Train Facilities

• What electrical chargers will I need to bring?
The Deccan Odyssey is equipped with a 220v ac plug sockets in the carriage corridors. There are also 220v and 110v plug sockets in the shower car. Please ensure that you have the correct adaptor for any electrical items that you may wish to charge while on board the train.

• Is there a First Aid kit on board?
We have a designated “Doctors Surgery” on board the train and this will contain a fully stocked first aid kit, as well as more comprehensive medical kit. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have adequate supplies of any ongoing medication that you will need for the duration of the journey.

• Is there a safe in the cabin / onboard the train?
Yes

• Is there a shop on board the train?
There is not a shop on board but most general items can be purchased in the cities we visit. English newspapers and magazines are available in the conference car.

• Is smoking permitted?
Smoking in the cabins is strictly prohibited. Your clients can smoke in specific designated areas at the ends of the train.

• Is there a laundry facility on board the train?
There is a laundry service on board. Passengers are charged per item at the end of the trip. Payment can be made by cash or credit card.

• Are there any communication links while we are on board?
There is mobile phone coverage in areas, however it is not continuous. We do not have a satellite phone on board the train, but the Tour Manager can be contacted in emergencies on the mobile telephone number provided on the 24 hour emergency card provided in the travel wallets.

• Is there an internet and fax facility on board and if so, how much does this cost?
There is internet and fax facility on board the train; however it is not always possible to get a connection whilst en route. Most of the cities we visit have an internet café, but this may mean missing the excursion programme for that day.

• Is there a business centre on board?
We have some office facilities like printer and copier on board. These can be used at an additional cost.

• Can I send a fax?
Yes, this will be at an additional charge.

• Is the use of the gym and massage facilities included within the price?
Use of the gym is complimentary and a range of beauty treatments are on offer. Please refer to the on board tariff for the full list of treatments and charges.

• What is the evening entertainment programme?
There is no specific entertainment. Guests tend to use the evening to mix with other passengers in the communal areas.

• Are there porters to help with baggage?
There are porters at each of the hotels and at the station to help get our luggage on and off the train

• How many people work on the train?
45 people normally work on the train; however this may vary slightly depending on the individual departure and the number of passengers

Cabin Facilities

• What is the difference between a Viceroy Class cabin and a Maharaja suite?
Viceroy Class and Maharaja Suites on the Deccan Odyssey are amongst the most spacious and luxurious cabins available in rail accommodation anywhere in the world. They both contain either a double or twin beds. At 5’ (1.5 m) for a double and 3’ (0.9 m) for a single, the beds are very generously proportioned. The cabins also feature state of the art facilities which include a DVD/CD player, LCD screen, wardrobe, writing desk, individual air conditioning and en-suite bathroom facilities which include a power shower, w.c and sink (as well as bathrobe, slippers hairdryer and complimentary toiletries).

There is one main difference between Maharaja Suites and Viceroy Class for you to consider when choosing your cabin type, size. This is often a very important consideration, as this will be your home for 7 nights. Maharaja suites, at 191 sq ft (18 sq m) are double the size of Viceroy class cabins. They feature a separate sitting room and bedroom as well as two bathrooms.

• Do the cabins have en-suite facilities?
Yes. All cabins feature en-suite bathrooms which include a toilet sink and shower

• What style of beds do the cabins feature?
Each cabin contains either a double or twin beds

• Is there a hairdryer for use?
We provide hairdryers in each cabin.

• Is there a shaver point and electrical points inside the cabin?
There are electrical and shaver points in the bathroom.

• How often is the cabin cleaned during the tour?
Car attendants clean the cabins daily.

• How often do the towels get changed?
Every three days

• What toiletries are provided and what brand are they?
Shampoo and shower gel are provided. They are our own brand.

• How is the cabin temperature and lighting controlled?
The lights and the temperature are controlled within the cabin

• Is there one bed or two in a single compartment?
A single compartment may have one double bed or two single beds depending on availability.

• Is it noisy? Are ear plugs required?
The sounds of a moving train may disturb you, especially on the first night on board. However we have not had any comments about guests finding it difficult to sleep while on board, rather the motion rocks you to sleep!

• Can a wheelchair be used on board, or can one be provided for off train-tours?
The passage inside the carriage is too narrow for a wheelchair but we have wheelchairs on board that can be used for off train tours if absolutely necessary.

• Is alcohol permitted inside the cabin?
Yes

• Are cabins checked when crossing states?
No

• Can we lock the compartments?
It is safe to leave cabins open since the car attendants are always in the carriage but if your clients want to lock the cabin they can advise their attendant who will do so.

• What sort of on-board entertainment / educational talks are provided?
A variety of lectures and entertainment is provided during the journey.

• Are there tea & coffee making facilities inside the cabin?
There are no facilities within the cabins, however tea and coffee can be provided by the car attendant 24 hours a day.

• Is it safe to stand up in the shower whilst the train is moving?
Yes it safe to stand up. We can also provide a stool if you would feel more comfortable sitting down whilst showering.

• Are the toilets western style or local?
The toilets on board the train are western style and flushable.

• Are the train windows cleaned daily to allow for good photography / general viewing?
We ensure that the train windows are kept clean to ensure that you can enjoy the interesting scenery that we pass.

• Is hot water available at all times?
Yes, your car attendant how to operate the heating system.

• Is it safe to leave valuables in my cabin, especially when on a day excursion?
Yes.

• How many people does the attendant look after?
The attendants look after a maximum of 8 people in each Viceroy class car and 4 people in the Maharaja Suite cars.

• Where do I store my luggage?
There is room to store luggage inside the cabin.

Meals

• Are all meals included?
Yes, breakfast, lunch and dinner are included daily apart from on the first night of this tour, when dinner is at your own arrangement.

• Are there complimentary snacks if hungry outside meal times?
Yes. There is also a fresh fruit basket in each carriage.

• Is it possible to buy extra snacks on board?
You can always get some extra snacks in the bar or from your car attendants without charge. However, you may wish to take your favourites with them!

• Is cabin-service available 24 hours per day?
Yes

• Can GW Travel cater for special dietary requirements?
Please let our reservations department know about any special dietary needs when you make the booking. Our restaurant staff can cater for most special diet requests.

• Are meal times set?
Yes. Breakfast is normally between 8am and 10am. If however there is an off train tour leaving the train before 10am the Tour manager will advise all passengers so that they have eaten prior to the off train excursion. Lunch is scheduled around the off-train excursion arrangements, however it is normally between 12:30 and 2pm. Dinner is served at 8pm most evenings.

• Is it a set menu or are meals buffet style?
All meals are set, with a choice of either Indian or International cuisine at each meal – including breakfast.

• What type of food is provided on-board
The menu is decided by the Head chef from the 5* hotel chain: The Taj Group, and he varies both the international and Indian menu.

• Is there a fully stocked bar at all times?
Yes

• Are all drinks free?
Tea, coffee, and drinking water are complimentary at all times.
Wine is complimentary for all passengers at meal times.
We have a tariff in the bar car that details the full drinks price list if you would like to purchase other drinks.

• Is the water safe to drink?
The water on all trains is not drinking water. The attendants, who are on duty 24 hours a day, will provide passengers with fresh bottled water around the clock. There is also bottled water in the bathrooms for brushing teeth. Food on board is washed with bottled water.

Train Specifics

• Are the trains run by steam?
The trains are no longer hauled by steam, but by electric. However the day journey from Siliguri to Darjeeling is hauled by steam.

Darjeeling Bound

• Do clients travel up to Darjeeling on board the Deccan Odyssey train?
No, all passengers will disembark the Deccan Odyssey in Siliguri and board the Toy Train to travel up to Darjeeling in the Indian Himalaya.

• How long is the journey to Darjeeling?
The journey itself takes approximately 8 hours. The journey is made during the day, and if your clients wish to they can switch back to travel on the bus at one of the designated stops.

• Is this train only for GW Travel passengers?
No – it is a local train.

• The train travels to altitude, is that dangerous?
No, the train makes its way very slowly upto 7,400 feet to Ghum, before dropping back down t Darjeeling.

• Is there anything to eat on this train?
You will receive a picnic lunch to take with you which is prepared by the chefs in the restaurant on the train.

• How high does the train go?
7,400 feet (Ghum)

• Is there a toilet on board this train?
Yes, it is a local style hole in the floor! All part of the experience.

• Is the Doctor on board this part of the journey?
Yes, the Doctor travels to Darjeeling.