If the regality of the mighty Rajput unfolds itself on board the Palace on Wheels, can the royalty of the Marathas be far behind? The Deccan Odyssey takes tourists on a trip to the land of Marathas, complete with the royal splendour that characterized their lives. It is one journey that will not come down from the minds of the tourists for a long time. The comforts offered on board matches with the best in the Five star hotel industry. And, amidst all the luxury and comforts, tourists are taken to enjoy some magnificent as well as soothing sights.
The Deccan Odyssey came into being after an MOU was signed between the Railway Ministry and the MTDC in Feb 2001. After a green signal was obtained from the Railway board, the ICF (Integral Coach Factory) took nearly ten months to finally constrct the Deccan Odyssey. The train made its trial run in the year 2003, and finally on 16th January, 2004, the train rolled out on its very first journey. The train begins its journey every Wednesday from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai.
Destinations Covered
Mumbai – Ganapatiphule- Sindhudurg – Tarkarli Backwaters – Sawantwadi – Goa – Kolhapur – Pune – Aurangabad – Ellora Caves – Jalgaon – Ajanta Caves – Nasik- Mumbai
Facilities Offered
There are all together 21 coaches in the Deccan Odyssey Train. Out of these, 13 are meant for passengers. 11 of these have 4 twin bedded chambers, while the rest two, the Presidential Suite have two twin bedded coupe. Each of the saloons have attached bathroom with running hot and cold water and shower. The saloons are all tastefully designed with wall to wall carpeting. At the end of every saloon, there is a lounge where passengers can sit, relax, watch television and interact with fellow passengers. The train has two restaurant, Peshwa I and Peshwa II, serving delicious dishes. There is also a well stocked bar for the passengers.
Apart from these facilities, there is a conference-cum-business center, which can accommodate nearly 30 people. It is equipped with television sets, DVD players and Computers with Internet connectivity. This section is highly useful for the business class. Quiet a few facilities are also provided on board Deccan Odyssey like an Ayurvedic Body Massage center, A Gymnasium, A beauty Parlor, Exclusive smoking and non-smoking suite cars, a well maintained Library and Money exchange facility/credit cards.
Deccan Odyssey Tour Schedule
Day 01 – Mumbai
Day 02 – Ganpatiphule
Day 03 – Tarkarli Backwaters
Day 04 – Goa
Day 05 – Pune
Day 06 – Ellora
Day 07 – Ajanta
Day 08 – Mumbai
Meals
The two restaurant cars, serve a range of Indian, Continental, Maharashtrian, Goa and Chinese cuisines. Menus are changed seasonally.