Maharashtra Wild Trail
Maharashtra is known for being home to a good population of big cats and other exotic flora and fauna varieties. Opt for Maharashtra Wild Trail, one of the luxury Deccan Odyssey Train journeys and get a chance to explore the wildlife of one of India’s biggest states.
Maharashtra Wild Trail
Tour Itinerary
Duration: (07 Nights / 08 Days)
Destinations Covered: Mumbai - Ellora Caves - Aurangabad - Pench -Tadoba - Ajanta - Nashik
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1
Arrival in Mumbai - Ellora Caves
Welcome aboard the Deccan Odyssey.
Early evening, around 1530 hours, assemble at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus for completing the registration process and check in formalities for your Maharashtra Wild Trail journey. Enjoy your traditional welcome and refresh yourself with a welcome drink. Complete all the formalities and then settle in as the Deccan Odyssey departs for Ellora Caves. Savor dinner onboard.
Overnight stay at Deccan Odyssey. -
2
Aurangabad – Ellora Caves
While you enjoy your delicious breakfast, the Deccan Odyssey reaches the first destination, Aurangabad.
Named after the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb, Aurangabad is the gateway to the World Heritage Site, Ellora Caves. The city is dotted with a number of historic monuments which speak of the Mughal era. Spend the morning at leisure, lay back and relax onboard or enjoy a relaxing massage at the hotel spa. Savor an early lunch and disembark to enjoy a beautiful drive to the Ellora Caves.
An epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture, Ellora Caves is well-known for its 34 monumental caves that were excavated out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills. While the 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, 17 in the centre are Hindu, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain. All the caves represent different forms of art from Hindu, Jain and Buddhist culture. The star attraction of the cave is the Kailash temple, which is believed to be a replica of Lord Shiva's celestial abode on Mt. Kailash.
After sightseeing around Ellora Caves, visit the Daulatabad fort. Here, explore the remains of Buddhist Caves that are similar to Ajanta and Ellora Caves. The fort dates back to 100 BCE and is a major tourist attraction of Aurangabad.
Return to the World of class and luxury, Deccan Odyssey and freshen up. Enjoy your dinner at a city hotel.
Breakfast & Lunch on board.
Overnight on Deccan Odyssey. -
3
Aurangabad
Munch your breakfast onboard and then head to the city of Aurangabad. Begin with a visit to Bibi-ka-Maqbara, the mausoleum of Dilras Banu, Aurangzeb's wife. The monument was built between the year 1651 and 1661 by her son, Prince Azam Shah. Areplica of the Taj Mahal at Agra, the monument is also known as 'Taj of the Deccan'.
Thereafter, visit a facility which is known for weaving Himroo fabric. Himroo fabric is linked with Aurangabad since the 14th century. The fabric features Persian designs which have been woven using gold and silver threads. Himroo is considered a replica of Kum Khwab which was popular in the royal courts.
Get back to the Deccan Odyssey for lunch onboard and later take some rest. You can indulge in recreational activities onboard as colorful areas of Maharashtra pass by to reach Ramtek Pench National Park.
Enjoy a drink as the sunsets.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on board. -
4
Pench National Park (Ramtek)
This morning, wake up with the first ray of the sun and get ready to explore the beauty of Pench National Park as the Deccan Odyssey reaches Ramtek. One of the most popular tourist destinations of Maharashtra, Pench National Park is well-known for its exotic flora and fauna. The park is popular for its rich biodiversity.
Sprawling over an area of 758 sq. km., Pench National Park features immense serenity and scenic beauty. The varied fauna of the national park include 164 species of birds, 33 species of mammals, 10 species of amphibians, 50 species of fish, 30 species of reptiles and a wide variety of insect life. Popular fauna of the park include leopard, dhole, jungle cat, small Indian civet, Wolves, Striped hyena, sloth bear, jackal, common palm civet, Chital, sambar, gaur, Nilgai, wild pig, barking deer and Chausingha. On the other hand, the flora of Pench National Park is also very rich and includes trees like Madhuca indica, Lagerstroemia parviflora, Miliusa velutina, Terminalia tomentosa, Buchanania lanzan, Ougeinia dalbergoides and Lannea coromandalica.
Return to Deccan Odyssey and enjoy your lunch onboard.
Get off the train and then leave back to Pench National Park. Enjoy bird watching at the park as you get to see both resident and migratory birds like waterfowls, ospreys, Malabar pied hornbills, Indian pittas, grey-headed fishing eagles, white-eyed buzzards, storks, four endangered vulture species, and the green pigeon.
Post bird watching at Pench, drive back to Ramtek station and board the Deccan Odyssey. Munch your delicious dinner onboard as Odyssey departs for the next destination- Tadoba, the land of the mighty tigers.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on board.
Overnight on Deccan Odyssey. -
5
Tadoba Tiger Reserve
Get up very early this morning as the Deccan Odyssey takes you to Chandrapur station. Disembark for your early morning safari into the Tadoba Tiger Reserve, also known as the Land of Tigers. You will get a number of opportunities to spot tigers, wild dogs, leopards, sloth bears, gaurs (the Indian bison), ratels, and various species of deer, wild pigs and more.
After this thrilling morning safari, enjoy your breakfast at the Tiger Trails lodge and then watch a documentary on wildlife or get to know more about wildlife with a conversation with our naturalist.
Savor your lunch at the lodge and then drive back to Chandrapur station to board the Deccan Odyssey.
It is time to unwind onboard with your favorite cocktails fixed by our bartender. Have your dinner and take some rest. Deccan Odyssey leaves for Jalgaon.
Breakfast and Lunch at the Tiger Trails lodge; Dinner on board.
Overnight on Deccan Odyssey. -
6
Jalgaon - Ajanta Caves - Ellora Caves
The Deccan Odyssey reaches Jalgaon station this morning. After having your breakfast, disembark and leave for the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This architectural marvel has 30 rock-hewn Buddhist caves that are beautifully carved and feature sculptures and paintings from Buddhist religious art. Some of the paintings and sculptures also showcase a mixture of Buddhist and Hindu faith.
Return to the Deccan Odyssey after sightseeing at Ajanta Caves.
Enjoy your lunch onboard as the train leaves for Nashik. Relax and enjoy activities onboard. Play carrom or watch a movie or just unwind at the spa onboard.
Have a look at rural India as you pass by numerous villages. Sip in your favorite drink and enjoy your dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner on board
Overnight on Deccan Odyssey. -
7
Nashik
This morning you reach the Wine Capital of India, Nashik. The city is dotted with temples and wineries that form its major tourist attractions. Have your breakfast and then get off for a long walk along the Godavari Ghats and observe the different Hindu rituals being performed.
Pay a visit to the Wednesday market which is popular for selling items like cow dung cakes, freshly caught catfish and more.
Later, enjoy a drive to the Grover Zampa vineyards for a tour of the finest Indian wine producing facilities. Walk through vines laden with Chardonnay, Chenin, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes and taste some of the finest wine creations of India. Along with your favorite wine, enjoy your delicious meal.
Return to the Deccan Odyssey after lunch and spend the rest of the day at leisure onboard as Odyssey leaves for Mumbai.
Breakfast on board; Lunch at the vineyard; Dinner on board.
Overnight on Deccan Odyssey. -
8
Departure (Departure)
Today is the last day when the train arrives back in Mumbai. Enjoy your last sumptuous meal on-board the train.
After completing the check-out formalities, de-board as the journey comes to an end here.
