Deccan Odyssey has announced its two confirmed departures for the 2012 festive season of Christmas. This announcement made by the train authorities brought a radiant smile on the faces of the travelers all around the world. This luxury train tour will depart on 19th and 26th of December 2012 from Mumbai and cover prominent destinations such as Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Sindhudurg, Tarkali and Goa. The all inclusive tour tariff starts from US $450 per person per night. These 2 exclusive journeys will span over 7 nights and 8 days.

Tariff Per Person Per Night

Occupancy Type	Lean Season September 2012 & April 2012 & April 2013	Peak Season October 2012 to March 2013
Deluxe Cabin
Single occupancy	US $ 500	US $ 650
Double occupancy	US $ 390	US $ 600
Triple occupancy	US $ 315	US $ 425
Presidential Suite
Single Occupancy	US $ 750	US $ 950
Double Occupancy	US $ 650	US $ 800
Presidential Suite-Extra Occupancy	US $ 300	US $ 370

Terms and Conditions

Mentioned below are the terms and conditions for Offer of the Deccan odyssey:

•  (Half fare for children between 5 and 12 years)
• 10% Surcharge shall be levied on departure during Christmas/New Year.
• Any leg of minimum of 3 nights subject to availability will be given at the above-mentioned rates. Thus Mumbai-Goa and Goa-Mumbai sectors will be sold as available segments to clients.
•  If the client undertakes the day sightseeing programme at Goa & Mumbai, an extra $ 130 USD per person plus applicable service tax will be charged. This charge includes car, guide, entrance fees, and lunch deluxe restaurant..
• Service Tax @ of 3.09% is applicable on the gross ticket value
• This tax is also applicable on day programme at Mumbai & Goa.
• Tariff is inclusive of travel/catering/conducted sight-seeing/ entrance fee at Monuments/Parks/Palaces/Cultural Programmes/ Boat Ride. The guest has to pay for video cameras, liquor, laundry and other items of personal nature.

Note : 10% Surcharge shall be levied on departure during Christmas/New Year.

Passenger reservations/cancellation on the Deccan Odyssey can be done as per the following terms and conditions

BOOKING

• 20% of ticket value at the time of booking.
• 80% of ticket value 30 days before departure of the tour.

Cancellation

• Any cancellation must be advised immediately by Fax/E-mail & subsequently confirmed by letter to the Central Reservation Division at Head Office, Mumbai.
• Value of Ticket to be retained by MTDC on cancellation will be as follows:
• a) 5% of ticket value 60 days prior to the departure.
• b) 20% of Ticket Value 30-59 days prior to the departure.
• c) 50% of ticket value 15-29 days prior to the departure.
• d) 100% of ticket value 14 or less days prior to the departure.
• No refund or adjustment will be made in the event of interruption of journey by a tourist on his own after the commencement of the tour.

Asia’s most luxurious train, Maharajas’ Express is all set to become affordable for Indian nationals. In a bid to make to make this luxury train journey affordable for Indian tourists, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has come up with special festival offer which says pay-for-one-and-your-companion-pays-50%.

Maharaja Express Train Touted as Asia's most Luxurious Train

Commenting on this transitory IRCTC offer, Pradip Kundu, Joint General Manager, Public Relations, IRCTC said "We have come out with this offer to provide an opportunity for the domestic tourists to experience the most luxurious way to discover and explore the treasure trove of India.

As per the offer, IRCTC has offered 50% discount in the original fare for the accompanying companion. The special offer will include four festive season trips- 20th October (Indian Panorama), 27th October (Indian Splendor), 11th October (Treasures of India) and 14th November (Gems of India). The aforementioned two weeklong journeys- Indian Panorama and Indian Splendor journey-have been trimmed down to 3 nights and 4 days. 

For Indian Splendor and Indian Panorama beginning from USD 5560 for the deluxe cabin, the special price for two passengers will be USD 8340. For golden triangle itineraries- Treasures of India and Gems of India- the special price for two passengers will be USD 5,370 in a deluxe cabin. The original fare of these two trips is USD 3,580.

Maharajas Express, launched in 2010, is considered to be the most luxurious train in India. Winner of prestigious Conde Nast Traveler award, this Indian luxury train has 43 guest cabins that come equipped with state of the art amenities which include individual temperature control, Wi-Fi internet, direct dial phones and live TV.

For details of the itineraries, schedules, tariff and booking of the Maharajas Train journey you may like to visit the website of Indian Luxury Trains. http://www.indianluxurytrains.com/

Source : http://www.prlog.org/11984421-maharajas-express-journey-more-affordable-with-irctcs-festival-offers.html

When the unprecedented popularity of Palace on Wheels reached the corridors of Karnataka State Tourism and Development Corporation (KSTDC), it resulted in the creation of Golden Chariot Train, south India’s first luxury tourist train. On 10th march, 2008, Golden Chariot embarked on its maiden voyage from Bangalore to Goa in a journey lasting over a week. The train has two itineraries- Pride of the South and Splendor of the South- each of which takes the guests on an enchanting voyage to uncover the natural and cultural treasures of south India.

Welcome to The Golden Chariot Train

• Now a question often asked why luxury trains are best options to stay over luxury hotels and since Golden Chariot too is a luxury tourist train, the same question applies for it as well. There are good number of reasons that can justify the opulence, elegance and cost efficiency of this train.

• The introductory price of Golden Chariot that is USD 545 (INR 16,500) per person per day involves on board accommodation, dining, guided excursions and cultural programs and meals at five star hotels. On the other hand, a stay in a luxury hotel at deluxe room costs around 20,000 bucks.

• Being a disabled friendly train comes as an added advantage for Golden Chariot as this facility is provided in most luxury hotels at extra cost.

• The train not only explores the culturally rich destinations of south India but also accommodates you in cabins reflecting the architectural aesthetics of erstwhile south Indian dynasties. Such an environment is hardly possible in luxury hotels until and unless they are driven by a certain theme. For example, ITC Grand Chola reflects the cultural ethos of south Indian Chola dynasty in the interior décor of its lobby, restaurants and well appointed rooms.

• Sightseeing tours are arranged by the travel desk of hotels on special demand (with extra cost) while Golden Chariot has been particularly designed to provide tours to south Indian destinations in an opulent manner.

• While staying in a luxury hotel, guests are fixed to a certain destination. On the other hand, Golden Chariot lets you travel different destinations on each day of the train tour with complimentary luxury experience.

The abovementioned points are enough to justify the superiority and cost effective nature of Golden Chariot train in comparison to luxury hotels. To say that a journey aboard this Indian luxury train is truly worth the money spent will not be an overstatement.

(Source  - http://blog.indianluxurytrains.com/)

World famous and India’s foremost royal luxury train -"The Palace on Wheels" (POW) rolled on its first commercial journey for 2012-13 to Rajasthan & other destinations especially World’s famous wonder Taj Mahal of Agra from Safdarjung Railway Station, New Delhi on Wednesday evening. In first trip 54 tourists expected to travel from different places of the world on this super luxurious train. In 34 rounds from September 2012 to April 2013 three thousand one hundred passengers are expected to travel in this royal train.

Palace on wheels Train

Mr. Randeep Dhankhar, President Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation reviews the preparations for the visit of this luxury train tours for 2012-13 in New Delhi on Tuesday. He said that with a view to providing new facilities like five star hotels the royal train has been renovated.

He said that the Palace on Wheels tours last session 2011-2012 (September to April) in total 34 rounds/trips, 2833 passengers have been traveled and total earnings 36 crore 49 lakh and 290 Rs. While the royal train in 2010-11 in a total of 38 rounds, earnings was only with 27 crore 90 lakh 15 thousend and 286Rs.

GM of  POW Shri Pramod Sharma & Shri Pradeep Bohra stated that the Palace on Wheels starts its journey on every Wednesday between the months of September, 2012 to April, 2013 from Delhi.

In order to provide the World Class journey with the five star facilities in the train POW has luxuries and modern facilities including Royal "Spa" and "gym" for the passengers. The train has 23 coaches comprising of 14 Saloon's, One Spa Coach, two Restaurant known as "Maharaja" & "Maharani" & one "Reception cum Bar". The itinerary for the season would be Delhi-Jaipur-Sawaimadhopur-chittorgarh-Udaipur-Jaisalmer-Jodhpur-Bharatpur-Agra-Delhi. The capacity of POW is of carrying 104 passengers at a time. 

An additional coach is added in the name of Royal SPA where the guests will enjoy Ayurvedic & Non Ayurvedic massage. This year the Palace on Wheels will provide delicious Indian & Foreign Food to the valued guests.

Mr. Pradeep Bohra, GM of royal train said that special arrangements have been made for their favorite dishes of tourists. Fare for one person in Palace on Wheels is 770 American dollars. The fare of two persons traveling together on this journey is 575 American dollars per visit and three persons traveling together on the rent at 520 American dollars per person determined visit.

After the grand success of Palace on Wheels which is Joint venture of RTDC & Indian Railways they have started another Super luxury train "Royal Rajasthan on Wheels" which will be rolled out its first commercial journey for this year from October 7th, 2012 to Rajasthan and other destinations like for Khajuraho and Varanasi from Safdarjung Railway station, New Delhi. It is a concrete step towards making the presence of the state in the area of "Rail Tourism" for which the Chief Minister Shri Ashok Gehlot and State Tourism Minister Smt. Bina Kak, they said.

Source : (http://www.orissadiary.com/Shownews.asp?id=36223)

Winner of several accolades, the Deccan Odyssey train offers one of the best and most elegant ways of exploring the cultural ethos and natural treasure troves of the Deccan region of Maharashtra. Traversing across the scenic Western Ghats and Konkan Coast, this luxury train covers Sindhudurg, Goa, Vasco, Kolhapur, Daulatabad, Ajanta Caves and Nashik in a mesmerizing journey spanning over 7 nights and 8 days.

The Deccan Odyssey train tour comes in an all-inclusive cost package which covers accommodation on board, dining, guided sightseeing tours, transportation, entrance fees at the monuments and porter charges. However expenses of personal nature on board the train of off the train are not included in the price of the Deccan Odyssey rail tour.

The new schedule for the Deccan Odyssey train for the season beginning October 2012 has been announced by its operators – the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). Also announced along with normal departures are 2 Special Christmas Departures and a short wildlife tour itinerary. Find below the announced schedule of the Deccan Odyssey train.

Schedule for the season December 2012
December, 2012	12, 19, 26

Schedule for the season January 2013 to March 2013
January, 2013	2, 9, 16, 23, 30
March, 2013	20
Additional Departures on this Route (Subject to Response)
Month	Departure Dates
October, 2012	3,10
March, 2013	27
April, 2013	17

How to book it:

Indian Luxury Trains

http://www.indianluxurytrains.com/journeys/deccan-odyssey.html

Indian Luxury Trains is India's first and only luxury train travel portal. Details of upcoming schedule and booking of the Deccan Odyssey Train tour packages along with post and pre tour arrangement, air ticket booking could be done at the Indian Luxury Trains website.

Source : http://blog.indianluxurytrains.com/2012/08/deccan-odyssey-train-schedule-update.html

The age-old, unrivaled Indian hospitality, luxury, opulence and royalty can now be experienced in a week-long train tour to India. Please welcome our guest, Nikhil Chandra from http://www.indianluxurytrains.com/, to describe the luxury of royal trains and tours in India.

There are number of reason to go for luxury trains when it comes to tours to India. A country with incredible diversity, traveling in India is a real challenge for even fussy travelers. With plethora of variety when it comes to themes and destinations, it is rather difficult to choose where to go, what to see and what to do. Luxury trains in India with a total of 12 master’s creation to choose from offer a comfortable, reliable and hassle free way to discover the gems and treasures of India and see the best of her in shortest possible time.

With all inclusive tour itineraries where you wake up every day in a different destination, traveling aboard luxury trains provides whirlwind tours across some of the most significant destinations in India in ultimate panache and pampering of plush interiors equipped with state of the art amenities. Sumptuous dining in restaurants on board, bar facility lounges for tête-à-tête and nowadays even spa and fitness center add to the opulence of these luxury trains.

Besides, all the off-train excursions are guided and transportation are provided for by the tour operator managing the train. A brief introduction of the 6 Indian luxury trains is mentioned below.

Palace on Wheels

Best Rail Journeys in World : Palace on Wheels,India

Voted 4th Best luxury train in the world, Palace on Wheels happens to be the precursor of luxury rail tours in India. Perhaps the most authentic luxury train in India, Palace on Wheels transports the guests into a more gracious age of traveling. A journey into the “land of maharajas” Rajasthan is designed in a way that the journey itself becomes as fascinating and royal as the destinations. Traditional Indian hospitality, red carpet welcome and exclusive experiences set this rail journey apart from any other rail tour across the world.

Deccan Odyssey 

crisscrossing mesmerizing terrains

Offering voyages across verdant Konkan region and mesmerizing Western Ghats in Maharashtra and Goa, this rail tour offer 8 days tour is a unique way to experience the best of Maratha heartland. Included in the tour are trip to World Heritage Ajanta and Ellora Caves and beach destinations in Konkan and Goa. Equipped with on board restaurants, bar, gymnasium and even a spa, this train journey is the once in a lifetime experience.

Maharajas Express

Best Rail Journeys in World : Maharaja Express,India

No great traveler can say they have aspired to travel until they’ve explored this vast country via India’s legendary railway. Maharajas Express train, with its 5 itineraries offers the most luxurious mode to unravel the varied kaleidoscope of India. Plush interiors, gracious hospitality and an array of exclusive experiences in Rajasthan and Lucknow makes Maharaja train tour truly a journey like no other.

The Golden Chariot

The Golden chariot Luxury Trains

Offering two itineraries across destinations in South Indian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, this luxury train offers a heady mix of culture, heritage, backwaters and wildlife for which this region in India is renowned.

The Indian Maharaja

The Indian Maharaja - Luxury trains in India

The first privately managed train in India, offers 2 pan-Indian journey from Delhi to Mumbai and Mumbai to Delhi. The journeys spanning over 168 hours unfold the best of Indian heritage, culture and diversity and ensure that you receive service of international standard while regaling in plush interiors.

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels

Royal Rajasthan on Wheels Luxury trains in India

Another luxury train offering 8 days tours across regal destinations in Rajasthan, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels itinerary also include trip to heartland of Hindu spirituality Varanasi and the World Heritage Khajuraho Group of Monuments bringing out the best of romance and heritage of Northern India.