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Deccan Odyssey
Detailed Itinerary
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! . . .
ITINERARY
Mumbai
Day 01 - Wednesday
Welcome to Mumbai, a 300-year city, carved out of an archipelago of seven
islands. Taking into its fold, this antiquity, the Mumbai city has progressed by leaps and
bounds to become the busiest city, one of the largest metro cities and the financial
capital of India. From here, you board the train in the evening from Chhatrapati Shivaji
Terminus to initiate your royal voyage
Jaigadh, Ganapatipule, Ratnagiri and Bhatye
Beach
Day 2 - Thursday
Alight in the morning at the Bhoke Station nestled amidst majestic mountains and scenic
backwaters. Enjoy the short ride in a luxury bus to Rai Jetty. Cut through the mesmerising
silence of the scenic backwater accompanied by an impressive number of exotic birds on the
way to the historical Jaigad Fort. Relish an almost unique view of Konkan village life,
impossible to get either from road or the rail. This romantic journey brings you to Jaigad
Jetty, situated at the foothills of the Jaigad Fort. And at a short distance stands the
legendary Jaigad Fort, high and proud on a cliff with a spectacular view of the ocean and
Ganapatipule, the next destination.
After Jaigad Fort, it's time to travel to Ganapatipule by road, an experience by itself.
The vast 'Konkan' stretch abounds with scenic greenery, red earth and the roofed houses
with clean courtyards add a quaint touch to the panorama.
Ganapatipule is bathed in the golden sunshine and silver moonlight, lapped by gentle
foam-flecked waves from the expanse of the Arabian Sea. It's laced with the unforgettable
aroma of fruits, flowers and mangroves. And the timid whispers of swaying coconut trees
carry you away into a land, that's serene, sedate and unspoilt.
Feast your taste buds over a vast spread of 'Konkan' cuisine and spend some time in the
company of the locals, who are as warm and cheerful as their surroundings. Ever ready to
chat with you and make you feel at home. Visit the holy temple shrine dedicated to Lord
Ganesh, flocked by millions every year. Walk down the beach to the tune of the splashing
waves. Head out towards Ratnagiri, the land of the world famous 'Alphonso' mangoes, in the
comforts of the luxury AC bus.
Ratnagiri is the birthplace of Lokmanya Tilak and the internment home for the last king of
Burma, King Thibaw. Visit the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak , Ratnadurga Fort and then put on your
swimsuits. Just a few kilometers away, lined with dense trees, lies the long-winding
stretch of Bhatye beach, your next destination.
Temples, forts and virgin beaches, you would wish you could stay a little longer. But the
train whistles and you are off to yet another beautiful destination feasting over a royal
spread served on board.
Sindhurdurg, Tarkaarli, Sawantwadi
Day 3 - Friday
Next day the train chugs in to the tip of the Konkan coast, Sindhudurg Nagari Railway
station. A luxury AC bus transfers you to Malvan Jetty from the station. Settle in a
comfortable boat, arranged just for you, and enjoy the mesmerising view of flora, birds
and caressing waves on the ride to Sindhudurg Fort.
Next stop the one time naval base, stubbornly guarded, till today by the unconquered Ocean
Fort of Sindhudurg. As you approach the fort from Malvan jetty past a rocky reef, marvel
at the hard work of over 6000 skilled hands that worked round the clock for 3 years.
Within its premises are temples dedicated to Bhavani, Mahadeo, Jarimari, Mahapurush and
Shivaji. Walk on the two-mile long rampart walls and watch the breathtaking view of the
vast open sea as it fires a volley of spray 30 ft. below. And at times even 30 feet high,
an amazing experience indeed.
Head out to Tarkarli by luxury AC bus. A virgin beach at the confluence of river Karli and
Arabian Sea with silver soft sands and pristine clear waters. The wide river, the
beautiful sailboats, the tiny islands, the hamlets at the river bank, all contribute to
the picture-postcard beauty of Tarkarli. Enjoy a relaxed lunch at the well-appointed MTDC
beach resort, complete with twenty 'Konkani' style cottages. Indeed a perfect place to
enjoy the mouth-watering 'Malvani' cuisine and then unwind.
Next stop, Tarkarli Jetty, for a romantic boat ride through the Tarkarli creek up to Kalse
Jetty. Move on to Sawantwadi by AC luxury bus, situated on the southernmost point of
Sindhudurg. This elite heritage destination is the entry point to Goa. The colourful town,
once an estate capital, is home to the Chitar Ali and Jagannathrao Bhosale Garden. Shilpa
Gram is yet another place you must visit. A craft village, where you can watch local
craftsmen manufacturing handicrafts and what's more, you can buy some mementos too.
The evening promises a traditional meal in the train. As the train heads to Goa from
Sawantwadi, you will leave behind this coastal paradise rich in history and natural
splendour.
Goa
Day 04 - Saturday
As the train pulls in to Goa, get ready to explore an exotic destination frequented by
tourists from all corners of the globe. Brilliant lush green fields surrounding village
and hamlets, white washed churches standing out against occasional empty patches of
startling red soil. Welcome to Goa, the land of India's finest golden sand beaches, jungle
clad hills, imposing ancient churches and elegant mansions, splashed with colour of
bougainvillea. Goa is indeed a great collage of sights, experiences and history.
Once in Goa, you can start off with Old Goa. Take a walk amid the ruins, ramble in the
vast gardens and grounds of the old church buildings. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral
and the Church of St. Francis of Assissi, that began as a mosque but now is an
archaeological museum for Goan antiques. It's time for an afternoon laced with heady
traditional music, dance and finger licking Goan delicacies. Visit Fontanhas, the Latin
quarters at Panjim, the capital of Goa State. Next stop is Dona Paula, a small palm
fringed beach with casuarina groves and tranquility.
The day has ended, but in Goa, it is just the beginning. Non stop fun, virgin beaches,
ancient sites and caves, religious icons and shrines are set deep in your mind as you head
back to the Karmali station. Wine and dine on board the royal train. It's true, no matter
how much time you have in Goa, it will always seem too little.
Pune
Day 05 - Sunday
Next morning, the royal train pulls into Pune, the erstwhile capital of Maratha.
Also known as the cultural capital of the state, it is hometown of famous poets, writers,
singers and artists. After a royal breakfast in the train, step out to discover this early
home of Shivaji, the great Maratha warrior
First stop is Phule Mandai, the old central market, named after the great social reformer
Mahatma Jotirao Phule. It consists of a large octagonal central tower with Gothic features
and arms radiating from it. A reminder of the days gone by. Move on to the Raja Kelkar
Museum, a quaint Rajasthani-styled building with an interesting personal collection of
artifacts and antiques belonging to the 17th, 18th and the 19th century. Next is the World
famous Iyengar Yoga Institute. Directed by Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar, it is an institute of
international reputation. People come here from all over the world with hopes and rarely
ever go back disappointed
After a quick lunch break at Taj Blue Diamond, it is time to move on to the world famous
Rajneesh Ashram. Commonly known as Osho Ashram, the lushly landscaped 24-acre commune
offers numerous programmes with an emphasis on meditation. Thousands alight here every day
in search of spiritual meanings. Next stop is the Tribal Museum with an impressive
collection of nearly 2000 rare and precious articles related to the tribal life of
Maharashtra. The 12 sections include domestic life, agriculture, weapons and woodcarving.
Move on to the David Synagogue, believed to be one of the largest in the world. Built by a
Jewish merchant, Sir David Sassoon in 1867, it is one of the finest synagogues in India.
Now, the luxury bus takes you to the Aga Khan Palace. A historical monument where Mahatma
Gandhi and his wife were imprisoned along with other national leaders after he started the
Quit India movement. Listen to the magic of hymns and devotional songs presented by a
small group of artistes near the memorial of Smt. Kasturba Gandhi.
Before you realise it, the day has ended. And it's time for the famous light and sound
show at the Shaniwarwada Palace, built in 1732 by the Peshwas. Traditional 'tutari',
'sanai', 'chaughada', garlands and 'kumkum tilak' welcome you at the entrance. While the
daring story of the erstwhile Maratha Empire enacted by light and sound capture your
imagination inside.
After a sumptuous meal on board the royal train, your next destination is the 6th century.
Aurangabad
Day 06 - Monday
Next morning, travelling along the rolling hills and picturesque ruins of the
past, you travel way back in time to Aurangabad. Founded by Aurangzeb, Aurangabad's
heritage is rich and varied. After breakfast in the train, a luxury bus takes you to the
majestic fortress of Daulatabad. An impregnable defense in its day, it still stands tall
and proud. Walk around the ruins, which tell you extraordinary stories of bravery and
valour.
Next stop is the world famous Ellora Caves. Just 30 kms. from Aurangabad the historical
Ellora caves is now a World Heritage Site. The Hindu, Jain and Buddhist caves at Ellora
are among the finest in India. Lying on the ancient trade route, the caves are thought to
be the work of priests and pilgrims who used the route. Abandoned and forgotten for a few
centuries, the 34 caves were cut out of volcanic rocks of the Deccan trap. 12 are Buddhist
(600 to 700 AD), 17 Hindus (800-1000 AD) and five Jain (1000 -1300 AD). The Buddhist caves
belong to the Vajrayana sect of the Mahayana School. The caves include 'viharas'
(monasteries) and 'chaityas' (chapels) where the monks worshipped. The Hindu caves lie in
the centre of the group. The most famous of them being the Kailasanatha Temple (8th
century). It is the most magnificent of all the rock-cut structures at Ellora. Completely
open to the elements, it is the only building that was begun from the top. 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 at the Taj hotel with live cultural entertainment.
Next stop, is the Shivaji Museum with weapons and antiques from the great Maratha Empire.
Just beyond the city, lies the Aurangabad Caves with highly ornate and strikingly detailed
sculptures and architecture. Dating from the Vakataka and the succeeding Kalachuri
dynasties (2nd and 6th centuries AD), these 10 caves, five in each group are also a World
Heritage Site.
Move on to the Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, a tribute of the Emperor's son to his mother. A replica of
Taj Mahal, the fairy tale Maqbara stands out as the only piece of Moghul architecture on
the Deccan Plateau. Spend some time browsing through Paithani and Himroo showrooms for a
perfect memorabilia. Soon, it's time to go back to the station for a mouth-watering feast
in the train and then to travel even further back in time
Jalgaon, Ajanta, Nashik
Day 7 - Tuesday
Alight at Jalgaon railway station after a royal breakfast. Travel to T-Junction in a
luxury AC bus. Board the MSRTC eco-friendly bus and it's time to travel back in time.
Soon, you will find yourself surrounded by dramatic views of the Waghora valley where the
Ajanta Caves are located. Older than the Ellora caves (200 BC to 650 AD) they are also cut
from the volcanic lava of the Deccan Trap in a steep crescent shaped hillside. Lost to the
world after the 7th century it was discovered by accident in 1819, by a party of British
officers on a hunting expedition.
At Ajanta, the Mahayana group, Hinayana group and the later Mahayana group, complete the
spectrum of Buddhist development in India. 'Bodhisattva Padmapani', 'Boddhisattva
Avalokitesvara', '17 Jatakas', 'The Birth of the Buddha' and 'The Thousand Buddhas' are
amongst the finest murals and sculptures ever found. The paintings on the ceiling,
particularly the elephant scattering the lotus, charging bull, the black princess and the
row of dancers with musicians mesmerise tourists from all over the world.
After a quick shopping break for artifacts and souvenirs, back track to Bhusalwal Station
in the same luxury AC bus. Travel along to Nashik in the royal comforts of the train while
the magnificent images of the ancient caves linger on in your mind. Enjoy the
mouth-watering spread on board of the royal train
Alight at Nashik Road station with a traditional welcome of garlands, 'arti' and 'kumkum
tilak'. Depart for Sula Winery at Govardhan Park in the comforts of a luxury AC bus,
enjoying the view of a bustling township that's an interesting blend of the ancient and
the modern.
Stop on the way at the grape farms of the Winery. Walk through the green paradise as rows
and rows of grape meet your eye in every direction. After watching the breathtaking view
from the Gangapur dam site move on to the Sula Winery. The air, heavy with the heady aroma
of wine, welcomes you to the Winery. Wine and dine in royal comfort as the sun sets in the
horizon. Finally, when you head back to the Nashik Road Station, it's time for the Deccan
Odyssey train to move from the past to the future. Get ready to alight at the most
advanced business capital of India, Mumbai.
Mumbai
Day 08 - Wednesday
Enjoy the breakfast on board as the sun rises over the commercial capital of India. Alight
at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai in the morning enriched with the rich legacy
of this land. The royal journey is over, but the memory of which, will live on forever. |
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