Deccan Odyssey Train Tour

Day 4 - Goa
globe. Brilliant lush green fields surrounding village and bamlets, white washed churches standing out against occasional empty patches of startling red soil. Welcome to Goa, the land of India's finest golden sand beaches, jungle clad hills, imposing ancient churches and elegant mansions, splashed with colour ofbougainvillea. Goa is indeed a great collage of sights, experiences and history.

Once in Goa, you can start off with Old Goa. Take a walk amid the ruins, ramble in the vast gardens and grounds of the old church buildings. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral and the Church of St. Francis of Assissi, that began as a mosque but now is an archaeological museum for Goan antiques.

Next, free time for a short walk in the city of Panjim a Capital of Goa. City is built on the left bank of the Mandovi river contains archbishop palace, a modern port, churches and long winding streets lined with remarkably well preserved old houses. One can do some shopping to carry memories of this beautiful State.

It's time for an afternoon finger licking Goan delicacies.

Next stop is Dona Paula, a small palm fringed beach with casuarinas groves and tranquility. Visit Fontanhas, the Latin quarters at Panjim. The day has ended, but it Goa, it is just the beginning. Non stop fun, virgin beaches, ancients sites and caves, religious icons and shrines are set deep in your mind as you head back to the Madgaon station. Wine and dine on board the royal train. It's true, no matter how much time you have in Goa, it will always seem too little.

Day 5 - Kolhapur & Pune
Morning you arrive at Kolhapur, a city with a multifaceted person and a mythical past. Kolhapur has survived regimes of various rulers from the legendary past to the modern age. The Satavahana Kings, the Shilaharas, the Marathas and the British have all left their imprint on it.

Your first stop is at The New Palace. This Indo-Sarecenic architectural marvel was built in 1881 and houses the Chhatrapati Sahu Museum-a curious array of the former Maharaja’s possessions. Next Bhawani Mandap (The Town Hall) witness traditional Martial Art locally known as “Mardani Khel”. At the Mahalakshmi Mandir you learn how goddess Mahalakshmi destroyed the demon Kolhasura and how the goddess took abode in a shrine, which is the temple today. The temple complex is adorned with horizontal mouldings and vertifical offsets, creating a rich light and shade pattern. Travel to Shalini Palace on the west bank of the picturesque Rankala Lake to discover the beauty of the gigantic architecture bearing the crest of the Maharaja of Kolhapur.

Head back to the train for a lavish lunch as it chugs out to Pune-the early home of Shivaji, the great Maratha warrior. This city is the erstwhile capital of the Marathas and is also known as the cultural capital of the state. Step into the Raja Kelkar Museum, a quaint Rajasthani styled building with an interesting personal collection of artifacts and antiques ranging from 17th to early 20th century



Day 6 - Aurangabad
Next morning traveling along the rolling hills and picturesque ruins of the past, you travel way back in time to Aurangabad. Founded by Aurangzeb, Aurangabad's heritage is rich and varied.

After breakfast in the train, a luxury bus takes you to the majestic fortress of Daulatabad. An impregnable defense in its day, it still stands tall and proud. Walk around the ruins, which tell you extraordinary stories of bravery and valour.

Next stop is the world famous Ellora Caves. Just 30 kms. From Aurangabad the historical Ellora caves is now a World Heritage Site. The Hindu, Jain and Buddhist caves at Ellora are among the finest in India. Lying on the ancient trade route, the caves are thought to be the work of priests and pilgrims who used the route. Abandoned and forgotten for a few centuries, the 34 caves were cut out of volcanic rocks of the Deccan trap. 12 are Buddhist (600 to 700 AD), 17 Hindus (800 - 1000 AD) and five Jain(1000 - 1300 AD). The Buddhist caves belong to the Vajrayana sect of the Mahayana School. The caves include 'viharas' (monasteries) and 'chaityas' (chapels) where the monks worshipped. The Hindu caves lie in the center of the group. The most famous of them being the Kailasanatha Temple (8th century). It is the most famous magnificent of all the rock-cut structures at Ellora. Completely open to the elements, it is the only building that was begun from the top. The Jain caves, less grand in comparison to the other are richly carved with lotus, elephant, lions and 'tirthankaras' of Lord Mahavira. They offer an aura of peace and simplicity.

Come back to Aurangabad for luch at the Taj hotel with live cultural entertainment. Next stop is the Shivaji Museum with weapons and antiques from the great Maratha Empire. Just beyond the city, lies the Aurangabad Caves with highly ornate and strikingly detailed sculptures and architecture. Dating from the Vakataka and the succeeding Kalachuri dynasties (2nd and 6th centuries AD), these 10 caves, five in each group are also a World Heritage Site.

Move on to the Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, a tribute of the Emperor's son to his mother. A replica of Taj Mahal, the fairy tale maqbara stands out as the only piece of Moghul architecture on the Deccan Plateau. Spend some time browsing through Paithani and Himroo showrooms for a perfect memorabilia.

Soon, it's time to go back to the station for a mouth-watering feast in the train and then to travel even further back in time.


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