Costliest Train in India

The Deccan Odyssey: Costliest Train in India

The Deccan Odyssey is known as India’s most expensive train, and it’s easy to see why. Inside, you’ll find stylish cabins, great food, and everything you need for a relaxing journey. Each guest gets a personal butler, and the train is full of modern comforts.

But the trip isn’t just about what’s on the train. It also takes you to some of India’s most famous places. The cost covers these special visits and the high-quality service throughout. With only a few passengers on board, everyone gets personal care. It’s more than just travel—it’s a comfortable way to see India’s history and beauty.

History of the Deccan Odyssey Train

The Deccan Odyssey is one of the most expensive trains in India, built to give travellers a special and luxury experience. It was started by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) to show off the beauty and culture of Maharashtra in a royal way.

The idea for the train came in 2001 when MTDC teamed up with the Indian Railway Ministry. They wanted to create a luxury train that could match the best in the world. In 2002, the design and building work began at the Integral Coach Factory. By the end of 2003, the train was ready.

The interiors were made to look like the royal trains of India’s past, similar to famous trains like the Blue Train in South Africa and the Orient Express in Europe. The Deccan Odyssey took its first trip on 16 January 2004 from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. The Taj Group of Hotels provided top-class service onboard.

With 21 coaches decorated in royal style, the train offers a weeklong tour across Maharashtra. It takes you through beautiful landscapes and historic places. Even today, the Deccan Odyssey is one of India’s finest and most luxurious trains.

The Deccan Odyssey Train Coach Position

The Deccan Odyssey is one of the most expensive trains in India and is built to offer a rich and comfortable journey. It has 12 guest coaches, each filled with fine furniture and details that reflect India’s royal past. The design helps you enjoy both the beauty inside the train and the views outside.

There are two types of cabins: standard and Presidential Suites. The standard cabins are in coaches that have four rooms each, while the Presidential Suites are bigger, with two rooms per coach. The suites are 191 square feet, giving you lots of space to relax. The standard cabins are also roomy at 95 square feet.

The train can carry up to 88 guests and has 21 coaches in total. It also includes a spa coach, a bar, two dining cars, and even a conference coach. Each cabin is air-conditioned and comes with a personal attendant. Every part of the train is made to give you a royal and relaxing journey.

The Deccan Odyssey Train Facilities

The Deccan Odyssey is known as the most expensive train in India, and it offers both comfort and a touch of tradition throughout the journey. Onboard, guests enjoy top-class facilities that make the trip feel special. The cabins are large and stylish, and the restaurants serve many types of food to suit different tastes.

Passengers can relax in a quiet lounge, hold meetings in the conference coach, or enjoy peaceful treatments in the spa. The train is often updated to keep everything fresh and modern.

Travelling through Maharashtra on the Deccan Odyssey is not just a way to get from one place to another. It’s a royal experience, where every small detail is designed to give guests a relaxing and elegant journey.

Deccan Odyssey Train Facilities

Cabin

The Deccan Odyssey brings India’s royal past to life with its 12 guest coaches, each designed for comfort and style. The cabins have elegant furniture and special details that make the space feel warm and welcoming. As the train moves, the views outside match the beauty of the rooms inside.

Each cabin is roomy and nicely decorated, taking ideas from the history of the Deccan region. You’ll find modern features like air-conditioning, private bathrooms, personal safes, and phones. There’s also round-the-clock service from staff who are always ready to help. Every journey on the Deccan Odyssey feels both royal and relaxing.

Dining & Cuisines

The Deccan Odyssey has two fine restaurants on board—Waavar and Utsav. Each one offers a range of tasty dishes from Indian, Oriental, and Continental cuisines. The dining areas are beautifully designed, giving a rich and comfortable feel while you eat.

The staff, dressed in traditional Maharashtrian clothes, serve food with care and a smile. As you walk in, the smell of freshly cooked meals welcomes you. The setting is calm and pleasant, with large windows offering lovely views of the outside. With great food, friendly service, and a peaceful mood, every meal on the Deccan Odyssey feels special.

Bar

The bar on the Deccan Odyssey is a great place to relax after a day of exploring. It offers a wide choice of fine wines and spirits from around the world, so there’s something for everyone. If you don’t drink alcohol, you can enjoy a range of fresh and tasty non-alcoholic drinks instead.

The bar has a calm and cosy feel, with simple but stylish décor that makes it easy to unwind. Whether you choose a glass of wine or a cool mocktail, it’s a lovely way to end your day in comfort.

Sitting Lounge

While travelling on the Deccan Odyssey, the cosy lounge is a great place to take a break. You can sit and chat with other guests, swap stories, or simply enjoy the relaxed setting. If you’d rather have some quiet time, there are books available to read at your own pace.

Whether you want company or a peaceful moment alone, the lounge gives you a warm and welcoming space to unwind.

Conference Car

The Deccan Odyssey also meets the needs of business travellers with its special conference coach. This coach has all the tools needed for meetings, including modern tech and audio-visual equipment.

It’s a comfortable space where work can carry on while you travel. With friendly staff and personal service, business guests can enjoy a smooth and stress-free journey.

Spa

The Deccan Odyssey understands the need for rest and relaxation during your trip. Onboard, there’s a health spa where you can enjoy soothing massages and spa treatments. These are based on Ayurveda, an old Indian healing tradition.

The treatments help you feel fresh and relaxed, both in body and mind. It’s more than just a journey—it’s a chance to feel renewed while you travel.

Other Facilities

The Deccan Odyssey, one of the most expensive trains in India, offers a comfortable and enjoyable journey with many useful facilities for its guests.

For fun, passengers can play indoor games like carom, chess, cards, Chinese checkers, and crossword puzzles. Guests with special needs are given extra care, including wheelchairs and attendants to help. Every guest is looked after by a personal assistant, called a Khidmatgar.

You can stay connected with onboard Wi-Fi and laptops, which are helpful for both work and keeping in touch. The train is also available for meetings, events, and even royal-style weddings. Each morning begins with newspapers and magazines served with tea.

Smoking is not allowed in public areas, but the tour manager can give more details. Security is well managed to protect both guests and their belongings. On arrival, guests are welcomed with a glass of wine and a small gift pack.

Every cabin has a private bathroom with a shower and toiletries. A doctor is available if needed. There’s also a small shop on board that sells local crafts and souvenirs.

Each guest coach has a lounge with comfy seats, a TV, DVDs, and books to enjoy. For extra relaxation, the Royal Spa offers calming massages to help you unwind during your trip.

The Deccan Odyssey Train Dining

The Deccan Odyssey, known as the costliest train in India, offers a special dining experience with its two restaurants—Peshwa I and Peshwa II. These dining cars are warmly decorated and create a friendly, welcoming space. Stewards dressed in traditional Maharashtrian clothes serve the food, adding a local touch to the experience.

The menu has something for everyone, with Indian, Oriental, and Continental dishes. As you enter, the smell of fresh food fills the air. The calm setting, helpful staff, and lovely views outside the window make every meal feel enjoyable.

One of the best parts is that the menu changes every day. It’s inspired by the places the train visits, so each meal brings a new taste of India.

The Deccan Odyssey Train Route

The Deccan Odyssey, the most expensive train in India, runs on six special routes that take you through some of the country’s most beautiful places and cultural spots. These routes are called Indian Sojourn, Indian Odyssey, Heritage Odyssey, Cultural Odyssey, Maharashtra Splendour, and Maharashtra Wild Trail.

Each journey gives you a mix of luxury travel and exciting experiences. You get to see different parts of India while enjoying top-class comfort on the train. Let’s have a closer look at what each route includes and what makes them so special.

Indian Sojourn

The Indian Sojourn starts in Mumbai and takes you on a wonderful trip to some of India’s most famous places. While travelling on the costliest train in India, you’ll visit the royal city of Vadodara, the peaceful lakes of Udaipur, the grand forts of Jodhpur, and the beautiful palaces of Jaipur.

Along the way, you’ll see the world-famous Taj Mahal in Agra and enjoy a wildlife safari in Ranthambore. The journey ends in New Delhi. This route is a mix of culture, history, and nature, all enjoyed in luxury and comfort.

Indian Odyssey

The Indian Odyssey begins in Delhi and takes you on a memorable journey across some of India’s most well-known sights. You’ll visit the famous Taj Mahal in Agra, go on a wildlife safari in Ranthambore, and explore the grand palaces of Jaipur.

The trip also includes the calm lakes of Udaipur, the rich history of Vadodara, and the ancient Ellora Caves. The journey ends in the lively city of Mumbai. This route offers a mix of culture, history, and beautiful views, all while travelling in comfort and luxury.

Heritage Odyssey

The Heritage Odyssey starts and ends in Delhi, taking you on a wonderful trip through India’s rich culture. This luxury journey includes a visit to the famous Taj Mahal, a wildlife safari in Ranthambore, and the grand palaces of Jaipur.

You’ll also enjoy the peaceful lakes of Udaipur and the golden desert views of Jaisalmer. This route gives you a mix of history, nature, and beauty—all while travelling in style and comfort.

Cultural Odyssey

The Cultural Odyssey starts in Delhi and takes you on a colourful journey through some of India’s most famous and meaningful places. You’ll enjoy a wildlife safari in Ranthambore, see the grand palaces of Jaipur, and visit the stunning Taj Mahal in Agra.

The journey also includes Gwalior’s old forts, the beautiful buildings of Orchha, the well-known temples of Khajuraho, and the holy city of Varanasi, where the River Ganges is deeply important to many people. This trip gives you a real look at India’s culture and spirit.

As part of the costliest train in India, this route mixes history, religion, and adventure into one amazing experience.

Maharashtra Splendour

Maharashtra Splendour starts in Mumbai and takes you on a rich and varied journey through some of Maharashtra’s most famous places. You’ll visit the vineyards of Nashik, the ancient Ajanta and Ellora Caves, and the royal sites of Kolhapur.

The trip also includes the sunny beaches of Goa and the historic island fort of Sindhudurg. This route is a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty, giving you a special look at what makes Maharashtra so unique.

Maharashtra Wild Trail

The Maharashtra Wild Trail begins in Mumbai and offers a great mix of adventure and relaxation. The journey starts with visits to the famous Ajanta and Ellora Caves, known for their rich history and art.

Next comes the exciting part—wildlife safaris in Pench and Tadoba, where you may see tigers and other animals in their natural home. The trip ends in Nashik, where you can unwind with a wine-tasting tour at the region’s well-known vineyards.

This route brings together culture, nature, and calm moments, making it a truly special experience. It’s one of the many reasons why the Deccan Odyssey is known as the costliest train in India.