Maharashtra Splendor

On second day, the luxury train reaches Nashik; a religious city which is gaining the reputation of being Wine Capital of the Country. Post unhurried breakfasts proceed to visit Godavari Ghat. Take a long walk along the ghat and you can see holy rituals being performed. There are various markets along the ghat which have everything including fresh vegetables, cow dung cakes, lentils and seafood.

Next, drive to Grover Zampa Vineyards, which serve the best Indian wine producing facilities. Get to know how finest brands of wine are made through 'méthode traditionnelle'. Take a long walk along the vines laden with Chenin, Chardonnay and Shiraz grapes. Later, Wine lovers can also enjoy variety of wines such as white, rose, red and sparkling wines served with their lunch at vineyards.

Dinner and night stay onboard as Deccan Odyssey leaves for Aurangabad.

Third day of Maharashtra Splendor Tour is set-out for exploring Aurangabad. Aurangabad is an important industrial city in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The city is named after the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and reflects a deep Mughal power. Aurangabad houses numerous remarkable tourist attractions such as Bibi-ka-Makbara, Daulatabad Fort and City's 52 gates.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast as the luxury train rolls into Aurangabad. Adore the passing landscape, while you travel to Ellora Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site). The caves are around 30 km away from the city, placed on the side of basaltic hill. Within Ellora there are 12 Buddhist, 17 Hindu and 5 Jain caves. One of the most important attractions of Ellora is a holy shrine devoted to Lord Shiva, Kailasa temple. The temple dates back to a time between 757-783 CE and is a testimony of Dravidian architecture. As per the beliefs, the structure of the temple represents Mount Kailash, the Abode of Lord Shiva.

Get back to the comforts of Deccan Odyssey and savor scrumptious lunch onboard as the luxury train passes through the rural landscapes of Maharashtra. Thereafter, in the evening relax and loosen-up in your cabins and enjoy the cocktails. Dinner is served onboard followed by overnight stay as the train proceeds for Jalgaon (Ajanta Caves).

Today, Deccan Odyssey reaches Jalgaon station. Take your breakfast and straight away drive to Ajanta Caves, UNESCO World Heritage Site. The caves are known for their architectural brilliance. Inside Ajanta you can see 30 rock-hewn Buddhist caves which are amazingly decorated with impressive sculptures and paintings of Buddhist religious art. The designs also depict a blend of Hindu and Buddhist faith.

Afterwards, return back to the luxury train for delicious lunch as Deccan Odyssey progresses towards the next city, Kolhapur. Rest of the time is free for you. Either enjoy the amenities of the luxury train or watch a movie or you can learn the rules of carom, a popular Indian board game. You may also indulge in rejuvenating massage in the spa section of the train.

Dinner and overnight stay onboard Deccan Odyssey.

On fifth day, the train enters the city of Kolhapur. Enjoy the striking passing scenery. Kolhapur is a multifaceted city that boasts of rich cultural, historical and mythical past. Post early lunch, leave for sightseeing in Kolhapur.

Make a visit to New Palace Museum; a 19th century palace, which is well-known for its notable construction and comprises of memorials of Kolhapur rulers. Next, you head to Town Hall Museum. The museum showcases neo-Gothic styles with a pyramidal metal roof and the front space bordered by towers. Later, stroll around the lively markets of the city. Kolhapuri Chappals are very popular in India and hence it is a recommended buy. Afterwards, while you enjoy your tea watch the special folk performance Lavanya Sandhya.

Then, you visit another popular tourist site, Mahalaxmi temple. It is a 1300-year-old temple, dedicated to Goddess Shakti. The temple is also referred to as Shakti Pethas. Continue to visit Mardani Khel, a traditional martial art performance.

After a fun-filled day return back to the luxury train. Dinner and night stay onboard Deccan Odyssey and continue your journey to Goa.

On sixth day of your Maharashtra Splendor Tour, the train reaches Goa. Through its attractions, you can see the state still reflects the presence of Portuguese culture, as it had been a colony of Portugal. Post breakfast drive to Fontainhas, which is home to some well-preserved buildings constructed in Portuguese style. Enjoy a UNESCO World heritage walk around the Fontainhas, through its airy pathways which are beautifully designed with red and blue buildings with tiled roof.

Next you head to the former capital of the state, Ribandar, where you get to see ancient churches and the ruins of St. Augustine Tower. Continue and travel to Sahakari Spice Farm for Goan feast. Traditional Goan feast however have Indian origin but have Portuguese touch and that's what make it special. The meals are complemented by the popular Goan drink Feni, liquor prepared from cashew.

As soon as you are done with lunch, watch a Goan folk performance, make a plantation-visit and later, visit an ancient Portuguese building to get the glimpse of Goan culture and tradition. Then, return back to Deccan Odyssey as it progresses for Ratnagiri. You make your way through one of the enchanting railway routes in India, Konkan, which is surrounded by Sahyadri Hill on East and Arabian Sea on west.

Dinner and overnight stay on the luxury train.

Today, as you enjoy breakfast, the luxury train Deccan Odyssey enters, Sindhudurg, once under the ruler of Maratha dynasty. This place lies just off the coast of Malvan, on a rocky island. Disembark for partaking in exploring the holy town of Sindhudurg.

After lunch on-board, the second half of sightseeing takes place. In the evening, return to the train for dinner. Deccan Odyssey starts its journey back to Mumbai.

Head back to Deccan Odyssey for night stay as the train leaves back to Mumbai.

On eighth and last day, have breakfast and disembark at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station. Bid farewell to the luxury train Deccan Odyssey, as reaching Mumbai marks the end of your Maharashtra Splendor tour.