MAHARASHTRA WILD TRAIL JOURNEY (The Deccan Odyssey)

Day 01: Mumbai (Arrival)

After arriving in Mumbai, assemble at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus at around 15:30 hours. Enjoy a traditional welcome with garland and teeka on your forehead. Complete the check-in formalities and paperwork. Settle in your luxury cabins. As the train departs for Aurangabad. Dinner and overnight on- board.

Day 02: Aurangabad – Ellora Caves

Enjoy sumptuous breakfast, as the train enters Aurangabad, named after Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The city is not only an important industrial town of Maharashtra state but is also popular for housing a number of Mughal architectural gem. After breakfast, the morning is at leisure- you can stay on-board and enjoy the facilities of the Deccan Odyssey or you can also go for a rejuvenating spa session at a popular city hotel. Later on, after an early lunch, get all set to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ellora Caves, a fine example of India's cave –temple architecture. These 34 rock-cut caves are dedicated Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism and contain engravings, sculptures depicting the same. The next visit is to the splendid Daulatabad fort, lying atop a hill. Constructed in the 12th century, this fort comprises of a number of structures such as Elephant Tank, Jami Masjid, Chini Mahal, Chand Minar and more. Back to the luxury train Deccan Odyssey to get refreshed. Back to the city for lip-smacking dinner. Overnight on-board Deccan Odyssey.

Day 03: Aurangabad

On the third day of the tour, after a relaxed breakfast, disembark for sightseeing of Aurangabad. Start the city tour by visiting Bibi-ka-Maqbara. A replica of the Taj Mahal in Agra, it is the mausoleum of Dilras Banu, the beloved wife of Aurangzeb. Referred to as the 'Taj of the Deccan', the monument was constructed by Prince Azam Shah, her son. The next visit is to a weaving center that specializes in the weaving of Himroo fabric that is known for its connection with Aurangabad's royalty since the 14^th century. By later afternoon, back on-board the train to relax for some time. You are now free to partake in the recreational activities and enjoy the facilities of the Deccan Odyssey. In the evening, relish a cocktail/mocktail at the train's lounge, Mumbai-Hi before you enjoy a tasty dinner. Stay overnight on the train.

Day 04: Ramtek (Pench National Park)

The day begins early as the train chugs into Ramtek. Your next visit is going to be an exciting one. Get all set for a game drive inside the very well-known Pench National Park. Pench is known for offering ample rafting opportunities. In the year 2011, the park won the Best Management Award. Getting its name from the Pench River that flows through it, this national park and tiger reserve is known for its abundant flora and fauna including rich aquatic life. Some of the animals that you may spot include Gaur, Sambar, Cheetal, Nilgai, Tiger, Wild Dog, Wolf, Wild Pig and more. The park is home to as many as 285 species of birds. Some of the avifauna that are spotted in this national park include Malabar pied hornbills, Indian pittas, ospreys, grey-headed fishing eagles, white-eyed buzzards, storks, waterfowls, four endangered vulture species etc. Later, back on-board the Deccan Odyssey for brunch. In the afternoon, back to Ramtek station to go aboard the luxury train, Deccan Odyssey. A sumptuous dinner and an overnight stay on the Deccan Odyssey as it departs for the next destination, Tadoba.

Day 05: Tadoba

The rising sun wakes you up on day 7 as the train enters Chandrapur station. The first half of the day is for a wildlife safari inside Tadoba National Park and Tiger Reserve, fondly referred to as the Jewel of Vidharba'. This national park is known for housing a decent population of the big cats. Embark on an early morning safari inside the national park where you can spot a vast variety of wildlife including wild dogs, tigers, sloth bears, spotted cars, various deer species, leopards, wild pigs along with as many as 280 species of colorful birds. After morning's game safari, enjoy a late breakfast at a wildlife resort. Admire the lovely scenery all around. Relax while watching a documentary on wildlife. Interact with the naturalist here. Post lunch, back on-board Deccan Odyssey that is stationed at Chandrapur station. Spend the evening unwinding while enjoying cocktails and lip-smacking dinner. Stay overnight on the train as it starts its journey Jalgaon, the next destination.

Day 06: Jalgaon – Ajanta Caves

On day 6 of the tour, the luxury Deccan Odyssey enters the Jalgaon station. Post breakfast on- board, get ready to visit the World Heritage Site of Ajanta Caves, another fine example of India's rock-cut cave temple architecture. A total of 30 rock-cut caves, these are dedicated to Buddhism and a few to Hinduism. You can find carvings, paintings, religious art and sculptures related to both the religions. After this, back to the train for lunch on-board as it starts proceeding to Nashik- the 'Wine Capital of India'. The rest of the day is going to be at leisure. Simply relax in the comforts of the luxury train. Enjoy the facilities offered to you – rejuvenate at the train's spa, watch the latest movie, indulge in the recreational activities and more. Dinner and overnight stay on -board Deccan Odyssey.

Day 07: Nashik

The train today chugs into the ancient holy city of Nashik, also popular for its wide wine production. Have a lavish breakfast on the train and disembark to enjoy a leisure walk along the banks (Ghats) of River Godavari. Witness various Hindu rituals that are being performed there. Proceed towards the local market of Nashik where you can get your hands on anything and everything. Later on, embark on an exclusive tour of a popular vineyard. Have a look at the special variety of grapes- Chenin, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Observe the age-old method through which sparkling wine in India is produced. The sommelier would offer the finest wine produces including white, red, rose and sparkling wines. Back on-board the train after lunch. Deccan Odyssey starts its journey for returning back to Mumbai. The rest of the day is at leisure. Dinner and Overnight stay on-board.

Day 08: Mumbai

The train enters Mumbai today. Have an early morning breakfast. Complete the check-out formalities and disembark from the Deccan Odyssey at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station.

CHECK IN PROCEDURE

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.

# Note – Schedule is subject to change in case of any changes in the Security regulations directed by the Government of India