Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train

Tour Itinerary

1st Day- Mumbai
2nd Day- Sindhudurg Nagri-Sindhudurg Fort-Tarkarl Beach-Dhamapur Village
3rd Day- Goa - Visit to St. Augustine Church, Basilica of Bom Jesus Church, Se Cathedral Church, St.Francis of Assissi a Museum of Goan antiques and visit to Fontanhas the Latin Quarters at Panjim.
4th Day- Goa (Vasco) - Visit to Mangeshi a Hindu Temple, the Safa Masjid a prominent Islamic Shrine, Sahakari Spice Farm, Menezes Braganza House at Chandor village.
5th Day- Kolhapur- New Palace, Museum, Bhavani Mandap Mahalaxmi Temple - Shalini Palace.
6th Day- Aurangabad-Daulatabad-Ellora Caves-Bibi-ka-Maqbara
7th Day- Ajanta Caves / Nasik
8th Day- Mumbai.

Tour Itinerary in detail

Day 1

The grand odyssey begins in Mumbai, the city of dreams, the city of stars Bollywood, the commercial capital of India. One can see it all in Mumbai. Modern yet preserving its antiquities the city's gothis and modern architecture stand side by side providing some awesome views. And once evening dawns you are all set to board the Deccan Odyssey for dinner and start the journey.

Day 2 Sindhudurg - Tarkarli

Next day the train chugs into the tip of the Konkan coast, Sindhudurg Nagari railway station. Settle in a comfortable boat, arranged just for you and enjoy the mesmerizing view of flora, birds and caressing waves on the ride to mighty Sea fort, a one time naval base built by the great Maratha King Shivaji in 1664-67 AD. Walk on the two mile long rampart walls and watch the breathtaking view of the vast open sea as it fires a volley spray 30ft below. From the fort head towards Tarkarli by luxury AC coach. The wide river the beautiful sailboats, the tiny islands, the hamlets at the riverbank all contribute to the picture postcard beauty of Tarkarli. Enjoy a relaxed lunch at the well appointed MTDC beach resort, complete with 20 Konkani style cottages. Indeed a perfect place for the mouthwatering Malvani cusine and then unwind. Depart for Kudal Railway station. Dinner on board.

Day 3 Goa

Goa the fabled land for many is the next stop. Some of India's finest golden sand beaches along with jungle clad hills, imposing ancient churches and elegant mansions dot this state. Once in Goa you can start with Old Goa. Walk amidst the ruuins of vast gardens and old churches of St Augustine, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se cathredal and the Church of St Francis of Assissi. Also on the card is walking through the city of Panjim, the capital of Goa. The city is built on the left bank o the Mandovi river containing archbishop palaces, a modern port, churches and long winding streets lined with remarkably well preserved old houses. Its time for the afternoon finger licking Goan delicacies onboard the Deccan Odyssey. Evening proceed to the beach side hotel for cultural programmed and dinner. Non stop fun, virgin beaches ancient sites and caves, religious icons and shrines are set deep in your mind as you head back to Madgaon station. Train moves on for a halt at Vasco.

Day-4 Goa & Vasco

Morning detrain at Vasco station and board the bus to visit Mangeshi, the Hindu temple of Lord Shiva. From here proceed to one of the biggest and finest Spice farm in the country 'Sahakari Spice Farm' at Ponda village. After a brief halt in the restaurant for welcome drink and snacks, a guided tour of the farm.

The organic spice farm has a vriety of herbal and medicinal trees. Tyipical Goan lunch is served here. From The farm housse proceed to one of the finest heritage houses of the 16th century known as "Menezes Braganza House". The architecture and the interiors of the house makes you feel as if you are going back to history. From Braganza house procees to Madgaon Railway Station to board the train for next destination Kolhapur. Enjoy dinner onboard.

Day 5 Kolhapur

In the morning arrive at Kolhapur a city with multifaceted persona and mythical past. A journey through the past reveals that Kolhapur has lived through the regines of various rulers from the mythical past to the modern age. First stop is at The New Palace. This architectural marvel houses the Chhatrapati Shahu Museum a curious array of the former Maharaja's possessions. Next is Bhawani Mandap, the antiques found during the excavations of Brahmagiri, old sculptures, filigree work in sandal wood and ivory, old coins and paintings of master artists of the region are displayed here. Move on to Mahalaxmi temple and know about the demon Kolhasura who was destroyed by Goddess Mahalaxmi. Head back to the train and enjoy lunch and the next destination awaits you.

Day 6 Aurangabad

After breakfast in the train a luxury coach takes you to the majestic fortress of Daulatbad. An impregnable defense in its days, it still stands tall and proud. Next stop is the Ellora caves, a world heritage site. The Hindu, Jain and Buddhist caves at Ellora are among the finest in India. The Jain caves less grand in comparison to the others are richly carved with lotus, elephant, lions and Tirthankaras of Lord Mahavira. They offer an aura of peace and simplicity. Come back to Aurangabad for lunch. After lunch move on to see Bibi-ka-Maqbara a replica of Taj Mahal. Return to station, and travel forward.

Day 7 Ajanta & Nasik

Reach Jalgaon Railway Station. After a royal breakfast in the train board bus to sorround yourself by dramatic views of the Waghora valley, the hideout of Ajanta caves. Bodhisattva Padmapani, Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, the birthplace of Buddha and Thousand Buddhas are a few amongst the many fine murals and sculptures you will cherish.

Then a mouth watering lunch on board as you reach Nasik. Travel by bus to Panchwati ghats and the holy land of Kumbha mela held once in 12 years. Dinner on board.

Day 8 Mumbai

Enjoy the breakfast on board as the sun rises over the commercial capital of India. Alight at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus after a week long dream journey.

Reservations

Maharashtra Tourism Corporation Ltd

Reservation Division

CDO Hutments, Opp LIC Building,

Madame Cama Road, Mumbai 400 020

Tel - 91 22 2283 6690, 2204 4040, 2284 5678

Fax - 91 22 2202 1830/2202 4521

Email - info@mtdcdeccanodyssey.com

Web - www.mtdcdeccanodyssey.com

More details

The train has 21 coaches, out of which 12 are passenger cars accommodating 8 people per coach (10 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, 2 Staff, spare Car, 1 Spa Car, 1 Bar Car.
The train has on-board facilities like T.V., Cable connection with central audio disc player, cell phones, Channel Music, Foreign exchange facilities, etc.
The capacity of the train is 80 pax.
The route has been fixed as Mumbai - Sindhudurg - Goa - Vasco - Kolhapur - Aurangabad(Ellora) - Jalgaon(Ajanta) - Nashik and Mumbai.
It will be a seven days round trip starting on Wednesday from Mumbai.
The seasonal tours will operate every year between October to April.