Maharashtra Splendor

Duration: 08 Days / 07 Nights
(Locations: Nashik, Aurangabad, Ajanta Caves, Kolhapur, Goa, Sindhudurg, and Mumbai (departure)

Day 1: Mumbai (Arrival)
Welcome aboard the Deccan Odyssey. Meet at the Chhatrapati Shivaji terminal around 16:40 hours to complete check-in procedures for the Maharashtra Splendor journey. Enjoy a traditional welcome and then savor a refreshing welcome drink.
After completing all formalities, settle in as the Deccan Odyssey departs from Mumbai to Nashik. Enjoy dinner on board and overnight stay.

Day 2: Nashik
The Deccan Odyssey arrives in the holy city of Nashik this morning. Have breakfast on board and then disembark for a walk along the Godavari Ghats. Observe various Hindu rituals taking place at the Ghat.
Additionally, stroll through the market set up by the Ghats. From vegetables to cow dung cakes, from lentils to dried seafood, everything is sold in the market.
Later, drive to the Grover Zampa vineyards for a tour of one of India’s top wine-producing vineyards. See rows of Chenin, Chardonnay, and Shiraz grapes.
The tour will introduce you to traditional methods still used to prepare India’s finest sparkling wines. The vineyard sommelier will serve you their best collections of white, red, rosé, and sparkling wines. Pair your favorite wine with a delicious meal.

After lunch, return to the Deccan Odyssey, which will head towards Aurangabad. Dinner and overnight stay aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Day 3: Aurangabad – Ellora Caves
This morning, the Deccan Odyssey arrives in Aurangabad, Maharashtra’s industrial city, named after the last great Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. Enjoy breakfast on board and then disembark. Start by driving to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ellora Caves, the top attraction of Aurangabad.
A prime example of rock-cut temple architecture in India, the Ellora site contains 34 sanctuaries, representing Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu art dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries AD. There are 12 Buddhist caves in the south, 17 Hindu caves in the center, and 5 Jain caves in the north.
The star attraction of the caves is the Kailash Temple, believed to be a replica of Lord Shiva’s celestial abode on Mount Kailash. Enjoy lunch aboard the Deccan Odyssey.
Relax with your favorite cocktails from the onboard bar. Follow this with some delicious food and rest. The Deccan Odyssey departs for Jalgaon, where you will visit the spectacular Ajanta Caves. Dinner and overnight stay aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Day 4: Ajanta Cav
While enjoying a delicious breakfast aboard, the Deccan Odyssey arrives at Jalgaon station. Disembark and drive to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ajanta Caves.
The site features 30 beautifully carved Buddhist caves with sculptures and paintings of Buddhist religious art. These paintings and sculptures represent universal pictorial art. Enjoy lunch aboard the Deccan Odyssey as it heads to the colorful city of Kolhapur.
Rest for the day and enjoy recreational activities aboard. Watch a movie, play a game of carrom, or receive a relaxing massage at the onboard spa. In the evening, enjoy your favorite drink with dinner. Dinner and overnight stay aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

ay 5: Kolhapur
Explore the surroundings of Maharashtra as the Deccan Odyssey arrives in Kolhapur. Enjoy breakfast on board and spend some free time. After lunch aboard, disembark for a city tour of Kolhapur.
Visit the New Palace Museum, a beautiful octagonal palace dating back to the 19th century. Step back in time with the palace’s architecture. Visit the Town Hall Museum, a somber neo-gothic building. Shop at Kolhapur’s local market.
Buy a pair of beautifully handcrafted Kolhapuri chappals, the city’s main attraction. Then head to a special place for tea and enjoy Lavanya Sandhya, a folk performance. Seek blessings at the 1300-year-old Mahalakshmi Temple, also known as Shakti Pethas, dedicated to Goddess Shakti, consort of Lord Vishnu.
Post this, witness a traditional martial arts performance known as ‘Mardani Khel.’ Return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner. The Deccan Odyssey departs for Goa, India’s party capital. Dinner and overnight stay aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Day 6: Goa
Today, you arrive in India’s most vibrant state, Goa. Enjoy breakfast and then disembark for a sightseeing tour of Goa.
Drive to Fontainhas, the Latin Quarter of Panaji, with well-preserved houses in complete Portuguese architectural style. Explore the Portuguese culture and architecture with a walk through Fontainhas, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Next, head to Ribandar, the old capital of Goa. Take a stroll through the ancient churches and ruins of the St. Augustine Tower, once the pride of Goa.
Enjoy a visit to the Sahakari Spice Plantation for a traditional Goan banquet, a meal heavily influenced by Goa’s 400 years of Portuguese rule. Feni, prawns, kingfish, and mackerel are key parts of the meal.
After lunch, enjoy a folk performance and a tour of the spice plantation. Experience Goan life with a visit to an old Portuguese house. Return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner as it heads towards Ratnagiri.

Enjoy one of the most scenic train journeys as the Deccan Odyssey passes through the Konkan region. Dinner on board. Overnight stay aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Day 7: Sindhudurg
On the seventh day of the journey, the train reaches Sindhudurg, located on a rugged island off the coast of Malvan. Enjoy breakfast aboard the train.
Later, disembark the Deccan Odyssey to explore the holy city of Sindhudurg. Return to the luxury train for lunch, followed by a second stage of sightseeing.
Return to the train in the afternoon. As the train begins its journey back to Mumbai, enjoy dinner. Overnight stay aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Day 8: Mumbai (Departure)
Early in the morning, have breakfast and disembark at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai. Bid farewell to your royal journey aboard the Deccan Odyssey as your beautiful trip concludes.

Departure Dates for Season 2024-25
Maharashtra Esplendor (7 Nights/8 Days)