Deccan Odyssey
Deccan Odyssey is an example of grandeur and opulence of India's royalty. Through it you can experience the beauty of various parts of India. A journey in the Deccan Odyssey allows an added advantage of visiting the magnificent Goa. The Deccan Odyssey tour should be for a week and between the months of September and April. It includes stops at Mumbai, Ganpatipule, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Goa, Pune, Aurangabad, Ajanta and Ellora. This journey takes one back to the days of history and the rich legacy of ancient civilizations. The Deccan Odyssey can offer you the best of your train tour itineraries.
The Deccan Odyssey has 21 coaches. Of this 11 are passenger cars with 4 coupes each. There are two Presidential Suites with two coupes in each car. The train also has a conference hall. It is this hall that transforms itself into a dance floor at night. There are two restaurants in this train that serve a variety of Indian, Chinese, Continental, Maharashtrian and Goan cuisines. The menus are changed seasonally every year. There is also a lounge/bar and a Spa compartment. The Deccan Odyssey also has a Conference Room with a capacity of 50 guests. It affords satellite communication, Internet, computer with printer and fax and telephones. You can get a library, channel music, an Ayurvedic Massage Center, steam bath, gym, a beauty parlor, a special suite for the physically challenged, mini pantry in each coach, telephone in each saloon, television in each coach and a lounge in each passenger car. Besides, a doctor is always available. Money exchange and credit card facilities are also available on board.
Deccan Odyssey Tour is a tour of 8 days.
Day 1 - Wednesday - Mumbai
The bright carriages of the Deccan Odyssey await you in Mumbai. This is for your journey across the western states of Maharashtra and Goa. So, first you land up in Mumbai, one of the world's most visited destinations. Mumbai is a city of colonial charms, ravishing museums, historical landmarks, exciting art galleries and tempting restaurants. Then the Deccan Odyssey departs from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai at 16.40 hrs and heads towards Bhoke Railway Station. While you are on the way, savor a delicious dinner on board and overnight on the train.
Day 2 - Thursday - Jaigadh / Ganapatipule / Ratnagiri / Bhatye Beach
Your breakfast will be served in the train. At this point your itinerary continues towards Bhoke Railway Station. On your arrival at the Bhoke Railway Station at 07.40 hrs, depart for Rai Bhatgaon Jetty in an AC luxury bus. After you arrive at Rai Jetty at 09.00 hrs take a boat ride to Jaigad Jetty. Here you can visit the famous Jaigad Fort. At 11.30 you have to depart for Ganpatipule by road. On the way enjoy the scenic beauty of the Konkan area by the sea. Once you reach Ganpatipule at 12.30 hrs, enjoy the sunshine at this place. At 14.45 head towards Ratnagiri. This is the birthplace of Lokmanya Tilak. Do not forget to visit the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak and Ratnadurga Fort when you are here. Take your seat in the Deccan Odyssey train at 16.00 hrs. You will be served dinner on the way on board.
Day 3 - Friday - Sindhudurg/Tarkarli/Sawantwadi
The next morning you are going to arrive at Sindhudurg Nagari railway station. In this station you can see the Sindhudurg Sea Fort, Tarkarli beach resort, Sawantwadi town and can do some shopping at the "Shilpagrama". In the evening, board the Deccan Odyssey at Sawantwadi railway station. It will take you to Sindhudurg Nagari Railway station in the morning. Now move towards Malvan Jetty by AC Bus to visit the Sindhudurg Sea Fort. From here you can head towards Tarkarli beach resort for lunch and some leisure. After your lunch do enjoy a Back Water Cruise through the Tarkarli. Then proceed towards the Sawantwadi town. Now you can view the lacquer handicrafts, paintings and furniture available in town. Board the Deccan Odyssey in the evening. You will be served a traditional meal on board at night.
Day 4 - Saturday- Goa
The 4th day is the time to arrive at Karmali Railway Station at 07.30 hrs. You will be served breakfast on board. It is in Goa. Goa is termed the pearl of the east. While you are here do visit Old Goa a place famous for Basilica De Born Jesus, Se Cathedral and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi and Panjim. After your lunch, go to Dona Paula. Dona Paula is a small palm fringed beach in Goa. In the end board the train from Madgaon railway station in the evening. You will be served wine and dinner on board the rain.
Day 5 - Sunday - Pune
In the 5th day of your Deccan Odyssey tour, you are supposed to arrive at Pune at 08.15 hrs. You will be served breakfast on board. Explore the city of Pune once you have come over here. Do see the various tourist attractions of the city. This includes Mahatma Phule Mandai, the old central market, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Sir David Sasoon Synagogue, The Osho International Commune, Tribal Museum, Aga Khan Palace and the Sound and Light Show at Shaniwarwada. Board the train from Pune railway station at 15.00 hrs. The next part of the journey is a travel to Aurangabad. You will be served dinner on board.
Day 6 - Monday - Aurangabad
After taking your breakfast on board the Deccan Odyssey, you have to arrive at the Aurangabad railway Station. Once you are in Aurangabad go for an excursion. Aurangabad was founded by Aurangzeb, the last of the great Mughals. Aurangabad is home to the world famous caves of Ajanta and Ellora. First, take a view of the imposing fort of Daulatabad by a luxury bus. After visiting the fort, proceed towards the world famous Ellora Caves. Ellora is a world heritage site. It has a collection of 34 cave-shrines dating between the fourth and ninth centuries. These caves are cut out of solid rock. The cave temples are dedicated to the Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. Among the most famous shrines in Aurangabad is the Kailash Temple. See this temple which was built by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna III. Take your lunch after that at the Taj. While you are savoring the food enjoy the cultural programs.
After that do visit the Shivaji Museum. This museum has a fine collection of weapons and antiques of the Marathas. Then travel towards the Aurangabad Caves dating back to the 2nd and 6th century AD. You can also see the famous Mughal architecture Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, a replica of Taj Mahal. You can do some shopping at the Paithani and Himroo showrooms. Having done with your shopping take your seat at the Deccan Odyssey. Now, the train departs for Jalgaon.
Day 7 - Tuesday - Ajanta and Nashik
You are arriving at the Jalgaon railway station at 08.00 hrs. After arrival proceed towards Fardapur resort. After taking breakfast head for T-Junction in a luxury AC bus.
The next few hours will be in the midst of nature. After the sightseeing, you are supposed to return to the Bhusawal Station by a luxury AC bus. Get in the train and head towards Nashik Road station. Take your lunch in the train. Arrive at the Nashik Road station at 17.00 hrs. A luxury AC bus will take you to the Sula Winery at Govardhan Park. Enjoy the view of the city once you reach there. Do relish the breathtaking view of the city from the Gangapur dam. The next step is to go back to Mumbai.
Day 8 - wednesday - Mumbai
Arrive at CST - Mumbai in the morning. This ends the Deccan Odyssey tour.
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