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 3:00 PM.

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

Our adventure begins in India’s economic metropolis. Upon arrival in Mumbai, we drive to Mani Bhavan, the historic former residence of Mahatma Gandhi. Afterwards, we visit the Prince of Wales Museum to admire its extraordinary collection of archaeological treasures before continuing to the iconic Gateway of India, the city's premier landmark along the waterfront. (B, D)

Today, we step behind the scenes of India’s vibrant film industry with a visit to the world-famous Bollywood film studios, walking in the footsteps of legendary stars Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Rani Mukerji. Afterwards, we transfer to Victoria Terminus (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus), built in 1888 and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site*. Here, the crew welcomes us aboard the exquisite Deccan Odyssey. 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 vibrant university town of Vadodara. A short drive brings us to Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the largely unexcavated remains of Gujarat's ancient capital. Here, impressive city walls enclose pre-Mughal mosques and palaces that blend Hindu and Islamic architectural traditions. Afterwards, we visit Laxmi Vilas Palace, where the royal family still resides today. Within its grand surroundings, we enjoy music and dance performances alongside delicacies from traditional princely Indian cuisine. In the afternoon, we explore the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum to admire its remarkable collection of paintings and sculptures before reboarding the Deccan Odyssey to continue our journey.

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

Set against the backdrop of the Aravalli Mountains, Udaipur features majestic palaces reflected in picturesque lakes, earning its reputation as India's most romantic city. We begin with a visit to the expansive City Palace complex situated directly along Lake Pichola. Here, we observe a unique crystal collection displaying intricate furniture, including tables, armchairs, and beds crafted entirely from crystal glass. Afterwards, we board a boat to take in the stunning scenery across Lake Pichola. We also visit Dastkar, a non-profit initiative established over two decades ago to preserve traditional craftsmanship while creating sustainable income for rural women. Alternatively, we can take a relaxing stroll through the vibrant streets of the old town.

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

Arriving at Sawai Madhopur railway station in the morning, we venture into India’s wilderness. We begin by visiting local rural villages, gaining insight into daily life as men in vibrant turbans and women in colourful saris welcome us. From here, a short drive brings us to world-famous Ranthambore National Park. Spanning vast wooded plains and craggy hills, the park is home to deer, antelope, pheasants, langurs, and sloth bears. Ranthambore is most celebrated for its healthy population of Royal Bengal tigers. On our afternoon game safari, we explore the park's diverse terrain, keeping a sharp watch for a rare glimpse of India's iconic apex predator in its natural habitat. In the evening, we return to the railway station and reboard the Deccan Odyssey to resume our luxury rail journey across India.

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

In the morning, our train pulls into Jaipur, known as the Pink City. We begin by admiring 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 and Jantar Mantar*, an 18th-century astronomical observatory designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, an excursion takes us to Amber Fort*, a massive palace-fortress towering over Lake Maota, where we marvel at the intricate Sheesh Mahal (Hall of Mirrors), where a single light reflects off thousands of tiny mirrors. In the evening, we return to the Deccan Odyssey.

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

As the entrance gates open, the white marble monument of the Taj Mahal* emerges on the horizon—an unforgettable sight. Recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this iconic mausoleum was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. We admire its symmetrical design, intricate floral inlays of semi-precious stones, and reflective pools. Next, we visit Agra Fort*, also a UNESCO site. Constructed of red sandstone along the Yamuna River, this formidable 16th-century fortress served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors before the capital shifted to Delhi.

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. On a stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, we will pass the famous Vishvanath Temple. In the evening, we will witness the Aarti ceremony, when pilgrims and priests conjure up the sacred Ganges with flickering oil lamps – simply magical!

Overnight: On board (B, L, D)

Arriving at Siliguri station, we bid farewell to the crew of the Deccan Odyssey and continue by road to Kurseong. Here, we experience a journey on India's famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway*, commonly known as the Toy Train. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this narrow-gauge railway line was constructed by the British between 1879 and 1881. The 86 km route ascends over 2,000 m into the Himalayas, featuring 554 bridges and a single short tunnel along its engineering marvel of a path. As we ride up to Darjeeling, we pass terraced tea gardens, hillsides dotted with blooming red rhododendrons and white magnolias, and dramatic views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Upon arrival in Darjeeling, we transfer to our hotel for a comfortable two-night stay.

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)