The Deccan Odyssey is the brand new luxury train of India .Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation Ltd in association with Indian Railways - Ministry of Tourism has launched a Super Deluxe luxury train "The Deccan Odyssey". The Deccan Odyssey is a special luxury train modelled on the Palace on Wheels to boost tourism on the Konkan route of the Indian Railways. The route starts in Mumbai and travels to Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Goa, Belgaum, Kolhapur, Pune,Nashik, Aurangabad, Ajanta-Ellora and then back to Mumbai.
What a feeling it would be for a traveler if journey is more exciting than the destinations? Deccan Odyssey is the luxury train that offers you the same. The train is considered as one of the most luxurious trains in the world, which is often compared to the likes of the Orient Express of Europe and Blue train of South Africa. Deccan Odyssey India is a joint venture of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) and Indian railways. This luxury train is one of the few trains in India that showcases Maharashtra inside out by depicting its heritage, art, culture, beauty and much more to tourists.
The train is luxury not by its looks, in fact; it is luxury by the kind of amenities it provides and by virtue of impeccable hospitality. Accommodation is the first and primary thing which shows whether the train is luxury or not. But in case of this train, the accommodation facilities have the ability to amaze someone with its fascinating charm. The train has 11 fully air conditioned deluxe saloons and each saloon is having 4 twin bedded cabins. Wall to wall carpeting, attached washrooms, showers, running hot and cold water, channel piped music and CD/MP3 player are the facilities available on board to name a few.
Dining facilities is one of the significant determinants for a traveler especially when it comes to extended train journeys. As far as dining is concerned, the train has two astonishing restaurant cars - Peshwa I and Peshwa II. These multi cuisine restaurants offer authentic Indian, Goan, Chinese and Continental dishes to the guests in nonchalant ambience. To savor the taste of authentic Maharashtrian cuisines. The bar here serves number of international brands of wines and spirits, which are enjoyed by guests during their sojourn.
The train also provides health and recreational facilities. What can be more pampering then a rejuvenating spa after a tiring excursion! Revitalize your mind, body and soul in the most laid back atmosphere which the train has to offer. The Ayurveda body massage with steam bath is also available in the train that helps in revitalizing one’s body. A gymnasium is also there on the train, where one can work out to keep him/her fit and fine.
The train is also suitable for business activities. The guests can conduct business seminars and conferences onboard as well, in a conference hall. The guests who love shopping and want to buy/purchase certain items of handicrafts, souvenirs and catalogue of Maharashtrian handicrafts, they can do it right aboard.
Rediscover the art of elegant traveling as you traverse the course of varied landscapes of Maharashtra. Uncover the uncharted terrains and relics of the past. The luxurious journey on board the Deccan Odyssey will let you discover the rich heritage, art and culture as you couldn’t have imagined before of have thought possible. Ride like maharajahs on board the Deccan Odyssey train. http://www.thedeccanodysseyindia.coms
For those planning a luxury rail tour of Maharashtra on board Deccan Odyssey, the news about shelving off of the train will come as a shocker. According to sources, the plans to revive the Deccan Odyssey train service are very bleak this season. If the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation sources are to be believed, the train could only run if the haulage charges are reduced and new routes of shorter duration are approved by Indian Railways. As of now, MTDC offered 14 journeys with Deccan Odyssey train but currently only operates when rented out to travel operators.
The Deccan Odyssey is rented out to GW Travels, Europe for Darjeeling Tours and Luxury Holidays for the golden triangle tours. An important factor for discontinuation of luxury journey on board Deccan Odyssey India is the price of the journeys. The train attracts only a few travelers as the entire train has to be chartered and it costs around $2.5 million.
MTDC has taken a few steps to work out the revival of this train service. Three different routes with duration of 3-4 days have been worked out. And if the Indian Railways agrees with itinerary and reduces the haulage charge then Deccan Odyssey will come out of the yard to offer elegant rail journeys to discerning travelers. For practical information and details visit
