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 sure etches some golden memories in the traveller's mind.
Day 01- (Mumbai)
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- (Jaigad, Ganpatipule and Ratnagiri)
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 - (Sindhudurg, Tarkarli and Sawantwadi)
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)
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 - (Pune)
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 - (Aurangabad)
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 - (Ajanta and Nashik)
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 - (Mumbai)
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.
