Guest Reviews
The Deccan Odyssey
Day 1 Wednesday: Tour Begins 16:40 Hrs

MUMBAI: Departure in the evening from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Mumbai

Day 2 Thursday: Arrival 07:30 Hrs - Departure 18:30 Hrs

SINDHUDURG: Alight at the Sindhudurg Nagari Railway station.

Departure by AC Bus to Malvan Jetty. On way walk through local Weekly Market at Katta Village. From Jetty boat ride up to Sindhudurg the Ocean Fort & one time naval base of Maratha empire. Sindhudurg fort stands on a rocky island, known as Kurte, barely a km, from the Malvan Town. Sindhudurg Fort was built in 1664-67 AD by King Shivaji. One of the best preserved forts of the Marathas, the 48 acre Sindhudurg fort has a four kms long zigzag line of 9 metres high and 3 metres wide rampart with 42 bastions. Apart from the huge stones, the building material involved 2000 khandis (72,576 k.g) of iron erecting the massive curtain wall and bastions. A notable feature is that the foundation stones were laid down firmly in molten lead. It also houses some twenty Hindu-Muslim hereditary families.

Return to jetty and proceed to Tarkarli beach resort.

TARKALI a virgin beach at the confluence of river Karli and Arabian Sea. The major attraction here is the long and narrow stretch of beach, with its pristine water. On a clear day, you can see the sea bed through a depth of 20 ft.

DHAMPUR: Lunch & free time at Tarkarli beach resort.

Next, bus ride up to Dhamapur village. On way visit to Cashew factory. At Dhamapur visit ancient temple of Goddess Bhagawati and Bharadi Devi situated on banks of beautiful lake. After this visit proceed by bus to board the train at Kudal Railway Station. Dinner onboard.

Day 3 : Friday: Arrival 07:00 Hrs - Departure 21:15 Hrs

GOA: Morning arrival at Karmali - Goa. The most frequented tourist spots in India.

Board the bus to reach Old Goa to witness;the ruins of St. Augustine Church once largest cathedral in Goa. Basilica of Bom Jesus, this is 16th Century Church, the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier is enshrined here. Se Cathedral and the Church of St. Francis of Assissi that began as a mosque but now is an archaeological museum for Goan antiques. Walk through Fontanhas, the Latin quarters at Panjim.

Departure to Verna Railway Station for typical Goan lunch on board the train.

Free time onboard.

Evening depart by bus to beach hotel and enjoy Goan culture and traditional meals.

Board the train from Madgaon railway station.

Day 4 Saturday: In GOA Arrival 07:00 Hrs – Departure 20:00 Hrs

GOA: Morning – After breakfast proceed for sightseeing. Visit Mhalsa and Mangeshi, a Hindu Temples of God Shiva revealing typical architecture of old temples.

From here proceed to one of the biggest and finest Spice Farm in the Country a "Sahakari Spice Farm" at Ponda village. Situated among the lush green surroundings of Ponda place is extremely popular among international tourist. Visitors are traditionally welcomed at the entrance. After brief halt in the restaurant for welcome drink and snacks, a guided tour of the farm starts. This organic spice farm has variety of herbal and medicinal trees. The guide explains different spices and their medical values during tour which is about 45 minutes.

Typical Goan lunch is served here.

In free time one can also take Elephant ride at own cost.

From farm house proceed to one of the finest heritage house of 16th century know as "Menezes Braganza House". It is one of the last remaining structures that date back to the pre-Portuguese era in Goa. The architecture and the interiors of the house make you feel as if you are going back in history. The structure has a very inviting feel to it and tourists feel like exploring this two storied structure in detail. It is one of the oldest heritage houses of Goa. This has been the traditional family home of the Braganzas for many than four centuries. Even today, the lady of the house, Mrs Braganza, an octogenarian, still lives in the house and takes the visitors to a tour of the house herself.

From Braganza House proceed to Madgaon Railway Station to board the train.

Next destination - Kolhapur.

Day 5 Sunday: Arrival 07:00 Hrs – Departure 21:45 Hrs

KOLHAPUR: Morning - Arrival at Kolhapur City, known as Karveer or Dakshin Kashi of Maharashtra. Situated on the banks of river Panchaganga. Board the bus to visit;

New Palace, a royal palace partly converted into museum, The museum houses rare paintings and artifacts used by the royal family. Royal weapons and a tableau depicting court life of the last century create an aristocratic ambience. Next visit to Bhawani Mandap (The Town Hall). Aantiques found during the excavations at Brahmagiri, old sculptures, filigree work in sandal wood and ivory, old coins and paintings of master artists of the region are all displayed here. Then move on to see an exquisitely carved Mahalaxmi Temple, a temple of goddess Ambabai visited by millions of pilgrims. From temple proceed to Shalini Palace built of intricately carved black stone & Italian Marble stands on the west side of lake Rankala, Witness traditional Martial Art locally known as "Mardani Khel" at Palace and cultural programme.

Kolhapur is well known for its textiles and cottons, in particular Kolhapuri saris. But it is of course most famous for its jewellery and leather sandals and Kolhapuri chappals. The selected and famous items would be displayed in the stalls at the Palace so one can leisurely do shopping.

At noon board the train at Kolhapur station.

Lunch and Leisure time onboard.

Dinner onboard.

Day 6 Monday: Arrival 06:45 Hrs - Departure 22:00 Hrs

DAULATABAD: Morning Arrival at Daulatabad station.

Proceed by road to visit;Majestic fort Daulatabad. Rising dramatically over 600 ft above the Deccan plain is the arresting sight of Daulatabad. Once known as Devgiri, this fort served as the head quarters of the powerful Yadava rulers. In the 13th century, Mohammed bin Tughlak, the Sultan of Delhi, made it his capital and renamed it Daulatabad, or City of Fortune.

ELLORA CAVES: Next stop, a World Heritage site, having 34 cave temples dedicated to three different religion- Hinduism, Buddhism & Jainism. The cave temples and monasteries at Ellora, excavated out of the vertical face of an escarpment, are 26 km north of Aurangabad. Extending in a linear arrangement, the 34 caves contain Buddhist Chaityas or halls of worship, and Viharas, or monasteries, Hindu and Jain temples. Spanning a period of about 600 years between the 5th and 11th century AD, the earliest excavation here is of the Dhumar Lena (Cave 29).The most imposing excavation is, without doubt, that of the magnificent Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) which is the largest monolithic structure in the world.

Lunch & free time.

AURANGABAD: Bibi-ka-Maqbara, , a replica of Taj Mahal is a grand piece of Moghul architecture. Free time for shopping Paithani, Himroo,Bidriwork from showrooms for a perfect memorabilia. Evening board the train from Aurangabad railway station.

Dinner on board.

Day 7 Tuesday: Arrival 06:30 – Departure 22:30 Hrs

AJANTA CAVES / NASIK: Morning - Arrival at Bhusawal railway station. Board the bus to reach Ajanta Caves.

Renowned Buddhist caves of Ajanta are World Heritage Site. Witness some of the finest paintings and sculptures of the second century AD. 'Bodhisattva Padmapani', 'Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara', The Birth of the Buddha' & 'Thousand Buddha's are a few amongst the many fine murals & sculptures. At noon board train at Jalgaon railway station. Proceed to Nashik. Lunch on-board.

Leisure Time onboard till evening.

Alight at Nashik Road railway station to board the bus for departure to Panchawati Ghat a holy place known for Kumbh Mela. Next, visit to Kala Ram Temple built in 1794. Evening board the train at Deolali railway station.

Farewell dinner on-board.

Day 8 Wednesday: Arrival 07:30 Hrs
MUMBAI: Morning - Arrival at CST - Mumbai. Journey Ends.

About the Train

Coaches:

The train has 21 coaches, out of which 13 are passenger cars accommodating 8 people per coach (11 passenger Cars, 4 coupes per coach - 2 Presidential Suite Cars, 2 coupes per coach), 1 Conference Car, 2 Dinning Cars, 2 Generator Cars with Luggage Store, 1 Staff, spare Car, 1 Spa Car, 1 Bar Car.


Rooms:

11 fully air-conditioned Deluxe Cabin saloons, each with combination of 4 twin bedded chambers and 2 fully air-conditioned Presidential Suite saloons each with 2 suites with combination of living room & bed room. Saloons are equipped with channel music, intercom, player, attached toilets, running hot and cold water, shower, wall-to-wall carpeting and other amenities


Restaurants:The Train has two lavish and beautifully done restaurants Peshwa I and Peshwa II which serves mouth watering Indian cuisines that would definitely make way to your heart through your stomach.


Bar:
A well stocked bar, Mumbai Hi serves wine, liquor and spirits of Indian and International Brands, to keep you in `high spirits'


Facilities:

The Deccan Odyssey is well furnished with modern facilities like Conference Room with satellite communication, Internet, computer with printer and fax, and telephone exchange, Library, Channel Music, Ayurveda Massage Centre, Spa, Steam Bath, Gymnasium, Beauty Parlour, special Suite for Physically challenged etc


Terms and Conditions apply. Agents are welcome. Contact us for details