Arrival and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight: Vivanta by Taj President (or similar) (D)
Day 2. Mumbai – Colourful, chaotic and full of contrasts
Your adventure starts in India’s economic metropolis. Discover the dazzling city of Mumbai and arrive at Mani Bhawan, the home of Mahatma Gandhi. After visiting the archaeological treasures at the Prince of Wales Museum, head to the Gateway of India, the city’s landmark.
Overnight: Vivanta by Taj President (or similar) (BD)
Day 3. Welcome to Bollywood!
You will visit the world-famous Bollywood film studios and walk in the footsteps of Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and Rani Mukherjee. Victoria Station from 1888 is the largest railway station in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is here that the crew welcomes you aboard the lovely Deccan Odyssey. Settle in your home on wheels for the next seven nights.
Overnight: Deccan Odyssey (BD)
Day 4. High tea in the Maharaja’s palace
Today you reach the university town of Vadodara. Not far are the largely unexcavated remains of Gujarat’s ancient capital, Champaner (UNESCO World Heritage). The city walls enclose pre-Mughal mosques and palaces and combine Islamic and Hindu styles. A feast for all the senses: In the Laxmi Vilas Palace, where the princely family still resides today, you can enjoy dance and music with delicacies from the princely Indian cuisine. In the afternoon, wonderful paintings and sculptures await you in the Maharadsha Fateh Singh Museum. Back on board the Deccan Odyssey, the journey continues.
Overnight: Deccan Odyssey (BLD)
Day 5. Udaipur
Against the backdrop of the Araveli Mountains, palaces are reflected in small lakes. Udaipur is India’s most romantic city. First you visit the huge palace area directly on Lake Pichola. The crystal collection is unique and curious at the same time: Or have you ever seen armchairs, tables and beds made of crystal glass? With boats you can enjoy the dream scenery at Lake Pichola. A detour takes you to the non-profit project “Dastkar”, which was founded more than 20 years ago and pursues two main goals: preserving traditional craftsmanship and at the same time generating income for women in rural areas. Alternatively, you can take a stroll through the old town.
Overnight: Deccan Odyssey (BLD)
Day 6. Ranthambore National Park
A day in India’s wilderness. Arrive at Sawai Madhopur railway station in the morning. First you get to know the villages in the area: men with colorful turbans and women with colorful saris – a glimpse into everyday life in another world. From here it is a short hop to the famous Ranthambore National Park. Deer, antelope, pheasant, monkeys and sloth bears populate the wooded plain. Speaking of a stone’s throw: it’s actually about him, India’s secret ruler, the tiger, for which the national park is famous. You might be lucky and spot one of the magnificent predators on your safari. In the evening, board your palace on rails again.
Overnight: Deccan Odyssey (BLD)
Day 7. Palace of Winds
In the morning, your train pulls into the pink city of Jaipur. You will be amazed by the famous pink shimmering front of the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds. From its barred balconies, the noble ladies of the city once looked down on the colorful hustle and bustle of the market. Essential: visits to the magnificent city palace and the Jantar Mantar observatory from the 18th century, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A fascinating excursion takes you to the mighty palace-fortress of Amber, which towers picturesquely over Lake Maota. 1,000 mirrors reflect the glow of a single lamp and illuminate the huge hall of mirrors.
Overnight: Deccan Odyssey (BLD)
Day 8. Taj Mahal – Love turned into stone
When the entrance gates open and a snow-white monument of infinite dimensions emerges on the horizon, it is a moment that you will never forget. The majestic Taj Mahal is rightly considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Mughal ruler Shah Jahan had the structure built entirely of white marble in memory of his late favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal. Precious inlays made of sparkling semi-precious stones are reflected in deep blue basins. Then you have the chance to admire the Red Fort, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight: Deccan Odyssey (BLD)
Day 9. Holy City of Varanasi
As the first rays of sun fall on bathing ghats and temples on the banks of the Ganges, take boats on the holy river. You rub your eyes in amazement: Is that a mirage, a film set or is it reality? Pilgrims cleanse themselves from sins in the murky waters, yogis meditate, mourners scatter ashes. On a stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, you will pass the famous Vishvanath Temple. In the evening you will witness the Aarti ceremony, when pilgrims and priests conjure up the sacred Ganges with flickering oil lamps – simply magical!
Overnight: Deccan Odyssey (BLD)
Day 10. On the Darjeeling Railway to the Himalayas
You arrive at Siliguri station, where you bid farewell to the legendary Deccan Odyssey and its crew. Overland drive to Kurseong. A unique experience awaits you: the ride on India’s famous Toy Train up to Darjeeling in the Himalaya. You drive approx. 30 km on the route built by the British in 1879 – 1881, which overcomes a difference in altitude of over 2,000 m over a total length of 86 km and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gentle hills covered with red blooming rhododendrons, white magnolias and bright green tea gardens nestle against snow-capped mountain giants. What a spectacle! 554 bridges and a single short tunnel on the entire route. You will spend the next two nights in a comfortable hotel with an enchanting flair.
Overnight: Hotel Mayfair Hill Resort (or similar), (BD)
Day 11. The Roof of the World
In the morning, you drive up the Tiger Hill with an unforgettable view of Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. When the weather is clear, you can even see Mount Everest from here! Pure harmony awaits you in the brightly colored Goom Monastery. Back in Darjeeling, stroll past colonial mansions and follow the ups and downs of Mount Everest summiteers at the Mountaineering Institute. Afterwards, spices, tea and incense sticks lure you to shop in the mall.
Overnight: Hotel Mayfair Hill Resort (or similar), (BLD)
Day 12. From the Himalaya to the gangs Delta
A short flight takes you from Bagdogra in the northern part of West Bengal to Kolkata.
Overnight: The Taj Bengal (or similar), (BD)
Day 13. Kolkata is (not) on the Ganges…
Today you will get to know more facets of Kolkata. You will explore Bengal’s exciting metropolis, a city with countless facets between colorful chaos and deep spiritual beauty. Kolkata is the centre of Indian intellectuals and the artistic avant-garde. Capital of British India until 1911, the huge white marble Victoria Memorial is the pride of the city. Other magnificent colonial buildings at the BBD Bag and St. Paul’s Cathedral also bear witness to this. The blooming gardens of the colorful Jain temple are an oasis of calm You will visit the mother house and learn about the religious work of Mother Teresa, whose tomb you will also visit. Experience the silhouette of the metropolis from a completely different perspective: during a boat trip on the Hugli, an estuary in the western Ganges delta.
Overnight: The Taj Bengal (or similar), (BD)
Day 14. Return flight
After breakfast transfer to the airport and flight home (B)
(B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner
This unique route offers you a kaleidoscope of India. The form of travel is also exceptional: the luxurious Deccan Odyssey has been named Asia’s best train several times.
Rates Include
Domestic flight Bagdogra – Kolkata in economy class
7 nights accommodation on the Deccan Odyssey luxury train
6 nights in comfort and deluxe hotels in Mumbai, Darjeeling and Kolkata
Meals as per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Beverages during meal times on board (soft drinks, water, tea, coffee, local alcoholic drinks but no premium and foreign beverages)
Full board on board the Deccan Odyssey train
Dance, music and specialty food at Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara
Visit the Red Fort in Agra and an Ashram in Udaipur
Safari in Ranthambore National Park
Train ride on the Toy Train from Kursong to Darjeeling
Porter service at the train station
Permanent English-speaking tour guide from Mumbai to Kolkata
Additional local English-speaking tour guide (maximum group size: 25 guests)
Entrance fees for all sightseeing as per itinerary
Boat trips in Mumbai, Udaipur, Varanasi and Kolkata
Not Included
Visa
Gratuities
International flights
Personal expenses
Entry Requirements
Passport and visas required. Please consult your local embassy.
Health, entry & vaccination regulations as prescribed by the visited countries. Please check with your local embassy and national guidelines for travel.
Your Luxury Train: Deccan Odyssey
Your modern and comfortable Deccan Odyssey special train (built in 2004) offers space for a maximum of 8 guests per carriage in 9 carriages, each with 4 compartments (approx. 9 m²). They have a private bathroom (shower/toilet), a safe and a private telephone connection (internal to the train).
Superior
The comfortable, air-conditioned Superior compartments (approx. 9 m²) are equipped with two single beds (each 85 cm x 205 cm). They are located in the last two cars of the train.
Deluxe
The comfortable, air-conditioned Deluxe compartments (approx. 9 m²) are equipped with a double bed (150 cm x 205 cm) or two single beds (each 85 cm x 205 cm).
Suite
The suites (approx. 19 m²) have a bedroom (double bed, 150 × 205 cm), a living room with a sofa (can also be used as a bed, 80 × 200 cm) and two bathrooms.
Restaurant
Indian and European dishes are served in the two restaurant cars.
