashtra and Goa. These exciting programmes will surely keep you entertained throughout the journey.
Maharashtra represents its rich culture to its visitors in different form of its vibrant music as well as the folk forms like lavnis, gondnals, povadas and bharuds. Many colorful festivals showcases the cultural richness of Maharashtra. On your tour with this luxury train, you get an excellent opportunity to closely see and admire this rich cultural legacy of Maharashtra.
May 2021 – May 2022
| Month | Maharashtra Splendour 7N/8D |
Hidden Treasures Of Gujarat 7N/8D |
Indian Odyssey 7N/8D | Indian Sojourn
7N/8D |
Jewels Of The Deccan 7N/8D |
Maharashtra Wild Trail 7N/8D |
| May 21 | 1, 8 | |||||
| Sep 21 | 11 | 25 | 18 | |||
| Oct 21 | 30 | 23 | 16 | 9 | 2 | |
| Nov 21 | 20 | 13 | 6 | 27 | ||
| Dec 21 | 4 | 25 | 18 | 11 | ||
| Jan 22 | 8, 29 | 1, 22 | 15 | |||
| Feb 22 | 5, 19 | 26 | 12 | |||
| Mar 22 | 19 | 5 | 26 | 12 | ||
| Apr 22 | 9, 22 | 2 | 16 ,30 | |||
| May 22 | 14 | 7 |
Deccan Odyssey Programs – Year 2021 – 2022
Season 2021-2022 (May 2021 to May 2022) Per Cabin per Journey Price for 07 Nights/ 08 Days
For International travellers Only
| OCCUPANCY | DELUXE CABIN | PRESIDENTIAL SUITE | DESCRIPTION |
| Single | US$ 7,320 | US$ 15,855 | Single Cabin |
| Double/Twin | US$ 10,500 | US$ 15,855 | TWN Sharing Cabin |
| 2 Children | US$ 7,878 | US$ 7,878 | In a separate deluxe cabin |
For Indian National
| OCCUPANCY | DELUXE CABIN | PRESIDENTIAL SUITE | DESCRIPTION |
| Single | INR 5,12,400 | INR 11,09,850 | Single Cabin |
| Double/Twin | INR 7,35,000 | INR 11,09,850 | TWN Sharing Cabin |
| 2 Children | INR 5,51,460 | INR 5,51,460 | In a separate deluxe cabin |
Remark:
Prices are subject to change incase of any amendment in the routing or other hikes such as fuel, taxes etc.
Children below 5 years of age shall be allowed free, subject to sharing of double bed with parents. This is subject to availability of double bed at the time of booking
Presidential Suite can accommodate upto 3 adults or 2 Adults and 2 children (One child upto 5 years of age and second child up to 12 years of age)
Payment Terms:-
25% of the ticket value at the time of booking.
75 % of the ticket value 65 days before the departure date.
Cancellation Terms:-
Any cancellation must be advised immediately by Email and subsequently confirmed by letter to the Central Reservation Division.
No cancellation charges if cancelling 60 days prior to the departure date.
Retention of 20% of ticket value on cancelling 59 ? 45 days prior to the departure date.
Retention of 50% of ticket Value on cancelling 44 ? 30 days prior to the departure date.
Retention of 100% of ticket value on cancelling 29 days prior to the departure date.