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Day 1: Mumbai
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.
Day 2: Mumbai - Jaigadh - Ganapatipule - Ratnagari - Bhatye Beach
Morning - Arrival at Bhoke Railway Station. Reach Rai Bhatgaon Jetty by AC bus for Backwater Cruise up to historical fort Jaigad. Board the bus to explore finest beach along the Konkan coast. Enjoy free time & lunch at Ganapatipule Beach Resort. At Noon board the bus for sight seeing tour of Ratnagiri town. Visit Ratnadurg Fort, Lokmanya Tilak Smarak and shop in Ratnagiri Bazar. Evening the train whistles and you are off to yet another beautiful destination feasting over a royal spread served on board. Book Now
Day 3: Sindudurg - Tarkarli - Sawantwadi
Next day the train chugs in to the tip of the Konkan coast, Sindhudurg Nagari Railway station. We will to 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. 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. 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. Enjoy a relaxed lunch at the well-appointed MTDC beach resort, complete with twenty 'Konkani' style cottages. 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 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.
Day 4: Goa
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. 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. Book Now
Day 5: Pune
Next morning, the royal train pulls into Pune, the erstwhile capital of Maratha. 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. 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. 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. Before you realise it, the day has ended. And it's time for the famous light and sound show at the Shaniwarwada Palace.After a sumptuous meal on board the royal train, your next destination is the 6th century.
Day 6: Aurangabad
Next morning, travelling along the rolling hills and picturesque ruins of the past, you travel way back in time to Aurangabad.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. 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. 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. Book Now
Day 7: Ajanta and 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) 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. 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.
Day 8: Mumbai
Morning - Arrival at CST, Mumbai. End of the Journey of Deccan Odyssey. |
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