Welcome to Mumbai, a city of dreams that 300 years ago was an agglomeration of seven islands. Modern, yet preserving its antiquities, a short drive through the city will reveal this inherent truth. Board the train in the evening at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, undoubtedly one of the famous Gothic buildings and an integral part of Mumbai's skyline. Wine and dine in the luxurious comforts of this train and whistle off on your royal voyage...
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Jaigadh, Ganapatipule, Ratangiri

Alight in the morning at the Bhoke Station nestled amidst majestic mountains and scenic backwaters. Enjoy the short ride in a AC luxury bus to Rai Bhatgaon Jetty. Cut through the mesmerizing silence of the scenic backwater accompanied by an impressive number of exotic birds on the way to the historical Jaigad Fort. Relish an almost unique view of Konkan village life, impossible to get either from road or the rail. This romantic journey brings you to Jaigad Jetty, situated at the foothills of the Jaigad Fort. And at a short distance stands the legendary Jaigad Fort, high and proud on a cliff with a spectacular view of the ocean and Ganapatipule, the next destination..

After Jaigad Fort, it's time to travel to Ganapatipule by road, an experience by itself. The vast 'Konkan' stretch abounds with scenic greenery, red earth and the roofed houses with clean courtyards add a quaint touch to the panorama.

Ganapatipule is bathed in the golden sunshine and silver moonlight, lapped by gentle foam-flecked waves from the expanse of the Arabian Sea. It's laced with the unforgettable aroma of fruits, flowers and mangroves. And the timid whispers of swaying coconut trees carry you away into a land, that's serene, sedate and unspoilt.

Feast your taste buds over a vast spread of 'Konkan' cuisine and spend some time to witness cultural programme. Mingle in the company of the locals, who are as warm and cheerful as their surroundings. Ever ready to chat with you and make you feel at home. Visit the holy temple shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesh, flocked by millions every year. Walk down the beach to the tune of the splashing waves. Head out towards Ratnagiri, the land of the world famous 'Alphonso' mangoes, in the comforts of the luxury AC bus.

Ratnagiri is the birthplace of Lokmanya Tilak and the internment home for the last king of Burma, King Thibaw. Visit the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak and Ratnadurga Fort.

Temples, forts and virgin beaches, you would wish you could stay a little longer. But the train whistles and you are off to yet another beautiful destination feasting over a royal spread served on board.
 
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Sindhudurg, Tarkarli, Sawantwadi

Next day the train chugs in to the tip of the Konkan coast, Sindhudurg Nagari Railway station. A luxury AC bus transfers you to Malvan Jetty from the station. Settle in a comfortable boat, arranged just for you, and enjoy the mesmerizing view of flora, birds and caressing waves on the ride to Sindhudurg Fort.

Next stop the one time naval base, stubbornly guarded, till today by the unconquered Ocean Fort of Sindhudurg. As you approach the fort from Malvan jetty past a rocky reef, marvel at the hard work of over 6000 skilled hands that worked round the clock for 3 years. Within its premises are temples dedicated to Bhavani, Mahadeo, Jarimari, Mahapurush and Shivaji. Walk on the two-mile long rampart walls and watch the breathtaking view of the vast open sea as it fires a volley of spray 30 ft. below. And at times even 30 feet high, an amazing experience indeed.
Ganapatipule is bathed in the golden sunshine and silver moonlight, lapped by gentle foam-flecked waves from the expanse of the Arabian Sea. It's laced with the unforgettable aroma of fruits, flowers and mangroves. And the timid whispers of swaying coconut trees carry you away into a land, that's serene, sedate and unspoilt.

Head out to Tarkarli by luxury AC bus. A virgin beach at the confluence of river Karli and Arabian Sea with silver soft sands and pristine clear waters. The wide river, the beautiful sailboats, the tiny islands, the hamlets at the riverbank, all contributes to the picture-postcard beauty of Tarkarli. Enjoy a relaxed lunch at the well-appointed MTDC beach resort, complete with twenty 'Konkani' style cottages. Indeed a perfect place to enjoy the mouth-watering 'Malvani' cuisine and then unwind.

Next stop, Tarkarli Jetty, for a romantic boat ride through the Tarkarli creek up to Kalse Jetty. Move on to Sawantwadi by AC luxury bus, situated on the southernmost point of Sindhudurg. This elite heritage destination is the entry point to Goa. The colourful town, once an estate capital, is home to the Chitar Ali and Jagannathrao Bhosale Garden. Shilpa Gram is yet another place you must visit. A craft village, where you can watch local craftsmen manufacturing handicrafts and what's more, you can buy some mementos too.

The evening promises a traditional meal in the train. As the train heads to Goa from Sawantwadi, you will leave behind this coastal paradise rich in history and natural splendour.
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Free time for short walk in city and bazaar followed by lunch at Fort Aguada Beach Resort. After lunch visits to;

Dona Paulo& 250 years old House.

Late in the evening board the train from Madgaon railway station.
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Board the bus to visit; New Palace, a royal palace partly converted into museum, Bhawani Mandap (The Town Hall) witness traditional Martial Art locally known as "Mardani Khel", An exquisitely carved Mahalaxmi Temple a temple of goddess Ambabai visited by millions pilgrims, Shalini Palace built of intricately carved black stone & Italian Marble stands on the west side of lake Rankala, watch cultural programme and visit to handicraft stalls for perfect memorabilia.

At noon board the train at Kolhapur station to depart for Pune. Lunch onboard. Leisure time till evening.

Evening arrive at Pune. Board the bus to visit Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, houses variety of artifacts of the 17th, 18th & 19th Centuries. Board the train from Pune railway station. Dinner onboard.
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Lunch and Cultural programme at Hotel Taj. After lunch visit to;

Shivaji Museum with weapons and antiques from the great Maratha Empire.

Aurangabad Caves No. 7 & 8

Bibi-ka-Maqbara, a replica of Taj Mahal is a grand piece of Moghul architecture.

Free time for shopping Paithani, Himroo, Bidriwork from showrooms for a perfect memorabilia.

Late in the evening board the train from Aurangabad railway station 
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Board the MSRTC eco-friendly bus and it's time to travel back in time. Soon, you will find yourself surrounded by dramatic views of the Waghora valley where the Ajanta Caves are located. Older than the Ellora caves (200 BC to 650 AD) they are also cut from the volcanic lava of the Deccan Trap in a steep crescent shaped hillside. Lost to the world after the 7th century it was discovered by accident in 1819, by a party of British officers on a hunting expedition. 
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Alight at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in the morning enriched with the rich legacy of this land. The royal journey is over, but the memory of which, will live on forever.  
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