Destinations: Aurangabad, Udaipur, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore), Agra, Delhi, Mumbai, Vadoda...
Destinations: Jodhpur
Step aboard for an unforgettable expedition and let the rhythm of the rails guide you to India’s brightest gems on this luxurious train journey. Cross India’s striking landscape in a cabin fit for royalty on the elegant Deccan Odyssey locomotive, complete with an on-rails spa, Mumbai Hi bar, and all-inclusive dining.
During handpicked off-train excursions, you’ll have the chance to search for elusive tigers on safari in Ranthambore, witness the white marble majesty of the inimitable Taj Mahal and savour afternoon tea prepared by the royal kitchens of the Laxmi Vilas Palace. Marvel at ancient cave-temple architecture at the peaceful Ellora Caves complex, then discover the vibrant palaces of romantic Udaipur.
Make the most of private airport transfers and expert guidance, and deepen your knowledge with guided city tours led by expert English-speaking locals. From the magnificent Amber Fort in Jaipur’s ‘Pink City’ to bustling Old Delhi’s colourful bazaars, India’s greatest treasures await.
Reverse Itinerary: This tour runs a reverse itinerary on different departure dates. Please choose your package carefully.
Destinations: Aurangabad, Udaipur, Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore), Agra, Delhi, Mumbai, Vadoda...
Destinations: Jodhpur
Begin your first full day with a buffet breakfast, then meet your friendly English-speaking guide at 8.30am ready to tour Old and New Delhi.
Your introduction to Indian life will begin as all Indian tours should – on a rickshaw amid the hustle and bustle of this heaving capital. Your first stop will be one of the largest congregational buildings in India: the 375-year-old Jama Mosque. This massive sandstone building of Mughal architecture has a capacity of 25,000 worshippers.
Later in the morning, get another sense of Delhi’s history with a pass of the imposing 17th-century Red Fort where the fifth Moghul Emperor, Shah Jahan, made Delhi a home. Then visit Raj Ghat, where famed leader Mahatma Gandhiwas cremated.
After lunch, visit Humayun’s tomb – a 66-acre complex which predates the Taj Mahal – before driving past India Gate, Parliament House and President House. Countine to the tallest masonry tower in India, Qutub Minar. At 72.5 metres tall, this spectacle was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architectural and cultural significance.
Return to your hotel in time for dinner at your leisure.
Spend your day with free time to explore before your luxury rail adventure begins at 5pm, as you board the magnificent Deccan Odyssey, one of India’s most luxurious trains.
Assemble at the railway station for your traditional Indian welcome, complete with refreshing drinks and ceremonial check-in formalities. Once aboard, settle into your generously appointed cabin as the train departs Delhi, carrying you towards the wilderness of Sawai Madhopur.
Deccan Odyssey luxury rail journey
Experience the untamed wilderness of Ranthambore and authentic Rajasthani village life before continuing your luxury rail journey to Agra.
Begin with a fascinating village visit, where friendly tribal communities warmly welcome you into their homes. Witness their traditional way of life in mud huts surrounded by the vibrant colours that offset Rajasthan’s desert landscape.
Your afternoon game drive in Ranthambore National Park offers thrilling wildlife encounters. Home to tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and diverse bird species, the park’s lakes and waterholes attract herds of chital and sambhar deer, wild boar, and nilgai antelope. You might find the park’s famous tigers lounging in dappled sunlight or stalking prey around the water’s edge.
Return to the Deccan Odyssey for drinks and dinner as the train sets off for Agra, home to the world’s most celebrated monument of love.
Ranthambore safari experience
Wake with a filling breakfast before pulling into glorious Agra. Step out to experience the unparalleled wonder of the Taj Mahal, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed masterpiece of architecture.
This mausoleum’s unmistakable ivory-white dome and freestanding minarets have become recognisable the world over. Cast your eyes upwards and contemplate this architectural marvel, then look down to witness its perfect mirror in the still waters of the famous reflecting pool.
Explore this magnificent structure, built under the rule of Shah Jahan as a testament to his love for his favourite queen, Mumtaz Mahal. Constructed entirely out of white marble, this monument took an incredible 20,000 craftsmen to build.
Peel your eyes away from this mesmerising sight and turn your attention next to the intricate patterns of the Itimad-ud-Daulah and the elaborate Mughal citadel of Agra Fort. Discover the intricate art of marble inlay work at Kala Kriti, witnessing the ancient Pietra Dura technique that adorns the Taj Mahal itself.
This evening, savour a decadent dinner on board and settle in for a restful sleep in your picture-perfect cabin.
Taj Mahal visit
Arrive in Jaipur, Rajasthan’s vibrant capital, surrounded by the rugged Aravalli Hills crowned with magnificent forts. Begin your exploration with the spectacular Amber Fort, a masterpiece of Rajput architecture that overlooks Maota Lake from its hilltop perch.
After lunch at a city hotel, visit the opulent City Palace, still home to Jaipur’s royal family, before driving past the iconic Hawa Mahal – the Palace of Winds – with its distinctive pink facade and intricate lattice windows designed for royal ladies to observe street life whilst remaining unseen.
Explore Jantar Mantar, the remarkable 18th-century astronomical observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh, whose instruments still provide accurate readings today. Drive past the iconic Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, famous for its intricate pink sandstone lattice work.
Return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner as the train departs for Udaipur, the romantic City of Lakes.
Awaken to the verdant landscapes of the Aravali Hills as you slow to a halt in Udaipur. Known as the ‘City of Lakes’ for its tranquil waterways, Udaipur is home to some of India’s most picturesque palaces, telling of this romantic city’s rich history.
After an energising breakfast, head to the City Palace for a tour of its flamboyant complex, admiring its fretted balconies and scalloped arches. Constructed in the 16th century, this gargantuan fortress exhibits varied architectural styles and houses a showstopping collection of artworks from the Mewar School within its museum. Its crown jewel is undoubtedly the jaw-dropping Crystal Gallery – displaying one of the world’s largest private collections of crystal, from chandeliers to chairs to beds.
Join a scenic cruise across picturesque Lake Pichola, then sit down for lunch at an exquisite local restaurant. This afternoon, take a guided walk through the idyllic streets of the Old City and visit the bustling local markets, perusing the trinkets of Bapu Bazaar and rainbow textiles of Bada Bazaar.
Later, jump back on the Deccan Odyssey for another evening of riding the railway in style.
Begin at Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site representing India’s only complete and unchanged pre-Mughal Islamic city. This remarkable concentration of archaeological treasures is cradled in an impressive landscape. Marvel at the Jami Masjid, built in 1513, whose perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture became the model for later mosque construction across India.
Visit the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, originally constructed as a royal school and now housing an impressive collection including paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and renowned European masters, plus sculptures in marble and bronze.
Savour high tea at the resplendent Laxmi Vilas Palace, built in 1890 and still home to the royal family. Reputedly four times larger than Buckingham Palace, its overwhelming Durbar Hall features Venetian mosaic floors, Belgian stained-glass windows, and intricate mosaic decorations. Enjoy regional folk performances whilst sampling royal delicacies.
Return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner as the train departs for Aurangabad.
Enjoy breakfast and time to savour the luxury train’s facilities before disembarking at Aurangabad for your journey to the magnificent Ellora Caves, carved into a basaltic hillside 30 kilometres from the city.
Discover the finest specimens of cave-temple architecture in India at this UNESCO World Heritage site encompassing 34 rock-cut shrines representing Buddhist, Hindu and Jain traditions, dating from the 6th to 11th centuries CE. The 12 southern caves are Buddhist, the 17 central caves Hindu, and the five northern caves Jain.
Marvel at the extraordinary Kailasa Temple, conceived as a symbolic recreation of Shiva’s celestial abode on Mount Kailash. This engineering marvel represents the pinnacle of rock-cut architecture, carved entirely from a single massive stone.
Return to the Deccan Odyssey for sundowners at the Mumbai-Hi bar before dinner as the train departs for India’s commercial capital.
Arrive this morning in bustling Mumbai, ‘City of Dreams’ and home of the thriving Bollywood film industry. Overflowing with culinary hotspots and awe-inspiring architecture, this mammoth metropolis is sure to captivate you.
Disembark from your spectacular railway adventure, then transfer to the opulent Trident, Nariman Point. Once you’ve dropped your bags at the hotel, it’s time to set out on a guided tour of magnificent Mumbai. Pass through the Gateway of India, see the city’s heritage captured in its architectural grandeur, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
Visit the Prince of Wales Museum and study its extensive collection of 18th- and 19th-century miniature paintings, then travel the sweeping ‘Queen’s Necklace’ avenue on your way to Malabar Hill, where you’ll find the imposing Walkeshwar Temple. Step into Mani Bhavan – a museum dedicated to the life and works of Mahatma Gandhi – then take a photo stop at Dhobi Ghat, the historic and colourful open-air laundry.
Return to your comfortable accommodation any time after 2pm to check in for an evening at leisure, making the most of the hotel’s fine dining and wellness facilities as you desire.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 30 mins
Savour your final breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport, where your Indian adventure concludes.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 30 mins
If you believe you’ve experienced a luxury train journey, think again. Welcome aboard the Deccan Odyssey — defining a new kind of opulence. Modeled on the Palace on Wheels luxury train and recognised as one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world, the Deccan Odyssey will whisk you between Delhi and Mumbai in grandeur. Think high tea, formal dinners boasting the finest local wines and world-class cuisine, personal butlers ready to meet your every need and super-deluxe suites with sumptuous bedding.
Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the Taj Mahal, India’s iconic symbol of love. Explore its stunning marble architecture, intricate details, reflecting pool and lush gardens, immersing yourself in the glory of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Experience the thrill of getting up close with India’s wildlife, at none other than the famed Ranthambore National Park. Base yourself at Sawai Madhopur, the portal to the magnificent park. Embark on game drives led by expert local guides and trackers, who will share personal stories and help you spot these elusive animals. Spend the morning visiting the village, then venture into the reserve in the afternoon for a closer look at Rajasthan’s renowned wildlife.
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Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
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Deccan Odyssey
Indian Sojourn Journey
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Return flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.
Return airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only.
Delhi to Mumbai: India Luxury Train - Deccan Odyssey
Mumbai to Delhi : India Luxury Train - Indian Sojourn Journey
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Important Destination Information:
India
Time zone: GMT +5:30
Telephone: +91
Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available in major cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops in urban areas. It’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets.
Language: Hindi and English (official languages), with many regional languages spoken throughout the country.
Climate: India has diverse climatic conditions. October to March offers the most pleasant weather for touring with cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall. Summer months (April-June) can be extremely hot, while monsoon season runs from June to September.
Dress code: Modest, conservative clothing is recommended, especially when visiting religious sites, temples, and mosques. Lightweight, breathable fabrics in natural fibers work best. Remove shoes when entering temples and mosques. Avoid revealing clothing out of respect for local customs.