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The weeklong Deccan Odyssey tour includes several exotic destinations covering the vast expanse of Maharashtra and a pinch of Goa - Mumbai, Ganpatipule, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Goa, Pune, Aurangabad, Ajanta and Ellora. 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 |
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| DAY ONE | WEDNESDAY | MUMBAI |
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The Grand Odyssey beings 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. |
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16:40 hours |
Departure from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai |
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| DAY TWO | THURSDAY | JAIGAD, GANPATIPULE and RATNAGIRI |
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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 Ganpatipule, a beach bathed in golden sunshine and silver moonlight all for you to relish. And after a sumptuous lunch here, head straight to Ratanagiri, 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. |
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07:40 hours |
Breakfast on board. Arrival at Bhoke Station and departure for Rai Jetty. by luxury bus |
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09:00 hours |
Arrival at Rai Jetty |
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09:00 to 11:30 hours |
Boat ride from Rai Jetty to Jaigad Jetty |
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11:30 to 12:30 hours |
Departure for Ganpatipule along sea side road |
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12:30 hours |
Arrival at Ganpatipule Resort |
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12:30 to 14:30 hours |
Cultural Programme, Lunch & free time at Ganapatipule |
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14:45 hours |
Departure for Ratanagiri by luxury bus |
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15:45 hours |
Arrival at Ratanagiri |
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16:00 hours |
Board the train. Dinner on board |
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| DAY THREE | FRIDAY | SINDHUDURG, TARKARLI and SAWANTWADI |
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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, Jarmari, Mahapuruh 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 Tarkali 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 luxury bus then takes you to Sawantwadi. The evening promises a royal meal in the train, so keep yourself hungry. |
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08:25 hours |
Breakfast on board. Arrival at Sindhudurg Nagari Station |
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08:30 hours |
Departure for Malvan Jetty by air-conditioned bus |
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09:30 hours |
Arrival at Malvan Jetty |
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09:30 to 11:00 hours |
Visit to Sindhudurg Fort by boat |
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11:15 to 11:45 hours |
Malvan Jetty to Tarkarli - by bus |
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11:45 to 14:30 hours |
Cultural Programme, Lunch & free time at Tarkarli Beach |
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14:45 to 15:00 hours |
At Tarkarli Jetty |
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15:15 to 16:15 hours |
Boat Cruise in Tarkarli Creek. Journey up to Walaval |
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16:30 hours |
Arrival at Walaval Jetty - by bus to Sawantwadi |
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16:30 to 17:30 hours |
Arrival at Sawantwadi city |
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17:30 to 18:30 hours |
Visit to Shilpagram an Art & Craft bazaar |
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18:45 hours |
Arrival at Sawantwadi Railway Station |
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20:00 hours |
Departure for Goa and dinner on board |
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| DAY FOUR | SATURDAY | GOA |
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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 you own. As the day ends, you can look forward to splendid dinner on board The Deccan Odyssey. |
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07:30 hours |
Arrival at Karmali Railway Station. Breakfast on board |
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08:00 to 12:30 hours |
Departure by air-conditioned bus for Old Goa visit to (1) Basilica of Bom Jesus Church (2) Se Cathedral Church (3) St. Francis of Assissi a museum for Goan antiques and visit to Fontanhas the Latin quarters at Panjim |
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12:30 hours |
Departure for hotel |
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13:30 to 16:00 hours |
Lunch and free time at beach |
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16:15 hours |
Departure for Madgaon Railway Station |
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17:15 hours |
Departure for Kolhapur. Dinner on board |
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| DAY FIVE | SUNDAY | PUNE |
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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 Sssoon 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 steaming on board The Deccan Odyssey |
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07:00 hours |
Breakfast on Board |
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08:00 hours |
Arrive at Kolhapur Railway Station |
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08:30 hours |
Depart for Sightseeing by air-conditioned bus - Visit New Palace, Museum, Bhavani Mandap Mahalaxmi Temple & Shalini Palace- Watch cultural programmes & visit to handicraft stalls |
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11:30 hours |
Depart to Kolhapur Railway Station |
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11:45 hours |
Return to Deccan Odyssey |
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12:00 hours |
Depart for Pune |
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13:00 to 19:30 hours |
Lunch & leisure time on Board |
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19:30 hours |
Arrive at Pune Railway Station |
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19:45 hours |
Depart by air-conditioned bus visit Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum |
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21:15 hours |
Depart to Railway Station Pune |
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21:30 hours |
Return to Deccan Odyssey |
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21:45 hours |
Depart for Aurangabad |
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22:00 hours |
Dinner on Board |
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| DAY SIX | MONDAY | AURANGABAD |
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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 bas takes you to the majestic fortress of Daulatabad. An impregnable defense in its days, it still stands tall and proud. Aurangabad, founded by Aurangazeb, 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 entertainments. Also on the itinerary will be Bibi-ka-maqbara. And for the perfect memorabilia, do spend some time shopping at Aurangabad. |
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08:30 hours |
Breakfast on board. Arrival at Aurangabad Railway Station |
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08:30 to 10:00 hours |
Departure by air-conditioned bus and visit to Daulatabad Fort |
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10:00 to 10:30 hours |
Departure for Ellora Caves |
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10:30 to 12:30 hours |
Visit to Ellora Caves |
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12:30 to 13:15 hours |
Departure for Aurangabad |
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13:15 to 15:00 hours |
Lunch and cultural programme at Aurangabad |
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15:15 to 16:00 hours |
Visit to Bibi-ka-Maqbara Optional: Back to train |
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16:15 to 17:15 hours |
Free time for shopping |
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17:15 to 17:30 hours |
Departure for Aurangabad Railway Station |
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18:00 hours |
Train Departs for Jalgaon. Dinner on board |
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| DAY SEVEN | TUESDAY | AJANTA and NASHIK |
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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 re`ach Nashik, from where you travel to viveyards at Goverdhan Park in the comforts of a luxury air-conditioned bus. On the way to the vineyard, visit the 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 dinning session at the vineyard. |
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08:00 hours |
Breakfast on board. Arrival at Jalgaon Railway Station |
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08:15 to 09:15 hours |
Departure by air-conditioned bua for Ajanta Caves |
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09:30 to 10:30 hours |
Visit to Ajanta Caves |
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10:45 to 12:00 hours |
Departure for Jalgoan Railway Station |
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13:15 hours |
Departure for Nasik. Lunch on Board |
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17:00 hours |
Arrival at Nasik |
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17:15 to 18:00 hours |
Visit to Panchavati Ghat |
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18:15 to 18:30 hours |
Departure for Nasik & on board the train |
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18:30 to 22:30 hours |
Farewell Dinner on board the train |
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22:30 hours |
Departure for Mumbai |
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| DAY EIGHT | WEDNESDAY | MUMBAI |
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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 unseen lands; full of questions and unfound answers. |
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08:15 hours |
Breakfast on board. Arrival at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. |
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