Deccan Odyssey: Routes, Cabins, Tariff and Booking
The Deccan Odyssey is India’s luxury train for the western and southern regions, built on the Palace on Wheels model and launched in 2004 by Maharashtra Tourism (MTDC) together with the Ministry of Railways. It stands apart from the other luxury trains by reaching places the rest never touch: the Ajanta and Ellora caves, the Konkan beaches, Goa, and the wildlife parks of central India. This guide covers its circuits, cabins, what the fare includes, and how to book.
Before you plan: The Deccan Odyssey runs seasonally, broadly from October to April, and departures are limited. Check current dates, circuits and tariffs on the official Maharashtra Tourism or Deccan Odyssey booking site before making any other travel arrangements.
The Circuits
Unlike trains that run a single fixed route, the Deccan Odyssey offers several distinct week-long itineraries. The exact selection changes from season to season, and the ones offered in recent years include:
| Circuit | Broadly covers |
|---|---|
| Maharashtra Splendour | Mumbai, Nashik, the Ajanta and Ellora caves, Kolhapur, the Konkan coast and Goa |
| Indian Odyssey | Delhi, Ranthambore, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Vadodara and Ellora |
| Jewels of the Deccan | Mumbai, Bijapur, Aihole and Pattadakal, Hampi, Hyderabad and Ellora |
| Hidden Treasures of Gujarat | Mumbai, Vadodara, Palitana, Sasan Gir, the Rann of Kutch and Nashik |
| Maharashtra Wild Trail | Mumbai, Aurangabad, the Pench and Tadoba reserves, Ajanta and Nashik |
Most run as seven nights and eight days, starting and ending in Mumbai or Delhi depending on the circuit. Confirm which itineraries the operator is running in the season you want, since the line-up gets revised.
Cabins and Train Composition
| Coach type | Number |
|---|---|
| Passenger cars, 4 cabins per coach | 10 |
| Presidential suite cars, 2 suites per coach | 2 |
| Restaurant cars | 2 |
| Bar car | 1 |
| Spa car | 1 |
| Conference car with business centre | 1 |
| Generator cars with luggage store | 2 |
| Staff and spare cars | 2 |
That gives 40 deluxe cabins and 4 presidential suites, carrying around 88 guests at full occupancy. Every cabin comes with an en suite bathroom.
On Board
- Two restaurant cars serving Indian, Maharashtrian, Goan, Continental and Chinese menus, changed seasonally.
- A well-stocked bar car and a lounge.
- A spa car with steam, massage, a small gym and a salon.
- A library, plus music and video channels in cabins and lounges.
- A conference car with business centre, unusual among luxury trains.
- Doctor on call and complimentary packaged drinking water throughout.
Tariff
Fares are quoted per cabin for the full journey, not per night, and generally in US dollars. As an indication of the scale, a deluxe cabin on a seven night circuit has run into several thousand dollars for twin occupancy, with the presidential suite costing substantially more. GST applies on top at the prevailing rate.
Important: Luxury train tariffs get revised every season and shift with the exchange rate, so any figure published on a third-party site quickly goes stale. Take your quote directly from the official booking site for the season you intend to travel, and check whether it is stated per cabin or per person before you compare it with other trains.
Children
- One child under 5 travels free in a deluxe cabin, sharing a double bed with parents, subject to a double bed being available.
- For a child between 6 and 12, the operator recommends the presidential suite, where the living room sofa bed accommodates the older child.
- Two children between 6 and 12 require two cabins, with the first child charged at 25% and the second at 50% of the adult fare, and a parent present in each cabin.
- The train has no interconnecting cabins.
What the Fare Includes
Included: cabin accommodation with en suite bathroom, all meals, soft beverages, valet service, still camera fees, and guided off-train excursions and game drives with entrance fees, park fees, transport and an English-speaking guide.
Not included: GST and other taxes, insurance, gratuities, laundry, alcoholic drinks, video and professional camera fees, spa treatments, telephone and business centre use, airport transfers, air tickets, and any accommodation before or after the tour.
Booking and Payment
- Book through the official Maharashtra Tourism or Deccan Odyssey website, or through an authorised travel agent.
- 20% of the ticket value falls due at the time of booking.
- The remaining 80% is payable 45 days before departure.
- Cancellation terms vary by how far ahead you cancel, so read the current policy on the booking page before you pay. As with all luxury trains, cancelling close to departure usually means losing most or all of the fare.
Practical Notes for the Journey
- Several circuits include beaches at Ganapatipule, Tarkarli and Goa, so pack swimwear.
- Afternoons get strong, particularly in March and April, so carry light cottons, sunblock, sunglasses and a hat.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes, since the excursions cover a lot of ground on foot.
- Remove footwear when visiting temples and shrines.
- Laundry is available in Goa, and foreign exchange in Mumbai and Goa.
- Itineraries can change at short notice because the train runs on the working railway network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who operates the Deccan Odyssey?
Maharashtra Tourism (MTDC) in partnership with the Ministry of Railways. It launched in 2004, modelled on the Palace on Wheels.
How long is the journey?
Most circuits run seven nights and eight days, usually starting and ending at Mumbai or Delhi.
How many guests does it carry?
Around 88, across 40 deluxe cabins and 4 presidential suites.
When does it run?
Seasonally, broadly October to April. It does not operate through the monsoon.
What is included in the fare?
Accommodation, all meals, soft drinks, guided excursions with entry fees and transport, and valet service. Alcohol, spa treatments, laundry and personal expenses cost extra, and GST applies on top.
Can children travel on the Deccan Odyssey?
Yes, though the train is designed around an adult atmosphere. A child under 5 travels free sharing a cabin, while older children need a suite or a second cabin.
Which circuit covers the Ajanta and Ellora caves?
Several do, including Maharashtra Splendour, Jewels of the Deccan and the Maharashtra Wild Trail. Check the current season’s itineraries.
Quick Summary
| Launched | 2004, by MTDC with the Ministry of Railways |
| Duration | Seven nights, eight days on most circuits |
| Cabins | 40 deluxe cabins and 4 presidential suites |
| Capacity | Around 88 guests |
| Season | Around October to April |
| Fares quoted | Per cabin for the journey, generally in US dollars, plus GST |
| Payment | 20% at booking, 80% due 45 days before departure |
The Deccan Odyssey suits travellers who want the caves, coastline and wildlife of western India rather than another Rajasthan circuit. Compare the itineraries carefully, since they differ far more from one another than on most luxury trains. For more, see our guides on luxury trains in India, the Palace on Wheels and the Maharajas’ Express.
Considering the Deccan Odyssey? Tell us which circuit appeals in the comments and we will help you compare.
