After a four-year intermission, the iconic Deccan Odyssey, India’s pinnacle of luxury train travel, is set to grace the tracks once again. Spearheaded by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), the train’s relaunch was recently inaugurated at CSMT, south Mumbai, making its way to Panvel, by none other than Maharashtra Assembly Speaker, Rahul Narvekar.
State Tourism Minister, Girish Mahajan, Principal Secretary of Tourism, Radhika Rastogi, and MTDC’s dynamic Managing Director, Shraddha Joshi, were among the dignitaries who graced the occasion. Revealing the train’s forthcoming itinerary, Joshi expressed that its premiere journey will embark on a mesmerizing seven-night, eight-day voyage from Mumbai to Delhi. Key pit stops will include iconic cities like Vadodara, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Agra, Udaipur, and Sawai Madhopur. The maiden journey is already receiving a warm response, with 20 seats already secured.
Journey Options & Pricing:
The MTDC has meticulously crafted six enchanting itineraries for the Deccan Odyssey, namely:
- Indian Sojourn
- Maharashtra Splendor
- Indian Odyssey
- Heritage Odyssey
- Maharashtra Wild Trail
- Cultural Odyssey
To relish this unparalleled luxury on wheels, individuals will have to invest INR 6.5 lakh, while couples can share this majestic experience for approximately INR 9 lakh.
What’s New in the Odyssey?
Post its hiatus, the Deccan Odyssey has been revitalized, boasting several enhancements to further elevate the passenger experience. Key upgrades include:
- Fire safety equipment in every coach.
- Swapping LPG with induction cooking systems in pantry cars.
- Improved gangways for seamless coach transitions.
- Advanced air suspension trolleys ensuring a smoother ride.
- Bio tank inclusion in all onboard restrooms.
Further, the train’s amenities are a testament to its stature. From intercoms and Wi-Fi to plush furnishings and premium music systems, the 21-coach train promises an opulent journey. This includes 10 coaches dedicated to deluxe cabins and two presidential suites, ensuring travelers revel in sheer luxury.
A Glimpse into the Legacy:
Founded in 2003, the Deccan Odyssey was commissioned at the Integral Coach Factory and had the honor of being inaugurated by India’s former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in 2004. Between 2004 and 2020, it received an overwhelming response, only to be briefly interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
As it steams ahead, the MTDC has entrusted an esteemed operator to manage the Deccan Odyssey. With an initial commitment to 40 mesmerizing tours within Maharashtra, plans are afoot to expand this luxury experience, encapsulating premium tourist hotspots throughout India.
Step aboard the Deccan Odyssey – a journey where every moment is steeped in grandeur!
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