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Experience the Classic Train Odyssey
The Deccan Odyssey is one of the most important contributions of Indian railways towards the development of tourism in India. It is the result of collaboration between three parties, namely, the Indian Railways, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), and the Taj Group of Hotels. Presently, the DEccan Odysseye is one of the major Luxury Trains of India.
History:
In 2001, an MOU was signed by the MTDC and the Railway Ministry, and the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) received the orders for designing the coaches in 2002. After passing the various stages of production, the train completed the trial runs in 2003. Finally the 21 shimmering blue coaches rolled out of Mumbai’s Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus on 16th January 2004 for the maiden journey.
The Coaches:
The 21 coaches of this remarkable train provide five star luxuries on rails. The coaches have been divided into 11 air-conditioned passenger cars, 2 presidential suite cars, a lounge coach, 2 restaurant cars, a conference car, and even a spa car, apart from the coaches for generator and other utilities. The coaches have twin bedded chambers that are comparable to rooms in 5 star hotels, being fitted with amenities like attached toilets with showers and other modern attachments, wall to wall carpeting, channel music, intercom, and audio visual entertainment devices.
Other Facilities:
A wide range of exceptional wellness facilities are provided in the coaches. These include ayurvedic body massage, steam bath, beauty parlor, and a fully equipped gymnasium. A well kept library keeps tourists with literary inclinations engaged during the journey. Separate no-smoking cars are provided for the convenience of the non-smokers. Money exchange and credit card facilities are also offered in the train for the convenience of the guests.
Itinerary:
The Deccan Odyssey covers some of the best known tourist spots in Maharashtra during 7 nights and 8 days. The journey begins from Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai, on Wednesday. The day by day coverage of the destinations is given below –
Day 2 – Ratnagiri - Rai Jetty, Jaigad Fort, Ganapatipule ( beach resort ), Ratnadurg Fort, Lokmanya Tilak Smarak and Ratnagiri Bazaar.
Day 3 – Sindhudurg sea fort by boat, Tarkali Beach Resort, Sawantawadi, Shilpagram Crafts Village.
Day 4 – Old Goa including Basilica of Bom Jesus Church, Se Cathedral Church and the Church of St. Francis of Assissi, Aguada Beach Resort, Dona Paula, Panjim, Madgaon.
Day 5 – Pune - Kelkar Museum,Osho Asharam, Tribal Museum ,Aga Khan Palace, Light and Sound Show at Shaniwarwada.
Day 6 – Aurangabad - Daulatabad Fort, Ellora caves, Shivaji Museum, Aurangabad Caves, Bibi Ka Maqbara.
Day 7 – Ajanta Caves, Nashik - Panchawati Ghat, Sula Winery Yard.
Day 8 – Return to Mumbai.
Touristplacesinindia.com offers all inclusive information about Deccan Odyssey, and the other Luxury Trains of India.
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