Deccan Odyssey: Maharashtra Splendor
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Trip Overview
Highlights
Reviews
Places Visited
Places Visited:Mumbai - Nashik - Aurangabad (Ellora Caves) - Pachora (Ajanta Caves) - Kolhapur - Goa - Sawantwadi (Sindhudurg) - Mumbai
Duration
7 nights & 8 days
Tour categories
Luxury train
Customizable Itinerary
This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist
Deccan Odyssey: Maharashtra Splendor – A Coastal & Cultural Journey. Embark on an extraordinary 8-day luxury rail journey aboard the Deccan Odyssey, a magnificent “hotel on wheels,” designed for discerning travelers. This unique Maharashtra Splendor itinerary invites you to discover the diverse landscapes, rich history, ancient spirituality, and vibrant cultures of Western India, from bustling metropolises to serene coastal forts, all in unparalleled comfort and style.
Your grand adventure begins in Mumbai, heading to Nashik, India’s emerging wine capital. Here, you’ll walk along the holy Godavari Ghats and indulge in an exclusive wine-tasting experience at Grover Zampa vineyards. Journey to Aurangabad to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Ellora Caves, monumental rock-cut cave temples showcasing incredible ancient artistry.
Continue to Ajanta Caves, another UNESCO site renowned for its exquisite Buddhist paintings. Next, discover Kolhapur’s mythical past, witnessing its grand palace and a traditional ‘Mardani Khel’ martial arts performance. Experience the Portuguese charm of Goa, exploring Fontainhas, ancient churches, and enjoying a Goan feast at a spice plantation. The odyssey concludes with a visit to Sindhudurg’s island fort and Pinguli village, famous for traditional Thakar folk arts.
Disembark back in Mumbai, carrying cherished memories of a truly profound and culturally rich Indian odyssey. This Deccan Odyssey tour is your gateway to Maharashtra’s hidden gems and vibrant heritage.
** Train operations are subject to government regulations and applicable terms and conditions.
Customizable Itinerary
+ Day 1: Saturday - Mumbai | Board Your Maharashtra Splendor Journey
Your grand Indian adventure begins in Mumbai, the dynamic financial capital of India. Early this evening, assemble at the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus around 15:30 hours to complete your seamless registration and check-in formalities for the Maharashtra Splendor journey. Receive a warm, traditional Indian welcome with refreshing drinks before being escorted to your delightful, well-appointed cabins. Settle into your luxurious surroundings as the Deccan Odyssey gracefully departs Mumbai, commencing your remarkable voyage towards Nashik. Enjoy your first exquisite dinner on board.
+ Day 2: Sunday - Nashik | Wine Capital & Godavari Ghats
This morning, the Deccan Odyssey brings you to the holy city of Nashik, rapidly gaining recognition as India's wine capital. After a delightful breakfast on board, disembark to spend the morning walking along the sacred Godavari Ghats, observing various important Hindu rituals. Continue through the lively market by the Ghats, offering a vibrant glimpse into local life. Thereafter, drive to the renowned Grover Zampa vineyards for an exclusive tour of one of India's finest wine-producing facilities. Walk through picturesque vineyards, learn about the traditional method of sparkling wine production, and allow the sommelier to guide you through a tasting of their exquisite creations. Indulge in a sumptuous lunch at the vineyard before returning to the Deccan Odyssey, setting forth for Aurangabad.
+ Day 3: Monday - Aurangabad & Ellora Caves | Ancient Rock-Cut Marvels
As you enjoy breakfast, the Deccan Odyssey arrives in Aurangabad, an industrial town named after the last Great Mughal, Aurangzeb, and steeped in Mughal influences. From here, a scenic drive takes you to the exceptional Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site carved into the side of a basaltic hill 30 km from the city. These monumental rock-cut caves represent Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain faiths, showcasing incredible ancient Indian artistry and spiritual harmony. Savor a leisurely lunch on board as the picturesque hinterland of Maharashtra sweeps past. In the evening, unwind with cocktails crafted by the onboard bartender, followed by a sumptuous dinner and a well-deserved rest as the Deccan Odyssey proceeds towards Jalgaon for the exquisite Ajanta Caves.
+ Day 4: Tuesday - Ajanta Caves | Buddhist Art & Leisure Onboard
The Deccan Odyssey arrives at Jalgaon station this morning. After breakfast on board, disembark and drive to the magnificent Ajanta Caves, another UNESCO World Heritage site and an architectural marvel of its time, renowned for its ancient Buddhist rock-cut cave temples adorned with exquisite paintings and sculptures. Lunch will be served on board the Deccan Odyssey as it continues its journey to the multifaceted city of Kolhapur. The rest of your day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the amenities on board. Watch a movie, learn the rules of carrom (a popular Indian board game), or indulge in a relaxing massage at the onboard spa. In the evening, watch the tapestry of rural India unfold as you sip a sundowner before dinner.
+ Day 5: Wednesday - Kolhapur | Mythical Past & Martial Arts
Arrive this morning in Kolhapur, a multifaceted city steeped in a mythical past. Disembark to visit the grand Kolhapur Palace, explore the revered Mahalaxmi Temple, and delve into history at the Town Hall Museum. Witness a captivating traditional martial arts performance known as 'Mardani Khel,' showcasing the region's rich cultural heritage. Return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner as it prepares for its onward journey.
+ Day 6: Thursday - Goa | Portuguese Charm & Spice Plantations
Today, arrive in Goa, India's smallest state, renowned for its strong Portuguese influences and beautiful beaches, having remained a Portuguese colony until 1961. After breakfast, disembark and drive to Fontainhas, the Latin Quarters in Panjim, still featuring well-preserved houses built in distinctive Portuguese architectural style. Continue to Ribandar, the erstwhile capital of Goa, for a walk through ancient churches and the evocative ruins of the once-lofty St. Augustine Tower. Drive to the Sahakari spice plantation for a traditional Goan feast, a culinary delight blending Hindu and Portuguese flavors. After lunch, enjoy a vibrant Goan folk performance and a guided tour of the plantation. Conclude your day in Goa with a visit to an old Portuguese house, gaining another unique peek into Goan life. Return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner as it departs for Sindhudurg, traversing the Konkan Railway, one of the most scenic railway routes in the country, a marvelous feat of engineering through tunnels and bridges.
+ Day 7: Friday - Sindhudurg | Island Fort & Folk Arts
Arrive this morning in Sindhudurg, a historic region featuring a formidable fort located on a rocky island just off the coast of Malvan. Your day includes a visit to Sindhudurg’s Pinguli village and Sawantwadi Palace. At the local museum in Pinguli, get a glimpse of traditional Thakar folk arts and crafts, showcasing intricate local artistry. Afterward, head towards the elegant Sawantwadi Palace for a delicious luncheon. Enjoy dinner on board as the Deccan Odyssey makes its way back towards Mumbai.
+ Day 8: Saturday - Disembark in Mumbai | Farewell to Maharashtra Splendor
Early this morning, after a final breakfast on board, you will disembark in Mumbai. Bid a fond farewell to the Deccan Odyssey as your incredible royal passage through the grand vistas and diverse cultures of Maharashtra comes to a memorable end, leaving you with cherished memories of an extraordinary journey.
Customizable Itinerary
This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist
Trip Highlights
Deccan Odyssey: Maharashtra Splendor - Tour Highlights
- Luxury Rail Journey: Experience unparalleled comfort and bespoke service aboard the Deccan Odyssey, your magnificent "hotel on wheels."
- Mumbai Embarkation: Begin your grand journey from the bustling metropolis of Mumbai.
- Nashik's Wine & Spirituality: Walk along the sacred Godavari Ghats and indulge in an exclusive wine-tasting and tour at Grover Zampa vineyards, India's emerging wine capital.
- Aurangabad & Ellora Caves: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Ellora Caves, monumental rock-cut cave temples showcasing incredible ancient artistry of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain faiths.
- Ajanta Caves' Ancient Art: Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Ajanta Caves, renowned for their exquisite ancient Buddhist paintings and sculptures.
- Kolhapur's Cultural Richness: Visit Kolhapur's grand palace, the revered Mahalaxmi Temple, and witness a traditional 'Mardani Khel' martial arts performance.
- Goa's Portuguese Charm: Explore Fontainhas, Goa's Latin Quarters, visit ancient churches, enjoy a traditional Goan feast at a spice plantation, and witness a vibrant folk performance.
- Konkan Railway Scenic Route: Experience a marvel of engineering as the train traverses the stunning Konkan Railway, a picturesque route between the Arabian Sea and Sahyadri Hills.
- Sindhudurg's Island Fort & Folk Arts: Discover Sindhudurg's historic island fort and explore Pinguli village to witness traditional Thakar folk arts and crafts.
- Mumbai Disembarkation: Conclude your unforgettable royal passage back in Mumbai.
Customizable Itinerary
This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist
Reviews of this Travel Agency
5 stars based on 257 reviews.
5 stars based on 257 reviews.
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