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Orient Rail Journeys · Luxury train tour

Maharashtra Wild Trail (Deccan Odyssey)

Eight-day luxury train journey through Maharashtra's caves, wildlife reserves, and wine country

Illustration of Maharashtra Wild Trail (Deccan Odyssey)

Orient Rail Journeys operates the Deccan Odyssey, a luxury train that carries travellers through the art, archaeology, and wildlife of Maharashtra over eight days and seven nights. The journey departs Mumbai, travels through lesser-known regions of central India, and returns to Mumbai after visiting two sets of UNESCO rock-cut caves, two of India's premier tiger reserves, and the vineyard region near Nashik. Passengers sleep aboard the train every night, with cabins serving as a mobile base. Days alternate between guided excursions by coach to archaeological sites, early-morning and afternoon game drives in Pench and Tadoba, a visit to a Himroo fabric-weaving centre, and wine tasting at a local vineyard. The tour suits luxury travellers seeking both history and wildlife on a single itinerary, as well as repeat rail enthusiasts who prefer not to move hotels. Onboard dining features Indian and local cuisine, and the ship offers a lounge, spa, and evening entertainment.

What to know before you look closer

  • All seven nights are spent aboard the train; there are no hotel stays during the itinerary
  • Two of the eight days involve extended coach travel from the train station to cave sites and wildlife reserves

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Onboard the train

    Mumbai

    Trip officially starts at 15:30 hours at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai. Registration, traditional welcome and welcome drink. Settle into cabins as the train starts slowly towards Ellora Caves. Dinner served on board.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Onboard the train

    Ellora Caves

    Train reaches Aurangabad by early morning. After breakfast, road trip to Ellora Caves (34 rock-cut shrines, Kailash temple). Visit Daulatabad fort, Bibi-ka-Maqbara and the city’s 52 gates. Optional spa at a city hotel. Lunch served on board. Dinner in the evening (local cuisine). Return to train by late evening.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Onboard the train

    Aurangabad

    After breakfast, sightseeing of Aurangabad including Bibi-ka-Maqbara (replica of the Taj Mahal) and a Himroo fabric weaving centre. Return to train for lunch. Evening cocktail/mocktail at the train’s lounge, followed by dinner. Train moves towards Pench.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Onboard the train

    Ramtek (Pench)

    Train reaches Pench National Park by early morning. After breakfast, game drive in Pench National Park. Return to the Deccan Odyssey for a leisurely brunch. Disembark again in the afternoon for a second game drive. Return by evening, dinner served on board as the train moves towards Tadoba.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Onboard the train

    Warora (Tadoba)

    Train arrives at Chandrapur station. Early morning safari to Tadoba Tiger Reserve (Land of Tigers). Breakfast at Tiger Trails lodge, with a wildlife documentary shown. Lunch at the lodge, then return to train. Free time as the train moves towards Jalgaon.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Onboard the train

    Ajanta Caves

    Train halts at Jalgaon by early morning. After breakfast, disembark to visit Ajanta Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site, 30 rock-cut caves). Return to train for lunch as it leaves for Nashik. Onboard leisure activities (carrom, movie, spa). Dinner served on board.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Onboard the train

    Nashik

    Train reaches Nashik by morning. After breakfast, walking trip to the ghats, market tour to the Wednesday Market, and a trip to Grover Zampa vineyards for wine tasting and lunch. Train proceeds towards Mumbai. Dinner served on board.

  8. Day 8rail

    Mumbai

    Train reaches Mumbai and halts. After breakfast, checkout formalities begin, marking the end of the tour.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Coach excursion to Ellora Caves, a complex of 34 rock-cut shrines carved into a hillside, including the Kailash temple
  • Day 4Two game drives in Pench National Park with the possibility of spotting tigers, leopards, and Indian wildlife
  • Day 5Early morning safari to Tadoba Tiger Reserve with breakfast and a wildlife documentary at Tiger Trails lodge
  • Day 6Visit to Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 30 rock-cut caves with ancient Buddhist paintings and sculptures
  • Day 7Wine tasting and lunch at Grover Zampa vineyards near Nashik, followed by a walking trip to the ghats and Wednesday Market

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included in the price?
Yes. All accommodation aboard the Deccan Odyssey, meals, onboard activities, and most excursions are included
Is this tour guided or independent?
It is fully guided. Orient Rail Journeys organizes all sightseeing trips, wildlife safaris, and activities from the train
Which caves and wildlife reserves are visited?
The itinerary includes Ellora Caves and Ajanta Caves (both UNESCO sites), plus game drives in Pench National Park and Tadoba Tiger Reserve
How much walking is involved?
Moderate walking: cave exploration, walking trips to Nashik ghats, a market tour, and movement between the train and coach
When does the tour run?
The evidence pack does not list specific departure dates. Contact Orient Rail Journeys for the current schedule
What is included and what is not?
Included: cabin, all meals, most sightseeing and safaris, wine tasting, onboard entertainment and spa. Not included: flights to and from Mumbai, personal travel insurance, items of a personal nature

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