Welcome aboard the Deccan Odyssey, on the Maharashtra Wild Trail, an 8 day ride through the hinterlands of Maharashtra, the majestic Western Ghats, into the Deccan region of the vast and diverse expanse of central India. This exciting journey includes the thrill of chasing tigers at two of the highest tiger density reserves of Maharashtra, the awe inspiring beauty of the art of Ajanta and exquisite sculptures in Ellora; the holy city of Nashik, now also India’s wine capital. A railroad journey like none other, in a land like no other, we welcome you on board the Deccan Odyssey.

• Saturday Day 1 : Board the Deccan Odyssey at Mumbai – on to Ellora Caves

  Early this evening at approximately 15.30 hours, assemble at the Chhatrapati Shivaji terminus. Complete your registration process and check-in formalities to commence your Maharashtra Wild Trail journey. A traditional Indian welcome and a refreshing drink are complimentary.

  Proceed to your delightful cabins, and settle in. Soon, the Deccan Odyssey will begin its journey from Mumbai to Ellora Caves - a World Heritage site.

  Welcome drink and dinner on board.

  Overnight on board the Deccan Odyssey.

• Sunday Day 2 : Aurangabad – Ellora Caves

  Today, the Deccan Odyssey will arrive at Aurangabad. After you enjoy a delicious breakfast, head out to explore this lovely city named after the last Great Mughal Aurangzeb. Then set out to explore the fascinating Ellora Caves, a World Heritage site. Witness the deep Mughal influence on city as you explore the Daulatabad Fort, Bibi-ka-Maqbara and the city's 52 gates, each with its own history.

  Spend time in leisure this morning. You also have the option to enjoy a relaxing massage at a spa. Post an early lunch, head for a scenic drive that to the Ellora Caves. Carved into the side of a basaltic hill 30 km from the city, it is probably the finest specimen of cave-temple architecture in India you will come across. This magnificent site encompasses 34 rock-cut shrines that represent Buddhist, Jain and Hindu art. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre Hindu, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain. The most extraordinary part of the Ellora caves is perhaps, the Kailash temple. Believed to be a replica of Shiva's celestial abode on Mt. Kailash, it is the perfect example of rock cut architecture and an engineering marvel.

  Next, begin your excursion to the soaring Daulatabad Fort. Occupied since at least 100 BC, it is home to the remains of Buddhist caves similar to those at Ajanta and Ellora.

  Return to the Deccan Odyssey to freshen up, and then head to the city for dinner.

  Breakfast, lunch on board and dinner at a city hotel.

  Overnight on board the Deccan Odyssey.

• Monday Day 3 : Aurangabad

  After a leisurely breakfast, proceed to explore the old city of Aurangabad.

  Visit Bibi-ka-Maqbara, the last resting place of Dilras Banu, Aurangzeb's wife. Built between 1651 and 1661 by her son, Prince Azam Shah, the monument is also called the 'Taj of the Deccan'. It was built to rival the brilliance of the Taj Mahal, but sadly fell short.

  Next visit a facility that specialises in the weaving of Himroo fabric. Himroo has been associated with Aurangabad since the 14th century. During this time, Muhammad Tughlaq made Aurangabad his capital. This particular fabric features Persian designs woven with silver and gold threads. It is named from Hum-ruh, which means 'similar' in Persian, as it is a replica of the Kum Khwab fabric that was much admired in royal courts before Himroo took its place.

  Return to the Deccan Odyssey for lunch on board. Spend the rest of your afternoon indulging in the recreational activities on board. Take in the sight of ever-changing colors and landscapes of Maharashtra as the Deccan Odyssey makes its way to Ramtek for Pench National Park.

  In the evening, enjoy a sun downer at the Gateway, and then enjoy a scrumptious dinner.

  Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board.

  Overnight on board the Deccan Odyssey.

• Tuesday Day 4 : Pench National Park (Ramtek)

  Today the Deccan Odyssey will halt at Ramtek, for your rendezvous with nature's beautiful creations at the Pench National Park. It is named after the Pench river, which wanders through it like a python, splitting it into almost equal halves. The park is vastly rich in biodiversity, its terrain defined by hills, valleys and the occasional precipitous slope. This important ecosystem supports an abundance of flora and fauna, which includes a rich diversity of aquatic life.

  After an exciting game drive, return to the Deccan Odyssey for a relaxed brunch on board.

  In the afternoon, get ready for your second adventure into the wild. For the uninitiated, the Pench National Park combines four different forest regions in one. It features an extravagance of trees, shrubs, grasses, climbers, weeds and herbs, with teak being the most prominent of the tree species. The birdlife here is equally abundant with both resident and migratory birds like Malabar pied hornbills, Indian pittas, ospreys and grey-headed fishing eagles. The park is also home to white-eyed buzzards, storks, waterfowls, four endangered vulture species, and the green pigeon, which is the state bird of Maharashtra.

  After a thrilling day at Pench, drive back to Ramtek station to board the Deccan Odyssey. Enjoy a lavish dinner as the Deccan Odyssey departs for Tadoba.

  Brunch and dinner on board.

  Overnight on board the Deccan Odyssey.

• Wednesday Day 5 : Tadoba

  Today, the Deccan Odyssey will arrive at the Chandrapur station, for your early morning safari into the Tadoba Tiger Reserve. Also called the Land of Tigers, this reserve is known for its high tiger density. It is usual to spot tigers and wild dogs here. You also have plenty of opportunities for close encounters with leopards, sloth bears, gaurs (the Indian bison), the rusty spotted cat, ratels, various species of deer and more.

  After an exhilarating morning, enjoy late breakfast at the Tiger Trails lodge. Follow this with a documentary on wildlife or interact with our naturalist.

  Post lunch at the lodge before, drive back to Chandrapur station to board the Deccan Odyssey.

  Unwind and enjoy cocktails fixed by our bartender onboard. Follow this with a delectable dinner and a well deserved rest. The Deccan Odyssey will then proceeds towards Jalgaon to visit the stunning Ajanta Caves.

  Breakfast, lunch at Tiger Trails lodge and dinner on board.

  Overnight on board the Deccan Odyssey.

• Thursday Day 6 : Jalgaon – Ajanta Caves

  This morning, the Deccan Odyssey will arrive at the Jalgaon station. From here you will disembark and drive to the Ajanta Caves. This World Heritage site is an architectural wonder of its time. The 30 rock-hewn Buddhist caves at Ajanta have been expertly carved and are ornamented with sculptures and paintings of Buddhist religious art. It impeccably presents a universal pictorial art as well as the fusion of Buddhist and Hindu faith.

  After your trip to Ajanta, return to the Deccan Odyssey for lunch as it makes its way to Nashik.

  The rest of the day is at leisure. Relax and enjoy some of the recreational activities available on board. Indulge in relaxing massage in our spa or you can watch a movie, and learn the rules of 'carrom', a popular Indian board game from a Deccan Odyssey team member.

  Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board.

  Overnight on board the Deccan Odyssey.

• Friday Day 7 : Nashik

  Today, the Deccan Odyssey will halt at the holy city of Nashik, which is rapidly gaining popularity as the wine capital of the country.

  Post breakfast spend the morning walking along the Godavari ghats and witness several important Hindu rituals being performed. Then proceed to the lively Wednesday market, which sells everything from freshly caught catfish to cow dung cakes and many things in between.

  Then drive to the Grover Zampa vineyards for a special tour of one of the finest wine producing facilities of India. Walk through vines laden with Chenin, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Explore the age old 'methode traditionnelle' used to make one of the best known Indian brands of sparkling wines. Let the sommelier introduce your taste buds to their most exquisite creations of white, red, rose and sparkling wines and experiment pairing them with your meal at the vineyards.

  After a lavish lunch, return to the Deccan Odyssey and set forth for Mumbai, the last leg of the journey.

  The rest of the day is at leisure on board.

  Breakfast on board, lunch at the Grover Zampa vineyard and dinner on board.

  Overnight on board the Deccan Odyssey.

• Saturday Day 8 : Disembark in Mumbai

  Early this morning, after breakfast, you will disembark at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station, Mumbai.

  Bid farewell to the Deccan Odyssey as your royal passage through the grand vistas of India comes to an end.

  Breakfast on board.