Welcome to the mesmerizing Maharashtra experience aboard the luxurious Deccan Odyssey - Pan India Tour.
The weeklong Deccan Odyssey - Pan India Tour includes several exotic destinations covering the vast expanse of Maharashtra and North India. Covering Mumbai, Aurangabad, Udaipur, Sawai Modhopur, Jaipur, Agra and Delhi
The Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train project is a joint venture of the Ministry of Railway, Government of India and MTDC (Maharashtra Tourist Development Corporation). The Deccan Odyssey has been benchmarked against the best luxury trains in the world like the Blue Train of South Africa, The Orient Express of Europe and the Eastern and Oriental of South East Asia.
The Deccan Odyssey's sheer luxury is a sight to behold. Everything in the train reflects the ways of Indian Royalty - "Maharaja". The plush interiors, an awesome cuisine and grate sites to see makes the journey memorable. Welcome aboard!
Deccan Odyssey has 21 coaches out of which 11 are passenger cars with 4 coupes each. There are 2 Presidential Suite Cars with 2 coupes per car. The train also has a conference car (can be redesigned as dance floor in the night) and two restaurant cars. There is also a lounge/bar car and one surprising addition is a Spa Car. Apart from the above there are generator cars with luggage store and staff car or spare car.
Fine Indian and Continental cuisine is served on board in two restaurant cars. The high level of on-board service is delivered by one of the prestigious hotel chain of India.
Conference Room with capacity to host 50 guests with facility for satellite communication, Internet, computer with printer and fax, and telephone exchange
• Library
• Bar
• Channel Music
• Ayurvedic Massage Centre
• Steam Bath
• Gymnasium
• Beauty Parlour
• Business Centre
• Special Suite for Physically challenged
• Fully loaded mini pantry in each coach
• Telephone in each saloon
• Television in each coach
• Plasma TV in Lounge Car
• PA System/ 6 Channel Music System
• Lounge in each passenger car
Saturday
Welcome aboard the Deccan Odyssey.
Early this evening assemble at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus at approximately 1530 hours to complete the registration process
and check in formalities for your Jewels of the Deccan journey, as you receive a traditional Indian welcome and enjoy a refreshing
welcome drink.
After completion of all formalities, you will be shown to your delightful cabins. As you settle in, the Deccan Odyssey shall depart Mumbai for Bijapur in Karnataka.
Sunday
Relish breakfast this morning as the Deccan Odyssey arrives at Bijapur, the historic capital of the Sultans of Deccan.
Established between the 10th and 11th centuries by the Kalyani Chalukyas, Bijapur changed hands often, passing into the hands of
new conquerors and invaders. In the second half of 16th and early 17th century, under the aegis of the Adil Shahi dynasty, their
capital city of Bijapur occupied a prominent place among the celebrated cities of India and even surpassed great cities of Delhi,
Agra and Mughal India. Due to the secular nature and liberal patronage of the Adil Shahi Sultans, many scholars, poets, painters,
dancers, calligraphers, musicians, Sufi saints and other men of arts flocked to Bijapur which also came to be known as the
'Palmyra of the Deccan'
After breakfast, disembark and first head to the Gol Gumbaz, literally ‘round dome’, and the second largest tomb in the world; the
mausoleum of Adil Shah, the Sultan of Bijapur, it is a structural triumph of Deccan architecture, with a circular gallery where the
tiniest of whispers gets magnified owing to the unique acoustics of the dome.
Next, head to the Jumma Masjid, known as one of the first mosques in India and then onto Malik-e-Maidan, the largest medieval cannon in the world. Don't hesitate to make a wish here as legend has it that if you touch the gun and make a wish, it will come true!
Visit Mehtar Mahal, a 17th century ornamental gateway to a mosque. Then, drive to and explore Ibrahim Rouza, considered amongst the most elegant Islamic monuments in India; its 24m high minarets said to have inspired those of the Taj Mahal. Return to the Deccan Odyssey for lunch on board as it departs for Aihole and Pattadakal.
Spend the evening marveling at the subtly changing shades of the formidable granite landscape as the Deccan Odyssey snakes its way through the Deccan plateau.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner onboard
Monday
Rise early this morning, and after breakfast head out to explore the temples and ancient settlements of Aihole and Pattadakal, one
of the world's largest temple complexes.
Aihole, is often called the cradle of Indian architecture. Explore a few of the over 70 rock cut temples constructed by the
Chalukyan kings in a completely experimental style, with each temple different from the others in the complex and even from
other temples in India itself.
Continue on to Pattadakal situated on the banks of the Malaprabha River and explore the architectural style here which combines South Indian (Dravidian) and North Indian (Nagara) forms. In fact this architecture can be seen to have influenced later architecture commissioned by the Hoysala and other dynasties.
Enjoy a packed lunch in the lawns at Pattadakal as you continue to take in the beauty of the architecture around you. Thereafter drive to a little town called Guledgud, famous for its hand and power looms of ilkal and khann. Observe the process of weaving and head to an outlet where you can pick up lovely souvenirs to carry back home.
Return to the Bagalkot Station and board the Deccan Odyssey which will be stationed here for the night.
Tuesday
This morning, after breakfast you will disembark and drive to Badami. Bright yellow sunflower fields and red-ochre hues from
the sandstone hills, announce the arrival of Badami.
With your guide, explore its four cave temples that represent the secular nature of the Chalukyan rulers, with tolerance and religious beliefs inclined towards Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. These cave temples overlook the 5th century Agustyamuni tank which has Shiva temples and a lovely museum on the other bank.
Drive to Badami Court for lunch; soak in the views of the red sandstone hills that stand guard to the place.
Having taken in your fill of the rock cut caves and sculptured temples in Badami, return to the Deccan Odyssey. This evening, enjoy a few Deccan specials for dinner.
Wednesday
This morning as you enjoy breakfast, the Deccan Odyssey rolls into Hospet. Today you will visit the iconic City of Victory,
Hampi, a World Heritage site, famous for its splendid architecture, sculptures and their historical significance.
A short drive quickly changes your landscape from the city bustle to sentient massive boulders as you reach Hampi. Stop at the Narasimha statue and spend some time taking pictures and looking around.
Next head to the mustard Ganesh, located at the base of the Hemkuta hills, and quite a misnomer as the elephant God statue here is anything but small! Take in the breathtaking vistas around the hills with their little caves and alcoves. Walk the banks of the Tungabhadra River as you leave the Virupaksha temple on to the famed Vittala temple, the polar power sites of Hampi, one a living temple, the other a most extravagant architectural showpiece.
Take a break at the lovely sprawling Sloth Bear Resort for a leisurely lunch.
After a full day of visiting the wonders of Hampi, return to the Hospet station. Board the Deccan Odyssey for your onward journey to Hyderabad as you sit down at dinner.
Thursday
This morning the Deccan Odyssey rolls into royal city of the Nizams, Hyderabad. Legends abound over how this capital of the
Asaf Jahi dynasty came to be called Hyderabad. One of the more interesting ones is that it was named after Bhagmati, the Hindu
wife of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, who converted to Islam and changed her name to Hyder Mahal.
Breakfast over, disembark and drive to visit to the weaving village of Pochampally, a cluster of about 80 villagers where weavers are striving to keep alive the art of the ikat or tie and dye weaving. One of these skilled artisans will demonstrate to you the uniqueness of the ikat weave which lies in the transfer of design and colouring onto warp and weft threads first and then weaving them together. The fabrics used are cotton, silk and seico, a mix of silk and cotton, with the colours being made from natural sources and blended together.
Return to the Deccan Odyssey for lunch and a little rest before you disembark once again to explore the old city area of Charminar and the bustling bazaar there.
Return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner and a restful evening as you will be stationed at Hyderabad for the night.
Friday
After a leisurely breakfast this morning, disembark and drive towards the epitome of Nizami culture and grandeur, Golconda.
Originally a mud fort, it soon acquired impressive proportions after becoming the seat of power of the Qutub Shahi dynasty.
Explore the serene Qutub Shahi tombs, truly magnificent monuments erected in memory of the departed kings of Golconda that
have stood the test of time and the vagaries of nature. Like the Gol Gumbaz at Bijapur, sounds resonate through the entire
complex owing to the marvelous acoustics here.
Return to the Deccan Odyssey in time for lunch on board.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on board;
Saturday
Early this morning, after breakfast, you will disembark at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai.
Bid farewell to the Deccan Odyssey as your royal passage through the grand vistas of India comes to an end.
Breakfast on board
The Deccan Odyssey will immerse your senses to soak in India’s vibrant hues, embarking on a majestic voyage unfolding a valiant past of the legendary Marathas. Traversing across magnificent landscapes, its sprawling forts, palaces, and beautifying experiences, the Deccan Odyssey offers you a peek into the Indian soul, redefining the art of elegant travel, en route exotic destinations via Ganpatipule, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Goa, Pune, Ajanta and Ellora(Aurangabad). Spread out into 21 coaches that facilitate 4 coupes each and 2 Presidential Suite Cars, it has a lounge and a state of the art Spa Car too.
• Visit the iconic symbols and UNESCO World heritage Sites in Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal and Hampi
• Experience the culinary delights of the Nizams of Hyderabad
• Stroll through the colorful and bustling bazaars of Hyderabad and pick up some souvenirs
# The tariff is inclusive of cost of travel, accommodation, all meals, sightseeing tours, entrance fee
(excluding video camera fee) for monuments & palaces and entertainment.
# Tariff does not include liquor, laundry and other items of personal nature.
• All Costs are in US Dollars
• The above costs are per cabin per Journey
• Presidential Suite can accommodate up to 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children
• (Applicable for Children below 12 years)
• Government Service tax of 3.57% is additional and will be charged extra on the published tariff
• Prices are subject to change incase of any amendment in the routing or other hikes such as fuel, taxes etc.
• Child rates are applicable from 6 to 12 years.
INCLUSION :
• Accommodation in double / twin bedded cabin with en suite bathrooms
• Soft Beverages during meals(B, L,D)
• Valet Service
• Still Camera fees
• Guided off train excursions and game drives as illustrated in the itinerary - inclusive of entrance fees, park fees, transport and services of an English speaking local guide
EXCLUSIONS:
• Taxes, Insurance , Gratuities
• Laundry, Alcoholic Beverages, Soft beverages during non meal hours
• Video and professional Still Camera fees
• Arrival and Departure transfers
• International and Domestic air tickets
• Pre and Post tour accommodation and any tour extensions unless specifically mentioned as a part of the journey
Booking Policy:
30% of ticket value at the time of confirming the booking.
Remaining 80% of ticket value 60 days prior to departure.
5% of ticket value 60 days or more prior to departure.
20% of ticket value between 59 to 16 days prior to departure.
100% of ticket value 15 days prior to departure.
No show/ En route termination of tour/amendment:# No Show - In case of No Show / Non-arrival of the guest, no refund or adjustment in future travel will be possible. The whole amount shall be treated as forfeited.
# En route termination of tour - In case of termination of tour by the guest, for any reasons, no refund or adjustment for future travel will be possible. The amount for unused portion of the tour shall be treated as forfeited.
# Amendment - Is only possible under the circumstances like Natural Disaster / Natural Calamity or Serious Health Problem's (this needs to be supported by doctor's certificate) and is subject to availability. No refunds are possible and every case will be decided on merits on a case to case basis. No amendment will be permissible in case of booking of groups or complete train.
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