The Deccan Odyssey

Deccan Odyssey chugs along some of the most culturally and historically significant destinations in Maharashtra along with pristine Konkan coasts and sun and sand paradise Goa. Detailed itinerary will give you an insight into the attractions and off-train excursions planned to let you explore the rich history and heritage of Maharashtra in a unique way.

Day 1 - Mumbai

Assemble at the Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai by 15:00 hours to begin with the enchanting sojourn across the Deccan region, aboard the Deccan Odyssey. Dinner and overnight stay onboard the train as you will swiftly move towards Sindhudurg.

Day 2 - Sindhudurg

The train arrives at the Sindhudurg Railway Station at about 07:30 hours. Post breakfast you will visit the Sindhudurg Fort on boat. This sea fort is most noted for its tough structure that was built by the Marathas in the 16th century. Later you will travel all the way down to the mesmerizing Tarkarli Beach Resort for some fun and beach adventure. On arrival here by 12:00 hours, you will be served a sumptuous lunch and later you are free to enjoy some serene moments in leisure at the beach. You will also be taken to explore the ancient heritage of Dhamapur (replete with temples and a serene lake), enroute also visiting a local cashew factory. In late afternoon, you will drive to the Kudal Railway Station to continue your journey to the next destination, Goa.

Return to the train by 18:15 hours only to leave for 'traveler’s paradise’ Goa!

Dinner will be served onboard.

Day 3 - Goa

Soon after breakfast on the 3rd day of the sojourn, you will enter Goa and arrive at the Karmali Railway Station. Embark on city tours to Old Goa to visit the medieval churches housed here. Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Cathedral Church, and the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi are a few of them to name in the order here. Return to the train by lunchtime and stay on for some moments in leisure.

By 16:30 leave for dinner and a musical extravaganza that has been especially arranged for you in a prominent beachside resort of Goa.

Day 4 - Goa

Visit the internationally acclaimed "Sahakari Spice Farm", one of the largest organic spice farm in India and the “Menezes Braganza House” one of the last standing structure which dates back to pre-Portuguese era. To add to the icing to the cake, it’s the lady of the house Mrs. Braganza, an octogenarian who takes the visitors to the tour of the house.

Overnight stay and travel to Kolhapur.

Day 5 - Kolhapur

Arrive in Kolhapur and post breakfast embark on sightseeing trip across the city. The foremost attractions that you will visit in this city include the New Palace and the Shalini Palace. The highlight of visiting the Shalini Palace lies in the ‘Mardaani Khel’ performance that is especially organized for guests. Mardaani Khel is a martial art form popular in the region. Other places of tourist interest that you will visit on this day include the Mahalaxmi temple and the Bhawani Mandap as well.

Dinner and overnight stay in the Deccan Odyssey.

Day 6 - Daulatabad

In the morning of the 5th day, you will arrive in the Daulatabad station. Daulatabad is one of the most popular destinations in Deccan that was once the capital of the Tughlaq dynasty. Daulatabad Fort and Ellora Caves are the two most significant destinations you will visit on this day, amongst others.

For lunch, guests will drive down to the Aurangabad city where they can relish on a lavish spread of Maharashtrian culinary delights. Lunch and some relaxation later, embark on sightseeing tours across the city and arrive at the prime attraction, the impeccable Bibi Ka Maqbara. Bibi ka Maqbara is a fine replica of the grand Taj Mahal of Agra. Guests can also visit the local markets to pick up souvenirs and handicraft items.

Return to the train for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 7 - Ajanta Caves and Nashik

In the morning of the 7th day, guests aboard the Deccan Odyssey will arrive at Bhusawal. From the Bhusawal railway station you will proceed towards the splendid Ajanta Caves. A short bus ride will take you to the caves that are mostly known for housing Buddhist religious art.

Return to the train at Jalgaon and enjoy a sumptuous lunch aboard it, before traveling further towards Nashik. The topmost attractions you will visit in this city are Panchawati Ghat and the Kala Ram temple.

Later in the evening, depart for Mumbai from the Deolali Railway Station where the luxury train will already be waiting for you.

Day 8 - Mumbai (Return)

Arrive in Mumbai and alight at the railway station after breakfast. Sweet reminiscences of the trip will continue to linger for long.

To add to the luxury of Deccan Odyssey, state of the art amenities are available on board this Indian luxury train. Plush cabins recreating the pomp and elegance of princely traveling, quaint décor suffused with culture and heritage of Deccan dynasties and above all a traditional Indian hospitality to make you feel like a prince add to the experience. A journey on board Deccan odyssey is an indisputable rediscovery of a forgotten art of elegant traveling.

Cabins
There are a total of 21 luxuriously appointed coaches out of which there are 11 coaches to accommodate guests. Each coach is designed to recreate and reflect a particular time and era of Deccan historical milieu ruled by a different dynasty. Each salon is inspired from the stately coaches used as private carriages by erstwhile maharajas. Besides the classical décor elements, contemporary amenities and comforts blend seamlessly to offer right blend of luxury, quite efficiency and pampering to the guests. Facilities in the cabins include personal safe, telephone, attached bathrooms, air conditioning and a personal attendant.

• » 11 air conditioned deluxe cabins
• » Theme decoration in the cabins
• » 4 twin-bedded cabins also available
• » CD/MP3 player available
• » Attached bathrooms
• » Services also available for disabled guests

Dining
There are 2 restaurant offering gourmet selections of cuisines to the guests in tastefully appointed interiors. An array of Indian delicacies along with cuisines from around the world is served for the platter of the guest. Cuisines prepared by master chefs and served by invisible staff in a laidback ambience make for a gourmet dining experience. An array of succulent Indian and European cuisine is served freshly prepared each day by the award-winning Taj Hotels and Palaces catering staff. The restaurants housed here are:

• » Peshwa I
• » Peshwa II
• » Mumbai Hi is the onsite bar equipped with a host of beverage selections such as wines, spirits, and several non alcoholic drinks as well.

Sitting Lounge
For guests interested in relaxing, there are separate smoking suites available here that one could head to. Besides, the Mumbai Hi bar is also a great place to enjoy. A cabin here has been specifically dedicated to shopping thrifts who can purchase a number of local craft products, while traveling as well.

Conference Car
For business guests, the conference car is the place to be in, to take care of all your corporate endeavors. Spacious interiors, Internet access, and a host of other amenities to enable you a successful business venture wait for you here.

Health Spa
Fitted with a number of equipment, the Fitness Suite is the place regularly visited by guests interested in their health care regimen. Even for guests who are not so regular with their fitness routine, a visit to this cabin will definitely attract them for further visits, for sure. The Steam bath and Ayurvedic body massage in the onsite spa will rejuvenate your souls and keep your spirits up throughout the trip, and later.

Deccan Odyssey embarks on its journey across the heart of Deccan region each Wednesday from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai. Select the date of journey which suits your travel requirement the most from the list of all journeys scheduled for the year 2012-13. Journey run throughout the year except the months of May-July and include all table d'hôte meals, service and off train excursions.

Confirmed departure dates for the season between October 2012 to April 2013:

Subject to response there would be additional departures on this route:

Details of tariff for the lean season as well as peak season for different type of accommodation on board the Deccan Odyssey  is mentioned below. Also mentioned is the additional cost of journey which comprises of inclusions and inclusions of services in the fare. Details of booking and cancellation policies are also mentioned to assist you in planning your journey on board Deccan Odyssey.

For Lean season September 2012 & April 2013 Departures (per person per night):

Half fare for children between 5 and 12 years.

For Peak season October 2012 to March 2013 Departures (per person per night):

Half fare for children between 5 and 12 years.

Any leg of minimum of 3 nights subject to availability will be given at the above-mentioned rates. Thus Mumbai-Goa and Goa-Mumbai sectors will be sold as available segments to clients.

If the client undertakes the day sightseeing programme at Goa & Mumbai, an extra $ 130 USD per person plus applicable service tax will be charged. This charge includes car, guide, entrance fees, and lunch deluxe restaurant.

Service Tax @ of 3.09% is applicable on the gross ticket value. This tax is also applicable on day programme at Mumbai & Goa.

Inclusions on the tariff comprise of travel, catering, and entrance fees at the monuments, parks, boat rides and palaces. Fees for video cameras, laundry, and liquor etc are not included in the tariff and are available to guests on extra charge.
 

Booking Policy

The reservation policies of the Deccan Odyssey tariff (FIT) are as follows:

• » Payment of 20% of ticket value at the time of confirming the booking is mandatory.
• » Remaining 80% of ticket value can be paid 60 days prior to departure.

The reservation policies of the Deccan Odyssey tariff (for Groups) are as follows:

• » Payment of 50% of ticket value at the time of confirming the booking is mandatory.
• » Remaining 50% of ticket value can be paid 60 days prior to departure.

Cancellation Policy

Cancelation policies as mentioned in the tariff (FIT) are as:

• » When booking is cancelled 60 days prior to departure - 5% of ticket value will be deducted
• » When booking is cancelled 30-59 days prior to departure - 20% of ticket value will be deducted
• » When booking is cancelled 15-29 days prior to departure - 50% of ticket value will be deducted
• » When booking is cancelled less than 14 days prior to departure - 100% of ticket value will be deducted

Cancelation policies as mentioned in the tariff (for Groups) are as:

• » When booking is cancelled 60 days prior to departure - 10% of ticket value will be deducted
• » When booking is cancelled less than 60 days prior to departure - 100% of ticket value will be deducted

No show/ En route termination of tour/amendment:

• » No Show - In case of No Show / Non-arrival of the guest, no refund or adjustment in future travel will be possible. The whole amount shall be treated as forfeited.
• » En route termination of tour - In case of termination of tour by the guest, for any reasons, no refund or adjustment for future travel will be possible. The amount for unused portion of the tour shall be treated as forfeited.
• » Amendment - Is only possible under the circumstances like Natural Disaster / Natural Calamity or Serious Health Problem's (this needs to be supported by doctor's certificate) and is subject to availability. No refunds are possible and every case be decided on merits on a case to case basis.