Deccan Odyssey - Luxury Train

Deccan Odyssey - Luxury Train Overview

This 8-day extravaganza will take you through the fascinating, ever-changing vistas of an ancient and vibrant India from its capital in Delhi to its leading metropolis of Mumbai. Explore the glorious Taj Mahal in Agra, the sparkling city of Jaipur, the lakes and the glorious palaces at Udaipur and the stunning monuments of Vadodara.

The Deccan Odyssey | Luxury Train Travel

Each journey on the Deccan Odyssey is an exploration of India's diversity, exotic locales and discovery of her timeless traditions; where you breathe in the vibrancy, sounds and colours of India's cities and her countryside. Mysteries, intrigues unfold as the train snakes her way through royal cities showcasing the opulence and extravagance of the palaces, the traditions and culinary wonders of cities and villages well protected from the sands of time.

Come aboard one of India's most iconic trains, and get ready for the royal Indian Odyssey journey. This 8-day extravaganza will take through the fascinating, ever-changing vistas of an ancient and vibrant India from its capital in Delhi to its leading metropolis of Mumbai. On this luxurious holiday, explore the glorious Taj Mahal in Agra, the sparkling city of Jaipur, and the lakes and glorious palaces at Udaipur. Additionally, you'll visit the stunning monuments of Vadodara, along with some of the most prominent & unexplored destinations of west-central India. Simply put, this Indian Odyssey journey is like none other, in a land like no other.

Day 1: Delhi to Ranthambore National Park

Board the Deccan Odyssey train at Delhi - on to Sawai Madhopur. Assemble at the railway station at approximately 20.15 hours. Once the registration process and check in formalities are complete, you will receive a traditional Indian welcome and a refreshing drink.

You will then be guided to your charming cabins. As you settle in, the Deccan Odyssey shall begin its journey from Delhi to Sawai Madhopur.

Welcome drink and dinner on board. Overnight on board the Deccan Odyssey.

Day 2: Ranthambore National Park

Sawai Madhopur - Ranthambore National Park

Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan is the alighting point for the famous Ranthambore National Park, and India's efforts to conserve the dwindling tiger population can be seen here. The park is one of the finest tiger reserves in the country and the most likely place to spot one of these majestic animals.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before you set out for your village safari.

The people of Rajasthan's villages are mostly tribal who subsist on farming and hunting. These friendly folk are warm and welcoming, happy to show guests around their villages, giving deep insights into their daily lives. The women here wear bright colours to offset the drab desert, and most people live in mud huts. Visit a local home and interact with the family.

When you're done with the village safari, return to the comfort of the Deccan Odyssey. Enjoy a leisurely lunch before you set out for a game drive.

Ranthambore is home to several other species as well; you can see herds of Chital and Sambhar deer as well as wild boar, Nilgai antelope and chinkara gazelles. There are also sloth bear, a few leopards and crocodiles. Extensive bird life includes jungle fowl, partridges, quails, the crested serpent eagle, woodpeckers, flycatchers etc. There are also water birds like storks, ducks and geese at the lakes and waterholes. If it's your lucky day, you could spot a tiger lolling around lazily in the sun, or feverishly hunting down deer around the lakes!

After a fulfilling afternoon, proceed for high tea at the Sawai Madhopur Lodge, the former hunting lodge of the erstwhile royal family of Jaipur. Feel free to share the spoils (of your photo-shoots!)

After high tea, it is time to head back to the Deccan Odyssey where you can relax with a drink before dinner on board, as the Deccan Odyssey sets off for Agra, the city of the world famous "Taj Mahal"

Breakfast, lunch on board, high tea at Taj Sawai Madhopur Lodge and dinner on board.

Overnight on board the Deccan Odyssey.

Day 3: Agra

As you arrive in Agra, you will realise that the Mughals were not just the greatest dynasty to rule India but also its greatest builders. After a great breakfast on board, you will visit the Taj Mahal, which was Emperor Shah Jahan's gift of love to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is also truly the world's most astounding monument. The making of the Taj Mahal is as much a fable as the edifice itself. It took 20,000 men 22 years to build this spectacular mausoleum and its delicate white marble was brought from 200 miles away by caravans of elephants and camels.

Lunch at a City Hotel.

Post lunch, your tour of Agra continues. You will visit Itmad-Ud-Daulah, a marble mausoleum built by Nur Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir, in memory of her father, Ghiyas Beg. Sometimes called the 'Baby Taj', it is magnificently conceived in white marble, mosaic and lattice.

Later, walk to the Agra Fort, another marvellous example of Mughal architecture, and the seat of Mughal reign and administration for three generations. The present structure owes its origins to Emperor Akbar who had its first buildings of red sandstone erected on the eastern bank of the river Yamuna. His grandson Shah Jahan, the most artistic and prolific builder of the dynasty, later added the impressive marbled private quarters and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. A visit to the Diwan-e-Am, 'Hall of Public Audience' and the Royal Pavilions will certainly be a wonderful experience.

Later, you have the opportunity to visit the local markets to admire the exquisite Pietra Dura (marble inlay) artefacts and Mughal ornaments OR as an optional activity you may avail of spa facilities before completing your tour of this historical city.

In the evening, you return to the Deccan Odyssey for a delightful dinner and continue the journey to Jaipur, The Pink City.

Breakfast on board, lunch at a City hotel and dinner on board.

Overnight on board the Deccan Odyssey.

Day 4: Jaipur

Jaipur, the City of Victory is renowned for the triumphs of its proud Rajputs. It is surrounded by the rugged Aravali hills - crowned by formidable forts - and striking palaces, mansions and gardens. Royal processions and parades, in all their brilliance, graced these palaces and forts once. The city is a colourful oasis in the desert and you will notice a timeless quality to Jaipur's vibrant people and bazaars.

Post breakfast, drive to Maharaja Mansingh's 17th-century masterpiece, the Amber Fort. It overlooks the stunning Maota Lake. The fort is a sprawling complex of courtyards, halls and rooms adorned with gorgeous mirrors, paintings and precious stones. Behold the Sheesh Mahal, 'Hall of Mirrors', where a single lamplight reflects in many mirrors, and lights up the entire room, to create a glittering effect.

On your way to the Amber Fort, explore the Palace of Winds, otherwise known as the Hawa Mahal. This famous tourist attraction is famous for its intricate pink sandstone carving and a beautiful view of the city.

Thereafter you will visit the prominent City Palace of Jaipur, an overwhelming complex of exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum is home to collections of armoury, costumes, rare manuscripts and carpets. Walk across to the adjacent Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory built in the 18th century by Sawai Jai Singh. An incredible achievement for its time the observatory gives accurate readings even to this day.

Lunch at a City hotel.

After a delicious lunch, you may choose to participate in one of the optional tours. Make the most of the spa facilities at a palace hotel OR have the opportunity to explore the vibrant bazaars of the Pink City, which offer a wide range of ethnic handicrafts produced in the city-centre.

After a full day of discovering the royal past of Jaipur, you will return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner on board as it departs for Udaipur.

Breakfast on board, lunch at a City hotel and dinner on board.

Overnight on board the Deccan Odyssey.

Day 5: Udaipur

Today, the Deccan Odyssey will reach its next stop - Udaipur. Set on the shores of the serene Lake Pichola, Udaipur, known as the City of Lakes, it is undoubtedly one of the most romantic cities in India. Enjoy your breakfast as you admire the quaint landscape of the Aravali hills.

You will then disembark to visit the renowned City Palace. It is the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, and features scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas, which is also home to the fantastic Crystal Gallery.

Later, board a ferry to ride on Lake Pichola to reach Jagmandir, a 17th century Palace situated on an island on the scenic lake. As you enjoy a scrumptious lunch here, allow the sounds of the Tabla and the unique Jal Tarang to soothe your inner rhythm. Glance out and make the most of the charming views of one of the most romantic cities of Rajasthan.

After lunch, return to Deccan Odyssey for a short rest. Later embark on a walking tour through the Old City of Udaipur. Here you can shop for the wonderful variety of handicrafts ranging from toys to bewitching puppets and wall hangings. This place is also famous for cloth lanterns, handmade papers, jewellery, paintings, painted wooden boxes, pottery, brassware and terracotta sculptures.

Thereafter you return to the Deccan Odyssey for a relaxed evening and dinner as we depart for Vadodara.

Breakfast on board, lunch at Jagmandir and dinner on board.

Overnight on board the Deccan Odyssey.

Day 6: Vadodara

Today you arrive at the capital of the Gaekwads, Vadodara, located along the seasonal river Vishwamitri.

Breakfast on board the Deccan Odyssey. Rest of the morning is at leisure to enjoy the facilities onboard.

Post an early lunch, you will disembark and proceed to visit Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the only complete and unchanged pre-Mughal Islamic city in India. This concentration of largely unexcavated archaeological, historic and living cultural heritage properties is cradled in an impressive landscape. Marvel at the Jami Masjid (Great Mosque ) built in 1513 representing a perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture which was a model for later mosque architecture in India.

Drive to the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, originally constructed as a school for the Maharaja's children. Today, art lovers can view a large number of works of art displayed in the museum including a collection of the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and other renowned European Masters as well as a collection of sculptures in marble and bronze.

Enjoy high tea at the resplendent Laxmi Vilas Palace, built in 1890, and the residence of the Royal family even today. Reputedly four times the size of Buckingham Palace, its overwhelming Durbar Hall boasts a Venetian mosaic floor, Belgian stained glass windows and walls with intricate mosaic decorations. The palace also houses a remarkable collection of old armoury and sculptures in bronze, marble & terracotta by Fellici. Witness a folk performance typical of the region as you savour some of the special delicacies from the Royal kitchen.

Return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner as it pulls out for Aurangabad.

Breakfast, lunch on board, high tea at Lakshmi Vilas Palace and dinner on board.

Overnight on board the Deccan Odyssey.

Day 7: Aurangabad - Ellora Caves

Aurangabad, named after the last Great Mughal Aurangzeb, is an industrial town in Maharashtra. This is the stop from where you will proceed to explore the brilliant Ellora Caves - a World Heritage site. While you're here, notice how the city itself has deep Mughal influences. It houses many famous monuments here, including the Daulatabad Fort, Bibi-Ka-Makbara and the city's 52 gates.

Today, you have the morning to yourself. Post breakfast, you can try out some of the activities available on board. Later, as you savour lunch, the Deccan Odyssey will arrive at Aurangabad. From here, a scenic drive to the Ellora Caves begins. Featuring the finest specimen of cave-temple architecture in India, the site includes 34 rock-cut shrines that represent Buddhist, Jain and Hindu art dating from the 4th to 5th century AD. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre Hindu, while the 5 caves to the north are Jain. However, the most extraordinary is the Kailash Temple. Meant to be a replica of Shiva's celestial abode on Mt. Kailash, it is perhaps the finest example of rock cut architecture and an engineering marvel.

After exploring Ellora, Return to the Deccan Odyssey.

This evening relax with a sundowner at the Gateway before dinner is served.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard.

Overnight on board the Deccan Odyssey.

Day 8: Mumbai departure

Disembark in Mumbai

Early this morning, after breakfast, you will disembark at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station, Mumbai.

Bid farewell to the Deccan Odyssey as your royal passage through the grand vistas of India comes to an end.

Breakfast on board.

Other Indian Royal Trains? Please contact us for details on Palace on Wheels and Maharaja's Express.