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Deccan Odyssey Tour (Day Four)

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Day 4 - ( Saturday) Goa
globe. Brilliant lush green fields surrounding village and bamlets, white washed churches standing out against occasional empty patches of startling red soil. Welcome to Goa, the land of India's finest golden sand beaches, jungle clad hills, imposing ancient churches and elegant mansions, splashed with colour ofbougainvillea. Goa is indeed a great collage of sights, experiences and history.

Once in Goa, you can start off with Old Goa. Take a walk amid the ruins, ramble in the vast gardens and grounds of the old church buildings. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral and the Church of St. Francis of Assissi, that began as a mosque but now is an archaeological museum for Goan antiques.

Next, free time for a short walk in the city of Panjim a Capital of Goa. City is built on the left bank of the Mandovi river contains archbishop palace, a modern port, churches and long winding streets lined with remarkably well preserved old houses. One can do some shopping to carry memories of this beautiful State.

It's time for an afternoon finger licking Goan delicacies.

Next stop is Dona Paula, a small palm fringed beach with casuarinas groves and tranquility. Visit Fontanhas, the Latin quarters at Panjim. The day has ended, but it Goa, it is just the beginning. Non stop fun, virgin beaches, ancients sites and caves, religious icons and shrines are set deep in your mind as you head back to the Madgaon station. Wine and dine on board the royal train. It's true, no matter how much time you have in Goa, it will always seem too little.

Deccan Odyssey Tour (Day Five)

Day 5 - (Sunday) Pune
Next morning, the royal train pulls into Pune, the erstwhile capital of Maratha. Also known as the cultural capital of the state, it is hometown of famous poets, writers, singers and artists. After a royal breakfast in the train, step out to discover this early home of Shivaji, the great Maratha warrior.

First stop is Phule Mandai, the old central market, named after the great social reformer Mahatma Jatiba Phule. It consists of a large octagonal central tower with Gothic features and arms radiating from it. A reminder of the day's gone by. Move on to the Raja Kelkar Museum, a quaint Rajasthani-styled building with an interesting personal collection of artifacts and antiques belonging to the 17th , 18th and the 19th century. Move on to the David Synagogue, believed to be one of the largest in the world. Built by a Jewish merchant, Sir David Sassoon in 1867, it is one of the finest synagogues in India.

It is time to move on to the world famous Rajneesh Ashram. Commonly known as Osho Ashram, the lushly landscape 24-acre commune offers numerous progammes with an emphasis on mediation. Thousands alight here every day in search of spiritual meanings.

After a quick lunch break at the Hotel Le Meridian, next stop is the Tribal Museum with an impressive collection of nearly2000 rare and precious articles related to the tribal life of maharashtra. The 12 sections include domestic life, agricultural, weapons and woodvarving.

Now, the luxury bus takes you to the Aga Khan Palace. A historical monument where Mahatma Gandhi and his wife were imprisoned along with other national leaders after he started the Quit India movement. Listen to the magic of hymns and devotional songs presented by a small group of artistes near the memorial of Smt. Kasturba Gandhi.

Before you realize it, the day has ended. And it's time for the famous light and sound show at the Shaniwarwada Palace, built in 1732 by the peshwas. Traditional 'tutari', 'sanai', 'chaughada', garlands and 'kumkum tilak' welcome you at the entrance. While the daring story of the erstwhile Maratha Empire enacted by light the sound capture your imagination inside.

After a sumptuous meal on board the royal train, your next destination is the 6th century.

Deccan Odyssey Tour (Day Six)

Day 6 - (Monday) Aurangabad
Next morning traveling along the rolling hills and picturesque ruins of the past, you travel way back in time to Aurangabad. Founded by Aurangzeb, Aurangabad's heritage is rich and varied.

After breakfast in the train, a luxury bus takes you to the majestic fortress of Daulatabad. An impregnable defense in its day, it still stands tall and proud. Walk around the ruins, which tell you extraordinary stories of bravery and valour.

Next stop is the world famous Ellora Caves. Just 30 kms. From Aurangabad the historical Ellora caves is now a World Heritage Site. The Hindu, Jain and Buddhist caves at Ellora are among the finest in India. Lying on the ancient trade route, the caves are thought to be the work of priests and pilgrims who used the route. Abandoned and forgotten for a few centuries, the 34 caves were cut out of volcanic rocks of the Deccan trap. 12 are Buddhist (600 to 700 AD), 17 Hindus (800 - 1000 AD) and five Jain(1000 - 1300 AD). The Buddhist caves belong to the Vajrayana sect of the Mahayana School. The caves include 'viharas' (monasteries) and 'chaityas' (chapels) where the monks worshipped. The Hindu caves lie in the center of the group. The most famous of them being the Kailasanatha Temple (8th century). It is the most famous magnificent of all the rock-cut structures at Ellora. Completely open to the elements, it is the only building that was begun from the top. The Jain caves, less grand in comparison to the other are richly carved with lotus, elephant, lions and 'tirthankaras' of Lord Mahavira. They offer an aura of peace and simplicity.

Come back to Aurangabad for luch at the Taj hotel with live cultural entertainment. Next stop is the Shivaji Museum with weapons and antiques from the great Maratha Empire. Just beyond the city, lies the Aurangabad Caves with highly ornate and strikingly detailed sculptures and architecture. Dating from the Vakataka and the succeeding Kalachuri dynasties (2nd and 6th centuries AD), these 10 caves, five in each group are also a World Heritage Site.

Move on to the Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, a tribute of the Emperor's son to his mother. A replica of Taj Mahal, the fairy tale maqbara stands out as the only piece of Moghul architecture on the Deccan Plateau. Spend some time browsing through Paithani and Himroo showrooms for a perfect memorabilia.

Soon, it's time to go back to the station for a mouth-watering feast in the train and then to travel even further back in time.