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{{short description|Train in India}}
{{short description|Luxury train in India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2016}}
{{advert|date=July 2013}}
{{sources||date=January 2018}}
{{italic title}}
{{italic title}}
{{Infobox train
| name              = ''Deccan Odyssey''
| image              = Deccan-odyssey-logo.png
| imagealt          =
| caption            = ''Deccan Odyssey'' logo
| service            = 2004–present
| manufacturer      = [[Integral Coach Factory]]
| assembly          = [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]
| yearconstruction  = 2002–2003
| yearservice        = 2004
| formation          =
| diagram            =
| code              =
| fleetnumbers      =
| capacity          = 88 passengers
| operator          = [[Indian Railways]]<br>[[Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation|MTDC]]


{{Infobox train
| trainlength       = {{convert|700|m|ft}}
| name            = ''Deccan Odyssey''
| art-sections      = 21
| image          = Deccan Odyssey - Train Board.jpg
| gauge              =  
| caption        =
| interiorimage    =
| interiorcaption  =
| service          =
| manufacturer    = Indian Railways
| factory          = Integral Coach Factory, Chennai
| family          = Luxury Trains
| refurbishment    =
| replaced        =
| formation       =  
| fleetnumbers    =
| operator        = [[Indian Railways]] and [[Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation]] (MTDC)
| depots          = Mumbai
| yearconstruction = 2003
| yearservice      = 2004
}}
}}


The '''''Deccan Odyssey''''' is a special [[luxury train]] based on the model of ''[[Palace on Wheels]]'' to boost tourism on the [[Maharashtra]] route of the [[Indian Railways]]. It is a venture of the [[Maharashtra]] Government and the Ministry of Railways, Government of India. In addition to being a train that touches tourist spots, this aims to be a complete [[star (classification)|5-star]] hotel on wheels, with two restaurants and a bar, a sauna, business center and other such amenities on board. The coaches fitted with special amenities were manufactured by the [[Integral Coach Factory]] in [[Chennai]].
The '''''Deccan Odyssey''''' is an [[Luxury rail trains in India|Indian luxury train]] modeled on the ''[[Palace on Wheels]]'' luxury train and put into service to boost tourism on the [[Maharashtra]] route of the [[Indian Railways]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maha-cabinet-will-meet-on-deccan-odyssey|title=Maha Cabinet will meet on Deccan Odyssey|date=2021-09-28|publisher=The Free Press Journal|last=Jog|first=Sanjay|access-date=2022-06-08}}</ref><ref name=chakraborty/><ref name=dna/> The train, owned by travel company [[Cox & Kings]] since 2014, takes visitors on a variety of seven night, eight day trips across Maharashtra.<ref name=chowdhury>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/travel/cox-kings-gets-five-year-sales-and-marketing-contract-for-luxury-train-deccan-odyssey/articleshow/40903623.cms|title=Cox & Kings gets five year sales and marketing contract for luxury train Deccan Odyssey|date=2014-08-27|last=Chowdhury|first=Anirban|publisher=Economic Times|access-date=2022-06-07}}</ref><ref name=rajesh/>
 
==History==
[[File:Deccan Odyssey - Train Board.jpg|thumb|left|''Deccan Odyssey'']]
The ''Deccan Odyssey'' was deployed and started by Indian Railways and the [[Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation|Maharashtra Tourism Development Corp]] in 2001 in an effort to increase tourism in Maharashtra.<ref name=financial>{{cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/travel-tourism/deccan-odyssey-becomes-asias-leading-luxury-train/426027/|title=Deccan Odyssey becomes Asia's leading luxury train|date=2016-10-21|publisher=Financial Express|access-date=2022-06-07}}</ref><ref name=fivetimes/><ref name=start>{{cite web|url=https://www.indianluxurytrains.com/blog/deccan-odyssey-india-by-luxury-train/|title=Deccan Odyssey: India by Luxury Train|date=2022-02-10|publisher=Indian Luxury Trains|access-date=2022-06-08}}</ref><ref name=chakraborty/><ref name=dna/> [[Integral Coach Factory]] started construction in 2002 and finished in 2003.<ref name=start/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/deccan-odyssey-all-decked-up-and-nowhere-to-go/articleshow/257998.cms|title=Deccan Odyssey: All decked up and nowhere to go|date=2003-10-30|last=Pate|first=Neil|publisher=Times of India|access-date=2022-06-09}}</ref>


The train rides through the hinterlands of Maharashtra, the [[Western Ghats]], into the [[Deccan Plateau]] as well as the [[Konkan]] regions, including [[Goa]]. It also passes through the cities of [[Nashik]], [[Kolhapur]] and [[Ratnagiri]] within Maharashtra. En route to the capital city [[New Delhi]], it has stops at [[Rajasthan]] at [[Udaipur]] and [[Jaipur]]. It's itinerary involves various tourist destinations of architectural as well as natural importance such as the Taj Mahal, Rann of Kutch and Madera.
Its first trip departed on 16 January 2004 for a week-long maiden trip and was [[Flag off|flagged off]] by then Prime Minister [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/deccan-odyssey-to-start-on-jan-16/articleshow/413096.cms|title=Deccan Odyssey to start on Jan. 16|last=Pate|first=Neil|date=2004-01-09|publisher=Times of India|access-date=2022-06-08}}</ref><ref name=chowdhury/><ref name=ndtv>{{cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/business/irctc-deccan-odyssey-10-points-about-indian-railways-premium-luxury-train-pictures-inside-1834712|title=In PICTURES: 10 Points About Indian Railways Premium Luxurious 'Deccan Odyssey' Trains|date=2018-04-16|publisher=NDTV|access-date=2022-06-08}}</ref> Due to lack of booking, later journeys in 2004 were suspended by the state government of Maharashtra. However, its operations restarted after the [[Monsoon of South Asia|monsoon season]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discoveredindia.com/maharashtra/maharashtra-specials/deccan-odyssey/|title=Deccan Odyssey|date=n.d.|publisher=Discover India|access-date=2022-06-08}}</ref>


==History==
The train was briefly renamed the ''Indian Maharaja-Deccan Odyssey'' under Thomson Cook.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}} It was not in service for the majority of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] and is expected to start operations again in October 2022.{{update after|2022|12|01}}<ref name=maverick/>


After noticing the success of Palace on Wheels, the Maharashtra state decided to have such a train, in order to develop the tourism industry in the state and surrounding regions. This resulted in Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) along with Indian Railway started the project. On 17 January 2004, then Prime Minister [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]]  flagged off the train with remote control from the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai at 5.30 pm. The ceremonial inaugural run took from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) railway station to Thane and back.
==Design and amenities==
The train kicked off its maiden commercial journey on 4 February 2004.  At that time MTDC has appointed the Taj group of Hotels to manage the food and beverage and housekeeping on the luxury train. The train had 36 Taj staffers on board.
[[File:India (Mumbai) Welcome ceremony for The Deccan Odyssey guests (32065545283).jpg|thumb|right|A traditional welcome ceremony in Mumbai before boarding]]


The Deccan Odyssey planned to operate for 35 weeks each year. It starts from Mumbai CST every Wednesday evening and returns the following Wednesday morning. From Mumbai, it will take off to Ratnagiri, Sindudurg, Goa, Pune, Aurangabad, Nashik.
===Design===
The train is {{convert|700|m|ft}}-long and painted in royal blue. It gets its name from the [[Deccan Plateau]] which is located in Maharashtra.<ref name=chakraborty/><ref name=ndtv/><ref name=maverick>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-01-05-the-decadent-odyssey-a-train-in-blue-and-gold-livery-of-unparalleled-luxury/|title=The Decadent Odyssey: A train in blue and gold livery of unparalleled luxury|date=2022-01-05|last=Pinnock|first=Don|publisher=Daily Maverick|access-date=2022-06-07}}</ref> The design is meant to emulate the luxuries enjoyed by 16th century [[Maharaja]]s.<ref name=dna/><ref name=maverick/> The train has 21 coaches, each named after places in Maharashtra and can accommodate up to 88 passengers.<ref name=dasgupta>{{cite web|url=https://mediaindia.eu/news-india-you/deccan-odyssey-indias-premium-luxury-train/|title=Deccan Odyssey, India's premium luxury train|date=2017-07-19|publisher=Media India Group|access-date=2022-06-07}}</ref><ref name=chakraborty/>


In 2004, the [[Maharashtra]] government stopped its run of the ''Deccan Odyssey'', citing poor response, but restarted it after the monsoon season.
===Amenities===
Suite amenities include an en suite bathroom, Wi-Fi, a TV, and a cell phone "with all emergency numbers fed in."<ref name=econ/> Guests are serviced by an onboard butler and each suite is marked with a custom nameplate.<ref name=kulkarni/> In addition to accommodation amenities, the train is fully air-conditioned and has a small gym, a spa, salon, library, [[Foreign exchange market|foreign exchange services]], a bar, and a conference room, which can be converted into a dance floor.<ref name=econ/><ref name=chowdhury/><ref name=goyal/><ref name=maverick/><ref name=chakraborty/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.irtsociety.com/train/deccan-odyssey/save-pdf/6000|title=Deccan Odyssey|date=n.d.|publisher=The Society of International Railway Travelers|access-date=2022-06-08}}</ref>


Later MTDC started giving the train on lease to tour operators like Luxury Train, Thomson Cook (India), which changed the name of the train to ''Indian Maharaja'' and resulted in a petition filed by Harshad Gawade, a local tour operator from Sindhudurg in the Bombay high court.
There are two restaurants in the train, Waavar and Utsav, which are managed by [[Taj Hotels]].<ref name=maverick/><ref name=econ/><ref name=dna/><ref>{{cite news |title=Take a luxury train ride on the Deccan Odyssey |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/infrastructure/take-a-luxury-train-ride-on-the-deccan-odyssey/waavar/slideshow/54625025.cms |access-date=21 February 2023 |work=[[The Economic Times]]}}</ref>


From December 2010, The Deccan Odyssey train, taken on charter from [[Government of Maharashtra]] started with an aim to have a journey across four Sikh takhts, with a flight by devout and sightseers to the fifth Takht ([[Takht Sri Patna Sahib]]).
==Journeys==
[[File:Ellora Caves, India, Rock-cut monastery temple cave complex.jpg|right|thumb|Part of the [[Ellora Caves]], a [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]] and stop on several journeys]]
The ''Deccan Odyssey'' offers six different seven day, eight night trips around Maharashtra, typically starting and ending in Mumbai at [[Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus]] with the exception of the Indian Odyssey journey, which starts in [[New Delhi]] and ends in Mumbai, and the Indian Sojourn journey, which starts in Mumbai and ends in [[Delhi]].<ref name=goyal/><ref name=chakraborty>{{cite web|url=https://www.salonprivemag.com/welcome-aboard-the-deccan-odyssey/|title=Welcome Aboard The Deccan Odyssey|last=Chakraborty|first=Subhasish|date=2022-04-19|publisher=Salon Privé Magazine|access-date=2022-06-07}}</ref><ref name=econ>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/infrastructure/take-a-luxury-train-ride-on-the-deccan-odyssey/slideshow/54625021.cms|title=Take a luxury train ride on the Deccan Odyssey|date=2016-10-06|publisher=The Economic Times|access-date=2022-06-07}}</ref><ref name=rajesh/><ref name=maverick/>


Presently Cox and Kings Pvt. Ltd , operates the train.
Guests can adhere to pre-arranged sightseeing tours or explore each stop on their own.<ref name=rajesh>{{cite web|url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-train-trips-in-india|title=India's best train trips are a journey to the soul of the subcontinent|last=Rajesh|first=Monisha|date=2022-03-11|publisher=Lonely Planet|access-date=2022-06-07}}</ref><ref name=kulkarni/> Trips typically run between October and May.<ref name=hindu>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/Deccan-Odyssey-arrives-in-Vijayapura/article16760953.ece|title=Deccan Odyssey arrives in Vijayapura|date=2016-12-05|work=The Hindu|access-date=2022-06-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Want to experience royalty? Here are five luxurious Indian trains to hop on |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/want-to-experience-a-regal-journey-here-are-luxurious-trains-indian-railway-to-hop-on-5119263/ |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=1 April 2018 |language=en}}</ref>


== Gallery ==
As of 2022, the journeys include:
<gallery>
* Maharashtra Splendor: [[Mumbai]], [[Nashik]] ([[Grover Zampa]] Vineyards), [[Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar]] ([[Ellora Caves]]), [[Ajanta Caves]], [[Kolhapur]], [[Goa]], [[Sindhudurg]], Mumbai. [[UNESCO World Heritage Site]]s on this journey include the Ajanta and Ellora Caves.<ref name=splendor>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccan-odyssey-india.com/maharashtra-splendor.html|title=Maharashtra Splendor Journey|date=n.d.|publisher=Deccan Odyssey|access-date=2022-06-08}}</ref><ref name=maverick/><ref name=goyal>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/things-to-do/spending-seven-nights-in-the-luxurious-train-deccan-odyssey/articleshow/53192617.cms|title=Spending seven nights in the luxurious train 'Deccan Odyssey'|last=Goyal|first=Anudradha|date=2016-07-14|publisher=Times Travel|access-date=2022-06-07}}</ref><ref name=dasgupta/><ref name=chowdhury/><ref name=chakraborty/>
File:Hubli Junction railway station based WDP4 at Madgaon railway station hauling the Deccan Odyssey.jpg|[[Hubli Junction railway station|Hubli]] based [[EMD GT46PAC|WDP 4]] at [[Madgaon Junction railway station|Madgaon railway station]] hauling the Deccan Odyssey
* Indian Odyssey: Delhi, [[Sawai Madhopur]] ([[Ranthambore National Park]]), [[Agra]], [[Jaipur]], [[Udaipur]], [[Vadodara]],  Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Ellora Caves, Mumbai. UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this journey include [[Amber Fort|Amer Fort]], the [[Taj Mahal]], [[Jantar Mantar]], [[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]], and Ellora Caves.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccan-odyssey-india.com/indian-odyssey.html|title=Indian Odyssey Journey|date=n.d.|publisher=Deccan Odyssey|access-date=2022-06-08}}</ref><ref name=rajesh/><ref name=dasgupta/>
File:Deccan Odyssey - EOG coach.jpg|Deccan Odyssey - EOG coach
* Jewels of the Deccan: Mumbai, [[Bijapur|Vijayapura]], [[Aihole]], [[Pattadakal]], [[Hampi]], [[Hyderabad]], Ellora Caves, Ajanta Caves, Mumbai. UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this journey include the Ellora and Ajanta Caves and Hampi.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccan-odyssey-india.com/jewels-of-the-deccan.html|title=Jewels of the Deccan Journey|date=n.d.|publisher=Deccan Odyssey|access-date=2022-06-08}}</ref><ref name=dasgupta/>
File:Deccan Odyssey - Coach - Parampara.jpg|Deccan Odyssey - Coach - Parampara
* Maharashtra Wild Trail Journey: Mumbai,  Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Ellora Caves), [[Ramtek]] ([[Pench National Park]]), [[Tadoba]], Ajanta Caves, Nashik, Mumbai. UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this journey include the Ellora and Ajanta Caves.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccan-odyssey-india.com/maharashtra-wild-trail.html|title=Maharashtra Wild Trail Journey|date=n.d.|publisher=Deccan Odyssey|access-date=2022-06-08}}</ref><ref name=goyal/><ref name=dasgupta/>
File:Deccan Odyssey at Madgaon railway station.jpg|Deccan Odyssey at [[Madgaon Junction railway station|Madgaon railway station]]
* Hidden Treasures of [[Gujarat]]: Mumbai, [[Vadodara]], [[Palitana]], [[Sasan Gir]] & [[Somnath]], [[Little Rann of Kutch]], [[Modhera]] & [[Patan, Gujarat|Patan]], Nashik, Mumbai. UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this journey include the [[Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary|Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary]], [[Rani ki vav]], and [[Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccan-odyssey-india.com/hidden-treasures-of-gujarat.html|title=Hidden Treasures of Gujarat|date=n.d.|publisher=Deccan Odyssey|access-date=2022-06-08}}</ref><ref name=goyal/><ref name=dasgupta/>
File:Deccan Odyssey - Full train.jpg|Deccan Odyssey - Full train
* Indian Sojurn: Mumbai, Vadodara, Udaipur, [[Jodhpur]], Agra, Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore National Park), Jaipur, Delhi. UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this journey include Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Amer Fort, and the Taj Mahal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccan-odyssey-india.com/indian-sojourn.html|title=Indian Sojurn Journey|date=n.d.|publisher=Deccan Odyssey|access-date=2022-06-08}}</ref><ref name=rajesh/><ref name=dasgupta/>
</gallery>


==About the train==
Apart from the trip list, the ''Deccan Odyssey'' also goes on other shorter "special journeys". In 2010, the Spiritual Journey to the Guru's Abode explored [[Kiratpur Sahib]], [[Anandpur Sahib]] (Keshgarh Sahib), [[Amritsar]] ([[Akal Takht Sahib]]), [[Bathinda]] ([[Damdama Sahib]]), Jaipur, Agra, [[Nanded]] ([[Hazur Sahib]]), Mumbai, [[Patna]] ([[Patna Sahib]]), and Delhi, with a focus on [[Panj Takht|Sikh takhts]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sikhnet.com/news/luxury-train-trip-across-sikh-takhts|title=A luxury train trip across Sikh Takhts|date=2010-12-14|publisher=SikhNet|last=Bajwa|first=Harpreet|access-date=2022-06-09}}</ref> In 2017, the Susegado Goa special journey explored the [[Konkan Coast]] through Mumbai, Goa, [[Thivim]], [[Karmali]], and [[Verna, Goa|Verna]].<ref name=kulkarni>{{cite web|url=https://www.cntraveller.in/story/ideas-nye-mumbai-goa-deccan-odyssey/|title=Ideas for NYE: Mumbai-Goa on the Deccan Odyssey|date=2017-11-18|publisher=Traveller|access-date=2022-06-07}}</ref> In 2022, an abbreviated Indian Odyssey journey—Delhi, Sawai Madhopur, Agra, Jaipur—was available.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deccan-odyssey-india.com/journeys.html|title=Indian Odyssey Special Journey|date=n.d.|publisher=Deccan Odyssey|access-date=2022-06-08}}</ref>
{{Unreferenced-section|date=September 2020}}
[[File: The Indian Maharaja, Deccan Odyssey - Beauty Salon.jpg|thumb|The beauty salon on The Indian Maharaja charter train.]]


===Facilities===
Most passengers are international travellers and are charged US$7,320 per single occupancy deluxe cabin for a seven night, eight day trip, while Indian nationals pay [[Indian rupee|₹]]5,12,400.<ref name=dna>{{cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/photo-gallery-one-ticket-costs-upto-rs-38-lakhs-deccan-odyssey-maharajas-express-golden-chariot-buddha-express-palace-on-wheels-step-inside-india-most-luxurious-trains-2897473/the-golden-chariot-2897475|title=One ticket for Rs 38 lakhs! Take a look at India's most luxurious trains|date=2021-06-26|publisher=DNA|access-date=2022-06-07}}</ref><ref name="rajesh" /><ref name=maverick/><ref name=hindu/><ref name="splendor" />
The ''Deccan Odyssey'' offers accommodation in 40 deluxe cabins in 10 coaches. It also has 4 presidential suites in 2 cars, 1 Conference car with a business centre, 2 restaurants, a well-stocked bar and a spa with steam, massage, a mini gym and a parlour. Other facilities include a library, 6 Channels DVD for your viewing pleasure at the lounges and 6 Channels of Music in each cabin.


===Accommodation===
==Awards==
10 fully '''air-conditioned''' Deluxe Cabin saloons, each with a combination of 4 twin bedded chambers and 2 fully air-conditioned Presidential Suite saloons each with 2 suites with the combination of the living room & bedroom. Saloons are equipped with channel music, intercom, player, attached toilets, running hot and cold water, shower, wall-to-wall carpeting and other amenities.
The ''Deccan Odyssey'' has won the title of Asia's Leading Luxury Train at the World Travel Awards in 2010–2012, 2014, and 2015–2019. In 2018, the train earned recognition for being the first to win the Asia's Leading Luxury Train award five consecutive times.<ref name=fivetimes>{{cite web|url=https://www.indianluxurytrains.com/news/deccan-odyssey-wins-the-title-of-asias-leading-luxury-train-5-times-consecutively-23609/|title=Deccan Odyssey wins the title of Asia's Leading Luxury Train 5 Times Consecutively|date=2018-09-04|last=Chakraborty|first=Debasree|publisher=Indian Luxury Trains|access-date=2022-06-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Five luxury trains that redefine happy journeys |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/specials/five-luxury-trains-that-redefine-happy-journeys-1127504.html |access-date=19 February 2023 |work=[[Deccan Herald]] |date=17 July 2022 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite news |title=Do You Want To Ride On Asia's Most Luxurious Train? Hint: It's In India |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/travelnews/story/68991/guess-which-is-asias-leading-luxury-train-hint-its-in-india |access-date=19 February 2023 |work=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)]] |language=en}}</ref>


==See also==
The train was also named World's Leading Luxury Train in 2019. Previous nominations include World's Leading Travel Experience by Train (2009-2012), World's Leading Luxury Train (2010-2018, 2020), and Asia's Leading Luxury Train (2013, 2020–2021).<ref name="financial" /><ref name=dasgupta/><ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web |date=2021 |title=Deccan Odyssey |url=https://www.worldtravelawards.com/profile-29440-deccan-odyssey |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506102519/https://www.worldtravelawards.com/profile-29440-deccan-odyssey |archive-date=2021-05-06 |access-date=2022-06-08 |publisher=World Travel Awards}}</ref>
{{colbegin}}
*[[Fairy Queen (locomotive)]]
*[[Palace on Wheels]]
*[[Royal Orient]]
*[[Mahaparinirvan Express]]
*[[Golden Chariot]]
*[[Royal Rajasthan on Wheels]]
*[[Maharajas' Express]]
{{colend}}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{reflist}}
 
== External links ==
*[https://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/deccan-odyssey/about/ Deccan Odyssey - The Official Website of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation]


{{Indian Luxury Trains}}
{{Indian Luxury Trains}}
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[[Category:Luxury trains in India]]
[[Category:Luxury trains in India]]
[[Category:2004 establishments in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:2004 establishments in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Goa]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Delhi]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Rajasthan]]

Latest revision as of 01:05, 19 October 2025


Deccan Odyssey
Deccan Odyssey logo
In service2004–present
ManufacturerIntegral Coach Factory
AssemblyChennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Constructed2002–2003
Entered service2004
Capacity88 passengers
Operator(s)Indian Railways
MTDC
Specifications
Train length700 metres (2,300 ft)
Articulated sections21

The Deccan Odyssey is an Indian luxury train modeled on the Palace on Wheels luxury train and put into service to boost tourism on the Maharashtra route of the Indian Railways.[1][2][3] The train, owned by travel company Cox & Kings since 2014, takes visitors on a variety of seven night, eight day trips across Maharashtra.[4][5]

History[edit | edit source]

Deccan Odyssey

The Deccan Odyssey was deployed and started by Indian Railways and the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corp in 2001 in an effort to increase tourism in Maharashtra.[6][7][8][2][3] Integral Coach Factory started construction in 2002 and finished in 2003.[8][9]

Its first trip departed on 16 January 2004 for a week-long maiden trip and was flagged off by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.[10][4][11] Due to lack of booking, later journeys in 2004 were suspended by the state government of Maharashtra. However, its operations restarted after the monsoon season.[12]

The train was briefly renamed the Indian Maharaja-Deccan Odyssey under Thomson Cook.[citation needed] It was not in service for the majority of the COVID-19 pandemic and is expected to start operations again in October 2022.[needs update][13]

Design and amenities[edit | edit source]

A traditional welcome ceremony in Mumbai before boarding

Design[edit | edit source]

The train is 700 metres (2,300 ft)-long and painted in royal blue. It gets its name from the Deccan Plateau which is located in Maharashtra.[2][11][13] The design is meant to emulate the luxuries enjoyed by 16th century Maharajas.[3][13] The train has 21 coaches, each named after places in Maharashtra and can accommodate up to 88 passengers.[14][2]

Amenities[edit | edit source]

Suite amenities include an en suite bathroom, Wi-Fi, a TV, and a cell phone "with all emergency numbers fed in."[15] Guests are serviced by an onboard butler and each suite is marked with a custom nameplate.[16] In addition to accommodation amenities, the train is fully air-conditioned and has a small gym, a spa, salon, library, foreign exchange services, a bar, and a conference room, which can be converted into a dance floor.[15][4][17][13][2][18]

There are two restaurants in the train, Waavar and Utsav, which are managed by Taj Hotels.[13][15][3][19]

Journeys[edit | edit source]

Part of the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stop on several journeys

The Deccan Odyssey offers six different seven day, eight night trips around Maharashtra, typically starting and ending in Mumbai at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus with the exception of the Indian Odyssey journey, which starts in New Delhi and ends in Mumbai, and the Indian Sojourn journey, which starts in Mumbai and ends in Delhi.[17][2][15][5][13]

Guests can adhere to pre-arranged sightseeing tours or explore each stop on their own.[5][16] Trips typically run between October and May.[20][21]

As of 2022, the journeys include:

Apart from the trip list, the Deccan Odyssey also goes on other shorter "special journeys". In 2010, the Spiritual Journey to the Guru's Abode explored Kiratpur Sahib, Anandpur Sahib (Keshgarh Sahib), Amritsar (Akal Takht Sahib), Bathinda (Damdama Sahib), Jaipur, Agra, Nanded (Hazur Sahib), Mumbai, Patna (Patna Sahib), and Delhi, with a focus on Sikh takhts.[28] In 2017, the Susegado Goa special journey explored the Konkan Coast through Mumbai, Goa, Thivim, Karmali, and Verna.[16] In 2022, an abbreviated Indian Odyssey journey—Delhi, Sawai Madhopur, Agra, Jaipur—was available.[29]

Most passengers are international travellers and are charged US$7,320 per single occupancy deluxe cabin for a seven night, eight day trip, while Indian nationals pay ₹5,12,400.[3][5][13][20][22]

Awards[edit | edit source]

The Deccan Odyssey has won the title of Asia's Leading Luxury Train at the World Travel Awards in 2010–2012, 2014, and 2015–2019. In 2018, the train earned recognition for being the first to win the Asia's Leading Luxury Train award five consecutive times.[7][30][31]

The train was also named World's Leading Luxury Train in 2019. Previous nominations include World's Leading Travel Experience by Train (2009-2012), World's Leading Luxury Train (2010-2018, 2020), and Asia's Leading Luxury Train (2013, 2020–2021).[6][14][31][32]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Jog, Sanjay (28 September 2021). "Maha Cabinet will meet on Deccan Odyssey". The Free Press Journal. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Chakraborty, Subhasish (19 April 2022). "Welcome Aboard The Deccan Odyssey". Salon Privé Magazine. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "One ticket for Rs 38 lakhs! Take a look at India's most luxurious trains". DNA. 26 June 2021. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Chowdhury, Anirban (27 August 2014). "Cox & Kings gets five year sales and marketing contract for luxury train Deccan Odyssey". Economic Times. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Rajesh, Monisha (11 March 2022). "India's best train trips are a journey to the soul of the subcontinent". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Deccan Odyssey becomes Asia's leading luxury train". Financial Express. 21 October 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Chakraborty, Debasree (4 September 2018). "Deccan Odyssey wins the title of Asia's Leading Luxury Train 5 Times Consecutively". Indian Luxury Trains. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Deccan Odyssey: India by Luxury Train". Indian Luxury Trains. 10 February 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  9. ↑ Pate, Neil (30 October 2003). "Deccan Odyssey: All decked up and nowhere to go". Times of India. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
  10. ↑ Pate, Neil (9 January 2004). "Deccan Odyssey to start on Jan. 16". Times of India. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "In PICTURES: 10 Points About Indian Railways Premium Luxurious 'Deccan Odyssey' Trains". NDTV. 16 April 2018. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  12. ↑ "Deccan Odyssey". Discover India. n.d. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 13.6 13.7 Pinnock, Don (5 January 2022). "The Decadent Odyssey: A train in blue and gold livery of unparalleled luxury". Daily Maverick. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 14.6 14.7 "Deccan Odyssey, India's premium luxury train". Media India Group. 19 July 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 "Take a luxury train ride on the Deccan Odyssey". The Economic Times. 6 October 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 "Ideas for NYE: Mumbai-Goa on the Deccan Odyssey". Traveller. 18 November 2017. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 Goyal, Anudradha (14 July 2016). "Spending seven nights in the luxurious train 'Deccan Odyssey'". Times Travel. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  18. ↑ "Deccan Odyssey". The Society of International Railway Travelers. n.d. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  19. ↑ "Take a luxury train ride on the Deccan Odyssey". The Economic Times. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "Deccan Odyssey arrives in Vijayapura". The Hindu. 5 December 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  21. ↑ "Want to experience royalty? Here are five luxurious Indian trains to hop on". The Indian Express. 1 April 2018.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 "Maharashtra Splendor Journey". Deccan Odyssey. n.d. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  23. ↑ "Indian Odyssey Journey". Deccan Odyssey. n.d. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  24. ↑ "Jewels of the Deccan Journey". Deccan Odyssey. n.d. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  25. ↑ "Maharashtra Wild Trail Journey". Deccan Odyssey. n.d. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  26. ↑ "Hidden Treasures of Gujarat". Deccan Odyssey. n.d. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  27. ↑ "Indian Sojurn Journey". Deccan Odyssey. n.d. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  28. ↑ Bajwa, Harpreet (14 December 2010). "A luxury train trip across Sikh Takhts". SikhNet. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
  29. ↑ "Indian Odyssey Special Journey". Deccan Odyssey. n.d. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  30. ↑ "Five luxury trains that redefine happy journeys". Deccan Herald. 17 July 2022. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 "Do You Want To Ride On Asia's Most Luxurious Train? Hint: It's In India". Outlook (Indian magazine). Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  32. ↑ "Deccan Odyssey". World Travel Awards. 2021. Archived from the original on 6 May 2021. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
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