Deccan Odyssey
The Deccan Odyssey is the newest luxury train of India. If the Palace On wheels is a gem for Rajasthan and Agra tour, Deccan Odyssey is regarded yet another jewel of the Indian railways and rightly so it is known as the Palace On Wheels of Maharashtra.

The Deccan Odyssey offers you a memorable and lifetime journey to the most popular and charming tourist destinations of Maharashtra and Goa. A splendorous royal train journey adorned with all the modern luxuries and comforts, the Deccan Odyssey takes you on an unforgettable tour, which covers land of legendry and mighty Marathas, the architectural beauty of Ajanta and Ellora, serene beaches, magnificent forts and palaces, the scintillating cities of Mumbai and Pune and many other exotic and beautiful tourist destinations in western India.

The destinations covered by the train include numerous exotic tourist destinations such as Mumbai, Ratnagiri, Jaigadh, Ganapatipule, Bhatye Beach, Goa, Sindhudurg, Tarkarli, Sawantwadi, Pune, Aurangabad, Ajanta and Nasik. A tour on the magnificent Deccan Odyssey surely provides you the finest train journey experience not to be found on any other train of the world. The Deccan Odyssey is much more than a mere luxury train cruise.

Deccan Odyssey History
 Deccan odyssey is the latest joint venture of Indian Railway and MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation). In collaborations with the famous Taj Group of hotels, Indian railway has created a complete 5-star hotel on wheels, with two restaurants and a bar, a sauna, business centre and other such amenities on board. It offers you the best comforts and services available presently on any luxury train all over the world. It takes you to most fascinating tourist spots of Maharashtra. Beginning the journey from Mumbai, the train travels to Ganapatipule, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Goa, Pune, Aurangabad, Ajanta and Ellora, Nashik and then back to Mumbai.

This beautiful blue Limousine on rails is the brainchild of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). An MOU for the Deccan Odyssey was signed between the Railway Ministry and the MTDC in Feb 2001 and the Railway Board's go-ahead signal was received by the ICF (Integral Coach Factory) in May 2002. It took nearly five months to finalize the design of the coaches and another five months to complete the construction. The train completed its trials during late 2003. And finally on January 16th, 2004 Deccan Odyssey started its maiden journey from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus(CST)Mumbai.

Deccan Odyssey Itinerary
 Deccan Odyssey Itinerary, Mumbai The Deccan Odyssey is the newest and one of the finest luxury trains of India with all the modern facilities available on board.

The itinerary of Deccan Odyssey includes 7 Nights/8 Days of a splendorous journey. In this period you visit many beautiful cities, historical monuments, exotic beaches, caves, temples etc. and experience an enjoyment of the lifetime. The train leaves Mumbai on Wednesday from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.

  • Day 01 - Wednesday - Mumbai:You start your memorable journey on the Deccan Odyssey at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai in the evening at 16.40 hrs. You are served with tea and Dinner on board.
  • Day 02 - Thursday - Ratangiri: Arrival: 07.40 hrs. Departure 16.00 hrs:The train arrives at Bhoke Rilway station in the morning. After having your breakfast on board you start your journey to Rai Jetty by a well furnished Air-conditioned bus. Here you can enjoy a boat ride from Rai jetty to Jaigad Fort. After this you leave for Ganapatipule by road. You can explore finest beach along the Konkan coast on your way to Ganapatipule. Have fun on the beach and lunch at a beach resort. After you again Ride the bus to Ratnagiri town. Here you visit Ratnadurg Fort, Lokmanya Tilak Smarak and Ratnagiri Bazaar and you leave for Ratnigiri Railway Station to board the Deccan Odyssey. You have your dinner and stay on the luxury train overnight.
  • Day 03 - Friday - Sindhudurg:Arrival: 08.25hrs. Departure 20.00 hrs:You arrive at Sindhudurg Nagari Railway Station in the morning. On an air-conditioned luxury bus you depart for Malvan Jetty here you visit the Sindhudurg Sea Fort by a boat. Then you leave for Tarkali Beach Resort, where you can have fun on the beach and lunch at a beach resort. After you go on a boat cruise in Tarkarli Creek to Kalsa Jetty.From here you Leave for Sawantwadi on a bus and can enjoy shopping at ' Shilpagrama' the crafts village. Then you return back to your train at Sawantwadi Railway Station and have your dinner and stay on the luxury train overnight..
  • Day 04 - Saturday - Goa: Arrival: 07.30hrs. Departure 17.15 hrs:You arrive at Karmali Railway Station in the morning and board bus to visit tourist spots in old Goa. Here you visit Basilica of Born Jesus Church, Se Cathedral Church and the Church of St. Francis of Assissi, a museum for Goan antiques. After you proceed to Panjim by bus. Here you have your lunch at Fort Aguada Beach Resort. After lunch you go to see Dona Paula, a small palm fringed beach with casuarinas groves and tranquility. You also Visit Fontanhas, the Latin quarters at Panjim. Then you return back to board the train from Madgaon railway station. Luxury Trains of India offers you the Deccan Odyssey tour to explore the beauty and historical legacy of western India.
  • Day 05 - Sunday - Pune City : Arrival: 08.15hrs. Departure 15.00 hrs:You arrive at Pune in the morning. Pune is famous as the cultural capital of Maharashtra. From here you Board a bus to visit Kelkar Museum which houses a variety of artifacts of the 17th-19th centuries and The world famous Osho Asharam, which is on of the biggest center for mediation and spiritual growth. After you have your Lunch at Hotel Le Meridian and visit the Tribal Museum having collection of about 1980 rare and precious articles related to tribal life. Then you drive past Synagouge and Visit the Aga Khan Palace, a museum dedicated to Gandhi family. Then you can enjoy the 'Sound and Light Show' at Shaniwarwada. In the evening you board the train from Pune railway station.
  • Day 06 - Monday - Aurangabad : Arrival: 08.30hrs. Departure 18.00 hrs:You arrive at Aurangabad in the morning. After that you board a luxury bus to visit the historical Daulatabad Fort. Then you visit famous Ellora caves, a World Heritage site, that houses about 34 cave temples dedicated Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. After lunch at Hotel Taj, you are ready to visit the Shivaji Museum which houses weapons and antiques of the great Maratha Empire. Other important tourist spots here include Aurangabad Caves No. 7 and 8, Bibi Ka Maqbara (a replica of Taj Mahal). Late in the evening, you board the train from Aurangabad railway station.Deccan Odyssey Itinerary, Aurangabad
  • Day 07 - Tuesday - Ajanta Caves & Nashik : Arrival: 08.00hrs. Departure 22.30 hrs:You arrive at Jalgaon railway station in the morning and board a bus to proceed to visit renowned Buddhist caves of Ajanta, a World Heritage Site. Here you can see some of the finest paintings and sculptures of the period ranging from 2nd century BC to 7th century AD. Then you board the train at Bhusawal railway station and proceed to Nashik. At Nashik you visit Panchawati Ghat and Sula Winery Yard. Late in the night you board the train at Nashik railway station. After having a farewell dinner you depart for Mumbai.
  • Day 08 - Wednesday - Mumbai : Arrival: 08.15hrs

Deccan Odyssey Coaches
The 'Deccan Odyssey', India's newest and most luxurious train provides its passengers a n unforgettable travel experience. The sleek blue Limousine with its well-maintained 21 luxury coaches offers you a seven-day sojourn that is worth giving a try at least once in your lifetime. Virtually all comforts of a five-star hotel is provided to tourists on boarding Deccan Odyssey which includes modern amenities like cyber cafe, mobile phone, sauna bath, six-channel music, TV, DVD and massage-cum-beauty parlor among many others.

Deccan Odyssey has a total of 21 Coaches. Out of which 13 fully air-conditioned deluxe saloons are for passengers. In 13 coaches reserved for passengers 11 are passenger cars with 4 twin bedded chambers and 2 are Presidential Suite Cars with 2 coupes each car. At the end of each coach a lounge is attached where passengers can relax and have a countryside sight during the daytime travel. There are 2 restaurant cars, which serve you with mouth watering Indian dishes. The train also has a conference car that can be redesigned as a dance floor during night. The lounge/bar car is attached for the entertainment and drinking needs of passengers. One surprising addition in the train is a Spa Car. Apart from the above there are generator cars with luggage store and staff car or spare car.

Overall Composition of the train

  • Passenger Cars - 11 coaches
  • Presidential Suite Cars-- 2 coaches
  • Restaurant Cars - 2 coaches
  • Conference Car-1 coach
  • Generator Cars with Luggage Store-2 coaches
  • Bar Car - 1 coach
  • Spa Car--1 coach
  • Staff, Spare Car-- 1 coach

All the coaches are well equipped with facilities like attached toilets, running hot and cold water, shower, wall to wall carpeting, channel music, intercom, CD/MP3 player, and many more like them.

Facilities provided on board train are of luxury 5-star hotels. Some of the modern facilities worth mentioning here are

  • Conference car with capacity to host 50 guests with modern facilities such as satellite communication, Internet connectivity, computer with printer and fax.
  • Ayurvedic Body Massage center with Steam bath to rejuvenate you.
  • A Gymnasium is also there for your routine workouts.
  • A beauty Parlor to take care of grooming needs of passengers.
  • Exclusive non-smoking suite cars and separate suite cars for the guests who love smoking.
  • A well maintained Library with numerous books, journals, newspapers and magazines.
  • Money exchange facility/credit cards.
  • Voltage available on the train 110/230 V.

Deccan Odyssey Facilities
 Deccan Odyssey Facilities The 'Deccan Odyssey', India's newest and most luxurious train is regarded as MTDC's answer to the more famous Palace on Wheels. The sleek blue Limousine with its well-maintained 21 luxury coaches offers you a seven-day sojourn that is worth giving a try at least once in your lifetime. Virtually all comforts of a five-star hotel is provided to tourists on boarding Deccan Odyssey which includes modern amenities like cyber cafe, mobile phone, sauna bath, six-channel music, TV, DVD and massage-cum-beauty parlor among many others. For the first time in India Deccan Odyssey offers you provision for regulation of temperature in each cabin of the train as per personal preference of the passenger.

Facilities
 A fully air-conditioned train the Deccan odyssey comprises of 21 coaches, out of that 13 are for passengers and the train can accommodate a total of 104 passengers.

  • Accommodation: There are13 fully air-conditioned deluxe saloons for passengers. Out of which 11 are passenger cars with 4 twin bedded chambers. There are 2 Presidential Suite Cars with 2 coupes each car. Each of 13 coach is well equipped with facilities like attached toilets, running hot and cold water, shower, wall to wall carpeting, channel music, intercom, CD/MP3 player, and many more like them.
  • Restaurants: There are2 well decorated and lavish restaurants named as Peshwa I and Peshwa II serving you with mouth watering exotic array of dishes.
  • Bar: A well maintained bar car is attached to cater the drinking needs of passengers. It serves you liquor of Indian and International Brands.
  • Business Center: There is also a conference-cum-business center, which can accommodate nearly 30 people. It is equipped with television sets, DVD players and Computers with Internet connectivity. If you wish to have conference on board then you can utilize conference facilities available in this car.
  • Lounge: A lounge is attached at the end of each coach for passengers where they can relax, interact, watch TV and make friends.

Other amenities available on board Deccan Odyssey are

  • Ayurvedic Body Massage center with Steam bath to rejuvenate you.
  • A Gymnasium is also there for your routine workouts.
  • A beauty Parlor to take care of grooming needs of passengers.
  • Exclusive non-smoking suite cars and separate suite cars for the guests who love smoking.
  • All essential toiletries like soaps, shampoos, moisturizers etc. are provided in the train.
  • A well maintained Library with numerous books, journals, newspapers and magazines.
  • Money exchange facility/credit cards.
  • Voltage available on the train 110/230 V.
  • Wide collection of CD's/MP3.

The individual facilities like Luggage Collection, Arrival kit, Personal attendant, Mineral water, Medical Aid, Mail Box, Shopping and Toiletries are also provided to passengers.

Deccan Odyssey Cultural Attractions
 The Deccan Odyssey is the newest and one of the finest luxury trains of India with all the modern facilities available on board. This beautiful blue limousine takes you to the land of legendary Shivaji, the great Maratha king, full of legends and cultural riches. Its destination include from the grand forts and palaces of the Marathas to beautiful beaches and heritage destinations such as Ajanta and Ellora.

All the coaches of Deccan Odyssey are named in accordance with the destinations it covers, each representing the culture of that particular place. The conference car of the train is used as a venue for organizing numerous dance and other cultural programs during the night. On your way to beautiful and exotic destinations of Maharashtra, the MTDC organizes many dance and music program related to culture of Maharashtra for your entertainment.

Maharashtra region has a very rich cultural past. It is reflected through its music, dance, handicrafts and festivals with all their colorful rituals and traditions.

Maharashtra represents its culture to its visitors in various form of its vibrant music and the folk forms like lavnis, povadas, gondnals and bharuds. India's greatest treasure on classical music 'Sangitratnakara ', written by a Maharashtrian shows its contribution to Indian music. Many of India's greatest stalwarts of music like Bhimsen Joshi, Pandit Jasraj and Lata Mangeshkar among many others are from Maharashtra. Many colorful festivals celebrated here such as famous Ganesh Chaturthi and Gokul Ashtami among many others reveals the cultural richness of Maharashtra. On your tour, you get a chance to closely observe and enjoy this rich cultural legacy of Maharashtra.

Deccan Odyssey Destinations
 Deccan Odyssey Destinations Mumbai The Deccan Odyssey, the newest luxury train of India starts its wonderful journey from C.S.T. Mumbai and from here starts your most fascinating tour that covers some of the very famous tourist destinations of India.

  • Mumbai: Famous as the commercial capital of India, Mumbai is a very famous city of India. The most popular tourist destinations in Mumbai include the Gateway of India, Nehru Planetarium, Mahalaxmi Temple, Tadoba (a tiger reserve in andheri) and Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
  • Jaigadh, Ganapatipule and Ratnagiri: Jaigadh is famous for the Fort here, which is situated on a cliff giving a spectacular view to its visitors. The boat ride from Rai jetty to Jaigad Fort gives you immense pleasure and fun. While in Ganapatipule you can explore the finest beach all along the Konkan coast. Ratnagiri is famous for Ratnadurg Fort, Lokmanya Tilak Smarak and Ratnagiri Bazaar.
  • Sindhudurg, Tarkali and Sawantwadi: One time naval base, Sindhudurg Sea Fort is the main attraction here .You take a boat from Malvan Jetty to reach to this sea fort. Tarkali is famous for its virgin beaches. You can enjoy boat riding in Tarkali Creek on your way to Kalsa Jetty. Sawantwadi is popular as the entry point to Goa. This colorful and elite heritage destination is famous for Jagannathrao Bhosale Garden and 'Shilpa Gram', a craft village offering numerous beautiful crafts items.
  • Deccan Odyssey Destinations Goa church Goa: Though Goa is world famous for its beautiful and exotic beaches; it also houses some of the best monuments of India. The famous tourist spots here include Basilica of Born Jesus Church, Se Cathedral Church and the Church of St. Francis of Assissi (a museum for Goan antiques). In Panjim you can visit Dona Paula, a small palm fringed beach with casuarinas groves and tranquility and Fontanhas, the Latin quarters.
  • Pune City: Pune is famous as the cultural capital of Maharashtra. Famous tourist places here include Kelkar Museum which houses a variety of artifacts of the 17th-19th centuries, the world famous Osho Asharam, the Tribal Museum, the Aga Khan Palace and the 'Sound and Light Show' at Shaniwarwada.
  • Aurangabad: The popular tourist spots in Aurangabad are the historical Daulatabad Fort, Ellora caves, Shivaji Museum, Aurangabad Caves No. 7 and 8 and Bibi Ka Maqbara (a replica of Taj Mahal).
  • Ajanta Caves & Nashik: a World Heritage Site, Buddhist caves of Ajanta are famous in all over the world. It has some of the finest paintings and sculptures of the 2nd century A.D. Nashik is famous for Panchawati Ghat and Sula Winery Yard.