Luxury train travel around the world is in revival mode with more and more tourists opting for this mode of travel. As opposed to the cramped luxury of airliners, luxury trains offer that much-needed respite, privacy, and exclusivity that luxury travelers mostly seek. When it comes to luxury train travel, trains from India by far lead the way. Riding upon this renewed enthusiasm, Deccan Odyssey is making a strong comeback. Only a few know that this train is the oldest luxury train in India preceded only by Palace on Wheels.

Recently, a refurbished Deccan Odyssey was flagged off by the state tourism minister of Maharashtra, Chagan Bhujbal who is pretty optimistic about this season’s performance of the Deccan Odyssey. He even sounded confident about the profitable run by this Indian luxury train for the first time since its inception in 2004. The train was launched to promote tourism in Maharashtra in the line of the Palace on Wheels, which was a resounding success in Rajasthan.

If the reports are anything to go by, Deccan Odyssey is running almost to its capacity. And it is expected to continue to do so throughout this season. According to experts, this phenomenon could be attributed to the massive surge in foreign tourist arrivals in India and partly to the fact that India’s most revered luxury train Palace on Wheels is already booked three months in advance.

The recently refurbished train has a new vigor to its interiors. Revitalized and equipped with facilities such as two restaurants, a bar, a lounge, a fitness center, and even a spa, the Deccan Odyssey is being compared to the likes of the Blue Train and the Orient Express as one of the most luxurious rail journeys in the world.

The Deccan Odyssey crisscrosses through some of the most fascinating destinations in Maharashtra which include the World Heritage Site of Ajanta and Ellora Caves. The journey includes a dash of wildlife, heritage, beaches, and the Konkan trail. All off-train excursions are arranged for in air-conditioning buses with guides to acquaint the guests with the significance of each destination.

The round trip from Mumbai lasting 8 days, comes with a price tag of $425 during peak season on a per person per night triple occupancy basis and goes as low as $315 during the lea season. Departure dates of this season for Deccan Odyssey tours are December 7, 2011, January 4 and 11, 2012, and February 1, 2012. The destinations covered during the 8-day itinerary include Mumbai, SIndhudurg, Goa, Kolhapur, Aurangabad, Daulatabad, Ellora Caves, Ajanta Caves, Nashik, and back to Mumbai.