After the success of pioneer luxury trains, Maharashtra Tourism Development decided to build another deluxe train that caters to the need of luxury travelers. This train was focused on serving tourists of southern India too. After years of relentless effort, Deccan Odyssey was put in blueprint in 2001. The authorities approved the concept of a blue luxury train scaling the plateau. As the name indicated, the train focuses on the destinations that lie on the greater Deccan plateau of the country. In the same year, MOU was signed by the ministry of Indian railways for building the train. ICF ( Integral Coach Factory ) of Chennai started to build the train in 2002 and it took five months to finalize the outline design of the train. The train was then put on tracks by the end of 2003.
Blue Train of South Africa and Orient Express of Europe were the benchmarks of Deecan Odyssey in the past. Maharashtra Tourism Department took efforts to add almost all essential amenities and facilities inside the train. The inaugural trip of Deccan Odyssey started in 16 of January 2004. The train started its maiden journey from Chhatrapti Shivaji Terminus of Mumbai. Taj Group of Hotels signed a contract with Deccan Odyssey to provide five-star hotel styled facilities inside the train. Until date, Taj Groups kept its word and has provided perfect hospitality and service to every tourist of Deccan Odyssey.
The train’s interior is decorated with vivid elegance elements to resemble the royal style of the cabins used by kings of the ancient times. Today, Deccan Odyssey provides numerous itineraries of varying span and destinations.