Not many people are aware of this fact that the Maharashtra State Tourism and Development Corporation (MTDC) was the second state tourism board to launch a luxury tourist train after the resounding success of Palace on Wheels in Rajasthan. Deccan Odyssey, a joint initiative of MTDC and Indian Railways, embarked on its maiden voyage on January 16, 2004.
Often established as a landmark in front of world-class luxury trains like the Blue Train of South Africa and the Venice Simplon Orient Express, Deccan Odyssey takes guests on a week-long excursion into the heart of Maratha along with a two-day stopover. in Goa. The two-day stop in Goa is the result of the recent repackaging of the itinerary for this Indian luxury train. The journey spanning more than 8 days and 7 nights starts from Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai and covers Sindhugarh, Goa, Vasco, Kolhapur, Daulatabad, Ajanta & Ellora and Nashik before culminating the return journey in Mumbai.
All the destinations included in the Indian luxury train itinerary are markedly opposite to each other in terms of perspective, but have a significant connection to the ancient and medieval civilization of India. Mumbai, a group of seven islands, has witnessed the rule of different colonial powers throughout history. The colonial buildings housed in the city are a testament to the past colonial rule. Next up in the charts is Sindhugarh, the fortress city of Chattrapati Shivaji, which boasts of several temples built during his reign.
Deccan Odyssey enters the Goa precincts on the third day. The churches and cathedrals scattered around Old Goa were built in the 15th and 16th centuries after the arrival of the Portuguese colonies in Goa. In addition to the excursion to Old Goa, a trip to Menezes Braganza House will add to the heritage appeal. Then there is Kolhapur, whose name is associated with a mythological story in which a demon named Kolhasura was killed by Goddess Mahalakshmi to relieve the local population. Popular attractions you will visit include the New Palace, Shalini Palace, Mahalakshmi Temple, and Bhawani Mandap.
Continuing with your Deccan Odyssey tour itinerary, there are rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora that personify the ancient civilization of India. A visit to these caves will bring you face to face with the creativity of the human mind and the religious harmony between Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. One of Kumbh Mela’s four locations, Nashik, is the last destination on your luxury train ride. The main attractions of this city are Panchwati and the Kala Ram temple.
According to the Deccan Odyssey train schedule for the year 2012-13, there are 13 departure dates for the upcoming season of this luxury tourist train. Furthermore, Deccan Odyssey is a luxury train and comes equipped with all the necessary facilities and services for such train travel. The train comprises 11 guest carriages that reflect the cultural spirit of the ancient Deccan dynasties in their interior décor and are equipped with state-of-the-art amenities such as LCD television, direct dial telephone, personal safe, air conditioning, and attached bathrooms.
Added to the facilities of this luxury tourist train are 2 restaurants, a bar, a lounge, a conference coach and a health spa that really justifies the presentation fee of this train USD 425. Therefore, to say that Deccan Odyssey It’s a blue limousine on wheels won’t be an exaggeration.