Deccan Odyssey

(Wednesday) Mumbai
Departure in the evening from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Mumbai.

The time has come for you to undertake a journey way back in time. Welcome to Mumbai, a city of dreams that 300 years ago was an agglomeration of seven islands. Modern, yet preserving its antiquities, a short drive through the city will reveal this inherent truth. Board the train in the evening at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, undoubtedly one of the famous Gothic buildings and an integral part of Mumbai's skyline. Wine and dine in the luxurious comforts of this train and whistle off on your royal voyage. Contact Deccan-Odyssey-India.com - Exclusive Online Sales Agent of Deccan Odyssey for booking of seats and packages on one of the most luxurious trains in the world.

(Thursday) Jaigadh, Ganapatipule, Ratnagiri and Bhatye Beach
Alight in the morning at the Bhoke Station nestled amidst majestic mountains and scenic backwaters. Enjoy the short ride in a AC luxury bus to Rai Bhatgaon Jetty. Cut through the mesmerizing silence of the scenic backwater accompanied by an impressive number of exotic birds on the way to the historical Jaigad Fort. Relish an almost unique view of Konkan village life, impossible to get either from road or the rail. This romantic journey brings you to Jaigad Jetty, situated at the foothills of the Jaigad Fort. And at a short distance stands the legendary Jaigad Fort, high and proud on a cliff with a spectacular view of the ocean and Ganapatipule, the next destination.

After Jaigad Fort, it's time to travel to Ganapatipule by road, an experience by itself. The vast 'Konkan' stretch abounds with scenic greenery, red earth and the roofed houses with clean courtyards add a quaint touch to the panorama.

Ganapatipule is bathed in the golden sunshine and silver moonlight, lapped by gentle foam-flecked waves from the expanse of the Arabian Sea. It's laced with the unforgettable aroma of fruits, flowers and mangroves. And the timid whispers of swaying coconut trees carry you away into a land, that's serene, sedate and unspoilt.

Feast your taste buds over a vast spread of 'Konkan' cuisine and spend some time to witness cultural programme. Mingle in the company of the locals, who are as warm and cheerful as their surroundings. Ever ready to chat with you and make you feel at home. Visit the holy temple shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesh, flocked by millions every year. Walk down the beach to the tune of the splashing waves. Head out towards Ratnagiri, the land of the world famous 'Alphonso' mangoes, in the comforts of the luxury AC bus.

Ratnagiri is the birthplace of Lokmanya Tilak and the internment home for the last king of Burma, King Thibaw. Visit the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak and Ratnadurga Fort.

Temples, forts and virgin beaches, you would wish you could stay a little longer. But the train whistles and you are off to yet another beautiful destination feasting over a royal spread served on board.

(Friday) Sindhudurg, Tarkarli, Sawantwadi
Next day the train chugs in to the tip of the Konkan coast, Sindhudurg Nagari Railway station. A luxury AC bus transfers you to Malvan Jetty from the station. Settle in a comfortable boat, arranged just for you, and enjoy the mesmerizing view of flora, birds and caressing waves on the ride to Sindhudurg Fort.

Next stop the one time naval base, stubbornly guarded, till today by the unconquered Ocean Fort of Sindhudurg. As you approach the fort from Malvan jetty past a rocky reef, marvel at the hard work of over 6000 skilled hands that worked round the clock for 3 years. Within its premises are temples dedicated to Bhavani, Mahadeo, Jarimari, Mahapurush and Shivaji. Walk on the two-mile long rampart walls and watch the breathtaking view of the vast open sea as it fires a volley of spray 30 ft. below. And at times even 30 feet high, an amazing experience indeed.

Head out to Tarkarli by luxury AC bus. A virgin beach at the confluence of river Karli and Arabian Sea with silver soft sands and pristine clear waters. The wide river, the beautiful sailboats, the tiny islands, the hamlets at the riverbank, all contributes to the picture-postcard beauty of Tarkarli. Enjoy a relaxed lunch at the well-appointed MTDC beach resort, complete with twenty 'Konkani' style cottages. Indeed a perfect place to enjoy the mouth-watering 'Malvani' cuisine and then unwind.

Next stop, Tarkarli Jetty, for a romantic boat ride through the Tarkarli creek up to Kalse Jetty. Move on to Sawantwadi by AC luxury bus, situated on the southernmost point of Sindhudurg. This elite heritage destination is the entry point to Goa. The colourful town, once an estate capital, is home to the Chitar Ali and Jagannathrao Bhosale Garden. Shilpa Gram is yet another place you must visit. A craft village, where you can watch local craftsmen manufacturing handicrafts and what's more, you can buy some mementos too.

The evening promises a traditional meal in the train. As the train heads to Goa from Sawantwadi, you will leave behind this coastal paradise rich in history and natural splendour.

(Saturday) Goa
As the train pulls in to Goa, get ready to explore an exotic destination frequented by tourists from all corners of the globe. Brilliant lush green fields surrounding village and hamlets, white washed churches standing out against occasional empty patches of startling red soil. Welcome to Goa, the land of India's finest golden sand beaches, jungle clad hills, imposing ancient churches and elegant mansions, splashed with colour of bougainvillea. Goa is indeed a great collage of sights, experiences and history.

Once in Goa, you can start off with Old Goa. Take a walk amid the ruins, ramble in the vast gardens and grounds of the old church buildings. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral and the Church of St. Francis of Assissi, that began as a mosque but now is an archaeological museum for Goan antiques.

Next, free time for a short walk in the city of Panjim a Capital of Goa. City is built on the left bank of of the Mandovi river contains archbishop palaces, a modern port, churches and long winding streets lined with remarkably well preserved old houses. One can do some shopping to carry memories of this beautiful State.

It's time for an afternoon finger licking Goan delicacies. Next stop is Dona Paula, a small palm fringed beach with casuarinas groves and tranquility. Visit Fontanhas, the Latin quarters at Panjim.

The day has ended, but in Goa, it is just the beginning. Non stop fun, virgin beaches, ancient sites and caves, religious icons and shrines are set deep in your mind as you head back to the Madgaon station. Wine and dine on board the royal train. It's true, no matter how much time you have in Goa, it will always seem too little.

(Sunday) Pune
Next morning, the royal train pulls into Pune, the erstwhile capital of Maratha. Also known as the cultural capital of the state, it is hometown of famous poets, writers, singers and artists. After a royal breakfast in the train, step out to discover this early home of Shivaji, the great Maratha warrior.

First stop is Phule Mandai, the old central market, named after the great social reformer Mahatma Jotiba Phule. It consists of a large octagonal central tower with Gothic features and arms radiating from it. A reminder of the day’s gone by. Move on to the Raja Kelkar Museum, a quaint Rajasthani-styled building with an interesting personal collection of artifacts and antiques belonging to the 17th, 18th and the 19th century. Move on to the David Synagogue, believed to be one of the largest in the world. Built by a Jewish merchant, Sir David Sassoon in 1867, it is one of the finest synagogues in India.

It is time to move on to the world famous Rajneesh Ashram. Commonly known as Osho Ashram, the lushly landscaped 24-acre commune offers numerous programmes with an emphasis on meditation. Thousands alight here every day in search of spiritual meanings.

After a quick lunch break at the Hotel Le Meridian, next stop is the Tribal Museum with an impressive collection of nearly 2000 rare and precious articles related to the tribal life of Maharashtra. The 12 sections include domestic life, agriculture, weapons and woodcarving.

Now, the luxury bus takes you to the Aga Khan Palace. A historical monument where Mahatma Gandhi and his wife were imprisoned along with other national leaders after he started the Quit India movement. Listen to the magic of hymns and devotional songs presented by a small group of artistes near the memorial of Smt. Kasturba Gandhi.

Before you realise it, the day has ended. And it's time for the famous light and sound show at the Shaniwarwada Palace, built in 1732 by the Peshwas. Traditional 'tutari', 'sanai', 'chaughada', garlands and 'kumkum tilak' welcome you at the entrance. While the daring story of the erstwhile Maratha Empire enacted by light and sound capture your imagination inside.

After a sumptuous meal on board the royal train, your next destination is the 6th century.

(Monday) Aurangabad
Next morning, travelling along the rolling hills and picturesque ruins of the past, you travel way back in time to Aurangabad. Founded by Aurangzeb, Aurangabad's heritage is rich and varied.

After breakfast in the train, a luxury bus takes you to the majestic fortress of Daulatabad. An impregnable defense in its day, it still stands tall and proud. Walk around the ruins, which tell you extraordinary stories of bravery and valour.

Next stop is the world famous Ellora Caves. Just 30 kms. from Aurangabad the historical Ellora caves is now a World Heritage Site. The Hindu, Jain and Buddhist caves at Ellora are among the finest in India. Lying on the ancient trade route, the caves are thought to be the work of priests and pilgrims who used the route. Abandoned and forgotten for a few centuries, the 34 caves were cut out of volcanic rocks of the Deccan trap. 12 are Buddhist (600 to 700 AD), 17 Hindus (800-1000 AD) and five Jain (1000 -1300 AD). The Buddhist caves belong to the Vajrayana sect of the Mahayana School. The caves include 'viharas' (monasteries) and 'chaityas' (chapels) where the monks worshipped. The Hindu caves lie in the centre of the group. The most famous of them being the Kailasanatha Temple (8th century). It is the most magnificent of all the rock-cut structures at Ellora. Completely open to the elements, it is the only building that was begun from the top. The Jain caves, less grand in comparison to the others are richly carved with lotus, elephant, lions and 'tirthankaras' of Lord Mahavira. They offer an aura of peace and simplicity.

Come back to Aurangabad for lunch at the Taj hotel with live cultural entertainment.

Next stop is the Shivaji Museum with weapons and antiques from the great Maratha Empire. Just beyond the city, lies the Aurangabad Caves with highly ornate and strikingly detailed sculptures and architecture. Dating from the Vakataka and the succeeding Kalachuri dynasties (2nd and 6th centuries AD), these 10 caves, five in each group are also a World Heritage Site.

Move on to the Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, a tribute of the Emperor's son to his mother. A replica of Taj Mahal, the fairy tale Maqbara stands out as the only piece of Moghul architecture on the Deccan Plateau. Spend some time browsing through Paithani and Himroo showrooms for a perfect memorabilia.

Soon, it's time to go back to the station for a mouth-watering feast in the train and then to travel even further back in time.

(Tuesday) Ajanta & Nasik
Alight at Jalgaon railway station and travel to Fardapur resort. After a royal break fast depart for T-Junction in a luxury AC bus. Board the MSRTC eco-friendly bus and it's time to travel back in time. Soon, you will find yourself surrounded by dramatic views of
the Waghora valley where the Ajanta Caves are located. Older than the Ellora caves (200 BC to 650 AD) they are also cut from the volcanic lava of the Deccan Trap in a steep crescent shaped hillside. Lost to the world after the 7th century it was discovered by accident in 1819, by a party of British officers on a hunting expedition.

At Ajanta, the Mahayana group, Hinayana group and the later Mahayana group, complete the spectrum of Buddhist development in India. 'Bodhisattva Padmapani', 'Boddhisattva Avalokitesvara', '17 Jatakas'. 'The Birth of the Buddha' and 'The Thousand Buddhas' are amongst the finest murals and sculptures ever found. The paintings on the ceiling, particularly the elephant scattering the lotus, charging bull, the black princess and the row of dancers with musicians mesmerise tourists from all over the world.

After a quick shopping break for artifacts and souvenirs, back track to Bhusawal Station in the same luxury AC bus. Travel along to Nashik in the royal comforts of the train while the magnificent images of the ancient caves linger on in your mind. Enjoy the mouth-watering spread on board of the royal train.

Alight at Nashik Road station with a traditional welcome of garlands, 'arti' and 'kumkum tilak'. Depart for Sula Winery at Govardhan Park in the comforts of a luxury AC bus, enjoying the view of a bustling township that's an interesting blend of the ancient and the modern.

Stop on the way at the grape farms of the Winery. Walk through the green paradise as rows and rows of grape meet your eye in every direction. After watching the breathtaking view from the Gangapur dam site move on to the Sula Winery. The air, heavy with the heady aroma of wine, welcomes you to the Winery. Wine and dine in royal comfort as the sun sets in the horizon. Finally, when you head back to the Nashik Road Station, it's time for the Deccan Odyssey train to move from the past to the future. Get ready to alight at the most advanced business capital of India, Mumbai.

(Wednesday) Mumbai
Enjoy the breakfast on board as the sun rises over the commercial capital of India. Alight at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in the morning enriched with the rich legacy of this land. The royal journey is over, but the memory of which, will live on forever.