Arrive in Delhi—a city of grand boulevards, ancient monuments and everyday theatre, where the past and present sit side by side. After clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Take time to settle in, refresh after your flight, and ease into India at a comfortable pace.

The afternoon is at leisure—ideal for a restorative nap, a gentle stroll nearby, or simply enjoying the hotel facilities before the journey properly begins.

This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel, then unwind for a restful night as your India rail adventure gets ready to unfold.

Overnight: Delhi.

After breakfast, check out and set off for a full day exploring the contrasts of Delhi—from the bustling, centuries-old alleyways of Old Delhi to the grand, tree-lined avenues of New Delhi. Today is a brilliant introduction to the city’s layered identity, where Mughal-era wonders and colonial-era landmarks sit alongside living traditions and everyday energy.

Next, transition into the elegance of New Delhi with panoramic drives past India Gate, the President’s House and the Parliament House—a striking change of pace that reveals the city’s imperial-era planning and spacious boulevards.

Later, visit Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, a serene and deeply moving Sikh temple known for its golden dome, sacred water tank, and spirit of service. You may also glimpse the community kitchen (langar), a beautiful expression of equality and hospitality.

After lunch, continue to the National Rail Museum—a fascinating collection of historic engines, royal carriages and railway stories that shaped modern India. Then visit the elegant Humayun’s Tomb, the grand garden-tomb of Emperor Humayun and a masterpiece that influenced later Mughal architecture, including the Taj Mahal. Strolling the symmetrical pathways and sandstone arches here feels like stepping into a calm, curated chapter of history.

The evening is free at leisure—perfect for resting, enjoying the hotel facilities, or simply taking a quiet moment to absorb your first full day in India.

Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

Overnight: Delhi.

This morning, you’ll trade Delhi’s bustle for the soulful charm of Amritsar, travelling by fast train through the plains of North India. With a packed breakfast provided by the hotel, you’ll be picked up and transferred to the station in time to board the ATQ Shatabdi (approx. 07:20–13:30). Settle into your seat, watch the landscapes shift outside the window, and enjoy a smooth, comfortable ride towards Punjab’s most revered city.

On arrival in Amritsar, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The afternoon is at leisure—ideal for a well-earned rest after the early departure, or a gentle first wander nearby to get a feel for the city’s warm, welcoming pace.

Dinner is included at the hotel this evening before one of the most memorable spiritual experiences in India.

Overnight: Amritsar.

After breakfast at the hotel, set out to explore the spiritual and historic heart of Amritsar—a city where devotion, resilience and Punjabi warmth come together in unforgettable ways. This morning’s sightseeing begins at the radiant Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), Sikhism’s most sacred shrine. As you approach, the atmosphere shifts—soft hymns, the scent of incense, and the steady rhythm of barefoot footsteps across cool marble.

From here, enjoy a walk through the lively bazaars of Amritsar—narrow lanes filled with spice aromas, colourful textiles, and shopfronts stacked with Punjabi sweets and local crafts. Your route also takes you to Jallianwala Bagh, a quiet memorial garden that preserves one of the most poignant chapters of India’s modern history. The visit is reflective and important, offering context and depth to the story of the city.

Next, visit the Durgiana Temple, a revered Hindu temple whose shimmering design and sacred pond often draw comparisons to the Golden Temple. While the style feels familiar, the atmosphere is distinctly its own—peaceful, devotional and beautifully photogenic.

Return to your hotel in the evening for dinner and a restful night, ready for the next chapter of your journey.

Dinner and overnight: Amritsar.

After an early breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Amritsar Railway Station to board the Vande Bharat Express to Delhi (08:20–13:50). Settle into your seat and enjoy a comfortable, modern rail journey as the landscapes of Punjab give way to the wide plains leading into the capital.

On arrival at Delhi Railway Station, you will be met and assisted before continuing to a local restaurant for lunch. After lunch, you’ll be transferred to Safdarjung Railway Station, where a new chapter begins—your grand rail experience on the legendary Deccan Odyssey.

Welcome aboard the Deccan Odyssey. This evening, assemble at the station at approximately 17:00 to complete registration and check-in formalities for your Indian Odyssey journey. You’ll be greeted with a traditional Indian welcome and a refreshing welcome drink, setting the tone for the elegance and heritage that defines this iconic train.

After the formalities, you’ll be shown to your beautifully appointed cabin. Take a moment to settle in—unpack a little, freshen up, and absorb the atmosphere of life on board. As you relax, the Deccan Odyssey prepares to depart Delhi, rolling onward towards Sawai Madhopur, gateway to the wild landscapes of Ranthambore.

Dinner and overnight: Deccan Odyssey.

Wake up to the romance of rail travel as the Deccan Odyssey arrives into Sawai Madhopur—the gateway town to the legendary Ranthambore National Park. This is one of India’s most celebrated tiger reserves, where conservation efforts have helped protect a fragile population of these magnificent big cats. The landscape here is a dramatic mix of dry deciduous forest, rocky ridges, open grasslands, and ancient lakes—exactly the kind of terrain where a tiger can melt into the shadows and then reappear as if by magic.

Begin the day with breakfast on board before stepping off the train to experience a more intimate side of Rajasthan—its village rhythms, warm smiles, and everyday traditions that have remained beautifully rooted despite the changing world beyond.

This afternoon, disembark for your Ranthambore safari—a thrilling, sensory experience where each bend of the track feels like a possibility. While the tiger is the headline act, Ranthambore’s supporting cast is equally captivating: you may spot herds of chital and sambar deer, wild boar, nilgai antelope and chinkara gazelles. With luck and sharp eyes, there’s even the chance of glimpsing a leopard or sloth bear, while the park’s lakes and waterholes are often home to crocodiles and elegant water birds.

Birdlife here can be spectacular—listen for the calls of jungle fowl and partridges, and look skyward for raptors such as the crested serpent eagle. Around the lakes, you may also see storks, ducks, and geese, creating a completely different mood from the dusty forest trails.

At around 17:15, return to the Deccan Odyssey—just in time to freshen up and relax with a drink before dinner. As the sun slips lower and the day’s wild moments replay in your mind, the train gently gathers momentum once more, departing at 18:30 for Agra.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board.

Overnight: Deccan Odyssey.

As the Deccan Odyssey glides into Agra, you step into the heart of Mughal grandeur—a city that reminds you the Mughals were not only one of India’s most influential dynasties, but also its most extraordinary builders. After a leisurely breakfast on board, today unfolds as a masterclass in imperial artistry: dazzling white marble, red sandstone strength, and the delicate craftsmanship that still defines Agra’s identity.

At 09:30, visit the incomparable Taj Mahal—Emperor Shah Jahan’s timeless tribute to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Few places on earth feel quite like this: the symmetry that calms the mind, the marble that changes tone with the light, and the quiet awe that settles over even the most seasoned travellers. Legends of its making add to its mystique—built over 22 years by thousands of craftsmen, with marble said to have travelled great distances by caravan, the Taj remains a monument where romance and engineering meet in breathtaking harmony.

From 13:00–14:00, enjoy lunch at a city hotel before continuing deeper into Mughal power and politics. At 14:00, proceed to Agra Fort, another outstanding architectural masterpiece and the seat of Mughal administration for generations. The fort’s story spans rulers and eras: Akbar’s commanding red sandstone foundations, Shah Jahan’s refined marble additions and private quarters, and Aurangzeb’s formidable outer ramparts. As you move through courtyards and chambers, don’t miss the Diwan-e-Am (Hall of Public Audience) and the Royal Pavilions—spaces designed to impress, govern, and endure.

Later, at 16:30, visit Kalakriti to witness the delicate artistry of inlay work—the famed Pietra Dura technique that adorns many Mughal structures and famously beautifies the Taj Mahal itself. Watching this craft up close brings a new appreciation for the patience and precision required to set semi-precious stone into marble with near-invisible seams.

By 19:00, return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner as the day’s splendour settles into memory. At 20:00, the train departs onward to Jaipur, carrying you from Mughal marvels towards Rajasthan’s royal hues.

Meals included: Breakfast on board; lunch at a city hotel; dinner on board.

Overnight: Deccan Odyssey.

Today the Deccan Odyssey brings you to Jaipur—the legendary Pink City and proud heart of Rajasthan. Framed by the rugged Aravali Hills and crowned with formidable forts, Jaipur feels like a living gallery of royal ambition: palaces built for ceremony, courtyards designed for processions, and bazaars that still pulse with colour, craft and character. Expect a day that blends iconic architecture with the joyful, sensory buzz that makes Jaipur unforgettable.

After a warm station welcome, you travel to the mighty Amber Fort, rising above the landscape like a dream carved from honey-coloured stone. Between 10:30 and 12:30, explore its grand courtyards, ornate gateways, and regal halls that once echoed with the footsteps of Rajput royalty. This is Jaipur at its most cinematic—an architectural triumph where defensive strength meets intricate beauty, and every archway seems to frame another perfect view.

From 13:00 to 14:30, enjoy lunch at a city hotel, then ease into a relaxed afternoon of browsing and discovery. Jaipur’s bazaars have a timeless quality—bright fabrics, traditional crafts, and the gentle theatre of daily life. The shopping window (14:30–15:30) is your chance to soak up the atmosphere at your own pace.

Later, visit the elegant City Palace, where royal residences, courtyards and museum spaces reveal the refinement behind Rajasthan’s warrior image. En route, drive past the iconic Hawa Mahal—the Palace of Winds—its honeycomb façade designed so royal women could observe street life from behind delicate screens. By early evening, you return to the station, carrying the colours and rhythms of Jaipur back with you.

At 20:00, the Deccan Odyssey departs onward, and dinner is served on board—an unhurried end to a day shaped by forts, palaces, and the irresistible charm of Rajasthan.

Meals included: breakfast on board; lunch at a city hotel; dinner on board.

Overnight: Deccan Odyssey.

This morning the Deccan Odyssey glides into Udaipur, Rajasthan’s exquisite City of Lakes and one of India’s most romantic settings. Draped along the shores of tranquil Lake Pichola and framed by the softly contoured Aravali Hills, Udaipur feels like a painted scene—whitewashed palaces, shimmering water, and a slower, gentler rhythm that invites you to linger. Enjoy breakfast on board as the scenery unfolds outside, a serene contrast to the fortresses and bazaars of the previous day.

At around 10:00, disembark to explore Udaipur’s crowning masterpiece: the magnificent City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. As you move through its grand courtyards and chambers, notice the delicate blend of scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and elegant cupolas—details designed to catch the breeze and the light. The experience is elevated further by the Crystal Gallery, a dazzling collection that underscores the opulence of the Mewar rulers and the artistry that flourished here for centuries.

Your morning continues with a boat cruise on Lake Pichola, drifting across calm waters that mirror the city’s marble hues. From the lake, Udaipur reveals its most poetic angle—palaces appearing to float on the surface, hills softening the horizon, and the gentle soundscape of oars and distant temple bells. It is one of those unhurried moments that stays with you long after the journey ends.

From 13:30 to 14:30, enjoy lunch at a city hotel, then set out on a walking tour through the Old City of Udaipur. This is where the city feels most intimate and alive: narrow serpentine lanes, timeworn façades, and a lively bazaar culture that still holds onto its local charm. As you wander, you’ll pass shops piled with fragrant spices and tea, bamboo baskets, marigold garlands, sweets, and the everyday essentials of city life—an authentic window into Udaipur beyond the palace walls.

Later, return to the Deccan Odyssey for a relaxed evening on board. As the train prepares to depart for Vadodara at 20:00, enjoy dinner and the gentle feeling of onward motion—Udaipur’s lake-lit romance lingering as the next chapter of your journey begins.

Meals included: breakfast on board; lunch at a city hotel; dinner on board.

Overnight: Deccan Odyssey.

This morning you arrive in Vadodara, the proud former capital of the Gaekwads, set along the seasonal Vishwamitri River. There is an unmistakable sense of regal legacy here—grand avenues, palace silhouettes and a cultured elegance that once made this one of India’s most refined princely states. Enjoy breakfast on board as the Deccan Odyssey eases into the station, then step ashore for a day that blends UNESCO heritage with royal art, architecture and a touch of palace-pageantry.

At 08:30, disembark and drive to Champaner, where the landscape shifts from city elegance to a dramatic heritage setting. By 10:00, you’ll reach the remarkable Champaner–Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated as the only complete and unchanged pre-Mughal Islamic city in India. What makes this place so compelling is its layered story—archaeological ruins, living culture, and sacred geography all cradled within an impressive natural setting. Much of the heritage here remains largely unexcavated, giving the site a sense of mystery and discovery as you walk among ancient structures that still feel rooted in the earth.

One of the day’s highlights is the splendid Jami Masjid (Great Mosque), built in 1513. Look closely and you’ll see why it is so admired: an elegant fusion of Hindu and Islamic architectural elements—proportions, detailing, and craftsmanship that later influenced mosque design across India. Take time to notice the stonework, the symmetry, and the way the structure seems to breathe coolness even under a strong sun.

At around 12:00, begin your return towards Vadodara. By 13:30, you’ll be back on board the Deccan Odyssey for lunch—an enjoyable pause to cool off, refresh and reset before the afternoon’s royal and artistic chapters.

At 15:30, visit the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, once built as a school for the Maharaja’s children and now a treasure-house for art lovers. The collection includes celebrated works by Raja Ravi Varma—a pioneer of modern Indian painting—alongside pieces by renowned European masters. You’ll also find an impressive assembly of marble and bronze sculptures, each room offering a quiet reminder that Vadodara’s royal legacy extended beyond power into patronage, taste and learning.

Then, at 17:30, step into the grandeur of Laxmi Vilas Palace for tea and snacks in a setting that feels almost cinematic. Built in 1890 and still home to the royal family today, the palace is reputed to be four times the size of Buckingham Palace. Its famed Durbar Hall is a showcase of international artistry and royal confidence—think Venetian mosaic floors, Belgian stained-glass windows, and intricate mosaic detailing that catches light like jewellery. You’ll also glimpse a notable collection of historic armoury and sculptures in bronze, marble and terracotta. To complete the experience, enjoy a regional folk performance as you sample special delicacies inspired by the palace kitchens—an elegant finale to a day steeped in heritage.

At around 19:00, depart for the station and return to the Deccan Odyssey. As the train pulls away at 20:00, you’ll leave Vadodara behind—carrying forward the day’s blend of UNESCO heritage, royal artistry and palace splendour—on your onward journey towards Ellora.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner on board; tea & snacks at Laxmi Vilas Palace.

Overnight: Deccan Odyssey.

Today brings a gentle, late start—perfectly paced for you to savour a relaxed morning on board the Deccan Odyssey. As the train rolls into Aurangabad, you’ll feel Maharashtra’s history unfold in layers: a city named after the last Great Mughal, Aurangzeb, shaped by Mughal-era ambition and later industrial growth. While Aurangabad is known for monuments such as Bibi-ka-Maqbara, Daulatabad Fort and the city’s famed gates, today’s headline is an unforgettable visit to Ellora Caves—one of India’s most extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage masterpieces.

After a languid breakfast and time to enjoy the train’s comforts, settle in for lunch on board as Aurangabad approaches. At 13:30, disembark and begin a scenic drive to Ellora, carved into the flank of a basalt hill around 30 km from the city. Even before you step inside the first cave, the setting feels monumental—an ancient stone landscape where devotion, craftsmanship and engineering meet at a scale that still feels almost unbelievable.

From 15:00 to 17:00, explore the famed Ellora Caves, regarded as one of the finest specimens of cave-temple architecture in India. The site comprises 34 rock-cut shrines spanning centuries and faiths, representing a rare and powerful harmony of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain traditions. The layout itself tells a story: 12 Buddhist caves to the south, 17 Hindu caves in the centre, and 5 Jain caves to the north—an extraordinary, walkable timeline of spiritual and artistic evolution dating broadly from the 4th to 5th century AD and beyond.

The undisputed showstopper is the awe-inspiring Kailash Temple (Cave 16), conceived as a replica of Shiva’s celestial abode on Mount Kailash. This is not a temple built from blocks—it was sculpted by removing vast volumes of rock, revealing a complete architectural universe from a single hillside. Its scale, symmetry and intricacy make it one of the world’s most remarkable examples of rock-cut architecture, and an enduring engineering marvel. Stand in its courtyards and you’ll feel the profound ambition behind it: a monument designed not simply to impress, but to elevate the spirit.

After your Ellora exploration, return to the Deccan Odyssey by around 18:00. Back on board, you can unwind as the day’s impressions settle—ancient stone, chiselled devotion and the rare coexistence of three great traditions, all carved into a single hillside. Enjoy dinner on board as the train departs at 19:00, carrying you onwards to the next chapter of your India luxury rail journey.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner on board.

Overnight: Deccan Odyssey.

This morning, the rhythm of the rails gives way to the electric pulse of Mumbai. After breakfast on board, you’ll arrive at the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST)—a masterpiece of Victorian-Gothic architecture and one of India’s most recognisable railway landmarks. Here, you bid farewell to the Deccan Odyssey, closing your royal passage through India’s grand landscapes with a final flourish in the country’s most cinematic, fast-moving city.

After disembarkation, begin your first taste of Mumbai’s cultural heart with a visit to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly the Prince of Wales Museum). Set within elegant Indo-Saracenic architecture, its galleries offer a beautifully curated introduction to India’s artistry—sculptures, miniature paintings, and artefacts that mirror the layers of history you’ve been absorbing throughout your journey.

Next, stretch your legs with a short walking tour around Kala Ghoda, one of Mumbai’s most creative precincts. Here, heritage façades frame contemporary energy—think independent galleries, bookish corners, and indie art stalls that bring the neighbourhood’s bohemian spirit to life. It’s an easy, atmospheric way to see Mumbai beyond the obvious, with plenty of photo-worthy streetscapes along the way.

You’ll also pause at the legendary Dhobi Ghat, widely known as the world’s largest open-air laundry. From the viewing area, watch the mesmerising choreography of wash pens and clotheslines—an everyday Mumbai scene that feels almost theatrical in scale. Later, slow the pace with a drive along Marine Drive, the city’s beloved seaside promenade, where the curve of the coastline opens up to sweeping views and an unmistakably Mumbai sense of motion and possibility.

After your city highlights, transfer to your hotel for check-in and a well-earned chance to refresh. Whether you choose a quiet evening or a gentle stroll nearby, Mumbai offers the perfect finale—bold, beautiful, and buzzing with life.

Meals included: breakfast on board.

Overnight: Mumbai (hotel).

This morning marks the final chapter of your journey. After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to say goodbye to the energy of Mumbai and begin your homebound travel to NEW YORK. You will be transferred to the airport for your scheduled flight, arriving back the same day (depending on airline schedules and routing).

As you travel home, you’ll carry back a rich mix of experiences—heritage cities, royal forts, world-class monuments, and the unforgettable rhythm of India by rail. We hope the memories stay vivid long after you’ve unpacked.

Meals included: breakfast.

Overnight: on board (homebound travel) / arrive in NEW YORK.