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Day 1- Mumbai
Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai Travels and ToursThe time has come for you to undertake a journey way back in time. Welcome to Mumbai, a city of dreams that 300 years ago was an agglomeration of seven islands. Modern, yet preserving its antiquities, a short drive through the city will reveal this inherent truth. Board the train in the evening at Chhatripati Shivaji Terminus, undoubtedly one of the famous Gothic buildings and an integral part of Mumbai~s skyline. Wine and dine in the luxurious comforts of this train and whistle off on your royal voyage.

Day2 - Jaigadh, Ganapatipule, Ratnagiri and Bhatye Beach
Alight in the morning at the Bhoke Station nestled amidst majestic mountains and scenic backwaters. Enjoy the short ride in a AC luxury bus to Rai Bhatgaon Jetty. Cut through the mesmerizing silence of the scenic backwater accompanied by an impressive number of exotic birds on the way to the historical Jaigad Fort. Relish an almost unique view of Konkan village life, impossible to get either from road or the rail. This romantic journey brings you to Jaigad Jetty, situated at the foothills of the Jaigad Fort. And at a short distance stands the legendary Jaigad Fort, high and proud on a cliff with a spectacular view of the ocean and Ganapatipule, the next destination.

Ganapatipule Beach, Mumbai Travels and ToursAfter Jaigad Fort, it~s time to travel to Ganapatipule by road, an experience by itself. The vast ~Konkan~ stretch abounds with scenic greenery, red earth and the roofed houses with clean courtyards add a quaint touch to the panorama. Ganapatipule is bathed in the golden sunshine and silver moonlight, lapped by gentle goam-glecked waves from the expanse of the Arabian Sea. It~s laced with the unforgettable aroma of fruits, flowers and mangroves. And the timid whispers of swaying coconut trees carry you away into a land, that~s serene, sedate and unspoilt.

Feast your taste buds over a vast spread of ~Konkan~ cuisine and spend some time to witness cultural programme. Mingle in the company of the locals, who are as feel at home visit the holy temple shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesh, flocked by millions every year. Walk down the beach to the tune of the splashing waves. Head out towards Ratnagiri, the land of the world famous ~Alphonso~ mangoes, in the comforts of he luxury AC bus.

Ratnagiri is the birhplace of Lokmanya Tilak and the internment home for the last king of Burma, King Thibaw. Visit the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak and Ratnadurga Fort.

Temples, forts and virgin beaches, you would wish you could stay a little longer. But the train whistles and you are off to yet another beautiful destination feasting over a royal spread served on board.

Day 3 - Sindhudurg, Tarkarli, Sawantwadi.
Next day the train chugs in to the tip of the Konkan coast, sindhudurg Nagari Railway station. A luxury AC bus transfers you to Malvan Jetty form the station. Settle in a comfortable boat, arranged just for you, and enjoy the measerizing view of flora, birds and caressing waves on the ride toe Sindhudurg Fort.

Sindhudurg Travel AgentsNext stop the one time naval base, stubbornly guarded, till today by the unconquered Ocean Fort of Sindhudurg. As you approach the fort from Malvan jetty past a rocky reef, marvel at the hard work of over 6000 skilled hands that worked round the clock for 3 years. Within its premises are temples dedicated to Bhavani. Mahadeo, Jarimari, Mahapurush and Shivaji. Walk on the two-mile long rampart walls and watch the breathtaking view of the vast open sea as it fires a volley of spray 30 ft. below. And at times even 30 feet high, an amazing experience indeed.

Head out to Tarkarli by luxury AC bus. A virgin beach at the confluence of river Karli and Arabian Sea with silver soft sands and pristine clear waters. The wide river, the beautiful sailboats, the tiny islands, the hamlets at eh riverbank, all contributes to the picture-postcard beauty of Tarkarli. Enjoy a lelaxed lunch at the well-appointed MTDC beach resort, complete with twenty ~Konkani~ style cottages. Indeed a perfect place to enjoy the mouth-watering ~Malvani~ cuisine and then unwind.

Next stop, Tarkarli Jetty, for a romantic boat ride through the Tarkarli creek up to Kalse Jetty. Move on to Sawantwade by AC luxury bus, situated on the southernmost point of Sindhudurg. This elite heritage destination is the entry point to Goa. The colourful town, once an estate capital, is home to the Chitar Ali and Jagannathrao Bhosale Garden. Shilpla Gram is yet another place you must visit. A craft village, where you can watch local craftsmen manufacturing handicrafts and what~s more you can buy some momentos too. The evening promises a traditional meal in the train. As the train beads to Goa from Sawantwadi, you will leave behind this coastal paradise rich in history and natural splendour.


Day 4 - Goa
Dona Paula Beach, Goa Beach Holidaysglobe. Brilliant lush green fields surrounding village and bamlets, white washed churches standing out against occasional empty patches of startling red soil. Welcome to Goa, the land of India~s finest golden sand beaches, jungle clad hills, imposing ancient churches and elegant mansions, splashed with colour ofbougainvillea. Goa is indeed a great collage of sights, experiences and history.

Once in Goa, you can start off with Old Goa. Take a walk amid the ruins, ramble in the vast gardens and grounds of the old church buildings. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral and the Church of St. Francis of Assissi, that began as a mosque but now is an archaeological museum for Goan antiques.

Next, free time for a short walk in the city of Panjim a Capital of Goa. City is built on the left bank of the Mandovi river contains archbishop palace, a modern port, churches and long winding streets lined with remarkably well preserved old houses. One can do some shopping to carry memories of this beautiful State.

It~s time for an afternoon finger licking Goan delicacies.

Next stop is Dona Paula, a small palm fringed beach with casuarinas groves and tranquility. Visit Fontanhas, the Latin quarters at Panjim. The day has ended, but it Goa, it is just the beginning. Non stop fun, virgin beaches, ancients sites and caves, religious icons and shrines are set deep in your mind as you head back to the Madgaon station. Wine and dine on board the royal train. It~s true, no matter how much time you have in Goa, it will always seem too little.

Day 5 - Kolhapur & Pune
Pune Travel GuideMorning you arrive at Kolhapur, a city with a multifaceted person and a mythical past. Kolhapur has survived regimes of various rulers from the legendary past to the modern age. The Satavahana Kings, the Shilaharas, the Marathas and the British have all left their imprint on it.

Your first stop is at The New Palace. This Indo-Sarecenic architectural marvel was built in 1881 and houses the Chhatrapati Sahu Museum-a curious array of the former Maharaja’s possessions. Next Bhawani Mandap (The Town Hall) witness traditional Martial Art locally known as “Mardani Khel”. At the Mahalakshmi Mandir you learn how goddess Mahalakshmi destroyed the demon Kolhasura and how the goddess took abode in a shrine, which is the temple today. The temple complex is adorned with horizontal mouldings and vertifical offsets, creating a rich light and shade pattern. Travel to Shalini Palace on the west bank of the picturesque Rankala Lake to discover the beauty of the gigantic architecture bearing the crest of the Maharaja of Kolhapur.

Head back to the train for a lavish lunch as it chugs out to Pune-the early home of Shivaji, the great Maratha warrior. This city is the erstwhile capital of the Marathas and is also known as the cultural capital of the state. Step into the Raja Kelkar Museum, a quaint Rajasthani styled building with an interesting personal collection of artifacts and antiques ranging from 17th to early 20th century



Day 6 - Aurangabad
Temple of Pandava, Aurangabad Tour PackagesNext morning traveling along the rolling hills and picturesque ruins of the past, you travel way back in time to Aurangabad. Founded by Aurangzeb, Aurangabad~s heritage is rich and varied.

After breakfast in the train, a luxury bus takes you to the majestic fortress of Daulatabad. An impregnable defense in its day, it still stands tall and proud. Walk around the ruins, which tell you extraordinary stories of bravery and valour.

Next stop is the world famous Ellora Caves. Just 30 kms. From Aurangabad the historical Ellora caves is now a World Heritage Site. The Hindu, Jain and Buddhist caves at Ellora are among the finest in India. Lying on the ancient trade route, the caves are thought to be the work of priests and pilgrims who used the route. Abandoned and forgotten for a few centuries, the 34 caves were cut out of volcanic rocks of the Deccan trap. 12 are Buddhist (600 to 700 AD), 17 Hindus (800 - 1000 AD) and five Jain(1000 - 1300 AD). The Buddhist caves belong to the Vajrayana sect of the Mahayana School. The caves include ~viharas~ (monasteries) and ~chaityas~ (chapels) where the monks worshipped. The Hindu caves lie in the center of the group. The most famous of them being the Kailasanatha Temple (8th century). It is the most famous magnificent of all the rock-cut structures at Ellora. Completely open to the elements, it is the only building that was begun from the top. The Jain caves, less grand in comparison to the other are richly carved with lotus, elephant, lions and ~tirthankaras~ of Lord Mahavira. They offer an aura of peace and simplicity.

Come back to Aurangabad for luch at the Taj hotel with live cultural entertainment. Next stop is the Shivaji Museum with weapons and antiques from the great Maratha Empire. Just beyond the city, lies the Aurangabad Caves with highly ornate and strikingly detailed sculptures and architecture. Dating from the Vakataka and the succeeding Kalachuri dynasties (2nd and 6th centuries AD), these 10 caves, five in each group are also a World Heritage Site.

Move on to the Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, a tribute of the Emperor~s son to his mother. A replica of Taj Mahal, the fairy tale maqbara stands out as the only piece of Moghul architecture on the Deccan Plateau. Spend some time browsing through Paithani and Himroo showrooms for a perfect memorabilia.

Soon, it~s time to go back to the station for a mouth-watering feast in the train and then to travel even further back in time.


Day 7 - Ajanta & Nasik
Ajanta CavesAlight at Jalgaon railway station and travel to Fardapur resort. After a royal break fast depart for T-Junction in a luxury AC bus. Board the MSRTC eco-friendly bus and it~s time to travel back in time. Soon, you will find yourself surrounded by dramatic views of the Waghora valley where the Ajanta Caves are located. Older than the Ellora caves (200 BC to 650 AD) they are also cut from the volcanic lava of the Deccan Trap in a steep crescent shaped hillside. Lost to the world after the 7th century it was discovered by accident in 1819, by a party of British officers on a hunting expedition.

At Ajanta, the Mahayana group, Hinayana group and the the later Mahayana group, complete the sepectrum of Buddhist development in India. ~Bodhisattva Padmapani~, Boddhisattva Avalokitesvara~, ~17 Jatakas~. ~The Birth of the Buddha~ and ~The Thousand Buddhas~ are amongst the finest murals and sculptures ever found. The paintings on the ceiling, particularly the elephant scattering the lotus, charging bull, the black princess and the row of dancers with musicians mesmerize tourists from all over the world.

After a quick shopping break for artifacts and souvenirs, back track to Bhusawal Station in the same luxury AC bus. Travel along to Nasik in the royal comforts of the train while the magnificent images of the ancient caves linger on in your mind. Enjoy the mouth-watering spread on board of the royal train.

Temples,Nasik Tours and Travels Alight at Nasik Road station with a traditional welcome of garlands, ~arti~ and ~kumkum tilak~. Depart for Sula Winery at Goverdhan Park in the comforts of a luxury AC bus, enjoying the view of a bustling township that~s an interesting blend of the ancient and the modern.

Stop on the way at the grape farms of the winery. Walk through the green paradise as rows and rows of grape meet your eye in every direction. After watching the breathtaking view from the Gangapur dam site move on to the Sula Winery. The air, heavy with the heady aroma of wine, welcomes you to the Winery. Wine and dine in royal comfort as the sun gets in the horizon. Finally, when you head back to the Nashik Road Station, it~s time for the Deccan Odyssey train to move from the past to the future. Get ready to alight at the most advanced business capital of India, Mumbai.

Day 8 - Mumbai
Enjoy the breakfast on board as the sun rises over the commercial capital of India. Alight at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in the morning enriched with the rich legacy of this land. The royal journey is over, but the memory of which, will live on forever.