AN INTRODUCTION
The Deccan Odyssey is a joint venture between the Indian Railways and the Government of Maharashtra represented by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of February 7, 2001. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee flagged off this beauty on January 16, 2004 at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai. The train showcases the tourism assets of Maharashtra, the grandeur of Konkan coast, the art, the culture, the heritage of Maharashtra as well as local arts, crafts and cuisine of the state during the journey. It will take 80 passengers on a tour of the Konkan region, including Goa, and northwestern Maharashtra. It will halt at Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Goa, Pune, Aurangabad, (for Ajanta and Ellora) and Nashik. On the itinerary will be visits to forts, other historical places, museums, beaches and boat rides in the backwaters.
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. The weeklong Deccan Odyssey tour includes several exotic destinations covering the vast expanse of Maharashtra and a pinch of Goa. Experience the finest and the best of 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!
THE ITINERARY
Day 1
Wednesday |
Departure Mumbai
In the evening depart from CST Terminus.
`Wine and dine in the luxurious comforts of this train and whistle off on your royal voyage. |
| |
|
Day 2
Thursday |
Jaigadh-Ganapatipule-Ratangiri
Morning arrival at Bhoke railway station. Reach Rai Bhatgaon Jetty by a/c bus for Backwater Cruise up to the historical Jaigad Fort. Thereafter travel by road to Ganapatipule. Free time & lunch at Ganapatipule beach resort. Noon board the bus for sight seeing tour of Ratnagiri town. Visit the Ratnadurg Fort, Lokmanya Tilak Smarak and free time in Ratnagiri Bazar. Board the train at Ratnagiri railway station. |
| |
|
Day 3
Friday
|
Sindhudurg-Tarkarli-Sawantwadi
Morning arrival at Sindhudurg Nagari railway station. Departure by a/c bus to Malvan Jetty to see the Sindhudurg Sea Fort. From jetty proceed to Tarkarli beach resort for lunch & free time. After lunch Back Water Cruise through the Tarkarli creek up to Kalse Jetty followed by visit to Sawantwadi town by bus to witness fabulous lacquer handicrafts, paintings and furniture at the "Shilpagrama" in the town. Late in the evening board the train at Sawantwadi railway station. |
| |
|
Day 4
Saturday
|
Goa
Morning arrival at Karmali railway station in Goa. The most frequented tourist spots in India. Board the bus to reach Old Goa to witness; Basilica De Born Jesus, Se Cathedral, Se Cathedral and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, that began as a mosque but now is an archaeological museum for Goan antiques. Proceed to Panjim by bus. Free time for short walk in city and bazaar followed by lunch at Fort Aguada Beach Resort. After lunch visits to; Dona Paula & 250 years old House. Late in the evening board the train from Madgaon railway station. |
| |
|
Day 5
Sunday
|
Pune
Morning arrival at Pune, the Erstwhile Capital of Maharashtra. Board the bus to visit the Mahatma Phule Mandai, the old central market, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Sir David Sasoon Synagogue built in 1867, the Osho International Commune. Lunch & free time at Hotel Le Meridian. Thereafter visit the Tribal Museum, Aga Khan Palace, a place where Mahatma Gandhi was incarcerated during freedom struggle presently converted in to a Museum dedicated to Gandhi family. Witness a Sound and Light Show at Shaniwarwada. Late in the evening board the train from Pune railway station. |
| |
|
Day 6
Monday
|
Aurangabad
Morning arrival at Aurangabad railway station. Proceed by road to witness the historical Daulatabad Fort, Ellora Caves, a World Heritage site. Lunch and Cultural programme at Hotel Taj. After lunch visit to the Shivaji Museum, Aurangabad Caves No. 7 & 8, Bibi-ka-Maqbara. Free time for shopping Paithani, Himroo, Bidriwork from showrooms for a perfect memorabilia. Late in the evening board the train from Aurangabad railway station. |
| |
|
Day 7
Tuesday
|
Ajanta & Nashik
Morning arrival at Jalgaon railway station. Board the bus to reach Fardapur resort. After break fast proceed to visit renowned Buddhist caves of Ajanta a World Heritage Site. At noon board the train at Bhusalwal Railway Station. Proceed to Nashik. Lunch on-board. Arrival at Nashik railway station. Departure to visit Panchawati Ghat and Sula Winery Yard. Wine and dine at the winery yard. Late in the night board the train at Nashik railway station. |
| |
|
Day 8
Wednesday
|
Morning arrival at CST Terminus.
Journey Ends. Enjoy the breakfast on board as the sun rises over the commercial capital of India. The royal journey is over, but the
memory of which, will live on forever. |
OTHER INFORMATION
| Climate |
Varies from 8o C to 30o C between September to March and in April it is around 35 o C. |
| |
|
| Clothing recommended |
Light tropical/light woollens. |
The Deccan Odyssey Tour starts on every Wednesday of the week* from Mumbai.
| • |
Months of Operation (October till April next year) |
As this palatial train requires a lot of renovation and maintenance the Train thus does not operates in the months of May, June, July, August and September.
Passenger reservations/cancellation on the Deccan Odyssey may be done as per the following terms and conditions:
BOOKING
| • |
25% of ticket value at the time of booking |
| • |
75% of ticket value 45 days before departure of the tour |
CANCELLATION
| • |
10% of the Ticket Value if the request is received before 60 days. |
|
|
| • |
25% of Ticket Value if cancellation is received within a period of 45-59 days from schedule date of departure. |
|
|
| • |
40% of ticket value if cancellation request is received within the period of 24-44 days from schedule date of departure. |
|
|
| • |
60% of ticket value if cancellation request is received within the period of 8-23 days from schedule date of departure. |
|
|
| • |
100% of ticket value if cancellation request is received within the period of 7 days or before the schedule date of departure. |
THE SALOONS
The Deccan Odyssey has 21 coaches out of which 11 are passenger cars with 4 coupes each. There are two Presidential Suite Cars with 2 coupes each car. The cars have channel music, intercom, CD/MP3 player, attached toilets, running hot and cold water, shower, wall to wall carpeting and other amenities. The train also has a conference car (can be redesigned as dance floor in the night) and two restaurant cars. There is also a lounge/bar car and one surprising addition is a Spa Car. Apart from the above there are generator cars with luggage store and staff car or spare car. The Deccan Odyssey has exclusive non-smoking suite cars and separate suite cars for the guests who love to smoke.
ON BOARD FACILITIES
| • |
A complimentary bottle of wine courtesy the Deccan Odyssey in all the rooms. |
|
|
| • |
Each guest is provided with an arrival kit consisting of stationery items, brochures, cards, etc. Anything additional can be asked for, from the attendant, always available at your service. |
|
|
| • |
The two restaurant cars, serve a range of Indian, Continental, Maharashtrian, Goa and Chinese cuisines. Menus are changed seasonally |
|
|
| • |
A well stocked bar serves wine, liquor and spirits of Indian and international brands |
|
|
| • |
Conference Room with capacity to host 50 guests with facility for satellite communication, Internet, computer with printer and fax, and telephone exchange |
|
|
| • |
The leading dailies and newspapers greet you every morning. Also available for you is a large collection of magazines.
Ayurvedic Massage Centre, Steam Bath, Gymnasium, Beauty Parlour |
|
|
| • |
Business Centre |
|
|
| • |
Special Suite for Physically challenged |
|
|
| • |
Fully loaded mini pantry in each coach |
|
|
| • |
Telephone in each saloon |
|
|
| • |
Television in each coach
Plasma TV in Lounge Car |
|
|
| • |
PA System / 6 Channel Music System |
|
|
| • |
Lounge in each passenger car |
|
|
| • |
Money exchange facility / credit cards.
Complimentary mineral water on board/in the coach during sightseeing and at hotels. |
|
|
| • |
Voltage available on the train 110/230 V. |
|
|
| • |
Adequate safety and security arrangements. |
|
|
| • |
Wide collection of CD's/MP3 |
|
|
| • |
All essential toiletries like soaps, shampoos, moisturisers etc. are provided in the train. |
|
|
| • |
An attendant is always available at your service, to take care of all your travel needs. |
|
|
| • |
A mailbox is provided on board, which discharges your mail with utmost care and efficiency. |
|
|
| • |
Doctor on call at the next station. |
|
|
| • |
For physically challenged persons special assistance is available in the form of wheel chairs, creches and a special attendant for manual assistance. |
|
|
| • |
Assistance for travel arrangements on completion of the tour. |
|
