|
Deccan Odyssey >> Maharashtra Wild Trail |
|
|
Detailed Itinerary
|
Duration : |
7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS |
|
Places to See : |
MUMBAI – AURANGABAD – PENCH (RAMTEK) – TADOBA –
|
|
|
AJANTA – NASHIK – MUMBAI |
|
Welcome aboard the Deccan Odyssey, on the Maharashtra Wild Trail, an 8 day ride through the hinterlands of Maharashtra, the majestic Western Ghats, into the Deccan region of the vast and diverse expanse of central India. This exciting journey includes the thrill of chasing tigers at two of the highest tiger density reserves of Maharashtra, the awe inspiring beauty of the art of Ajanta and exquisite sculptures in Ellora - a World heritage Site; the holy city of Nashik, now also India's wine capital. A railroad journey like none other, in a land like no other, we welcome you on board the Deccan Odyssey.
|
|
|
Traditional welcome on-board the Deccan Odyssey. |
|
India's fine rock cut cave temples at Ellora and Ajanta, UNESCO World Heritage Sites. |
|
Explore lofty Daulatabad Fort, Aurangabad. |
|
Wildlife game safari at Pench National Park and Tadoba Tiger Reserve. |
|
An exclusive tour of a popular vineyard of Nashik. |
|
|
|
Day 01 |
Arrival in Mumbai - Ellora Caves |
|
Welcome aboard the Deccan Odyssey.
Early evening, around 1530 hours, assemble at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus for completing the registration process and check in formalities for your Maharashtra Wild Trail journey. Enjoy your traditional welcome and refresh yourself with a welcome drink. Complete all the formalities and then settle in as the Deccan Odyssey departs for Ellora Caves. Savor dinner onboard. Overnight stay at Deccan Odyssey.
|
|
Day 02 |
Aurangabad – Ellora Caves |
|
While you enjoy your delicious breakfast, the Deccan Odyssey reaches the first destination, Aurangabad. Named after the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb, Aurangabad is the gateway to the World Heritage Site, Ellora Caves. The city is dotted with a number of historic monuments which speak of the Mughal era. Spend the morning at leisure, lay back and relax onboard or enjoy a relaxing massage at the hotel spa. Savor an early lunch and disembark to enjoy a beautiful drive to the Ellora Caves.
An epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture, Ellora Caves is well-known for its 34 monumental caves that were excavated out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills. While the 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, 17 in the centre are Hindu, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain. All the caves represent different forms of art from Hindu, Jain and Buddhist culture. The star attraction of the cave is the Kailash temple, which is believed to be a replica of Lord Shiva's celestial abode on Mt. Kailash.
After sightseeing around Ellora Caves, visit the Daulatabad fort. Here, explore the remains of Buddhist Caves that are similar to Ajanta and Ellora Caves. The fort dates back to 100 BCE and is a major tourist attraction of Aurangabad. Return to the World of class and luxury, Deccan Odyssey and freshen up. Enjoy your dinner at a city hotel.
Breakfast & Lunch on board. Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.
|
|
|
Munch your breakfast onboard and then head to the city of Aurangabad. Begin with a visit to Bibi-ka-Maqbara, the mausoleum of Dilras Banu, Aurangzeb's wife. The monument was built between the year 1651 and 1661 by her son, Prince Azam Shah. Areplica of the Taj Mahal at Agra, the monument is also known as 'Taj of the Deccan'.
Thereafter, visit a facility which is known for weaving Himroo fabric. Himroo fabric is linked with Aurangabad since the 14th century. The fabric features Persian designs which have been woven using gold and silver threads. Himroo is considered a replica of Kum Khwab which was popular in the royal courts.
Get back to the Deccan Odyssey for lunch onboard and later take some rest. You can indulge in recreational activities onboard as colorful areas of Maharashtra pass by to reach Ramtek Pench National Park.
Enjoy a drink as the sunsets. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on board. Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.
|
|
Day 04 |
Pench National Park (Ramtek) |
|
|
This morning, wake up with the first ray of the sun and get ready to explore the beauty of Pench National Park as the Deccan Odyssey reaches Ramtek. One of the most popular tourist destinations of Maharashtra, Pench National Park is well-known for its exotic flora and fauna. The park is popular for its rich biodiversity.
Sprawling over an area of 758 sq. km., Pench National Park features immense serenity and scenic beauty. The varied fauna of the national park include 164 species of birds, 33 species of mammals, 10 species of amphibians, 50 species of fish, 30 species of reptiles and a wide variety of insect life. Popular fauna of the park include leopard, dhole, jungle cat, small Indian civet, Wolves, Striped hyena, sloth bear, jackal, common palm civet, Chital, sambar, gaur, Nilgai, wild pig, barking deer and Chausingha. On the other hand, the flora of Pench National Park is also very rich and includes trees like Madhuca indica, Lagerstroemia parviflora, Miliusa velutina, Terminalia tomentosa, Buchanania lanzan, Ougeinia dalbergoides and Lannea coromandalica.
Return to Deccan Odyssey and enjoy your lunch onboard.
Get off the train and then leave back to Pench National Park. Enjoy bird watching at the park as you get to see both resident and migratory birds like waterfowls, ospreys, Malabar pied hornbills, Indian pittas, grey-headed fishing eagles, white-eyed buzzards, storks, four endangered vulture species, and the green pigeon.
Post bird watching at Pench, drive back to Ramtek station and board the Deccan Odyssey. Munch your delicious dinner onboard as Odyssey departs for the next destination- Tadoba, the land of the mighty tigers.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on board. Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.
|
|
Day 05 |
Tadoba Tiger Reserve |
|
Get up very early this morning as the Deccan Odyssey takes you to Chandrapur station. Disembark for your early morning safari into the Tadoba Tiger Reserve, also known as the Land of Tigers. You will get a number of opportunities to spot tigers, wild dogs, leopards, sloth bears, gaurs (the Indian bison), ratels, and various species of deer, wild pigs and more.
After this thrilling morning safari, enjoy your breakfast at the Tiger Trails lodge and then watch a documentary on wildlife or get to know more about wildlife with a conversation with our naturalist. Savor your lunch at the lodge and then drive back to Chandrapur station to board the Deccan Odyssey.
It is time to unwind onboard with your favorite cocktails fixed by our bartender. Have your dinner and take some rest. Deccan Odyssey leaves for Jalgaon. Breakfast and Lunch at the Tiger Trails lodge; Dinner on board. Overnight on Deccan Odyssey
|
|
Day 06 |
Jalgaon – Ajanta Caves |
|
The Deccan Odyssey reaches Jalgaon station this morning. After having your breakfast, disembark and leave for the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This architectural marvel has 30 rock-hewn Buddhist caves that are beautifully carved and feature sculptures and paintings from Buddhist religious art. Some of the paintings and sculptures also showcase a mixture of Buddhist and Hindu faith.
Return to the Deccan Odyssey after sightseeing at Ajanta Caves. Enjoy your lunch onboard as the train leaves for Nashik. Relax and enjoy activities onboard. Play carrom or watch a movie or just unwind at the spa onboard.
Have a look at rural India as you pass by numerous villages. Sip in your favorite drink and enjoy your dinner. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on board. Overnight on Deccan Odyssey
|
|
|
This morning you reach the Wine Capital of India, Nashik. The city is dotted with temples and wineries that form its major tourist attractions. Have your breakfast and then get off for a long walk along the Godavari Ghats and observe the different Hindu rituals being performed.
Pay a visit to the Wednesday market which is popular for selling items like cow dung cakes, freshly caught catfish and more. Later, enjoy a drive to the Grover Zampa vineyards for a tour of the finest Indian wine producing facilities. Walk through vines laden with Chardonnay, Chenin, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes and taste some of the finest wine creations of India. Along with your favorite wine, enjoy your delicious meal.
Return to the Deccan Odyssey after lunch and spend the rest of the day at leisure onboard as Odyssey leaves for Mumbai. Breakfast on board; Lunch at the vineyard; Dinner on board. Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.
|
|
|
Today is the last day when the train arrives back in Mumbai. Enjoy your last sumptuous meal on-board the train. After completing the check-out formalities, de-board as the journey comes to an end here.
|
|
|
TOUR ENDS |
Check in Procedure |
|
In Mumbai, security check will be conducted at the time of check-in at the railway station, whereby, luggage is required to be scanned. Please present your passport at the time of check in to collect ticket voucher and relevant documents. |
Meeting Point |
Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station, Mumbai at 1530 hours |
Boarding |
Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station, Mumbai |
Departure at |
1640 hours |
Disembarking at |
Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station, Mumbai at 0815 hours |
|
|
Note:
- Check-in venue is subject to change with prior intimation
- All arrival and departure timings are approximate and subject to change by the Indian Railways.
- Schedule is subject to change in case of any changes in the Security regulations directed by the Government of India
|
|
|
Maharashtra Wild Trail Tariff for Season 2016-17 & 2017-18
Per Cabin Per Journey Price for 7 Nights / 8 Days Journey
|
MONTH |
DEPARTURE DATES |
May-17 |
6,13 |
|
Maharashtra Splendor Tariff for Season 2016-17 & 2017-18
Per Cabin Per Journey Price for 7 Nights / 8 Days Journey
(For International Travellers Only)
ROOM TYPE |
SINGLE OCCUPANCY |
TWIN/DOUBLE OCCUPANCY |
02 CHILDREN (in a separate Cabin) |
Deluxe Cabin |
$ 5,075 |
$ 7,350 |
$ 5,515 |
Presidential Suite |
$ 11,025 |
$ 11,025 |
$ 5,515 |
(For Indian Nationals Only)
ROOM TYPE |
SINGLE OCCUPANCY |
TWIN/DOUBLE OCCUPANCY |
02 CHILDREN (in a separate Cabin) |
Deluxe Cabin |
INR 3,71,900 |
INR 5,36,710 |
INR 4,02,530 |
Presidential Suite |
INR 8,05,100 |
INR 8,05,100 |
INR 4,02,530 |
Terms & Conditions : |
|
All Costs are in USD. |
|
The above costs are per cabin per Journey. |
|
Government Service tax of 4.50% is additional and will be charged extra on the published tariff. |
|
As the train runs on the tracks of the Indian Railways, the itineraries are subject to change in case of any changes in the routing etc. |
|
Prices are subject to change in case of any amendment in the routing or other hikes such as fuel, taxes etc. |
|
Children below 5 years of age shall be allowed free, subject to sharing of double bed with parents. This is subject to availability of double bed at the time of booking. |
|
Presidential Suite can accommodate upto 3 adults or 2 Adults and 2 children (One child upto 5 years of age and second child up to 12 years of age). |
Child Policy : |
|
Deccan Odyssey does accommodate children but we ask parents to be mindful of the sophisticated adult atmosphere we endeavor to maintain. |
|
One child up to 5 years of age shall be allowed free of cost in the Deluxe Cabin, subject to sharing of double bed with parents. This is subject to availability of double bed at the time of booking. |
|
For families, with a child between 6-12 years of age, or, with two children with one child below 5 years and another between 6-12 years, we recommend the Presidential Suite which has a double bed in the bedroom and can be shared with a child below 5 years and a sofa cum bed in the living room which can accommodate the older child. In this case, the child/children will be accommodated free of cost. |
|
In case of two children between 6-12 years of age travelling with their parents, you will have to take 2 cabins. The first child pays 25% of the adult fare and the second child will have to pay 50% of the adult fare. One of the parents will have to be present with the child / children in the cabin. |
|
Please note that we do not have the facility for interconnecting cabins. |
|
All applicable taxes will be charged extra. |
Inclusions: |
|
Accommodation in double / twin bedded cabin with en suite bathrooms |
|
Soft Beverages during meals(B, L,D) |
|
Valet Service |
|
Still Camera fees |
|
Guided off train excursions and game drives as illustrated in the itinerary - inclusive of entrance fees, park fees, transport and services of an English speaking local guide |
Exclusions: |
|
Taxes, Insurance , Gratuities |
|
Laundry, Alcoholic Beverages, Soft beverages during non meal hours |
|
Video and professional Still Camera fees |
|
Arrival and Departure transfers |
|
International and Domestic air tickets |
|
Pre and Post tour accommodation and any tour extensions unless specifically mentioned as a part of the journey |
Payment : |
|
20% of the ticket value at the time of booking |
|
80% of the ticket value 45 days before the departure date |
Cancellation : |
|
Any cancellation must be advised immediately by Email and subsequently confirmed by letter to the Central Reservation Division |
|
No cancellation on cancelling 60 days prior to the departure date |
|
Retention of 20% of ticket value on cancelling 59 - 45 days prior to the departure date |
|
Retention of 50% of ticket Value on cancelling 44 - 30 days prior to the departure date |
|
Retention of 100% of ticket value on cancelling 29 days prior to the departure date |
|
|