| As the wind whispers through the halo of legends crowning
the land of the mighty Marathas, a lone majestic whistle blows
its salutation of honour as it gracefully traverses this land
of fantastic fantasy. Welcome to the mesmerizing Maharashtra
experience aboard the luxurious DECCAN ODYSSEY.
If Europe is all-hearts for the Orient Express and Rajasthan
is graced by the royal Palace on Wheels, Maharasthra echoes
majestically with the Deccan Odyssey. Deccan Odyssey offers
a train journey adorned in luxury, the luxury train Deccan
Odyssey transports its guests on an unforgettable sojourn
of a land shining in legions grandeur - serene beaches, magnificent
forts & palaces, and experiencing heavenly tales etched
in colossal rocks.
The weeklong Deccan Odyssey tour includes several exotic
destinations covering the vast expanse of Maharashtra and
a pinch of Goa - Mumbai, Ganpatipule, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg,
Goa, Pune, Aurangabad, Ajanta and Ellora. Experience the finest
and the best of rail / train journeys of the world. The Deccan
Odyssey is much more than a mere luxury train cruise. It's
a 'classical odyssey' of time beyond the realms of the present.
Welcome aboard!
Mumbai - Jaigad - Ganapatipule - Ratnagiri - Sindhudurg -
Tarkarli - Sawantwadi - Goa - Pune - Aurangabad - Ajanta -
Nashik - Mumbai
Day 01
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 gothic and modern architecture stand side-by-side,
providing some awesome views. And once evening dawns, you're
all set to board The Deccan Odyssey for dinner and for the
journey.
Day 02
You alight at the Bhoke Station from where you go to the Jaigad
Fort. The Fort's awesome pride and stance is sure to leave
you speechless. Travel next to Ganapatipule, a beach bathed
in golden sunshine and silver moonlight all for you to relish.
And after a sumptuous lunch here, head straight Ratnagiri,
the Land of Alphonso mangoes. Visit the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak,
Ratnadurg Fort and then you're back to the laps of luxury,
The Deccan Odyssey, for dinner and a quiet sleep.
Day 03
The train chugs into the tip of the Konkan coast, Sindhudurg
Nagari Station. A luxury bus transfers you to Malvan Jetty.
From here a boat ride to the unconquered Ocean Fort of Sindhudurg.
See the temples dedicated to Bhavani, Mahadeo, Jarimari, Mahapurush
and Shivaji in its premises. The next stop, Tarkarli. A virgin
beach at the confluence of river Karli and Arabian Sea. A
hard day at the sea is imminent, so rest at the Tarkarli Beach
Resort's 'Konkani' style cottages is soothing. (Not to mention,
the mouth-watering Konkani food that'll leave you asking for
more.) From here, move on to Tarkarli Jetty for a romantic
boat ride to Kalse Jetty. A kuxury bus then takes you to Sawantwadi.
The evening promises a royal meal in the train, so keep yourself
hungry.
Day 04
Goa, the fabled land for many, is the next stop. Brilliant
lush green fields surrounding the villages and hamlets, whitewashed
churches standing out against the occasional empty patches
of startling soil. Some of India's finest golden sand beaches
along with jungle-clad hills, imposing ancient churches and
elegant mansions dot this state. Perhaps that's why people
from all over the world flock here in droves. Start off with
Old Goa, as you walk amid the ruins of vast gardens and old
churches of Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral and the Church
of St. Assissi. Also on the cards is a walk through Fontanhas,
the Latin quarters at Panjim. Followed by a typical Goan styled
lunch, after which you are free to explore Goa on your own.
As the day ends, you can look forward a splendid dinner on
board The Deccan Odyssey
Day 05
Next morning the royal train pulls into Pune, the erstwhile
capital of the Marathas. Also known as the cultural capital
of the state. Pune is the hometown of Maratha awakening and
the traditional centre of Maharashtrian culture; many famous
poets, writers, singers and artists were either born or lived
here.
Start off with a visit to the Raja Kelkar Museum, a treasure
house enshrined with antiques of 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
Next stop, the magnificent Shaniwarwada built by the Peshwas
in 1732. And after a splendid lunch, visit the imposing Aga
Khan Palace. On to the world famous Rajneesh (Osho) Ashram
next. And finally, the David Sassoon Synagogue. Built by Sir
David Sassoon in 1867, this synagogue is believed to be one
of the largest and finest in the world. And finally, end this
day with a royal dinner, which is all hot and streaming on
board The Deccan Odyssey
Day 06
It's Aurangabad next morning. Get set to travel along the
rolling hills and picturesque ruins of the past. After a scrumptious
breakfast in the train, a luxury bus takes you to the majestic
fortrees of Daulatabad. An impregnable defense in its days,
it still stands tall and proud. Aurangabad, founded by Aurangzeb,
has scores of monuments, tombs and Buddhist caves. Visit the
world famous Ellora Caves. This World Heritage Site's 34 brilliantly
carved rock-cut temples represent Buddhist, Jain and Hindu
faiths. Back to Aurangabad for lunch with live cultural entertainment.
Also on the itinerary will be Bibi-Ka-Maqbara. And for the
perfect memorabilia, do spend some time shopping at Aurangabad.
Day 07
Seventh day brings you to Jalgaon railway station. After a
royal breakfast in the train, board the MSRTC bus to surround
yourself by dramatic views of the Waghora Valley; the hideout
of the Ajanta Caves. Older than Ellora Caves, these caves
once lost to the world, were discovered accidentally by a
party of British officers on a hunting trip.
'Bodhisattva Padmapani', 'Boddhisattva Avalokitesvara', 'The
Birth of the Buddha' and 'The Thousand Buddhas' are a few
amongst the many fine murals and sculptures you'll cherish.
Then a mouth-watering lunch on board as you reach Nashik,
from where you travel to vineyards at Govardhan Park in the
comforts of a luxury A/C bus. On the way to the vineyard,
visit Old Ghat (The Kumbh Mela is held here once every 12
years) and see some great views of the Gangapur Dam site.
And get set for a lavish wining and dining session at the
vineyard.
Day 08
Enjoy the breakfast on board as the sun rises over beautiful
Mumbai. You alight at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus after
a week-long dream journey. And as you finish this royal journey,
needless to mention an unforgettable one, you'll only wonder
why good things have to end. Perhaps, this end is just a beginning.
A beginning for you to travel, to explore the unsen lands;
full of questions and unfound answers.
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