India’s Deccan Odyssey – Golden Triangle and the Ganges

Your epic adventure begins today when you take your overnight flight from London to Delhi.

When you arrive in Delhi you'll be transferred to your hotel. Choose from our handpicked 4* and 5* hotels, on a B&B basis.

You have a free day in Delhi today to explore and get to know the city better. Begin by taking a walk around town, the best way to delve into the city is on foot. You can visit a temple or two and see the magnificent Red Fort, but perhaps the best way to get an introduction to Delhi is through its food. Try out a few local dishes and visit the vibrant and colourful markets. Or, choose one of our optional excursions, available at a supplement.

When you join the Deccan Odyssey train today, you're stepping into a unique adventure. The train appears and feels vintage, but it's actually fairly new, enjoying its maiden journey in 2004, and so has every modern amenity you need. Perhaps the greatest addition to this regal train is the spa car, where you can relax with a massage. Get to know your luxury cabin as your journey begins and visit the bar car for a drink.

On this tour you'll explore the hidden riches when you embark on an unforgettable journey, starting with the capital city of Delhi. You'll travel through the vivid landscape of Ranthambore to the dream-like lands of Jaipur. You'll visit the ancient capital city of Mughals, Fatehpur Sikri and Agra where you can see the beauty of the Taj Mahal. Experience the regalness of Gwalior and discover the temples of Khajuraho. Lastly, you'll reach the sacred city of Varanasi, where you'll witness the majesty of the River Ganges.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast onboard this morning before arriving at Sawai Madhopur where you'll spend the day in the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, once the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. You'll travel in open vehicles through the park, on dusty paths, spotting the intriguing big cats as you go. Enjoy a village safari and then visit the intriguing Sawai Madhopur, and take an adventurous jungle safari. You'll return to the train for a dinner of international or Indian dishes, after which you can relax with a drink in the elegant 'Mumbai Hi' bar car or cosy up in your cabin for the night.

This morning, following your leisurely breakfast onboard the train, you'll arrive at the historic capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Often referred to as the 'Pink City', this inspiring city has some fascinating forts and palaces for you to explore. You'll take an intriguing walk through the colourful bazaars, watching the local daily life go by. Then it's time to return to the train for a relaxed dinner onboard.

This morning you arrive at the Mughal citadel of Agra. Following breakfast you'll visit the iconic Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This unique building is made of white marble with beautiful inlay work and marble screens, and is truly awe-inspiring. Lunch onboard the train is a selection of starters, main course, and desserts, from India and across the world. Your tour includes other architectural gems of the Mughal Empire and the magnificent Agra Fort. Dinner is served back onboard the train.

Today the Deccan Odyssey arrives at Gwalior. After your relaxed breakfast onboard, visit the Majestic Gwalior fort, which overlooks the city with imperial levels of majesty. A winding road leads you up to the fort where you can feel the full force of this epic building. Following lunch onboard, the train takes you to Orchha, an architecturally stunning town. Here you'll visit the fort and the temple, and you'll experience village life as you watch the people go about their day. Dinner is served back onboard the train and you can relax for the evening in your cabin or with new friends in the bar car.

Enjoy a slow breakfast onboard this morning before preparing for a very special tour. You'll arrive at the historic city of Khajuraho today, a group of Hindu and Jain temples in the Chhatarpur district. Wander around these incredible temples, including the World Heritage Monument the Chandela Temple complex. You'll also visit the Mahadev Temple, a 13th century Shaivite temple, which is both unusual and visually stunning. Dinner is served back onboard the train, with both international and Indian dishes available.

Following your relaxed breakfast onboard this morning, you'll arrive at Varanasi for something unforgettable. Often called the cradle of mankind and said to be one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, Varanasi is a bucket list destination. Here, you'll visit Temples and see the Ghats, or steps, that lead into the river. You'll experience the lively bazaar and the beautiful chaos of the city before you enjoy a serene boat ride on the Holy Ganges. Relax back on the train with a lavish dinner and a drink in the bar while you dream about the incredible day you had today.

Spend the morning relaxing onboard the train, watching the diverse landscapes drift by your window, and take some time to enjoy the spa car, or curl up with a good book in your cabin. Lunch is served onboard, before you arrive back into Delhi in the afternoon. Now it's time to leave the Deccan Odyssey, taking you memories of this unique trip away with you. You'll be transferred to your hotel to spend the night in Delhi.

Your once-in-a-lifetime journey comes to its close today when you are transferred from your hotel back to Delhi airport for your flight back to London.

If you're not ready to go home and you want to keep your adventure going, extend your stay with one of our optional extensions.