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Deccan Odyssey >>Maharashtra Splendor |
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Detailed Itinerary
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Duration : |
7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS |
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Places to See : |
MUMBAI – NASHIK - ELLORA CAVES - AJANTA CAVES - KOLHAPUR
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GOA - RATNAGIRI – MUMBAI |
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Maharashtra Splendor, a journey of 7 nights / 8 days. On-board the luxury Deccan Odyssey Train, offers you a chance to visit the prime destinations of the Maharashtra state along with the very popular beach state of Goa.
Maharashtra Splendor tour offer you a great opportunity to enjoy the luxurious journey onboard Deccan Odyssey and visit the prominent tourist destinations in India. All the destinations and their attractions are well-planned for those who are looking for some memorable outing. While you tour, enjoy the luxurious amenities provided onboard such as spa, delectable and delicious cuisines and other interesting activities. The destinations covered include the holy city of Nashik, Aurangabad, Kohlapur, Goa and Ratnagiri.
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Explore the jewels of ancient Indian architecture, the wondrous cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora Caves along the western seaboard, both World Heritage Sites |
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Visit the New Palace, witness "Mardani Khel" martial of the Marathas |
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A wine tour of Nashik |
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Taste spicy Goan cuisine and visit a 400 years old Portuguese villa, a slice of living history |
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Visit the holy town of Ratnagiri |
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Day 01 |
Board the Deccan Odyssey at Mumbai |
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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 in your impressive cabins as the train leaves for Nashik.
Dinner and night stay onboard Deccan Odyssey.
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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.
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Day 03 |
Aurangabad – Ellora Caves |
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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).
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Day 04 |
Jalgaon- Ajanta Caves |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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On day seven, Deccan odyssey enters Ratnagiri, which is best-known for its fertile valleys, rich in jackfruits, rice, bananas, coconuts, cashew nuts and Alphonso mangoes.
Post breakfast and proceed to Ganpatipule Temple. The holy shrine got its name from an ancient story, according to which once Hindu Lord Ganpati took the words of a native lady quite personally and moved to 'Pule' from Gule, his original abode; and hence the temple was named Ganpati-Pule. The presiding deity inside the temple is believed to be 400-years-old and self-appeared from the land.
After visiting the temple, proceed to visit a beach where you can relax and unwind. Get back to the comforts of the luxury train for lunch. Take rest for a while and then again continue to visit mango and cashew farms. A long walk along the farm lets you know about plantation process. After this, take a stroll around the town and explore Wadas. If not this, you have a choice of visiting local Maharashtrian neighborhood and vibrant markets.
Done with all, head back to Deccan Odyssey for dinner and night stay as the train leaves back to Mumbai.
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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.
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TOUR ENDS |
Check in Procedure |
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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 |
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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
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Deccan odyssey >> Maharashtra Splendor
Maharashtra Splendor Departure Dates for Season 2016-17 & 2017-18
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MONTH |
DEPARTURE DATES |
Oct-16 |
1 |
Nov-16 |
5,26 |
Dec-16 |
24,31 |
Jan-17 |
21 |
Feb-17 |
11,25 |
Mar-17 |
18 |
Apr-17 |
15,29 |
Sep-17 |
23 |
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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 |
$ 5,810 |
$ 8,386 |
$ 6,290 |
Presidential Suite |
$ 12,579 |
$ 12,579 |
$ 6,290 |
(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 : |
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The above costs are per cabin per Journey. |
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Government Service tax of 4.50% is additional and will be charged extra on the published tariff. |
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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. |
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Prices are subject to change in case of any amendment in the routing or other hikes such as fuel, taxes etc. |
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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. |
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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 : |
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Deccan Odyssey does accommodate children but we ask parents to be mindful of the sophisticated adult atmosphere we endeavor to maintain. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Please note that we do not have the facility for interconnecting cabins. |
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All applicable taxes will be charged extra. |
Inclusions: |
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Accommodation in double / twin bedded cabin with en suite bathrooms |
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Soft Beverages during meals(B, L,D) |
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Valet Service |
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Still Camera fees |
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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: |
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Taxes, Insurance , Gratuities |
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Laundry, Alcoholic Beverages, Soft beverages during non meal hours |
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Video and professional Still Camera fees |
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Arrival and Departure transfers |
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International and Domestic air tickets |
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Pre and Post tour accommodation and any tour extensions unless specifically mentioned as a part of the journey |
Payment : |
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20% of the ticket value at the time of booking |
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80% of the ticket value 45 days before the departure date |
Cancellation : |
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Any cancellation must be advised immediately by Email and subsequently confirmed by letter to the Central Reservation Division |
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No cancellation on cancelling 60 days prior to the departure date |
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Retention of 20% of ticket value on cancelling 59 - 45 days prior to the departure date |
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Retention of 50% of ticket Value on cancelling 44 - 30 days prior to the departure date |
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Retention of 100% of ticket value on cancelling 29 days prior to the departure date |
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