Costliest Train in India

Deccan odyssey: Costliest Train in India

The Deccan Odyssey is renowned as the costliest train in India due to its unmatched luxury and premium services. From its lavish interiors to gourmet dining experiences, every aspect is designed for ultimate comfort. The train features spacious cabins, personalized butler services, and world-class amenities. It also offers exclusive excursions to iconic Indian landmarks, creating a journey like no other. The cost reflects the high-end services and unique experiences offered onboard. Moreover, its limited capacity ensures personalized attention, making the Deccan Odyssey not just a train but a luxurious exploration of India’s rich heritage. Let’s explore why the Deccan Odyssey stands as India’s costliest train, offering unparalleled luxury, exclusive experiences, and world-class services.

History of Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train

The Deccan Odyssey, one of the costliest trains in India, is a testament to the luxury travel experience. Launched by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), this train was designed to showcase the beauty and culture of Maharashtra in the most elegant way possible. The idea for the Deccan Odyssey took shape in 2001, when MTDC partnered with the Indian Railway Ministry to create a deluxe train tour that would set new standards for opulence.

In 2002, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) began work on the design and construction of the train. It took several months of dedicated effort to bring the vision to life, and by the end of 2003, the Deccan Odyssey was ready to hit the tracks. The train’s luxurious interiors, inspired by royal journeys of the past, were a stunning achievement that rivalled the best in the world, such as the Blue Train of South Africa or Europe’s Orient Express.

On January 16, 2004, the Deccan Odyssey embarked on its first journey from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. With the Taj Group of Hotels providing 5-star hospitality onboard, passengers were treated to the finest service throughout their trip. Each of the 21 coaches is decorated in a style that reflects the grandeur of India’s royal past, offering travellers a truly unforgettable experience.

The weeklong tour takes guests through some of Maharashtra’s most diverse and breathtaking landscapes, giving them a glimpse of the state’s rich cultural heritage. The Deccan Odyssey continues to be one of the costliest trains in India, offering a travel experience that is both regal and luxurious.

Deccan Odyssey Coach Position

The Deccan Odyssey, known as one of the costliest trains in India, offers a luxurious and unforgettable travel experience with its meticulously designed coaches. There are 12 guest accommodation coaches, each furnished with comfortable furniture and personalized amenities, reflecting the grandeur of India’s royal past. The interiors are thoughtfully crafted to harmonize with the passing landscapes, ensuring that passengers feel a connection to the journey outside. The train has two types of accommodations: the standard passenger cars, with four cabins per coach, and the more spacious Presidential Suite cars, with two cabins per coach. The Presidential Suite cabins, spanning 191 square feet, offer ample room for relaxation, while the deluxe cabins provide a cozy yet spacious 95 square feet for guests. In total, the train can accommodate 88 guests across its 21 coaches, which also include a conference car, spa car, bar car, and two restaurant cars. Every detail is designed for comfort, from air conditioning to personal attendants, making the Deccan Odyssey not just a train ride but a royal experience on rails, befitting its title as the costliest train in India.

Deccan Odyssey Facilities

The Deccan Odyssey, often hailed as the costliest train in India, offers an experience where luxury meets tradition in every detail. Onboard, travelers are treated to a range of top-tier amenities designed to make each day memorable. From regal cabins to multi-cuisine restaurants, a cozy lounge, a state-of-the-art conference car, and a soothing health spa, everything is crafted to provide ultimate comfort. Over the years, the facilities have been continuously upgraded to ensure that each journey feels fresh and exciting for passengers. A trip through Maharashtra on the Deccan Odyssey isn’t just a ride—it’s a royal experience on wheels, where every moment is filled with elegance and care.

Explore All Train Facilities

Cabin

The Deccan Odyssey captures the charm of India’s royal heritage with its 12 guest accommodation coaches, each designed for ultimate comfort and elegance. The cozy furniture and personalized amenities create a welcoming space where every detail has been carefully considered. Traveling in these luxurious cabins offers a truly unique experience, with interiors that change in mood to reflect the landscapes outside the window. The cabins are spacious, allowing guests to move around comfortably, and the décor in each coach is inspired by the rich history of the Deccan region. With modern features like personal safes, telephones, private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and attentive service available around the clock, every journey feels both regal and relaxing.

Dining & Cuisines

The Deccan Odyssey boasts two elegant multi-cuisine restaurants—Waavar and Utsav. Their beautifully designed interiors enhance the dining experience, adding a touch of luxury to every meal. The stewards, dressed in traditional Maharashtrian attire, serve a wide range of Indian, Oriental, and Continental dishes, offering guests plenty of options to enjoy their favorite cuisine. As you enter the restaurant, the fresh aroma of various dishes greets you, setting the perfect tone for your meal. With a relaxed atmosphere, attentive service, and ever-changing scenery outside the windows, each bite becomes a moment to savor.

Bar

The onboard bar of the Deccan Odyssey, is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a selection of the finest wines and spirits from around the world. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, the bar also offers a variety of refreshing beverages in a calm and inviting atmosphere. The simple yet elegant décor creates the perfect setting for relaxation after a day of exploring forts and palaces. Whether you’re sipping on a glass of wine or a mocktail, this is the place to let go of the day’s fatigue and enjoy a moment of peace.

Sitting Lounge

While the royal journey on the Deccan Odyssey is always engaging, there’s also a cozy lounge on board where you can unwind and chat with fellow travelers. If you’re in the mood for some quiet time, grab a book from the lounge and lose yourself in the words of some great authors.

Conference Car

To meet the needs of business travelers, the Deccan Odyssey features a dedicated conference car. This space is equipped with modern technology and audio-visual tools to support any business meetings or ventures. Additionally, the train provides tailored hospitality services to ensure a seamless and comfortable experience for corporate guests.

Spa

Every traveler looks forward to a relaxing journey, and the Deccan Odyssey understands this perfectly. Onboard, the health spa offers a chance to refresh both body and mind with soothing spa and massage therapies. Drawing from the ancient Indian wisdom of Ayurveda, these treatments are designed to rejuvenate you, turning your entire trip into a revitalizing experience.

Other Facilities

The Deccan Odyssey, often regarded as the costliest train in India, offers a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey for all its guests. Indoor games like crossword puzzles, carom, chess, Chinese checkers, and cards are available for entertainment. Special assistance, including wheelchairs and attendants, is provided for differently-abled guests. Each guest has access to a dedicated attendant, or Khidmatgar, for any travel needs. Stay connected with Wi-Fi and laptops available on board. The train can also host business meetings, conferences, and even royal weddings.

Guests can enjoy daily newspapers and magazines with their morning tea. Smoking is prohibited in public areas, and more details can be obtained from the tour manager. Security is a priority, with sufficient safety arrangements for both guests and their belongings. Upon arrival, each guest is welcomed with a glass of wine and an arrival kit. Medical aid is available onboard, and a doctor can be arranged if needed. The train operates on 110/230V voltage and each room comes with an attached bathroom fully equipped with showers and toiletries. A souvenir shop offers a variety of handicrafts and ethnic items. Special features include a lounge in each guest salon with comfortable seating, a TV, DVD player, and magazines. For relaxation, the onboard Royal Spa offers therapeutic massages for a rejuvenating experience.

Deccan Odyssey Dining

The Deccan Odyssey, known as the costliest train in India, offers an exceptional dining experience with its two onboard multi-cuisine restaurants: Peshwa I and Peshwa II. The beautifully designed interiors of these restaurants create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Guests are served by stewards dressed in traditional Maharashtrian attire, adding a cultural touch to the experience. The menu is extensive, featuring a variety of Indian, oriental, and continental dishes, ensuring there’s something for every taste. The fresh aroma of the meals greets passengers as they enter, while the relaxed setting, friendly service, and scenic views outside enhance every dining moment. The menu changes daily, inspired by the regions the train passes through, making each meal a new culinary adventure.

Deccan Odyssey Train Route

The Deccan Odyssey, known as the costliest train in India, offers six luxurious routes that provide an unforgettable journey through India’s cultural and natural beauty. These routes include the Indian Sojourn, Indian Odyssey, Heritage Odyssey, Cultural Odyssey, Maharashtra Splendour, and Maharashtra Wild Trail. Each journey blends luxury with unique experiences, making it a truly remarkable way to explore India. Here’s a closer look at the routes.

Indian Sojourn

The Indian Sojourn starts in Mumbai, taking you through Vadodara’s royal history, Udaipur’s scenic lakes, Jodhpur’s forts, Jaipur’s palaces, the Taj Mahal in Agra, Ranthambore’s wildlife, and concludes in New Delhi, providing a true taste of India’s heritage aboard the costliest train in India.

Indian Odyssey

The Indian Odyssey begins in Delhi, taking travelers through Agra’s Taj Mahal, the wildlife of Ranthambore, the palaces of Jaipur, Udaipur’s lakes, Vadodara’s history, the Ellora Caves, and ends in Mumbai.

Heritage Odyssey

The Heritage Odyssey also starts and ends in Delhi, offering visits to the Taj Mahal, a wildlife safari in Ranthambore, Jaipur’s palaces, Udaipur’s lakes, and Jaisalmer’s desert beauty, capturing India’s rich heritage.

Cultural Odyssey

The Cultural Odyssey highlights India’s diverse culture, starting in Delhi and visiting Ranthambore, Jaipur, Agra, Gwalior, Orchha, Khajuraho, and Varanasi, with its spiritual connection to the Ganges.

Maharashtra Splendour

Maharashtra Splendour offers a journey starting in Mumbai, exploring Nashik’s vineyards, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Kolhapur’s heritage, Goa’s beaches, and Sindhudurg’s island fortress.

Maharashtra Wild Trail

Lastly, the Maharashtra Wild Trail takes you through Mumbai, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Pench and Tadoba for wildlife safaris, and Nashik for wine tasting, blending adventure and relaxation.