DELHI – MUMBAI (BOMBAY)
SPLENDOURS OF NORTHERN INDIA
BY PRIVATE TRAIN
DECCAN ODYSSEY
SPLENDOURS OF NORTHERN INDIA
Delhi – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra Fort – Agra (for Taj Mahal) – Jaipur – Udaipur – Mumbai
Embark on an opulent odyssey with this majestic adventure aboard the legendary Deccan Odyssey. Over 8 nights, traverse the heart of India from Delhi’s vibrant streets to the serene lakes of Udaipur and the bustling alleys of Mumbai. Witness architectural marvels like Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort, and the iconic Taj Mahal. Immerse yourself in the regal splendor of Jaipur’s palaces and the romantic ambiance of Udaipur.
DAY 1 DELHI
Arrival day at Delhi Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the five-star Taj Delhi Hotel.
DAY 2 DELHI
One of the oldest cities in the world, Delhi is a bustling and vibrant city, famous for its traditional bazaars and street markets.
Our fascinating city tour in this pulsating metropolis takes in the Raj Ghat memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the World Heritage Site of Humayun’s Tomb, the first example of Mughal architecture in India, and the towering Indo-Islamic Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world at 238ft (73m) which dates from 1368.
Early evening sees us boarding our private train, Deccan Odyssey, for the perfect way to experience the colour, character and amazing diversity of India. Settle into your beautifully appointed private en-suite cabin, enjoy the hospitable atmosphere of the stylish Bar Lounge Car before enjoying a sumptuous dinner on board our private train as we begin our rail journey.
DAY 3 Fatephur Sikri & Agra Fort
After breakfast, we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri. Known as a ‘ghost city’, this red sandstone town was abandoned only shortly after being built due to lack of water in 1585.
This afternoon our journey takes us to Agra Fort, a magnificent structure that dominates the skyline and acted as the main residence for emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638. Its red sandstone walls run for 2.5 km and contain many fairy-tale palaces and two beautifully preserved mosques.
DAY 4 Agra (for Taj Mahal)
Today is devoted to visiting the impossibly beautiful Taj Mahal, built entirely of white marble on the south bank of the Yamuna river and indisputably the most famous building in the world.
Completed in 1648 by Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal is a mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and took 22 years and 20,000 artisan workers to complete. Nowhere else on the planet will you experience such a poignant architectural statement dedicated to the enduring nature of human love and inspirational artistry.
A very early start to the day as we avoid the crowds and visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise to appreciate this iconic building in all its magnificence. Later we enjoy breakfast (weather permitting) in the gardens at the Taj Kema hotel, offering a stunning view across to the Taj Mahal in the distance.
We return to the Deccan Odyssey for lunch as we continue our rail journey towards the state of Rajasthan.
DAY 5 Jaipur
With a breakfast arrival into the capital of Rajasthan, the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur overwhelms the senses as we embrace its rich and colourful past. This morning we visit the Amber Fort and explore its breath-taking and ornate majesty, including the magnificent Hall of Mirrors.
After lunch in a local restaurant, we continue our exploration with a tour of the Jantar Mantar Observatory, the imposing and vast City Palace and the beautiful Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds. This delicately stunning yet enduring monument is constructed entirely of pink sandstone and was built in 1799 to allow royal ladies to discreetly observe everyday life. Finally, if time permits, we explore a famous fabric market before returning to the train to refresh ourselves.
This evening we dine in the elegant Rambagh Palace Hotel, originally built in 1835 and once the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The palace retains its elaborate splendour, extravagantly decorated with hand-carved marble ‘jalis’ or latticework, sandstone balustrades, cupolas and ‘chattris’ or cenotaphs, and elaborate Mughal Gardens.
DAY 6 Udaipur
We spend a leisurely morning on board as the landscape and spirit of India unfolds before us. We then have the opportunity to listen to a talk on Indian culture before arriving at Udaipur, known as the ‘City of Lakes’ or ‘Venice of the East’. A beguiling tapestry of breath-taking lakes and opulently majestic palaces from the Rajput era awaits your discovery.
The afternoon is spent admiring the awe-inspiring beauty of the Lake Palace. Constructed entirely of marble, it sits on its own island in the shimmering waters of Pichola Lake. We go on to visit the medieval grandeur of City Palace.
DAYS 7 – 8 Mumbai
Day 7 ushers in our arrival in Mumbai, bidding adieu to the esteemed Deccan Odyssey as we transfer to the illustrious five-star Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel for an indulgent two-night sojourn. Revel in the opulent accommodations of this flagship Taj establishment, offering unrivaled vistas of the Arabian Sea and the iconic Gateway of India, complemented by a legacy of refined hospitality spanning over a century. Hosting monarchs, dignitaries, and luminaries worldwide, this legendary abode epitomises extravagance.
Guests of the Deluxe Class will stay in the Tower Wing, while patrons of the Presidential Suite will reside in the prestigious Palace Wing.
Mumbai, a captivating metropolis steeped in cultural opulence, awaits our exploration during this exclusive stay. We unveil the mesmerizing ‘Dhobi Ghats’, an outdoor laundry spectacle, where traditional dhobis meticulously cleanse and press linens, epitomising historical grandeur.
Our itinerary further encompasses a tour of Fort Bombay and Gandhi’s House, a poignant museum honoring his inspirational legacy. Weather permitting, a brief cruise from the Gateway of India transports us to the verdant Elephanta Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site enveloped in lush foliage. The awe-inspiring cave complex, dating back to the 3rd – 5th century, pays homage to Lord Shiva, an esteemed Hindu deity.
Indulge in a delectable seafood luncheon at the renowned Trishna restaurant, savouring culinary excellence amidst Mumbai’s vibrant ambiance.
Included in our touring program, guests are also afforded leisure to independently explore Mumbai’s myriad of delights or perhaps peruse its vibrant local markets.
DAY 9 Mumbai
After breakfast you will be transferred to Mumbai Airport to begin your journey home.
Tour Inclusions
Accommodation (8 nights)
- 1 night in Delhi
- 5 nights on board the Deccan Odyssey
- 2 nights in Mumbai
Service
- Experienced Tour Management team
- Arrival and departure transfers
- All gratuities – on and off the train
- Luggage porterage throughout the journey
Dining
- Freshly prepared meals on board, using the finest local ingredients
- Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants
- Generous drinks allowance, including international wines with lunch and dinner
- 14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 13 Dinners
Excursions
- Expertly guided off-train excursions as detailed in the itinerary
Tour Highlights
- The UNESCO-honoured Elephanta cave complex, dedicated to Lord Shiva
- An exclusive royal dining experience at the Rambagh Palace Hotel, Jaipur
- A private alfresco breakfast overlooking the Taj Mahal
DECCAN ODYSSEY
Traditionally decorated, the opulent Deccan Odyssey offers a superb and relaxed setting in which to enjoy impeccable service on board and watch India’s remarkable scenery unfold.
Dates & Prices
All prices are per person
2025
| USD ($) | Deluxe Class | Presidential Suite | ||
| Twin ($) | Single ($) | Twin | Single | |
| Feb 23 – Mar 3 | 10,995 | 17,695 | On Request | On Request |
2025
| GBP (£) | Deluxe Class | Presidential Suite | ||
| Twin (£) | Single (£) | Twin (£) | Single (£) | |
| Feb 23 – Mar 3 | 8,595 | 14,195 | On Request | On Request |
2025
| EUR (€) | Deluxe Class | Presidential Suite | ||
| Twin (€) | Single (€) | Twin (€) | Single | |
| Feb 23 – Mar 3 | 9,795 | 16,195 | On Request | On Request |
Deccan Odyssey
To travel aboard the Deccan Odyssey across India is to experience the finest traditions of rail travel in a train specifically built to cater for the demands of today’s most discerning traveller.