Upon arrival at Delhi airport, we are welcomed by our tour guide and transferred to our hotel. Hotel check-in starts at 2:00 PM. The balance of the day is free to rest after the journey.

Overnight: The Leela Ambience, Delhi (2 nights)

After a leisurely morning, we set out to explore India's capital. We ride by rickshaw through the busy lanes of Old Delhi, past silversmiths and sweet makers, to Jama Masjid, one of the largest mosques in India, and the Red Fort*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the seat of the Mughal emperors for about 200 years. At Raj Ghat, we pause at the memorial that marks the site of Mahatma Gandhi's cremation. In New Delhi, we see Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan (the Presidential Palace), and India Gate, all built in the 1920s and early 1930s as the centrepiece of the new British capital. We end the day at Humayun's Tomb*, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 16th century for the second Mughal emperor and set in formal Persian-style gardens, it was an important model for the Taj Mahal. (B, D)

We begin at Qutub Minar*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begun around 1200, this red sandstone tower rises 72.5 meters and is carved with bands of Quranic inscriptions. It is one of the tallest minarets in the world. Next, we visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, one of Delhi's most important Sikh houses of worship, known for its golden dome and sacred pool. In the afternoon, we transfer to Delhi Cantonment Railway Station, where the crew welcomes us aboard the exquisite Deccan Odyssey, our home for the next seven nights. We settle into our private cabin before dinner.

Overnight: On board (7 nights) (B, D)

Our train arrives in Agra at sunrise, giving us time at the Taj Mahal* before the crowds arrive. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this white marble mausoleum was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. We admire its symmetry, its inlays of semi-precious stones, and its reflection in the long garden pools. Back on board, the Deccan Odyssey heads west toward the hills of Rajasthan. From Sawai Madhopur railway station, a short drive brings us to Ranthambore National Park, a former royal hunting reserve of forest, lakes, and rocky hills. On our safari, we watch for antelope, deer, pheasants, monkeys, and sloth bears, with a chance to spot magnificent Royal Bengal tigers. In the evening, we reboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

In the morning, our train pulls into Jaipur, known as the Pink City. We begin outside the city at Amber Fort, a massive palace-fortress towering over Lake Maota and part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Back in Jaipur, we stop at the famous pink facade of Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), whose screened balconies once allowed royal women to observe market life below without being seen. We then explore the magnificent City Palace complex, still home to Jaipur's royal family, and Jantar Mantar*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the early 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, its giant stone instruments, including the world's largest stone sundial, were used to measure time and track the stars. In the evening, we return to the Deccan Odyssey.

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

We wake to the sight of Jaisalmer Fort rising from the desert in honey-coloured sandstone. Founded in 1156 and also part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan, it is one of the few forts in the world where people still live within the walls. We wander the narrow lanes of this old caravan town, past havelis, the carved sandstone mansions of merchants who grew wealthy on the desert trade routes. After visiting Jaisalmer Fort, we head out into the Thar Desert. From the top of the dunes, we enjoy a sundowner as the colours of the desert change at sunset.

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

Set against the backdrop of the Aravalli Mountains, Udaipur features majestic palaces reflected in man-made lakes. We begin with a visit to the expansive City Palace complex, situated directly along Lake Pichola and expanded by the rulers of Mewar over about 400 years. Here, we observe a unique crystal collection displaying furniture, including tables, armchairs, and beds, crafted entirely from crystal glass. Afterwards, we board a boat to take in the scenery across Lake Pichola, passing the Lake Palace, now a hotel. In the afternoon, we have free time to stroll through the vibrant streets and bazaars of the old town at our own pace.

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

Today, we reach the university town of Vadodara. From the railway station, we drive to Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the remains of Gujarat's capital in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Here, city walls enclose pre-Mughal mosques, palaces, and fortifications that blend Hindu and Islamic architectural traditions. At lunchtime, we continue to Jambughoda Palace, a heritage residence where the Maharaja and Maharani of Jambughoda welcome us. After lunch, we join our hosts for traditional afternoon tea in the palace's colonial-style salon and hear first-hand how India's former royal families keep their traditions alive in modern India. We then reboard the Deccan Odyssey to continue our journey.

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

From Aurangabad, now officially named Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, we set out for the Ellora Caves*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, 34 temples and monasteries were cut into a basalt cliff between about AD 600 and 1000. Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain caves sit side by side, filled with carved shrines, sculptures, and reliefs from all three traditions. Their scale and detail show the skill of the generations of stonemasons who worked here, and the religious tolerance of the period.

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

Our rail journey ends at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus*, formerly Victoria Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site completed in 1888 that blends Victorian Gothic design with traditional Indian architecture. Here, we bid farewell to the crew of the Deccan Odyssey and explore India's economic metropolis. We visit Mani Bhavan, Mahatma Gandhi's Mumbai home from 1917 to 1934, and the Prince of Wales Museum to admire its collection of archaeological treasures, before continuing to the iconic Gateway of India on the waterfront. A harbour cruise then shows us the city from the water.

Overnight: ITC Grand Central, Mumbai (1 night) (B, D)

Today, we step behind the scenes of India's film industry with a visit to the world-famous Bollywood film studios. Alternatively, we can explore Mumbai's historic city centre, with a photo stop at Dhobi Ghat, the city's open-air laundry, and a stroll along Colaba Causeway, one of Mumbai's busiest shopping streets. In the evening, we close our journey with a farewell dinner of Indian specialities. With a late check-out at our hotel, we are then transferred to the airport in time for our departure flight. (B, D)