Jewels of the Deccan

In the morning, savour breakfast as the Indian luxury train rolls into Bijapur, one of the popular cities in Karnataka. It was founded between 10th and 11th centuries by Kalyani Chalukyas and was the capital of Sultans of Deccan. Disembark to begin sightseeing in Bijapur including Gol Gumbaz- world's second largest tomb and mausoleum of Adil Shah, the Sultan of Bijapur. It is a fine example of Deccan architecture with a circular gallery. Next you visit Jumma Masjid- one of India's first mosques; Malik-e-Maidan - the largest medieval era canon in the world, Mehtar Mahal- a 17th century ornamental entrance to a beautiful mosque, and Ibrahim Rouza - an Islamic monument with a 24 m high minarets. Return to the train. As you enjoy lunch on-board the Deccan Odyssey, admire the stunning views from the windows. Rail journey towards Aihole and Pattadakal starts. Enjoy the facilities of the train. Enjoy dinner.

Overnight stay.

On day 3, get ready to explore sacred sites and ancient attractions of Aihole and Pattadakal. Visit the temples erected by Chalukya rulers. Continue sightseeing and head to Pattadakal, housing South Indian (Dravidian) as well as North Indian (Nagara) structures. Lunch on-board the Indian luxury train. Thereafter, you can opt for a short excursion to Guledgudda. This is a weaving village where there are hand and power looms of Ilkal and Khan. Observe the process of weaving. The other option is to go and explore Badami with its rock-cut caves and glorious sculptured temples. Dinner on-board the Deccan Odyssey.

Stay overnight.

On the 4th day, as you enjoy breakfast, the train arrives in Hospet. De-board to visit Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with stunning ancient monuments. Proceed to Narasimha statue, the most important attraction of Hampi. Next you visit Mustard Ganesh. Later, take a walk along the banks of the Tungabhadra River. Thereafter, seek blessing of the Lord at Virupaksha Temple and Vittala Temple, gems of Vijayanagara Empire. Return to Hospet for lunch. After some rest, head to visit the Royal Center at Hampi- comprising courtly and military structures, former citadel of Vijayanagara Rulers. Later, visit the other attractions of Hampi including Queen's Bath- an ancient-royal stepped tank, Mahanavami Dibba or the great platform, Hazararama Temple, Queens Enclosure that has Lotus Mahal and the Elephant stables. Return to Hospet Station for boarding the Deccan Odyssey. Enjoy a relaxed dinner as the train proceeds to Hyderabad.

Overnight on-board.

Today, you have come to Hyderabad while riding the Deccan Odyssey, the Indian luxury train. Post breakfast, get ready for city tour pf Hyderabad including the mighty Golconda Fort- the epitome of Nizami culture and grandeur. Originally a mud fort, it later became the official seat of Qutub Shahi dynasty. Lunch on-board the luxury train. Now, you can either take rest or go for a shopping at the bazaars of Hyderabad, filled with interesting stuff like pearls, lace bangles and ittars. Do not miss savouring finger-licking Biryani, the popular food of Hyderabad. Thereafter, you can visit the extravagant Falaknuma Palace. Back on-board.

Stay overnight.

Today, the train enters Aurangabad, the city has been named after the last Great Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. After breakfast, head to explore Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These 34 rock-cut caves are a fine example of cave-temple architecture in India, dating back to the 4th and 5th century. There are 12 Buddhist caves in the south, 17 Hindu caves in the centre, and the 5 Jain caves in the north. Do not miss visiting the Kailash temple- the most popular attractions here. Lunch on-board the train. Enjoy the beautiful landscape of Maharashtra. The evening is at leisure. Head to the train's bar for a memorable evening. Dinner on-board the Deccan Odyssey that proceeds toward Jalgaon.

Overnight stay.

Enjoy breakfast on day 7 as the train reaches the Jalgaon station. Get down from the train and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ajanta Caves. There are 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves with beautiful paintings and sculptures, related to Buddhism. Go aboard the train for lunch. Lunch is followed by a visit to Mahatma Gandhi's memorial. Pay your tributes to the 'Father of the Nation'. Evening is scheduled for a sundowner while treating your eyes to the rugged beauty of rural India. Go back on the train for dinner. Deccan Odyssey is now leaving back for Mumbai.

Stay overnight on-board the train.

On the last day, disembark from the train at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, after breakfast on-board. Complete the check-out and enjoy the farewell.