Deccan Odyssey’s Indian Adventure Tour

Depart with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow for our overnight flight to Delhi.

Alternative airline – Emirates

If you prefer, you may fly with Emirates via Dubai from London Heathrow, Manchester or Birmingham for a supplement, from £100 per person return.

Upon arrival into Delhi, we transfer to The Leela Ambience Hotel for our first two nights in India. This evening, we join our Tour Manager and fellow travellers for a welcome drink, to become better acquainted for our adventures ahead.

Delhi, a city combining the very best of old and modern India, is a wonderful introduction to this fascinating country. Following breakfast, we head out to explore the city, marvel at the Red Fort – the palace of the Mughal Empire in the 1500s, famed for its opulence, and visit Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque. Next, we embark on a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi, taking in the sights as we ride through its streets. We cycle past the imposing India Gate, striking Parliament House and President House, and visit the beautiful Sikh temple of Bangla Sahib Gurudwara. After lunch, we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Humayun’s Tomb, where the 16th-century Mughal Emperor lies.

It’s an early start today as we make our way to the train station in time to board the Shatabdi Express to Amritsar. Upon arrival, we transfer to Le Meridien Hotel, which will be home for the next two nights. Following dinner this evening, we visit the breathtaking Golden Temple where the twinkling lights illuminate its beauty further. Here we can witness the sacred and much-revered Palki Sahib, or putting to bed, ceremony.

Tour Highlight

We begin our sightseeing tour with another visit to the striking Golden Temple, where the volunteer community kitchen provides free meals to 10,000 pilgrims or visitors a day. Take a walk through the busy bazaars of the city and visit the historic Jallianwala Bagh, before making a stop at the Durgiana Hindu Temple, a replica of the Golden Temple.

This afternoon, we visit the Partition Museum, where we can learn the stories of the millions of people affected during the Partition of 1947 through oral histories, personal artefacts, letters, photographs, and original documents.

Tour Highlight

After breakfast, we head to the railway station for our journey back to Delhi. Upon arrival, we have lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the National Rail Museum, home to a variety of steam, diesel and electric locomotives, along with a collection of historic photographs and railway artefacts.

Next, we board the Deccan Odyssey, the epitome of luxury train travel. Settle into our private cabins, with on-demand butler service, as we take in the tapestry of India’s panoramic landscapes. For dinner, we dine on a delicious menu prepared by expert chefs with the freshest local ingredients. Meander through the elegant carriages and sample the facilities of the bar, lounge room, signature spa, and more.

After a relaxed morning onboard, we gather in the dining car as we prepare to embark on our quest for nature in the world-famous Ranthambore National Park, a tiger reserve that once served as the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Head out on a thrilling safari in search of the ever-elusive tigers that roam freely here. Afterwards, we return to the luxurious embrace of our state-of-the-art train, Deccan Odyssey. Swap stories from plush armchairs as we sip on a cocktail, before dinner in the dining car.

Tour Highlight

This morning, we set out to discover the Mughal citadel of Agra, where the vision of the Taj Mahal will be seared in our memories forever. The exquisite ivory white marble mausoleum and testament of love stands as a serene sentinel over the city. We discover other architectural gems, like the imposing beauty of Agra Fort, and visit Kalakriti to witness the art of inlay work, which can be found in Mughal structures. We return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner.

We arrive at the historic capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur – known as ‘The Pink City’. After breakfast, we explore the treasure trove of exquisite forts and regal palaces, a testament to the architectural ingenuity of old. Behold the magnitude of Amber Fort that adorns the sprawling landscape; the seven-story citadel of the City Palace with its vast courtyards; and the latticed sandstone work of art that is the Hawa Mahal, known as the Palace of the Winds. History and modernity dance together as we browse the bustling bazaars of this beautiful city, weaving our way between stalls. Afterwards, we return to the comfort of the Deccan Odyssey, where a sumptuous dinner and a comfortable night’s rest awaits.

This morning, we arrive at our next stop, Udaipur, nestled beside the serene waters of Lake Pichola. Enjoy breakfast whilst taking in the view of the surrounding Aravali Hills. Explore the famous City Palace and marvel at the architecture adorned with gracefully curved arches, intricately carved balconies and beautiful domed roofs. A cruise on the serene waters of Lake Pichola brings our morning’s sightseeing to a close. Following lunch, we take a walking tour through the Old City and explore the lively and colourful bazaar, which still retains its local charm. As the day winds down, we gather back on-board the Deccan Odyssey for dinner.

This morning, we arrive at Vadodara, the royal city of the Gaekwads. After breakfast, we set out towards the historic site of Champaner, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park. Here, we marvel at the beautiful architecture that stands as a testament to a bygone era. Returning to Vadodara, enjoy lunch back on board before visiting the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, which houses an exquisite collection of European paintings and royal artefacts. Later, we are welcomed at the magnificent Laxmi Vilas Palace for tea and snacks amidst the regal surroundings. As evening falls, we return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner.

Today we arrive in Aurangabad, gateway to one of India’s greatest architectural marvels. After lunch on board, we disembark to visit the spectacular Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its monumental rock-cut temples and monasteries carved into the basalt cliffs. Wander through this extraordinary complex, where Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions come together in a breathtaking display of artistry and devotion. As the sun sets, we return to the Deccan Odyssey to relax and dine while the train makes its way to our final destination – Mumbai.

This morning, after arriving in Mumbai, we leave the train for the final time. We head out on a short tour of the city, visiting Mani Bhawan, a museum dedicated to Ghandi, the Prince of Wales Museum, Victoria Terminus, the iconic Gateway of India, and the artistic neighbourhood of Kala Ghoda Chowk. Afterwards, we check into our hotel, the Trident Nariman Point, where we enjoy a final dinner together.

After two weeks discovering the delights of India, it is finally time to say farewell to this enchanting country and our newfound friends. We make our way to the airport this morning to return home. We arrive in the UK in the evening, ready to delight our loved ones with stories from our travels.