Deccan Odyssey

Departure by AC Bus to Malvan Jetty. From Jetty boat ride up to Sindhudurg the Ocean Fort & one time naval base of Maratha empire. Sindhudurg fort stands on a rocky island, known as Kurte, barely a km, from the Malvan Town. Sindhudurg Fort was built in 1664-67 AD by King Shivaji. One of the best preserved forts of the Marathas, the 48 acre Sindhudurg fort has a four kms long zigzag line of 9 metres high and 3 metres wide rampart with 42 bastions. Apart from the huge stones, the building material involved 2000 khandis (72,576 k.g) of iron erecting the massive curtain wall and bastions. A notable feature is that the foundation stones were laid down firmly in molten lead.
It also houses some twenty Hindu-Muslim hereditary families.

Return to jetty and proceed to Tarkarli beach resort.

Tarkarli a virgin beach at the confluence of river Karli and Arabian Sea. The major attraction here is the long and narrow stretch of beach, with its pristine water. On a clear day, you can see the sea bed through a depth of 20 ft.

Lunch & free time at Tarkarli beach resort.

Next, bus ride up to Dhamapur village. On way visit to Cashew factory.

At Dhamapur visit ancient temple of Goddess Bhagawati and Bharadi Devi situated on banks of beautiful lake. After this visit proceed by bus to board the train at Kudal Railway Station.

Dinner onboard. Train proceed to Karmali-Goa.

Board the bus to reach Old Goa to witness; the ruins of St. Augustine Church once largest cathedral in Goa. Basilica of Bom Jesus, this is 16th Century Church, the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier is enshrined here. Se Cathedral and the Church of St. Francis of Assissi that began as a mosque but now is an archaeological museum for Goan antiques. Walk through Fontanhas, the Latin quarters at Panjim.
Departure to Verna Railway Station for typical Goan lunch on board the train.

Free time onboard.

Evening depart by bus to beach hotel and enjoy Goan culture and traditional meals.

Board the train from Madgaon railway station. Train halts at Vasco-Goa.

From here proceed to one of the biggest and finest Spice Farm in the Country a "Sahakari Spice Farm" at Ponda village. Situated among the lush green surroundings of Ponda place is extremely popular among international tourist. Visitors are traditionally welcomed at the entrance. After brief halt in the restaurant for welcome drink and snacks, a guided tour of the farm starts. This organic spice farm has variety of herbal and medicinal trees. The guide explains different spices and their medical values during tour which is about 45 minutes.
Typical Goan lunch is served here.

In free time one can also take Elephant ride at own cost.

From farm house proceed to one of the finest heritage house of 16th century know as "Menezes Braganza House". It is one of the last remaining structures that date back to the pre-Portuguese era in Goa. The architecture and the interiors of the house make you feel as if you are going back in history. The structure has a very inviting feel to it and tourists feel like exploring this two storied structure in detail. It is one of the oldest heritage houses of Goa. This has been the traditional family home of the Braganzas for many than four centuries. Even today, the lady of the house, Mrs Braganza, an octogenarian, still lives in the house and takes the visitors to a tour of the house herself.

From Braganza House proceed to Madgaon Railway Station to board the train.

Next destination - Kolhapur.
Dinner onboard.

Board the bus to visit; New Palace, a royal palace partly converted into museum, The museum houses rare paintings and artifacts used by the royal family. Royal weapons and a tableau depicting court life of the last century create an aristocratic ambience. Next visit to Bhawani Mandap (The Town Hall). Antiques found during the excavations at Brahmagiri, old sculptures, filigree work in sandal wood and ivory, old coins and paintings of master artists of the region are all displayed here. Then move on to see an exquisitely carved Mahalaxmi Temple, a temple of goddess Ambabai visited by millions of pilgrims. From temple proceed to Shalini Palace built of intricately carved black stone & Italian Marble stands on the west side of lake Rankala, Witness traditional Martial Art locally known as "Mardani Khel" at Palace and cultural programme.
Kolhapur is well known for its textiles and cottons, in particular Kolhapuri saris. But it is of course most famous for its jewellery and leather sandals and Kolhapuri chappals. The selected and famous items would be displayed in the stalls at the Shalini Palace so one can leisurely do shopping.

At noon board the train at Kolhapur station.

Lunch and Leisure time onboard.
Dinner onboard.

Proceed by road to visit; Majestic fort Daulatabad. Rising dramatically over 600 ft above the Deccan plain is the arresting sight of Daulatabad. Once known as Devgiri, this fort served as the head quarters of the powerful Yadava rulers. In the 13th century, Mohammed bin Tughlak, the Sultan of Delhi, made it his capital and renamed it Daulatabad, or City of Fortune.
Next stop is Ellora caves, a World Heritage site, having 34 cave temples dedicated to three different religion- Hinduism, Buddhism & Jainism. The cave temples and monasteries at Ellora, excavated out of the vertical face of an escarpment, are 26 km north of Aurangabad. Extending in a linear arrangement, the 34 caves contain Buddhist Chaityas or halls of worship, and Viharas, or monasteries, Hindu and Jain temples.

Spanning a period of about 600 years between the 5th and 11th century AD, the earliest excavation here is of the Dhumar Lena (Cave 29).The most imposing excavation is, without doubt, that of the magnificent Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) which is the largest monolithic structure in the world.

Lunch & free time.

After lunch move on to see; Bibi-ka-Maqbara, a replica of Taj Mahal is a grand piece of Moghul architecture. Free time for shopping Paithani, Himroo, Bidriwork from showrooms for a perfect memorabilia.

Evening board the train from Aurangabad railway station.
Dinner onboard.

Renowned Buddhist caves of Ajanta are World Heritage Site. Witness some of the finest paintings and sculptures of the second century AD. 'Bodhisattva Padmapani', 'Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara', 'The Birth of the Buddha' & 'Thousand Buddha's' are a few amongst the many fine murals & sculptures.
At noon board train at Jalgaon railway station.
Proceed to Nashik. Lunch on-board.
Leisure Time onboard till evening.
Alight at Nashik Road railway station to board the bus for departure to Panchawati Ghat a holy place known for Kumbh Mela. Next, visit to Kala Ram Temple built in 1794.

Evening board the train at Deolali railway station.
Farewell dinner on-board.

Morning - Arrival at CST - Mumbai where the journey bids you a goodbye leaving with some fond memories of the journey.