India Train Journeys

Introduction

The Deccan Odyssey's sheer luxury is a sight to behold. Everything in the train reflects the ways of Indian royalty.

Each coach is named after some of the best places and forts of Maharashtra. And with plush interiors, awesome cuisine and great sites to see, this journey etches some golden memories on the traveller's mind.

On Board the Train

The Deccan Odyssey comprises 11 fully air-conditioned coaches. These coaches consist of 44 fully furnished suites all with private facilities, Cd/MP3 players and wall to wall carpeting.

On board, there are 2 tastefully decorated restaurants, a well stocked bar, a lounge for relaxing, a library, a gymnasium, beauty parlour and an Ayurvedic Massage Centre. Complimentary Mineral Water is made available throughout the itinerary as are newspapers an morning tea. You will receive a complimentary bottle of wine courtesy of the Deccan Odyssey.

The Deccan Odyssey Bar

Train Itinerary

Day 1. Mumbai (Bombay).

Depart this evening from the Chatrapati Shivaji Railway Station in Mumbai.

Day 2. Ratnagiri, Ganapatipule Beach and Jaigad.

Arrive at Ratnagiri Railway Station and continue by bus for a city tour of Ratnagari including Thibwa Palace.

Afterwards, proceed to Ganapatipule for lunch and some free time on the beach. Then later take a Tuk Tuk ride in and around Malgund, a small typical coastal village. Late in the afternoon, proceed to Jaigad for a Backwaters cruise around the 17th Century Jaigad Fort and other villages. Return to the train for dinner.

Day 3. Sindhudurg, Tarkarli and Sawantwadi.

Alight this morning at Sindhudurg Nagari Railway station for a full day of touring. Highlights include Sindhudurg Sea Fort, Tarkali Beach, a Back Water Cruise through the Tarkali Creek and a visit to Sawantwadi town where you can see fabulous lacquer handicrafts, paintings and furniture. Return back to the train this afternoon.

Day 4. Goa.

This morning you will arrive in India's most frequented tourist spot, Goa. Today includes a visit to Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi and an archaeological museum for Goan antiques. Enjoy some free time and lunch on the beach before returning to the train.

Day 5. Kolhapur, Pune.

Arrive this morning at Kolhapur situated on the banks of the river Panchaganga. Visit New Palace and witness a traditional display of Martial Arts. Also visit Shalini Palace to watch cultural performances and view handicrafts. Return to the train for lunch. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening, board the bus for Pune and visit the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum. Return to the train for dinner.

Day 6. Aurangabad.

Arrive Daulatabad Railway Station and proceed by road to visit the majestic Fort Daulatabad and Ellora Caves, a World Heritage site containing 34 cave temples dedicated to Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. After lunch continue on to Bibi-ka-Maqbara, a replica of the Taj Mahal before returning to the train.

Day 7. Ajanta and Nashik.

On arrival at Jalgaon Railway Station, you will board the bus for the renowned Buddhist caves of Ajanta, a World Heritage Site. You will board the train again at noon and travel to Nashik, for a visit to Panchawati Ghat, a holy place known for Kumbh Mela. Board the train again this evening.

Day 8. Mumbai.

Arrival in Mumbai at 7:30 am this morning where the itinerary concludes.