Itinerary of 8 days that takes you to the neighbourhoods of Maharashtra, the charming Western Ghats, the majestic Deccan region and the varied stretch of the central region of India. Some of the highlights of the tour include a visit to the world heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora caves, a visit to the wine capital of India – Nashik, a rendezvous with the wildlife at Pench and Tadoba and more. During the tour, enjoy world-class comforts, a royal treatment and sumptuous food while you are on-board the Deccan Odyssey.
Day 1 ( Saturday) - Mumbai
| Board the Deccan Odyssey at Mumbai on to Aurangabad – Ellora Caves Early this evening at approximately 15.30 hours, assemble at the Chhatrapati Shivaji terminus. Complete your registration process and check-in formalities to commence your Maharashtra Wild Trail journey. A traditional Indian welcome and a refreshing drink are complimentary. Proceed to your delightful cabins, and settle in. Soon, the Deccan Odyssey will begin its journey from Mumbai to Ellora Caves – a World Heritage site. Welcome drink and dinner on board. Overnight on board the Deccan Odyssey. |
Day 2 - Aurangabad - Ellora Caves
| Today, the Deccan Odyssey will arrive at Aurangabad. After you enjoy a delicious breakfast, head out to explore this lovely city named after the last Great Mughal Aurangzeb. Then set out to explore the fascinating Ellora Caves, a World Heritage site. Witness the deep Mughal influence on city as you explore the Daulatabad Fort, Bibi-ka-Maqbara and the city’s 52 gates, each with its own history. Spend time in leisure this morning. You also have the option to enjoy a relaxing massage at a spa. Post an early lunch, head for a scenic drive that to the Ellora Caves. Carved into the side of a basaltic hill 30 km from the city, it is probably the finest specimen of cave-temple architecture in India you will come across. This magnificent site encompasses 34 rock-cut shrines that represent Buddhist, Jain and Hindu art. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre Hindu, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain. The most extraordinary part of the Ellora caves is perhaps, the Kailash temple. Believed to be a replica of Shiva’s celestial abode on Mt. Kailash, it is the perfect example of rock cut architecture and an engineering marvel. Next, begin your excursion to the soaring Daulatabad Fort. Occupied since at least 100 BC, it is home to the remains of Buddhist caves similar to those at Ajanta and Ellora. Return to the Deccan Odyssey to freshen up, and then head to the city for dinner. Breakfast, lunch on board and dinner at a city hotel. Overnight on board the Deccan Odyssey. |
Day 3 - Monday Aurangabad
| After a leisurely breakfast, proceed to explore the old city of Aurangabad. Visit Bibi-ka-Maqbara, the last resting place of Dilras Banu, Aurangzeb’s wife. Built between 1651 and 1661 by her son, Prince Azam Shah, the monument is also called the ‘Taj of the Deccan’. It was built to rival the brilliance of the Taj Mahal, but sadly fell short. Next visit a facility that specialises in the weaving of Himroo fabric. Himroo has been associated with Aurangabad since the 14th century. During this time, Muhammad Tughlaq made Aurangabad his capital. This particular fabric features Persian designs woven with silver and gold threads. It is named from Hum-ruh, which means ‘similar’ in Persian, as it is a replica of the Kum Khwab fabric that was much admired in royal courts before Himroo took its place. Return to the Deccan Odyssey for lunch on board. Spend the rest of your afternoon indulging in the recreational activities on board. Take in the sight of ever-changing colors and landscapes of Maharashtra as the Deccan Odyssey makes its way to Ramtek for Pench National Park. In the evening, enjoy a sun downer at the Gateway, and then enjoy a scrumptious dinner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board. Overnight on board the Deccan Odyssey. |
Day 4 - Pench National Park (Ramtek)
| Today the Deccan Odyssey will halt at Ramtek, for your rendezvous with nature’s beautiful creations at the Pench National Park. It is named after the Pench river, which wanders through it like a python, splitting it into almost equal halves. The park is vastly rich in biodiversity, its terrain defined by hills, valleys and the occasional precipitous slope. This important ecosystem supports an abundance of flora and fauna, which includes a rich diversity of aquatic life. After an exciting game drive, return to the Deccan Odyssey for a relaxed brunch on board. In the afternoon, get ready for your second adventure into the wild. For the uninitiated, the Pench National Park combines four different forest regions in one. It features an extravagance of trees, shrubs, grasses, climbers, weeds and herbs, with teak being the most prominent of the tree species. The birdlife here is equally abundant with both resident and migratory birds like Malabar pied hornbills, Indian pittas, ospreys and grey-headed fishing eagles. The park is also home to white-eyed buzzards, storks, waterfowls, four endangered vulture species, and the green pigeon, which is the state bird of Maharashtra. After a thrilling day at Pench, drive back to Ramtek station to board the Deccan Odyssey. Enjoy a lavish dinner as the Deccan Odyssey departs for Tadoba. Brunch and dinner on board. Overnight on board the Deccan Odyssey. |
Day 5 - Tadoba
| Today, the Deccan Odyssey will arrive at the Chandrapur station, for your early morning safari into the Tadoba Tiger Reserve. Also called the Land of Tigers, this reserve is known for its high tiger density. It is usual to spot tigers and wild dogs here. You also have plenty of opportunities for close encounters with leopards, sloth bears, gaurs (the Indian bison), the rusty spotted cat, ratels, various species of deer and more. After an exhilarating morning, enjoy late breakfast at the Tiger Trails lodge. Follow this with a documentary on wildlife or interact with our naturalist. Post lunch at the lodge before, drive back to Chandrapur station to board the Deccan Odyssey. Unwind and enjoy cocktails fixed by our bartender onboard. Follow this with a delectable dinner and a well deserved rest. The Deccan Odyssey will then proceeds towards Jalgaon to visit the stunning Ajanta Caves. Breakfast, lunch at Tiger Trails lodge and dinner on board. Overnight on board the Deccan Odyssey |
Day 6 - Jalgaon- Ajanta Caves
| This morning, the Deccan Odyssey will arrive at the Jalgaon station. From here you will disembark and drive to the Ajanta Caves. This World Heritage site is an architectural wonder of its time. The 30 rock-hewn Buddhist caves at Ajanta have been expertly carved and are ornamented with sculptures and paintings of Buddhist religious art. It impeccably presents a universal pictorial art as well as the fusion of Buddhist and Hindu faith. After your trip to Ajanta, return to the Deccan Odyssey for lunch as it makes its way to Nashik. The rest of the day is at leisure. Relax and enjoy some of the recreational activities available on board. Indulge in relaxing massage in our spa or you can watch a movie, and learn the rules of ‘carrom’, a popular Indian board game from a Deccan Odyssey team member. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board. Overnight on board the Deccan Odyssey. |
Day 7 - Nashik
| Today, the Deccan Odyssey will halt at the holy city of Nashik, which is rapidly gaining popularity as the wine capital of the country. Post breakfast spend the morning walking along the Godavari ghats and witness several important Hindu rituals being performed. Then proceed to the lively Wednesday market, which sells everything from freshly caught catfish to cow dung cakes and many things in between. Then drive to the Grover Zampa vineyards for a special tour of one of the finest wine producing facilities of India. Walk through vines laden with Chenin, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Explore the age old ‘methode traditionnelle’ used to make one of the best known Indian brands of sparkling wines. Let the sommelier introduce your taste buds to their most exquisite creations of white, red, rose and sparkling wines and experiment pairing them with your meal at the vineyards. After a lavish lunch, return to the Deccan Odyssey and set forth for Mumbai, the last leg of the journey. The rest of the day is at leisure on board. Breakfast on board, lunch at the Grover Zampa vineyard and dinner on board. Overnight on board the Deccan Odyssey. |
Day 8 - Disembark in Mumbai
| This morning, after breakfast, you will disembark at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji terminus railway station. Bid farewell to the Deccan Odyssey as your royal passage through the splendid vistas of India comes to an end. Breakfast on board. |
Note: At Present 5 % GST is levied by Government of India EXTRA ON TOP OF THE TARIFF. Extra Surcharges for departures during Christmas and New Year.
Please NOTE SUPPLEMENT FOR DOUBLE BEDDED CABINS will COST U S Dollars 250 Per Person or Sterling Pounds 220 Per Person EXTRA
Price in Sterling Pounds Per Person from September 2020 till May 2022.
| Price Per Person Per Journey | Deluxe Cabin | Presidential Suite |
|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | £6365 | £ 13790 |
| Twin/Double Cabin | £4565 | £6895 |
| 2 Children in a Separate Deluxe Cabin Per Child | £ 3425 | £ 3425 |
Price in US Dollars Per Person from September 2020 till May 2022
| Price Per Person Per Journey | Deluxe Cabin | Presidential Suite |
|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $ 7320 | $ 15855 |
| Twin/Double Cabin Per Person | $ 5250 | $ 7928 |
| 2 Children in a Separate Deluxe Cabin Per Child | $ 3939 | $ 3939 |
Price / Cost Includes
*** Accommodation in Air Conditioned Deluxe Cabin or Presidential Suite with attached Bathroom on board The Deccan Odyssey
*** All meals including tea, coffee and mineral water during The Deccan Odyssey
*** Transport for sightseeing with Deluxe Coaches during The Deccan Odyssey for Deluxe Cabin
*** Transport for sightseeing with Private Vehicle & Private Guide during The Deccan Odyssey for Presidential Suite Clients
*** Entrance fee to palaces, museums & parks during The Deccan Odyssey
*** English speaking guide during The Deccan Odyssey
*** Service of the Tour Manager on Board
*** Two Transfer in Mumbai by Private Vehicle with Driver
Ramada Plaza Palm Grove Mumbai
Ramada Plaza Palm Grove offers 5-star luxury on Juhu Beach. Providing free parking and buffet breakfast, it has a fitness centre and hot tub. Boasting views from oversized windows, rooms at Palm Grove Ramada have a flat-screen TV, safe and seating area. Private bathrooms come with separate shower and bath areas. Guests can relax at the hotel’s steam rooms or enjoy soothing massages. Other facilities include a book and handicraft store, beauty salon and internet cafe. European, Italian and Indian cuisines are served at the Tangerine Cafe. Asian dishes are available at the Oriental Bowl Restaurant. The Shooters Bar offers drinks and snacks. Ramada Plaza Palm Grove is 5 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. The popular Pali Hill is located within 4 km from the hotel. Hotel offers 115 Rooms
The Oberoi Mumbai
The Oberoi offers luxury and convenience with its 24-hour spa, fitness and concierge service. It also features 5 food and beverage options offering a variety of cuisines. Free WiFi is available for 30 minutes. The Oberoi Mumbai’s elegant rooms feature wooden floors, large windows offering beautiful views and en suite bathroom separated by a glass panel with electronic blinds. Rooms are equipped with an LCD TV, tea/coffee maker and iPod docking station. Free local newspapers are available. Guests can relax with a swim at the outdoor heated pool or enjoy shopping at the high-end shopping arcade. The Oberoi Spa offers a variety of treatments and therapies. Guest services include 24-hour laundry service and babysitting. European, Asian and Indian specialities are featured on the menu at Fenix, alongside traditional Japanese delicacies. Vetro serves Italian dishes, while Indian cuisine can be savoured at Ziya. The Eau Bar overlooks the Arabian sea and features a live Jazz band. The Champagne Lounge serves an extensive selection of Champagne and teas. Situated at Nariman Point at the end of Marine Drive, The Oberoi Mumbai is a 45-minute drive from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. A 20-minute drive leads to the railway station. Hotel Offers 287 Rooms
Trident Bandra Kurla Mumbai
Trident Bandra Kurla provides an outdoor swimming pool and full spa services. Concierge services and room service are available 24 hours. Stylish with accents of red, the air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, DVD Player and iPod connections. A well-stocked minibar and a personal safe are also included. En suite bathrooms come with either a shower or a bathtub. Trident Bandra Kurla is located in North Mumbai, a 15-minute drive from the domestic airport. It is a 20-minute drive from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and a 40-minute drive from Western Railway Terminus. Botticino restaurant serves fine wine and Italian dishes, while 022 restaurant offers an interactive sushi bar, as well as Western and Asian food. Other dining options include regional Indian food at Maya restaurant and salads at Trident Patisserie & Delicatessen. At Trident Spa & Fitness Centre, guests can look forward to relaxing massage treatments or a good workout at the gym. Hotel offers 436 Rooms
Taj Mahal Palace , Mumbai
Standing majestically opposite the Gateway of India, this iconic 5-star hotel features a landscaped pool, fitness facilities and a first-rate spa. The hotel provides 11 dining options. Hotel offers 560 Rooms. The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower is 2 km from Mumbai’s city centre and 32 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. Free parking is available. Featuring a private balcony, elegant rooms are tastefully furnished with fine linen and classic wood furnishings. They offer the comfort of a flat-screen TV, sofa and luxurious bathrooms that feature a bathtub. Enjoy the use of steam rooms and sauna facilities after an energizing workout at the well-equipped gym. Attentive staff at Taj Mahal Palace offer childcare, tour and concierge services. Hearty meals featuring Indian specialities are availabe at Masala Kraft. Other dining highlights include Golden Dragon Chinese restaurant, Mediterranean fare at Souk and Wasabi Japanese restaurant.
