Aboard the Deccan Odyssey - 10 days
Aboard the Deccan Odyssey - 10 days
Aboard the Deccan Odyssey - 10 days
10 Days Starting and ending in Mumbai
Visiting: Mumbai, Nashik, Aurangabad, Kolhapur, Goa, Sindhudurg Fort
Tour operator:
Tour code:
303/BBC
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
None, though not recommended for under 5yrs
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
PRIVATE TOUR: Journey through the state of Maharashtra aboard the Deccan Odyssey, an exclusive luxury train. Visiting Mumbai, home of Bollywood, the beaches of tropical Goa, and the stunning caves of Ajanta and Ellora, this is a 5 star holiday to remember!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Mumbai
Location: Mumbai
Meals Included: No Meals
Once you arrive into Mumbai, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel where the rest of the day is free to explore Mumbai or relax at the hotel.
Day 2 : Mumbai
Location: Mumbai
Meals Included: Breakfast
Mumbai or Bombay, as it was formerly known - remains India’s city of dreams. Today we embark on a glittering city tour, with a morning visit to the cave temples of Elephanta Island sculpted during the 5th to the 8th centuries. In the afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, and in the evening a leisurely horse and buggy ride along Marine Drive.
Day 3 : Mumbai
Location: Mumbai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Mumbai - Nashik. This morning take a guided heritage walking tour, visiting the main buildings in South Mumbai, which form an integral part of the cities architectural heritage. Late this afternoon transfer to the train station to board the opulent Deccan Odyssey train, which will be your home for the next seven nights. After enjoying a welcome drink and completing formalities your train will depart Mumbai for Nashik.
Day 4 : Nashik
Location: Nashik
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nashik - Aurangabad. Arriving into Nashik this morning you'll disembark and explore the Godavari Ghats where you can observe Hindu rituals being performed. You'll then continue through the market, observing the hustle and bustle of local life.
Later you'll continue to the Grover Zampa vineyards to tour one of India's finest wine producing vineyards. Grapes such as Chenin, Chardonnay and Shiraz are grown here and your sommelier will introduce you to the different wines produced here.
After a delicious lunch you'll re-board the Deccan Odyssey and depart for Aurangabad.
Day 5 : Aurangabad
Location: Aurangabad
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Aurangabad - Jalgon. After breakfast this morning the train will reach Aurangabad in Maharashtra state, you'll then proceed to the UNESCO-listed Ellora Caves, comprising of 34 cave temples dedicated to three different religions - Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. There 12 Buddhist caves to the south, 17 Hindu caves in the center and 5 Jain caves to the north. The star attraction of the caves is Kailash temple, which is believed to be a replica of Lord Shiva's celestial abode on Mt. Kailash. We return to the train for lunch and a relaxing afternoon as the train makes it's way towards Jalgon.
Day 6 : Aurangabad
Location: Aurangabad
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Jalgaon - Kolhapur. As you enjoy a delicious breakfast, the Deccan Odyssey rolls into Jalgaon station, from here you'll drive to the UNESCO-listed Ajanta Caves. Here discover magnificent caves with exquisite ancient murals and sculptures depicting the life of Buddha. Older than the Ellora caves (200 BC to 650 AD) the Buddhist caves of Ajanta are also cut from the volcanic lava.
Back on board enjoy a delicious lunch and perhaps partake in some of the optional activities available on board, such as a film screening, a traditional game of carrom or a relaxing massage at the onboard spa.
Day 7 : Kolhapur
Location: Kolhapur
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kolhapur - Goa. Take in the beautiful surroundings of Maharashtra state as your train rolls into the city of Kolhapur this morning. Today you'll explore Kolhapur - an ancient city with a mythical past. First stop is the 19th century built Royal Palace and museum which houses some of India's rarest paintings and archaeological artifacts. You'll then visit the Town Hall museum before some time to shop at the local market. Later visit the exquisitely carved Mahalakshmi Hindu Temple, this 1,300 year old temple is dedicated to the Goddess Shakti. There may also be the opportunity to witness a traditional ancient Martial Arts exhibition locally known as “Mardani Khel". This evening the Deccan Odyssey will depart for the party capital of India, Goa.
Day 8 : Goa
Location: Goa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Goa - Sindhudurg. Enjoy a day in the former Portuguese enclave of Goa with some fun in the sun. Start by visiting Fontainhas, the Latin Quarters of Panjim that have some well-preserved houses built in the Portuguese architectural style. You'll experience the culture of this UNESCO World Heritage area on a walking tour. Next we visit Ribandar, the former capital of Goa. Take a walk through ancient churches and the ruins of the St. Augustine tower which was once the pride of Goa. Enjoy a drive to the Sahakari spice plantation for a traditional Goan feast which will have influence from 400 years of Portuguese rule. After lunch, enjoy a Goan folk performance and a tour of the spice plantation. Take a sneak peek into Goan life with a visit to an old Portuguese house before you return to the train and travel through the incredibly scenic Konkan region en route to Ratnagiri.
Day 9 : Sindhudurg Fort
Location: Sindhudurg Fort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sindhudurg - Mumbai. Today the train enters Sindhudurg, after breakfast you'll disembark and visit the Sindhudurg Fort, located off the shores of Malvan on the Arabian Sea. Built by Shivaji Maharajthe, it was an attempt to curb the rise in influence from foreign colonisers. This afternoon you'll take a tour of the highlights of the holy city of Sindhudurg before rejoining the train to take the journey to Mumbai.
Day 10 : Mumbai
Location: Mumbai
Meals Included: Breakfast
Arrive in Mumbai where your journey on the Deccan Odyssey comes to an end. Breakfast onboard before transfer to airport for onward travel.
If you'd like to extend your stay, we offer a variety of hotels, short stays and add-ons for you to choose from. Please read our best places to visit or [[best things to see each month|126647]] for suggested places to visit on your holiday. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please let us know so we can accommodate your request.
For information about visas, top travel tips, best time to travel and much more, browse our [[travel guide|126581]].
What's Included
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Breakfast daily, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
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2 nights SUPERIOR hotels. DELUXE hotel options are also available upon request. Accommodation rating – See Trip Notes for details
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7 nights - Deccan Odyssey luxury train
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Boat excursion to Elephanta Caves
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Touring and excursions as per itinerary
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Services of a licensed English speaking tour guide at some sites
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Entrance fees to all included sights
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An airport arrival transfer day 1 and a departure transfer day 10
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Chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles and touring coaches for all relevant transfers
What's Not Included
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International flights and visa
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Tipping - An entirely personal gesture
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
An airport arrival transfer day 1 and a departure transfer day 10
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this Operator
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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