Deccan Odyssey

We meet our fellow travellers and Tour Manager at London Heathrow ready for our flight to India. This fascinating, historic country dazzles and beguiles visitors with its wonderful mix of sights, scents and spirituality.

As our flight continues overnight, we can sit back and anticipate the incredible experiences that await us. India boasts many timeless iconic wonders that we will see on this fantastic rail tour. Relaxing in the elegance of our carriages aboard the Deccan Odyssey, we will discover these famed destinations, exploring bustling cities and pristine wilderness enroute - with a great opportunity to spot wildlife in their natural habitat, including the regal Bengal tiger.

Landing in the Indian capital in late morning, we transfer to our five-star hotel for a chance to unwind. Our hotel is opposite the central Delhi forest, the green lungs of the city that protects it from hot desert winds blowing in from Rajasthan. With the rest of the day free to relax and acclimatise to our new surroundings, you could lounge on the terrace or take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool.

Delhi is one of India's most colourful and exciting metropolises, symbolising the nation's rich heritage and thriving present. A city where the ancient and modern exist in harmony, it became the capital of India when the British moved the seat of their empire from Kolkata in 1911. While New Delhi boasts broad avenues and colonial architecture, the city's ancient history remains reflected in the Mughal forts, mosques and minarets of characterful Old Delhi.

This evening, we get to know our fellow travellers better with a welcome meeting and dinner at our hotel.

• Dinner

Founded in 1648, Delhi was initially a walled city named Shahjahanabad after Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who called for its construction. At its heart remain some spectacular sights, and we set out to view them after breakfast.

Made from red sandstone and white marble, the 17th-century Jama Masjid is one of India's largest mosques, while the simple but moving Raj Ghat is where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated. This peaceful location contains a humble marble memorial to India's founding father as well as monuments commemorating other leaders of the country. Continuing our tour, we view the striking Red Fort, built in the 17th century, before entering the Chandni Chowk bazaar for a rickshaw ride through its lively streets. This is a great introduction to Indian life as we view craftspeople at work in an authentic area of Delhi.

From lunchtime, the rest of the day is free to spend as you wish, before dinner back at our hotel this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

There's a free morning and early afternoon to enjoy the facilities at our hotel before a fascinating tour of Delhi's history. With our smaller group, this tour takes us to the hidden sites of India's capital that are often overlooked, uncovering the city's evocative past.

Starting out in the Mehrauli district, we discover the 'first city of Delhi' - also known as Lal Kot - on foot, hearing tales of love, mysticism and historic rulers. Wandering through fragrant rose gardens and past timeworn tombs, this fascinating route reveals a stunning view of the area and a mosque believed to be visited by spirits. As the sun begins to set, we make our way to the striking Qutab Minar. This 238-foot-high minaret was built at the start of the 13th century and our visit is timed so that we can admire it while it is illuminated against the night sky.

With the complex beautifully lit up, we stroll among the ancient temples and mosques before returning to the hotel for dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

A relaxing morning with breakfast at our hotel precedes a highlight of our Indian holiday as we are transferred to the railway station to board the Deccan Odyssey. The enduring opulence of our hotel on rails harks back to the golden age of travel, when royals would journey between the nation's beautiful cities and astonishing wonders in regal comfort.

We are greeted on board by the friendly and professional staff who offer impeccable service throughout our expedition. As we settle into our private ensuite cabins, with a dedicated crew member in each carriage, there is time to relax or make use of the Deccan Odyssey's excellent facilities. With a stylish lounge complete with a range of books and even an onboard spa, there is no shortage of ways to spend your time.

After our train begins its journey, we gather for a welcome drink. The chefs on the Deccan Odyssey prepare excellent cuisine that reflects the local area which we sample over dinner in one of the elegant restaurant cars.

• Breakfast, Dinner

One of India's most famous attractions is found in royal Agra - the spellbinding Taj Mahal, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

On arrival in the 'City of Love' after breakfast, we get the chance to admire this UNESCO-listed mausoleum complex built by emperor Shah Jahan to honour his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Poetry in white marble, the spectral Taj Mahal stands as a monument to undying love. It's regarded as the pinnacle of Mughal architecture as well as the most beautiful building ever constructed. Despite it being a global icon, a guided tour of the Taj Mahal and its grounds still feels like discovering it for yourself.

Later, we view the Taj Mahal from Agra Fort. The centrepiece of this historic complex is the Musamman Burj, an octagonal tower with a marble balcony where Shah Jahan spent his last eight years of his life imprisoned. Inside the fort are some exquisite specimens of Mughal architecture, including the Moti Masjid - a white marble mosque.

After witnessing the craftsmanship at a marble workshop, we return to our train for dinner.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Waking up as the Deccan Odyssey rolls through eastern Rajasthan, we enjoy breakfast on board as we anticipate an unforgettable experience.

Disembarking in Sawai Madhopur, we set out on safaris in Ranthambore National Park either side of lunch on our train. In modern open-topped safari vehicles called 'canters', we delve into India's most fascinating national park, guided by local experts who are well-versed in the animals' daily movements. Declared a Project Tiger Reserve in 1973, it is a favourite among wildlife photographers and tourists as it can be possible to see a mighty Bengal tiger in the wild. These regal animals are elusive, but we will be keeping our eyes peeled in the hope of seeing a majestic beast basking in the sun or sauntering through the wilderness.

While tigers are the main attraction, Ranthambore is also home to a host of incredible species, such as leopards, hyenas, caracals, crocodiles, snakes and ocelot. We return to our train for dinner, where can discuss the day's viewing before the Deccan Odyssey moves on.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As our luxury train arrives in Udaipur, we embark on a guided tour of this historic city after breakfast.

Entry to the City Palace is included. Built on the shore of Lake Pichola, this ornately decorated complex is believed to be the largest palace in Rajasthan. Marble balconies and delicate cupolas adorn the spectacular exterior, while the museums contain a wealth of treasures from crystal and silver to unique paintings and historic sculptures. Afterwards, we board a boat to view Udaipur and its palace from a unique perspective on a lake cruise.

After lunch on our train, we return to Udaipur for a walking tour of the Old City. Frescoed townhouses with carved stone façades and long-established bazaars provide an enchanting glimpse into the history of this charming city before we return to our train for dinner.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Journeying overnight, we arrive in the 'Blue City' of Jodhpur this morning. Our explorations of this colourful and historic city begin at one of India's largest forts, the hilltop Mehrangarh. Towering 400 feet over the streets below, this magnificent stone citadel blends into the rugged, perpendicular cliff.

Constructed over 500 years, the well-preserved fort and its palaces showcase various architectural styles, with stone latticework windows and painted walls. Inside the seven gates, we can admire the courtyards and palaces, including the Moti Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. After lunch on the Deccan Odyssey, we embark on a stroll through Jodhpur's bustling market for a glimpse of daily life among the spice stalls that surround the soaring clock tower.

This evening, we dine aboard our luxurious train as it continues its journey west into the desert.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Nestled in the arid Thar Desert, Jaisalmer was historically a staging post for camel-led caravans traversing the Silk Road.

Leaving the Deccan Odyssey after breakfast, we set out on a guided sightseeing tour to uncover this evocative city's timeless mysteries. Its most famous site is the 12th-century Jaisalmer Fort, a honeycomb of narrow alleys. This remains the beating heart of the city with up to 3,000 people still living within its golden walls. On a tour, we explore its labyrinthine lanes lined with Jain temples and decorative homes. Afterwards, we visit Nathmal Ki Haveli to admire its ornately carved, honey-hued exterior.

After lunch on the train, we set out on a highlight of our trip. Travelling out of Jaisalmer by coach, we enter the enchanting desert landscapes enroute to the Jaisalmer dunes. Here, we uncover the beauty of the ornate Nathmal Ki Haveli palace and Jaisalmer Fort before entering the desert for a glorious sunset with 'sundowners' - refreshing drinks. As we bask in this dreamlike experience, we can reflect on the day while the sun slips below the golden sands.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ahead of a visit by the Prince of Wales in 1876, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh II decided to paint the city in shades of resplendent pink, a decision that has come to define this vibrant city in which it is not unheard of to see sacred cows wandering the streets.

After breakfast on board the Deccan Odyssey, we set out on a tour of colourful Jaipur. Our sightseeing begins at the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort. An imposing structure of yellow sandstone, there's chance to admire the ornate rooms of this serene palace and its enchanting Jaleb Chowk courtyard. Lunch is included at a city centre hotel, before we explore the City Palace, a 17th-century palace blending decorative Mughal and Rajput architecture and home to the current maharaja. Later, we uncover one of Jaipur's most renowned sights. The ornate façade of the Palace of the Winds, gleams in pink and yellow sandstone. This now decorate feature allowed cool air to flow into the palace making the interior inhabitable during the hot summers.

We enjoy dinner on the Deccan Odyssey this evening.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our amazing journey aboard the Deccan Odyssey concludes after breakfast. On arrival in Delhi, we explore New Delhi's wide, leafy avenues.

With large parts designed by Edward Lutyens, the city was lauded as a testament to Britain's imperial aspirations when it became the seat of government in 1931. Its ceremonial centre, Kartavya Path, contains India Gate, a triumphal arch commemorating Indian soldiers killed during World War One. At the other end of this leafy boulevard is Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of India's president and originally the palatial home of the viceroy. Our sightseeing tour comes to an end at the opulent 16th-century tomb of Mughal emperor Humayun.

Returning to our original hotel in the capital, the rest of the day is free to unwind or continue exploring at your own pace. This evening, we gather for our final dinner together at the hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

The luxurious carriages of the Deccan Odyssey transported us to the golden age of travel, revealing the kaleidoscopic delights of some of India's most spectacular destinations. An exploration of Agra's iconic Taj Mahal, Jaipur's ornate Palace of the Winds and Delhi's mystical sites showcased the enchanting architecture of this fascinating country, while the wildlife-rich wilderness of Ranthambore National Park provided a chance to get up-close with its majestic animals. From bustling cities and lush jungle, we made our way into the Thar Desert for an unforgettable evening watching the sunset.

Your incredible Indian holiday comes to an end early this morning as we leave the hotel with a picnic breakfast and transfer to Delhi airport for our flight to London Heathrow, arriving later the same day.

• Picnic Breakfast