Hail the Deccan Queen

Just when yOu thOught train journeys were passé, the Deccan Odyssey came into the scene and turned things around. Its a journey through history, in all its glory; in just seven days, speed through time, aboard the luxurious Deccan Odyssey. travel to the lush and pristine beaches in goa and Maharashtra, stroll through the majestic forts and palaces of the Marathas, and calm your senses at the very popular Osho Ashram in Pune. Be enthralled by the cultural richness of the Deccan on this memorable journey. the best part about this discovery from Mumbai to nasik and back on the Deccan Odyssey, through some picturesque coastline was, of course, the journey itself. sometimes an ochre red, at other times a volcanic black, laced with the mirror-surfaced backwaters that spill into the great blue Arabian sea, the Konkan Coast beckoned. A plush and luxurious train with 13 fully air conditioned saloons, each containing a combination of four twin bedded chambers, the services and amenities provided will make you want to ditch a fancy hotel and stay here. Once you enter your chamber, there will be an arrival kit containing stationery, brochures, a bottle of water, and wine waiting for you. All the saloons are equipped with attached toilets, both hot and cold running water, intercoms, telephones, CD/Mp3 players and are carpeted. there are separate smoking and non-smoking suites that you can pick as per your convenience. Draw the raw silk curtains that effectively block the outside world, and settle in into your piece of heaven. Lamps with frosted glass shades throw soft light, creating an ambience for intimate conversation; the wood panelled interiors are mounted with carefully selected watercolours and artefacts from the region; the softest of comforters and fluffy pillows ensure a comfortable night’s sleep; a bedside table, mirrored writing table, a telephone and a closet complete the cosy little chamber. there are also two Presidential suite cars that have two chambers each. Right from the beginning when your luggage is collected and deposited in your saloon, you know this isn’t going to be just another train journey. A royal luxury train in every sense of the word, there is an attendant at your service at all times to cater to your needs. there is enough to keep you busy, from the library car, gymnasium and beauty parlour, to the ayurvedic massage centre, bar and steam bath. Indulge yourself and the staff here will ensure you feel like royalty. there are also multiple restaurants which offer a variety of cuisines that will keep your palate satisfied at all times.

the journey starts from the iconic Chhatrapati sivaji

terminus in Bombay, and stops the next morning

sindhudurgh nagri. enjoy the view from the window of your AC bus as you travel to the Malvan Jetty. Check out the majestic Maratha forts and the local market at Katta village before heading off to tarkarli Resort. situated on the virgin beach of tarkarli, at the confluence of River Karli and the Arabian sea, the clear pristine waters allow you to look into the sea bed upto 20 ft. Visit the ancient temple of goddess Bhagwati, located on the banks of a lake in Dhamampur Village. the next morning, the train makes a pit stop at the super hip city of goa. walk around in Old goa and visit the ancient churches, and indulge in some authentic goan fare before you head off to your next destination. the next stop is at Kolhapur which is home not only to the famous Kolhapuri chappals, but also saris, jewellery and sandals. Once your wallet has worked through the day, sleep and rejuvenate yourself for a long day the next day. the Daulatabad forts, Ajanta and ellora caves and Bibi ka Maqbara keep you busy before dinner on the train. the next morning, pay a visit to the tadoba wildlife sanctuary, which was established in 1935, and is home to more than 50 Bengal tigers among other animals. A quick stop over at the Ajanta caves and nasik are on the agenda before your dream journey comes to an end the next morning.

itinerary

Day 1: Departure in the evening from Mumbai

Day 2: Sindhudurg, tarkarli, Dhamapur, dinner onboard

Day 3: arrive at Goa; spend day sightseeing, return to train

Day 4: arrive at Kolhapur; sightseeing; all meals onboard

Day 5: arrive at aurangabad; sightseeing at Daulatabad,

ellora, Bibi ka Maqbara; shopping, return to train for dinner

Day 6: arrive at Chandrapur for visit to tadoba Wildlife

Sanctuary and Sevagra; return to train for dinner

Day 7: Visit ajanta & Panchwati Ghat. Farewell dinner onboard