| Day 01 |
| The grand odyssey
begins in Mumbai, the city of dreams, the city of stars - Bollywood, the
commercial capital of India. One can see it all in Mumbai. Modern, yet
preserving its antiquities, the city's gothic and modern architecture stand
side-by-side, providing some awesome views. And once evening dawns, you're all
set to board The Deccan Odyssey for dinner and for the journey. |
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| Day 02 |
| You alight at the
Bhoke Station from where you go to the Jaigad Fort. The Fort's awesome pride and
stance is sure to leave you speechless. Travel next to Ganapatipule, a beach
bathed in golden sunshine and silver moonlight all for you to relish. And after
a sumptuous lunch here, head straight Ratnagiri, the Land of Alphonso mangoes.
Visit the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak, Ratnadurg Fort and then you're back to the laps
of luxury, The Deccan Odyssey, for dinner and a quiet sleep. |
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| Day 03 |
| The train chugs into
the tip of the Konkan coast, Sindhudurg Nagari Station. A luxury bus transfers
you to Malvan Jetty. From here a boat ride to the unconquered Ocean Fort of
Sindhudurg. See the temples dedicated to Bhavani, Mahadeo, Jarimari, Mahapurush
and Shivaji in its premises. The next stop, Tarkarli. A virgin beach at the
confluence of river Karli and Arabian Sea. A hard day at the sea is imminent, so
rest at the Tarkarli Beach Resort's 'Konkani' style cottages is soothing. (Not
to mention, the mouth-watering Konkani food that'll leave you asking for more.)
From here, move on to Tarkarli Jetty for a romantic boat ride to Kalse Jetty. A
kuxury bus then takes you to Sawantwadi. The evening promises a royal meal in
the train, so keep yourself hungry. |
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| Day 04 |
| Goa, the fabled land
for many, is the next stop. Brilliant lush green fields surrounding the villages
and hamlets, whitewashed churches standing out against the occasional empty
patches of startling soil. Some of India's finest golden sand beaches along with
jungle-clad hills, imposing ancient churches and elegant mansions dot this
state. Perhaps that's why people from all over the world flock here in droves.
Start off with Old Goa, as you walk amid the ruins of vast gardens and old
churches of Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral and the Church of St. Assissi.
Also on the cards is a walk through Fontanhas, the Latin quarters at Panjim.
Followed by a typical Goan styled lunch, after which you are free to explore Goa
on your own. As the day ends, you can look forward a splendid dinner on board
The Deccan Odyssey. |
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| Day 05 |
Next morning the
royal train pulls into Pune, the erstwhile capital of the Marathas. Also known
as the cultural capital of the state. Pune is the hometown of Maratha awakening
and the traditional centre of Maharashtrian culture; many famous poets, writers,
singers and artists were either born or lived here.
Start off with a visit to the Raja Kelkar Museum, a treasure house enshrined
with antiques of 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Next stop, the magnificent
Shaniwarwada built by the Peshwas in 1732. And after a splendid lunch, visit the
imposing Aga Khan Palace. On to the world famous Rajneesh (Osho) Ashram next.
And finally, the David Sassoon Synagogue. Built by Sir David Sassoon in 1867,
this synagogue is believed to be one of the largest and finest in the world. And
finally, end this day with a royal dinner, which is all hot and streaming on
board The Deccan Odyssey. |
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| Day 06 |
| It's Aurangabad next
morning. Get set to travel along the rolling hills and picturesque ruins of the
past. After a scrumptious breakfast in the train, a luxury bus takes you to the
majestic fortrees of Daulatabad. An impregnable defense in its days, it still
stands tall and proud. Aurangabad, founded by Aurangzeb, has scores of
monuments, tombs and Buddhist caves. Visit the world famous Ellora Caves. This
World Heritage Site's 34 brilliantly carved rock-cut temples represent Buddhist,
Jain and Hindu faiths. Back to Aurangabad for lunch with live cultural
entertainment. Also on the itinerary will be Bibi-Ka-Maqbara. And for the
perfect memorabilia, do spend some time shopping at Aurangabad. |
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| Day 07 |
| Seventh day brings you
to Jalgaon railway station. After a royal breakfast in the train, board the
MSRTC bus to surround yourself by dramatic views of the Waghora Valley; the
hideout of the Ajanta Caves. Older than Ellora Caves, these caves once lost to
the world, were discovered accidentally by a party of British officers on a
hunting trip. 'Bodhisattva Padmapani', 'Boddhisattva Avalokitesvara', 'The Birth
of the Buddha' and 'The Thousand Buddhas' are a few amongst the many fine murals
and sculptures you'll cherish. Then a mouth-watering lunch on board as you reach
Nashik, from where you travel to vineyards at Govardhan Park in the comforts of
a luxury A/C bus. On the way to the vineyard, visit Old Ghat (The Kumbh Mela is
held here once every 12 years) and see some great views of the Gangapur Dam
site. And get set for a lavish wining and dining session at the vineyard. |
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| Day 08 |
| Enjoy the breakfast on
board as the sun rises over beautiful Mumbai. You alight at the Chhatrapati
Shivaji Terminus after a week-long dream journey. And as you finish this royal
journey, needless to mention an unforgettable one, you'll only wonder why good
things have to end. Perhaps, this end is just a beginning. A beginning for you
to travel, to explore the unsen lands; full of questions and unfound answers. |
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