Luxury Train Journey
Deccan Odyssey Train Tour |
Duration
07 Nights / 08 Days |
Places Covered
Mumbai - Jaigad - Ganapatipule - Ratnagiri - Bhatye -
Sindhuburg - Tarkali - Sawantwadi - Goa - Pune - Aurangabad - Ajanta - Nashik
- Mumbai. |
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To step aboard The Deccan Odyssey is to step into a different world. Here
the opulence and pleasant hospitality evoke your senses and makes you remember
the romantic age of travel. Join us for a journey through ancient mountains and
mysterious forts, pristine beaches and charming villages. The majestic landscape
of Maharastra seduces all who visit. In its sweeping hills, stunning coastlines,
and rugged moorland, the land conjures up irresistible images of romance and enduring
legends of Maratha Kingdom. You can gaze upon mile after mile of unspoilt natural
beauty. Enjoy the company of others, sit idly with a good book or simply let the
beauty passing by your window wash over you.
The seven day itinerary
includes several exotic destinations covering the expanse of Maharashtra on Mumbai-Konkan-Goa-Pune-Aurangabad
route, returning to Mumbai via Nasik. All these destination offer travelers a
unique opportunity to enjoy some of India's most breathtaking scenery.
Day 01- Mumbai
Tour starts from Mumbai, a city of dreams that 300
years ago was an agglomeration of seven islands. Modern, yet preserving its antiquities
as a short drive through the city will reveal. Board the train in the evening
at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, one of Mumbai¹s most famous gothic landmarks.
Wine and dine in comfort as the train sets about its voyage.
Day
02 - Jaigad - Ganapatipule - Ratnagiri - Bhatye
Alight at Ukshi station
and enjoy a short ride to Rai jetty. Cut through the backwaters, accompanied by
exotic birds, to historical Jaigad Fort, high on a cliffside overlooking the ocean.
View Konkan village life, unreachable by road. Travel to Ganapatipule by road,
a scenic drive. On arrival feast on a vast spread of ŒKonkan¹ cuisine,
spending time with local people. Visit the holy temple shrine dedicated to Lord
Ganesh and walk the beach amongst swaying palms. Head out to Ratnagiri by air-conditioned
coach. This was the internment home of the last king of Burma. Visit Lokmanya
Tilak Smarak, Rtanaburg Fort followed by a swim off Bhatye beach. Depart in the
evening on the next stage of our journey.
Day 03 - Sindhuburg - Tarkali
- Sawantwadi
Travel to the tip of the Konkan coast arriving at Sudhuburg
Nagari station. Travel to Sundhuburg Fort by boat. On arrival walk the two-mile
long rampart walls with views of the open sea. Head to Tarkali beach by luxury
coach, a virgin beach at the confluence of the River Karli. Enjoy a ŒMalvani¹
lunch at MTDC Beach resort. Take a ferry ride up the Tarkali Creek moving on to
Sawantwadi by coach, the entrance point to Goa and home to the Chitar Ali and
Jagannathrao Bhosale Garden. You may also visit Shilpa Gram village to watch local
craftsmen go about their work. A traditional meal on board the train during the
evening as we head for Goa.
Day 04 - Goa
Morning arrival
in Goa, home to India¹s finest beaches, jungle clad hills and ancient architecture.
Take a walk amongst and amidst the ruins of Old Goa visiting the Basilica of Bom
Jesus, the Cathedral and the Church of St. Francis of Assissi, now an archaeological
museum. Move on to Priol, home to one of the Mangeshi Temples. A boat cruise down
the Mandovi river follows featuring entertainment and Goan delicacies. Visit Fontanhas,
the latin quarter of Panjim, Goa¹s capital, followed by Dona Paula, a small
palm fringed beach. In the evening head back to the station for wining and dining
on board.
Day 05 - Pune
Morning arrival in Pune,
former capital of the Marathas and home to poets, writers and artists. Following
breakfast the first stop is Phule Mandia, the old central market. We then visit
Rajar Kelkar museum, a Rajasthani-style building with some interesting artefacts
dating from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Next is the Iyengar Yoga Institute,
famous the world over. After lunch at the Taj Blue Diamond we visit the Osho Ashram
commune, focusing on meditation. Next comes the tribal museum and the David synagogue.
Board a luxury coach to visit the Aga Khan Palace, an historical monument where
Gandhi and his wife were imprisoned. In the evening comes the light and sound
show at the Shaniwarwada Palace. A sumptuous meal is prepared on board the train
prior to departure for Aurangabad.
Day 06 - Aurangabad
Following
breakfast on the train board a luxury coach to visit the fortress of Daulatabad.
Next stop is the world famous Ellora Caves, a world heritage site consisting of
a series of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist caves originating from the 7th to the 14th
centuries. Return to Aurangabad for lunch before visiting the Shivaji museum followed
by the Aurangabad Caves and the Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, a replica of the Taj Mahal. Return
to the train for an evening meal and departure to our next port of call.
Day 07 - Ajanta - Nashik
After breakfast alight at Jalgaon station
for a visit to the Ajanta Caves, which date from the 3rd to the 7th centuries.
The caves contain some of the finest buddhist murals and sculptures ever found.
We return to Jalgaon station to board the train for Nashik where we depart for
the Sula winery at Govardhan park visiting the vineyards along the way. Wine and
dine in comfort as the sun sets before heading back to Nashik Road station to
board the train to Mumbai.
Day 08 - Mumbai
Enjoy breakfast
on board as we arrive in Mumbai, India¹s commercial capital. Alight at Chhatrapati
Shivaji rail terminus as the tour draws to its conclusion.
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