Mumbai to Mumbai - Deccan Odyssey

Maharashtra - it has, for five thousand years, seen various dynasties beyond Vindhya ruling over the Deccan Plateau from the days of Rashtrakutas, Vakatakas, Satvahanas, Shilaharas, Chalukyas, Yadavas, Marathas, Portuguese and English. All these dynasties have left behind their marks in the forms of monument and heritage sites, the wadas, the palaces, the churches, the temples, the synagogues, the mosques. The State with 27 wild life sanctuaries, 4 National Parks, numerous religious sites, places of scenic beauty, scores of beaches, thousands of forts and unique culture depicted in its folk arts, the colourful festivals, its cuisine, handicraft. A tourist will get a glimpse of all these just in seven days, a capsule of Maharashtra - the Great State.

- The Train Tour is a joint venture between Indian Railways & Tourism Department of Maharashtra.
- The off board logistics & sightseeing are handled by MTDC & onboard services are managed by dedicated
- Professional Team from Taj Group of Hotel

The 7 Nights /8 Days sojourn across The Deccan Plateau & Konkan Coast, highlights the best tourist places around Mumbai & in former Kingdom of Peshwas The detailed program is as follows

DAY 1: WED: MUMBAI Depart
Report by 330 p.m. at Mumbai, Chhatrapati Shivaji Rail Terminus a World Heritage Site. This is undoubtedly one of the famous Gothic buildings and an integral part of Mumbai's skyline. After check-in formalities & tour brief, train departs by 430 p.m. from Mumbai. Wine and dine in the luxurious comforts of this train and whistle off on your royal voyage. Traditional

Day 2 Morning : Thurs: SINDHUDURG Sea Fort
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 a onetime 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.

Day 2 Noon : Thurs: TARKARLI Virgin Beach
Head towards Tarkarli by luxury AC coach. 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. Afternoon depart for Kudal Railway Station, on way visit to Dhamapur a village situated on the banks of the lake. Dinner onboard.

DAY 3 : Fri: GOA Beaches & Churches
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 Assisi, that began as a mosque but now is an archaeological museum for Goan antiques.

You get, free time for a short walk in the city of Panjim a Capital of Goa. City is built on the left bank of the Mandovi river contains archbishop palaces, a modern port, churches and long winding streets lined with remarkably well preserved old houses. Visit Fontana’s, the Latin quarters at Panjim. One can do some shopping to carry memories of this beautiful State.
Drive past the St. Merry Immaculate Church.
It's time for an afternoon finger licking Goan delicacies, onboard the Deccan Odyssey.
Evening proceed to Beach side hotel for cultural program and dinner.
The day has ended, but in Goa, it is just the beginning. Nonstop 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. Night halt at Vasco Station for yet another day in Goa.

Day 4:Sat : GOA Temples, Spice Farm & Traditional Home
Morning detrain at Vasco station and board the bus to visit Mhalsa and Mangeshi, a Hindu Temples of God Shiva revealing typical architecture of old temples.

From here proceed to one of the biggest and finest Spice Farm in the Country a "Sahakari Spice Farm" at Ponda village. Situated among the lush green surroundings of Ponda place is extremely popular among international tourist. Visitors are traditionally welcomed at the entrance. After brief halt in the restaurant for welcome drink and snacks, a guided tour of the farm starts. This organic spice farm has variety of herbal and medicinal trees. The guide explains different spices and their medical values during tour which is about 45 minutes.

Typical Goan lunch is served here.
Option of Elephant joy ride on direct payment.
From farm house proceed to one of the finest heritage house of 16th century know as "Menezes Braganza House". It is one of the last remaining structures that date back to the pre-Portuguese era in Goa. The architecture and the interiors of the house make you feel as if you are going back in history. The structure welcomes the tourists and motivates them to explore this two storied marvelous structure in detail. It is one of the oldest heritage houses of Goa. This has been the traditional family home of the Braganza’s for many than four centuries. Even today, the lady of the house, Mrs Braganza, an octogenarian, still lives in the house and takes the visitors to a tour of the house herself. From Braganza House proceed to Madgaon Railway Station to board the train for next destination - Kolhapur. Enjoy the dinner onboard.
It's true, no matter how much time you have in Goa, it will always seem too little.

DAY 5 Morning : SUN: KOLHAPUR Princely Town
Next day on the itinerary is Kolhapur, a city of many great attractions. This city is a unique blend of culture, history, nature & industry. A journey through the past reveals that Kolhapur has lived through the regimes of various rulers from the mythical past to the modern age. The Hindu era lasted till 1347, followed by the Muslim rule which was from 1347-1700. The magnificent temples of Kolhapur were built during the glorious periods of the Satavahana kings and the Shilaharas. The Marathas controlled this area from 1700 to 1849. In 1849, the British took over and Chhatrapati Sahu Maharaj was installed as the ruler of Kolhapur.

Most of the venues Bhavani Mandap, Mahalaxmi Temple, Shalini Palace, New Palace, Museum etc. reflect their own significance as major attractions.

By noon drive back to Kolhapur station, to board the train & depart.

Afternoon & Evening at leisure ,on board the train, travelling along the rolling hills and picturesque ruins of the past, you travel way back in time to Aurangabad.

DAY 6: MON: AURANGABAD & ELLORA Caves
Founded by Aurangzeb, Aurangabad's heritage is rich and diversified.

After breakfast in the train, a luxury coach 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 valor. 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. Return to Aurangabad 5 star Hotel for lunch..

Afternoon, visit Bibi-ka-Maqbara, a replica of Taj Mahal is a grand piece of Moghul architecture.
Time Free to shop for Paithani, Himroo, Bidriwork clothing 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.

DAY 7 Morning: TUE: AJANTA Caves
Alight at Jalgaon railway station and travel to Fardapur resort. After a royal breakfast depart for T-Junction in a luxury AC bus. Board the eco-friendly bus and it's time to travel back in time. Soon, you will find yourself surrounded by dramatic views of the Wadhera valley where the Ajanta Caves are located. Older than the Ellora caves and dating back to 2nd century B.C, ,the caves are also cut from the volcanic lava of the Deccan

Trapped in a steep crescent shaped hillside & lost to the world after the 7th century ,this UNESCO World Heritage site was re-discovered in 1819, by a party of British officers on a hunting expedition.

At Ajanta, the Mahayana group, Hiragana 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 Buddha’s' 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 mesmerize tourists from all over the world.

After a quick shopping break for artifacts and souvenirs, back track to Jalgaon Station in the same luxury AC bus.
Train departs for Nasik

DAY 7 Afternoon: TUE: NASIK Pilgrimage town
Alight at Nasik Road station with a traditional welcome of garlands, 'aarti' and 'kumkum tilak'. Depart for Panchavati Ghats. Finally, when you head back to the Nasik 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.

DAY 8 Morning: MUMBAI Return
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.