Our voyage of discovery begins at Mumbai airport, where we will be met and transferred to our hotel for a luxurious two-night stay. Check in time starts from 15:00 hrs.

Overnight: Vivanta by Taj President, Mumbai (2 nights) (D)

Our 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. (B, D)

We 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 us aboard the lovely Deccan Odyssey, a perfect way to experience the colour, character and amazing diversity of India. Settle into our beautifully appointed private en-suite cabin and enjoy the hospitable atmosphere of the stylish Bar Lounge Car before experiencing fine Indian or western cuisine prepared by our on board chefs.

Overnight: On board (B, D)

Today, we 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. In the Laxmi Vilas Palace, where the princely family still resides today, we can enjoy dance and music with delicacies from the princely Indian cuisine. In the afternoon, wonderful paintings and sculptures await us in the Maharadsha Fateh Singh Museum. Back on board the Deccan Odyssey, the journey continues.

Overnight: On board (B, D)

Against the backdrop of the Araveli Mountains, palaces are reflected in small lakes. Udaipur is India's most romantic city. First, we’ll visit the huge palace area directly on Lake Pichola. The crystal collection is unique and curious at the same time, with armchairs, tables and beds made of crystal glass. We enjoy the dream scenery of Lake Pichola by boat. A detour takes us 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, we can take a stroll through the old town.

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

Spend a wonderful day in India's wilderness. Arrive at Sawai Madhopur railway station in the morning. First, we will get to know the villages in the area. Take in 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, as well as India’s magnificent predator the tiger, which we may be lucky enough to see. In the evening, board our palace on rails again.

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

With a breakfast arrival into the capital of Rajasthan, the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur overwhelms the senses as we embrace its rich and colourful past. Take a tour of the Jantar Mantar Observatory, the imposing and vast City Palace and the beautiful Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds.  This delicately stunning, yet enduring monument is constructed entirely of pink sandstone and was built in 1799 to allow royal ladies to discreetly observe everyday life. Visit the Amber Fort and explore its breathtaking and ornate majesty, including the magnificent Hall of Mirrors.

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

Today is devoted to visiting the impossibly beautiful Taj Mahal, built entirely of white marble on the south bank of the Yamuna river and indisputably the most famous building in the world. Completed in 1648 by Moghul Emperor, Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal is a mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It took 22 years and 20,000 artisan workers to complete. We will also have the chance to admire the Red Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

Varanasi, one of India’s most sacred and spiritual places, simply has to be experienced to be understood. Our early morning arrival offers us the opportunity to discover what is believed to be the oldest continually inhabited city in the world.  Situated on the banks of the River Ganges, this cultural and religious centre, known as the City of Light, was established between three and five thousand years ago. It is a focus for Hindu pilgrims, who bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges and perform funeral rites.  We are privileged to witness these time-honoured ceremonies before departing for a private river cruise. In the evening, take in the Aarti ceremony, where pilgrims and priests conjure up the sacred Ganges with flickering oil lamps - simply magical!

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

Today we leave the Deccan Odyssey and embark on a spectacular journey to the hill station of Darjeeling.  Embark on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also known as the 'Toy Train', it is a 2 foot (610 mm) narrow-gauge railway.

Travelling through awe-inspiring scenery, our locomotive zigzags and loops, gaining height to reach the cooler air of India’s most famous hill station. We climb to Ghum, which, situated at 7,407 feet (2,258 metres), is the highest railway station in India. Here snow-covered Mount Kanchenchunga (third highest in the world) dominates the skyline. We then drop into Darjeeling itself, first crossing the graceful loop at Batasia.

Overnight: Hotel Mayfair Hill Resort, Darjeeling (2 nights) (B, D)

In the morning, we drive up the Tiger Hill with an unforgettable view of Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. When the weather is clear, one can even see Mount Everest from here! Pure harmony awaits us 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 us to shop in the mall. (B, L, D)

After an English breakfast, we leave this tranquil haven to embark on a private transfer from Darjeeling to Bagdogra airport for a short commercial flight to Kolkata.  On the way, we will enjoy panoramic views of the extensive tea plantations that unfurl around us.

On arrival, we transfer to the Taj Bengal hotel, a landmark five-star hotel in downtown Kolkata, for a two-night stay. Prominent landmarks, including Victoria Memorial, Royal Calcutta Race Course, Horticultural Gardens, National Library, Eden Gardens and the Alipore Zoological Gardens, are all within walking distance.

Overnight: The Taj Bengal, Kolkata (2 nights) (B, D)

Kolkata is a sensory delight and cultural extravaganza that is constantly evolving.  After breakfast, we spend the day exploring and absorbing the many sights that comprise this enthralling city that was once India’s capital. Our tour includes a visit to the Victoria Memorial, one of the finest and most prominent buildings in Kolkata, which houses a museum dedicated to the history of India. 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. We will visit the mother house and learn about the religious work of Mother Teresa, whose tomb we 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. (B, D)

After breakfast, we are transferred to the airport in time for our departure flight. Checkout is by 11:00 AM. (B)