Riviera Travel The Heart of India aboard the Deccan Odyssey

• Experience the opulence of the Deccan Odyssey, one of India’s most luxurious private trains, as you traverse the vast Indian countryside.
• Embark on a wildlife adventure in Ranthambore National Park, seeking encounters with tigers and exploring nearby villages for a glimpse into local daily life.
• Immerse yourself in the rich history of Udaipur, Jaipur, Mumbai, and New and Old Delhi through guided tours, including a lively cycle rickshaw ride in a bustling marketplace.
• Uncover India’s historical treasures at UNESCO-listed sites like Ellora Caves, Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum in Vadodara, and the Prince of Wales Museum in Mumbai.
• Witness the splendour of the Taj Mahal, and visit the Baby Taj, the inspiration behind its jewellery box design.

• Return flights and transfers
• 7nts in deluxe accommodation aboard the Deccan Odyssey
• 2nts in 5* hotels
• Selected Meals: Daily breakfast, plus full board on train
• 13 included experiences and visits
• Services of an expert tour manager

Day 1: Fly to Delhi

Head to the airport for your overnight flight to Delhi

Day 2: New Delhi

On arrival, transfer to New Delhi and check into the hotel. After a short rest, head out on a guided tour that follows the Rajpath, passing the India Gate and the office of the Indian Government. The tour also includes a visit to Qutub Minar, and Humayun’s tomb.

Day 3: Old Delhi & Board Train

This morning, continue your exploration of Delhi, with a guided walking tour of Old Delhi from the Salaam Baalak trust. Hop on a rickshaw through Chandni Chowk, home to the oldest markets in Old Delhi before stopping for lunch at a Haveli. In the afternoon, travel back to New Delhi to the National Rail Museum, home to 88 decommissioned locomotives, saloons, carriages, cranes and coaches. Then, its time to transfer to Safdarjung Railway Station where you’ll board the luxury train. The rest of the day is free to settle in to your cabin and enjoy the facilities onboard.

Day 4: Ranthambore Tiger Safari

This morning, arrive into Sawai Madhopur. After breakfast, set out on a game drive through Ranthambore National Park, one of the best places to spot tigers in India. Return to the train for lunch before touring the local villages near the national park. On the way back to the train this afternoon, stop for high tea at the Sawai Madhopur Lodge.

Day 5: Agra

Today, you’ll visit one of the world’s most iconic monument’s, the Taj Mahal. After lunch at a local hotel, make your way to the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, known as the ‘Baby Taj’. Later, return to the train and enjoy dinner as you travel towards Jaipur.

Day 6: Jaipur

Wake up in the Pink City of Jaipur. Start your tour at the Hawa Mahal, the famous Palace of the Winds. Next, visit the home of the current Maharaja, the city palace. Later, head to the immense Amber Fort a short drive from the city. The guided tour here brings you to sections reserved for the Maharajah’s wives and the hall of mirrors. After, stop at the Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built in 1726. After lunch, there is free time explore Jaipur independently.

Day 7: Udaipur

This morning, arrive in Udaipur. Here you’ll tour the City Palace on Lake Pichola’s east bank. You’ll get the change to see a myriad of pavilions, terraces and gardens. After leaving the palace, you’ll take a boat trip across Lake Pichola to the shimmering Jagmandir Palace where you’ll enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, take a walking tour through the city’s markets before returning to the train in time for dinner.

Day 8: Vadodara

This morning, reach Vadodara, Gujarat’s cultural capital, home to the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park. Nestled within a captivating landscape, the site encompasses the sacred Kalika Mata Temple atop Pavagadh hill, drawing Hindu pilgrims annually. Explore prehistoric sites, an early Hindu hill fortress, remains of the 16th-century state capital, and diverse structures like forts, palaces, religious buildings, and agricultural installations.

Post-lunch on board, your journey takes you to Vadodara’s Maharaja’s Palace, housing the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum in what was once a school for the Maharaja’s children. Discover educational exhibits, including paintings of Indian royalty and sculptures, concluding with an elegant high tea at Laxmi Vilas Palace before returning to the train.

Day 9: Ellora Caves
This morning, as the train travels through the state of Maharashtra, take the opportunity to unwind. After lunch on board, we’ll reach Aurangabad, our gateway to the Ellora Caves, a distinctive UNESCO World Heritage Site. Scattered across the Sahyadri hills, these caves showcase ancient rock-cut architecture, boasting over 1,500 caves. Dating back to 600 AD, the caves, surrounded by lush forests, exemplify exceptional structural engineering and craftsmanship. With Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples adorned with detailed sculptures, these caves served various purposes and remain in use today. After exploring, return to your luxury locomotive for your final night on board.

Day 10: Mumbai

This morning, the Deccan Odyssey arrives at Mumbai’s Victoria Terminus, a Victorian Gothic masterpiece and one of the world’s busiest railway stations. After breakfast, bid farewell to your seven-night home and delve into Mumbai, the commercial capital of India. Once known as Bombay, Mumbai boasts cultural significance as the birthplace of Bollywood and home to iconic landmarks such as the Gateway of India. Today’s guided tour explores the city’s architectural diversity, from Art Deco to Indo-Saracenic, highlighting attractions like the Prince of Wales Museum and the Hanging Gardens in Malabar Hill. The journey concludes with glimpses of Flora Fountain, Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive, and Crawford Market along the vibrant seaside promenade.

Day 11: Return Flight

Transfer to the airport for your flight home

Sheraton New Delhi, Delhi
This hotel is located in the business district, close to a number of attractions. On site you’ll find an outdoor pool and spa, as well as three restaurants. The rooms here are air-conditioned and have tea/coffee making facilities, a mini-bar and free wi-fi

Taj Mahal Tower, Mumbai
Located overlooking the India Gate, this hotel offers numerous dining venues, a gym, spa and pool. The rooms have twin or double beds, with a bath and separate shower, a safe, minibar, a tv and a private balcony.

Experience one of the world’s finest travel journeys aboard this exclusive train, boasting 13 luxury carriages accommodating just 80 guests between Delhi and Mumbai. Each carriage features four deluxe twin or double air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms, fine bed linen, and elegant wood panelling, creating a nostalgic ambiance. Personalized service includes a dedicated butler for each carriage. Indulge in superb international and Indian cuisine in the wood-panelled restaurant cars with attentive service. Unwind in the bar and lounge car, sharing experiences over tea or a G and T against the backdrop of rural India. Additional amenities include a gym, a comfortable lounge car with a small library, and complimentary Wi-Fi for staying connected.

Fact File

• Currency: Indian Rupee
• Flight Time: 8 hrs 30 mins (London to Delhi), 10 hrs (Mumbai to London)
• Language: Hindi
• Time Zone: GMT+5.5

*All transfer times listed here are approximate and dependent on traffic.