Browse through some of the frequently asked questions regarding journey on-board the Deccan Odyssey train. These are handy tips to make your luxury tour in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle circuit more pleasurable. Browse through the options to get a detailed insight:-
Owned and operated by Indian Railways and Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) initially, now the luxury train is operated by Cox & Kings India.
Presently the Deccan Odyssey offers six different journeys, named as:
Indian Odyssey
Maharashtra Splendor
Indian Sojourn
Jewels of the Deccan
Hidden Treasures of Gujarat
Maharashtra Wild Trail
There are 21 cars in total- 11 cars occupying 40 deluxe cabins, 2 cars with 4 presidential suites, 1 specially-equipped cabin, 2 restaurant cars, 1 bar car, 1 Conference car with business center, 1 spa car, 1 staff car and 2 power car.
For triple sharing aboard, the Presidential Suites are the best option. They are equipped with double bed in the bedroom and a sofa cum bed in the living room and single en-suite bathrooms.
8 days and 7 night’s itineraries for each journey.
Accommodation in pre-booked double / twin bedded cabins along with attached bathrooms.
Sightseeing including fees that has to be paid for guides, entrance, still camera (not professional camera) and all entertainment.
Bottled water, all meals, soft beverages and juices.
Round the clock valet service and porter services during check-in and check-out at the railway station.
Yes. Charter is available on request.
Yes, by adhering to certain terms and conditions, the Deccan Odyssey be chartered on a scheduled departure.
Guests come under an umbrella insurance cover. Deccan Odyssey is comprehensively insured for earthquake, fire, terrorism and theft.
Though no specified dress code, but we suggest –
For wildlife safaris – Light linen clothes of Earth color accompanied with hats, scarves and light jackets.
During the day – Smart casual clothing and comfortable walking shoes for expeditions off-train.
All on-board dinners – Elegant dress up.
Yes, the travelers will be greeted with a traditional welcome which will be specific to the region at all destinations throughout the journey.
Part journeys are not available on-board the Deccan Odyssey.
The public areas in Deccan Odyssey are mentioned below
| Room Category | Single | Twin | Double | Total Cabins | Total Pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Suite | – | – | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| Deluxe Cabin | 1 | 33 | 6 | 40 | 79 |
| Total Pax | 1 | 66 | 20 | 87 | 87 |
| Room Category | Room Area | Bathroom |
|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Cabin (95 sq. ft.) | 9′-4” (L) X 7′-7” (W) | 9′-4” (L) X 7′-7” (W) |
| Double Bedroom | 10′-3” (L) X 7′-7” (W) | 6′-9” (L) X 3′-7” (W) |
| Presidential Suite (205 sq. ft.) | ||
| Passage | 16′-6” (L) X 7′-9” (W) | |
| Sitting Room | 9′-0” (L) X 7′-7” (W) | 6′-3” (L) X 3′-6” (W) |
Both the corridor and the door are of 22 inches in width respectively.
The special cabin for wheel chair-enabled guests features 30 inches wide cabin door and 31 inches wide bathroom door. The corridor which leads to the cabin is of width 27 inches.
Yes, the room temperature can be controlled. But, it is advisable that you should ask your valet to do it.
Staff members for public areas will help you with this. Inform any one of them on-board about your discomfort and they will take care of it. (However, this also depends on the comfort of majority of guests in that area)
Each of the cabins have its own electronic safe for the safety of your belongings.
The lounge/bar has a seating capacity of 24 pax.
| Category | Twin | Double |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Presidential Suite | 6.8ft 2.9ft | |
| 1 Deluxe Cabin | 6.6ft 2.7ft | 6.6ft 4.8ft |
One bar named
Mumbai Hi- Bar – bar and lounge
The two restaurants aboard the Deccan Odyssey, Peshwa-I and Peshwa-II come with a seating capacity of 34 persons each.
We might be able to organize a wheelchair on-board if informed well before time. It is suggested that specially-abled guests and the ones with other such constraints should be accompanied by physically fit passenger. However, our valets are always ready to lend a helping hand. Don’t forget to mention any special requirements at the time of booking.
Yes. An individual water heater is installed in all the cabins. The guests can switch it on a few minutes before using hot water.
Smoking is prohibited on-board the train as per the Indian Law. Smoking is also not permissible in all public places such as restaurants, railway stations, airports, monuments, shopping malls, etc.
Yes, Deccan Odyssey is fully air-conditioned.
Deccan Odyssey comes equipped with 110/230 V sockets. There are 3-point Indian Socket and International adaptors are available as well. The valet can provide you the same in the cabin on request.
For Presidential Suites – a personal valet each is assigned. He is dedicated to the occupants of the cabin.
For the other cabins – one valet is assigned per coach. Usually the coach comprises of four cabins each.
However, the count may vary depending upon the type of cabin.
Presidential Suite – 2 Suites per coach (personal valet for every cabin)
Deluxe Cabin – 4 cabins per coach
Yes, the guests can avail the laundry services offered on-board at a supplementary cost.
Yes, foreign exchange facilities are provided while on tour, at certain destinations and are subject to availability.
The entire Deccan Odyssey offers Wi-Fi connectivity.
Full room service is available in Presidential Suite but guests in other cabins have to go the restaurants for dining. Tea/ coffee can be served in all the rooms.
Yes, we have provisions for airlift in case of a medical emergency while on the move.
The Deccan Odyssey provides spa facilities on-board at an additional cost. Guests would have to book their treatments with the spa manager.
Porter’s facility will be available at the starting and terminating stations to help you with your luggage.
Once you board the train, contact the salon manager to avail the hairdresser facility while travelling in the Deccan Odyssey. You will have to pay a minimal cost for this.
For guests in Presidential Suites – a private luxury car with a guide
For clients occupying deluxe cabins – a deluxe coach with an English speaking guide
All vehicles come fully equipped with complimentary sightseeing kits like mineral water with bottle coolers, shoe covers and wet wipes.
Once the client disembark from the train, it leaves from the platform and goes to the yard for maintenance. Thus, the train becomes inaccessible in between the sightseeing tours and hence it is not advised to return before the schedule time. However, in case of emergencies, all the possible efforts are made to bring you back on-board.
Yes, the guests occupying the deluxe cabins can book a private car and a guide for themselves. You may contact your Guest Relations Officers for the same who will arrange the guide for you at an additional cost. But, it is always recommended to book the guide in advance so that the inconvenience that may be caused because of the subject to availability at such a short notice can be avoided.
Yes, if you want to skip any sightseeing trip, you may unwind aboard. We are always happy to serve you with all the services (e.g. valet services, bar services) round the clock.
Yes, a professional and qualified English speaking local guide will accompany you on all the excursions off-board.
The guests are always free to deviate from the planned sightseeing and enjoy anything on their own. Don’t forget to inform your Guest Relation Officer on-board about the same. If you wish, you can also book a guide and a car for you but that may be subject to availability and can be done at supplement cost. However, what you will miss out is the off-board entertainment and local welcome planned for you.
Yes, we can arrange a language speaking guide for you. But for this, you have to inform us at the time of booking. Availing the facility of a language speaking guide may incur an extra cost and may subject to availability.
The menu in both the restaurants is same.
International cuisine with a fair share of local specialties of the very state that the train travels through are served on-board.
Guests will get complimentary bottled water, juices, soft beverages, etc. on-board as well as off-board. However, all other beverages like liquors, wines, cocktails and spirits are available at supplementary cost.
Yes, the food is prepared on-board.
No. The seats in the bar and both the restaurants are available on first come first serve basis. Thus, it is not necessary to reserve tables in the bar or either of the restaurants.
Yes, we cater to all the special dietary requirements. But for this, you have to mention your requirements at the time of booking to avoid disappointment during your journey. We will make every possible effort to accommodate all culinary requests. However, we are unable to provide meals requiring strict religious observance in the preparation.
High quality bathroom amenities will be provided by us on-board, such as:-
Hand wash
Hair conditioner
Shampoo
Soap
Body and shower gel
Face tonic splash
Facial cleanser
Hand and body lotionv
Nail care
Toilet rolls
Sanitary bags
Face tissue box
Hand and body lotion
Bathrobes on hangers
Hair dryer
Shower cap
Cotton buds
Sewing kit
Cotton pads
Comb (on request)
Shaving kit (on request)
Dental kit (on request)
Body and shower oil (only in the Presidential suites)
Body polisher (only in the Presidential suites)
Bath crystals (only in the Presidential suites)
Room amenities which are mentioned below are provided by us on-board the Deccan Odyssey:-
Ear plugs/Eye mask
Two pairs of slippers/shoe bag (for shoe shine services)
Coasters
Quintessential experiences (or spa booklet)
Fresh fruit basket daily
At your service booklet
Post cards
Diary
Letter heads
Envelopes
GM Notes
Pen
Tipping Envelopes
Anecdotes
You have the option to choose from the following pillow menu:
Microfiber Pillow
Hard Pillow
Neck Pillow
Contour Pillow
Down Feather Pillow
Following wardrobe amenities are provided in the cabin –
Two coat hangers without cover
Six coat hangers with covers
Automatic lock safe box
Two skirt hangers
Shoe bag (for shoe shine services)
Laundry bags
Shoe mitten (on request)
Shoe shine
Luggage storage is usually provided under the bed. Since we have limited storage space in the cabins, it is recommend that each guest should carry one cabin bag and one check-in baggage. One can also carry soft-topped luggage because of its easier storage. You can hand over any extra luggage to our team who will lock it and store it in the luggage hold. Please note that we are not responsible for any loss to your baggage during the trip.
Yes, you can. Each bathroom comes with a separate socket available for them. Facility of International adaptors is also available on-board. Voltage available onboard is 110 volts.
No, the total price does not include tips/gratuities for on-board services provided. But, gratuities for off-board drivers and guides are included in the tour cost. Tipping Deccan Odyssey’s staff and on-board escorts are at the guests’ discretion. Providing gratuities for small services is a nice gesture. It is suggested that you do not tip the staff individually but drop your gratuity into the common tipping envelope available on the Deccan Odyssey, on the last night of the tour.
No, individual tipping is not recommended. However, providing gratuities for small services is a nice gesture and part of the Indian culture. On the last night of the tour, you will be provided with an envelope in your cabin for dropping gratuities for all the staff. Please note that this is additional to the tour package price and is completely at your discretion.
Yes, we accept all major credit cards like American Express, Master, and Visa etc. to settle all the tips against the cards.
The total cost/price includes all the tips for all off-board services viz. drivers, guides, off-board meal service etc. However, you are always free to tip them if you want to.
Yes, you may leave your luggage on-board as we provide ample of security measures.
Deccan Odyssey comes fully equipped with adequate security measures. Security personnel is available round the clock on-board.
No, for safety purposes guests are required to gather in either of the public areas (Will be mentioned on-board) for getting in or off for sightseeing tour.
The Deccan Odyssey features safety measure like fire extinguishers. Guests can reach chain pulling mechanism available in public areas to stop the train in case of any emergency.
No, minibars are not available.
No, pets are not allowed in the train.
We provide hard mattresses on-board.
We do have mosquito/ insect repellent diffusers in all cabins & public areas on-board the Deccan Odyssey. But, it is advised that you keep insect / mosquito repellent with you while travelling in India.
The ride on train will be a comfortable one. But, the train may jostle a bit on certain terrain.
Yes, a gym is available on-board.
Yes, some itineraries offer you enough of time to explore the local bazaars (markets) at selected cities.
Our meticulously designed itinerary includes some of the cities in India which are world-famous for shopping. Each city is distinctive and you can unique souvenirs from there, like –
Silver Jewelry, Gem stones, Blue Pottery, Block Printed textiles etc. from Jaipur –
Pietra Dura Marble & Mughal Jewelry from Agra
Miniature paintings from Udaipur
Various sources of entertainment are available to keep you amused throughout the journey. The same are mentioned below
Rejuvenate with a wide selection of Spa therapies on-board.
Choose from our collection of coffee table books, hand-picked novels and magazines while on the move.
Be updated about the happenings in the world by reading the copies of local English dailies which are available in public areas.
Play board games like carom, chess, gammon, playing cards, etc.
Pre-programmed content is also available. You can listen to/watch on your individual television sets in your cabin
Guests need to carry essential travel documents like –
An updated pre-departure information document
A confirmed ticket voucher
A copy of the travel insurance
A scanned copy of the visa and passport
To make an occasion special, we can organize flowers and cake only if we are informed well before time. We can either serve or place them in the room as per your choice and preferences. If you have any other special requests, convey it to the Guest Relations Officer and the same can be organized subject to availability.
Deccan Odyssey has on-board staff of 45-60 personnel.
Our security guards will accompany you to help you with exploring the stations but it is not suggested to walk-in the city without being accompanied by a guide.
