RIDING THE RAILS

Deccan Odyssey: Maharashtra Wild Trail

This is a fascinating journey on of the finest luxury trains of India, The Deccan Odyssey. Maharashtra is less known as a tourist destination, this is an extraordinary journey to discover some of the more off beat destinations of this fascinating state stretching across central India. From mind blowing, ancient World Heritage Sights to India’s burgeoning wine region and two of its less well-known National Parks, this is a holiday that will leave you mesmerised and enthralled. What better way toenjoy this wonderfully interesting and varied exploration into central India than knowing each day you will return to the world-class comforts, royal treatment and sumptuous food on-board the Deccan Odyssey luxury train.

Destinations Covered

Key Highlights

India’s ancient and awe inspiring fine rock cut cave temples at Ellora and Ajanta, UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Discover some of India’s wonderful textiles.
Explore the majestic Daulatabad Fort in Aurangabad.
Safaris in Pench National Park, known not just for it’s tiger but also wild dog and leopard population.
Safaris in Tadoba National Park, a smaller and quieter national park with a healthy tiger population.
An exclusive tour of a popular vineyard of Nashik to sample Indian wines.

Itinerary

Day 01	Arrive Mumbai Board the Deccan Odyssey. Complete the check-in formalities and paperwork. Settle in your luxury cabins. Enjoy a wonderful meal as the train departs for Aurangabad.
Day 02	After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning on board the train. After an early lunch, head out to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ellora Caves. Move onto the splendid12th century Daulatabad Fort. Back to the luxury train Deccan Odyssey for a freshen up before enjoying a delicious dinner in the city.	On Board
Day 03	Aurangabad After a relaxed breakfast, disembark for sightseeing of Aurangabad. Visit the Bibi-ka-Maqbara, a replica of the Taj Mahal in Agra. Then visit a weaving center that specializes in the weaving of Himroo fabric which has been made for Aurangabad’s royalty since the 14th century. In the evening, relish a cocktail/mocktail at the train’s lounge, Mumbai-Hi before you enjoying dinner on board. The Deccan Odyssey proceeds towards the land that inspired Kipling’s Jungle Book.	On Board
Day 04	Pench An early start for a game drive into Pench National Park in search of the tiger, leopard, wild dog, wolf and wild boar and more. In the afternoon had back to the train for drinks and dinner. The train departs for the next destination, Tadoba.	On Board
Day 05	Tadoba Another early start for a morning safari into Tadoba National Park. Spend the morning in search of including wild dogs, tigers, sloth bears, spotted cars, various deer species, leopards, wild pigs along with as many as 280 species of colourful birds. After morning’s game safari, enjoy a late breakfast at a wildlife resort followed by a documentary on India’s extraordinary wildlife. Head back to the train andspend the evening unwinding while enjoying cocktails and dinner. Stay overnight on the train as it starts its journey to Jalgaon, the base for visiting the next destination, Ajanta..	On Board
Day 06	Ajanta After breakfast visit the World Heritage Site of Ajanta. This is another extraordinary example of India’s rock-cut cave temple architecture, made even more impressive by their age, many date back to 200BC. After a morning exploring the caves, head back to the train for lunch on-board as thetrain heads towards to Nashik- the ‘Wine Capital of India’. The rest of the day at leisure. Dinner and overnight stay on -board Deccan Odyssey.	On Board
Day 07	Nasik After breakfast on the train disembark to enjoy a leisure walk along the banks (Ghats) of River Godavari to witness the rituals that are performed daily. Visit the local markets and then head out on an exclusive tour of a popular vineyard. Have a look at the special variety of grapes- Chenin, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Meet the sommelier and samples some of India’s finest wine. Spend the evening back on board the train for a wonderful final dinner. Overnight, the train heads back to Mumbai.	On Board
Day 08	Mumbai After breakfast, disembark and at the architectural marvel that is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station. End of the journey.