Day
01: Mumbai
Early evening, guests are expected to assemble at Chhatrapati Shivaji
Terminus at 1530 hours, and complete their registration and check-in
formalities. Enjoy the royal and traditional Indian welcome by the
staff followed by a refreshing drink. Later, you are taken to your
respective cabins. Settle and relax as the Deccan Odyssey as the train
leaves for Bijapur in Karnataka. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 02: Bijapur
Today morning enjoy your breakfast, as the luxury train rolls
into Bijapur. Established by Kalyani Chalukyas between 10th and 11th
centuries, Bijapur is a popular city in Karnataka. It is the historic
capital of Sultans of Deccan. When Bijapur was under the support of
Adil Shah dynasty, the city was one among the renowned cities of the
country surpassing great cities like that of Agra and Delhi. In fact,
with the generous support of Adil Shahi Sultans, Bijapur was majorly
flocked by scholars, poets, painters, dancers, calligraphers,
musicians and Sufi saints. Later, the place was also titled as the
'Palmyra of the Deccan'. Begin your trip with a visit to the first
attraction, Gol Gumbaz; the second largest tomb in the world and
mausoleum of Adil Shah, the Sultan of Bijapur. As the name suggests,
the Gol Gumbaz is a round dome, the structure of the dome celebrates
the success of Deccan architecture. The dome constitutes of a circular
gallery, which has an amazing aspect of echoing, every little murmur.
Later, you proceed ahead to Jumma Masjid (one of the first mosques of
India), Malik-e-Maidan (the largest medieval canon in the world),
Mehtar Mahal (it is a 17th century ornamental entrance to a mosque),
Ibrahim Rouza (one of the Islamic monuments comprising of a 24 m high
minarets). Get back to the comforts of Deccan Odyssey for lunch. While
you savor delicious lunch, enjoy the striking passing landscape from
your cabins. The luxury train further heads to Aihole and Pattadakal.
Dinner and night stay onboard.
Day 03: Aihole Pattadakal
Third day is set out to explore the holy shrines and age-old
attractions of Aihole and Pattadakal. Here, you get to see temples
built by Chalukyan kings. Proceed to Pattadakal, which boasts of a
mιlange of South Indian (Dravidian) and North Indian (Nagara)
construction styles. Return back to relish lunch onboard. After lunch,
you can opt for a short trip to impressive weaving village of
Guledgudda, where you can see hand and power looms of Ilkal and Khan.
Get familiarize with the weaving process. If not this, you can enjoy
sightseeing at Badami, its rock-cut caves and beautifully sculptured
temples. Dinner and night stay onboard Deccan Odyssey and continue
your journey to Hampi.
Day 04: Hampi
Today morning, have your breakfast as the train reaches Hospet. Visit
the well-known World Heritage Site- Hampi, which is extremely popular
for its brilliant constructions of ancient monuments. First you visit
the most important attraction of Hampi, Narasimha statue. Later, you
head to Mustard Ganesh. Here, you can see an elephant God statue.
Enjoy the architectural splendors around and take a long walk along
the banks of the Tungabhadra River. After visiting Virupaksha Temple,
you proceed to visit Vittala Temple, which exhibits the architecture
of Vijayanagara Empire. Travel back to Hospet for lunch on the luxury
train. Take rest and again get ready to explore Royal Center at Hampi.
The center constitutes of courtly and military structures that were
once the citadel of Vijayanagara Kings. Thereafter, you visit Queen's
Bath (ancient-royal stepped tank), Mahanavami Dibba or great platform,
Hazararama Temple, Queens Enclosure along with its Lotus Mahal and the
Elephant stables. As soon as you are done with exploring in and around
Hampi, get back to Hospet Station to board Deccan Odyssey. Dinner and
overnight stay onboard as Deccan Odyssey progresses for Hyderabad.
Day 05: Hyderabad
On day five, Deccan Odyssey enters Hyderabad, which is famed as the
royal city of Nizams. Formerly, Hyderabad was named after Bhagmati,
who was the Hindu wife of Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, later changed to
Islam religion with a name Hyder Mahal. Take your breakfast and
proceed to visit Golconda; the epitome of Nizami culture and grandeur.
It is a mud fort which became the seat of Qutub Shahi dynasty. Return
to the comforts of the luxury train for lunch and some rest. You may
also stroll around the vibrant bazaars of Hyderabad, where you can put
your hands on shopping articles such as pearls, lace bangles and
ittars. During lunch time, savor the popular food of Hyderabad,
mouth-watering Biryani. Later, you head to explore the Falaknuma
Palace.
Day 06: Aurangabad Ellora Caves
The Deccan Odyssey arrives Aurangabad this morning. The city has been
named after the last Great Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. Because of the
same, one can spot major Mughal influences in every nook and corner of
the city. Aurangabad is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ellora
Caves. Have your breakfast and then drive towards the exceptional
Ellora Caves. The caves are considered one of the finest examples of
cave-temple architecture in India. The site includes 34 rock-cut caves
that represent Hindu, Buddhist and art that dates back to the 4th to
5th century AD. There are 12 Buddhist caves to the south, 17 Hindu
caves in the center, and the 5 Jain caves to the north. The most
important attraction of the caves is the Kailash temple. The temple is
believed to be a replica of Shiva's celestial abode on Mt. Kailash.
Get back to the Deccan Odyssey for lunch. Have a look at the picture
perfect landscape of Maharashtra and its surroundings. Sit back and
relax for the evening. Savor your favorite cocktail along with
luxurious dinner. Take some rest as Deccan Odyssey proceeds towards
Jalgaon. Dinner on board & Overnight stay on Deccan Odyssey.
Day 07: Ajanta Caves
As you enjoy your breakfast onboard, the Deccan Odyssey arrives at the
Jalgaon station. Disembark and drive to the Ajanta Caves, another
UNESCO World Heritage site. The site of Ajanta Caves includes 30
rock-cut Buddhist caves that have been beautifully carved. All the
caves feature sculptures and paintings of Buddhist religious art.
Savor lunch onboard the Deccan Odyssey. After having your lunch,
disembark and pay a visit to a Mahatma Gandhi's memorial, who was one
of the most important leaders of the country. There is much to learn
at the Gandhi Teerth that pays honor to the man who walked on the path
of non-violence. The man who quoted "My religion is based on truth and
non-violence. Truth is my God. Non-violence is the means of realizing
Him." In the evening, enjoy a sun downer while watching the real
beauty of rural India. Have dinner onboard the Deccan Odyssey as the
train leaves for the last stop, Mumbai.Dinner on board.Overnight stay
on Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train
Day 08: Mumbai (Departure)
This early morning, have your breakfast and then disembark at
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai. Say goodbye to the Deccan
Odyssey as your luxurious journey comes to an end. |
If you are willing to travel in a group - the
