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Vacations By Rail · Independent luxury rail vacation

Deccan Odyssey - Golden Triangle and Rajasthan

Eleven-day luxury train journey through India's Golden Triangle and Rajasthan

Illustration of Deccan Odyssey - Golden Triangle and Rajasthan

Vacations By Rail's Deccan Odyssey journey spans 11 days across India's Golden Triangle and the deserts and palaces of Rajasthan. The trip begins with three nights in a 5-star Delhi hotel, including a full-day private sightseeing tour of New and Old Delhi on Day 2 that covers the Jama Masjid mosque, Humayun's Tomb, and the Sunder Nursery. From Day 3 onward, travelers board the Deccan Odyssey, a luxury train with deluxe cabins, an onboard spa, and fine dining with wine pairings. The seven-night rail journey visits the Taj Mahal in Agra, takes game drives through Ranthambore National Park to seek Bengal tigers, includes a boat ride on Lake Pichola in Udaipur, and stops at the medieval forts of Jodhpur and the 12th-century Thar Desert citadel of Jaisalmer. The itinerary mixes guided excursions with time aboard the train, and optional gastronomic and cultural tours are available for those who wish to deepen their experience. This package suits luxury-seekers, history enthusiasts, and independent travelers who value both curated sightseeing and the pleasures of slow travel.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of USD 7,555 covers the package (hotel, train, meals, transfers, and sightseeing); international flights are not included and must be booked separately.
  • The package offers two hotel options in Delhi (The Claridges or Oberoi, both 5-star) for the first and last nights; confirm your choice when booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Delhi

    Arrival in Delhi

    On arrival in the Indian capital, private transfer to your hotel. Choose between a hand-picked selection of 5-Star hotels on a B&B basis.

  2. Day 2overnight: Delhi

    Exploring Delhi

    Private sightseeing tour of New and Old Delhi all day, with a private guide and entry to monuments, the 17th-century Jama Masjid mosque, a traditional rickshaw ride, Humayun's Tomb and the Sunder Nursery. Optional excursions (The Great India Wedding Tour; Of Potlucks and Partition: A Gastronomic Tour) at a supplement.

  3. Day 3overnight: Deccan Odyssey (train)

    Boarding the Deccan Odyssey

    Board the Deccan Odyssey at the station, explore the spa car and luxury cabins, and visit the bar car for a drink as the journey begins, traveling through Ranthambore towards Rajasthan (Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur) and the Thar Desert citadel of Jaisalmer.

  4. Day 4overnight: Deccan Odyssey (train)

    Marveling at the Taj Mahal

    Arrive in Agra and visit the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, plus other Mughal architectural gems and the Agra Fort. Lunch and dinner served onboard.

  5. Day 5overnight: Deccan Odyssey (train)

    Tiger-spotting in Ranthambore National Park

    Arrive at Sawai Madhopur to spend the day in the Ranthambore tiger reserve, traveling in open vehicles seeking big cats and other wildlife. Dinner served onboard, with drinks in the 'Mumbai Hi' bar car.

  6. Day 6overnight: Deccan Odyssey (train)

    Udaipur and Lake Pichola

    Arrive at Udaipur for a tour of the City Palace and Crystal Gallery, followed by a boat ride on Lake Pichola. Three-course lunch served at a venue in the city; afternoon free or a walk through the Old City. Dinner served onboard.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Deccan Odyssey (train)

    The 'Blue City' of Jodhpur

    Arrive at Jodhpur to see Jaswant Thada and the Mehrangarh Fort, ending the day with an indulgent dinner on the train paired with wines from around the world.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Deccan Odyssey (train)

    Jaisalmer and the Thar Desert

    The train continues to Jaisalmer, founded in 1156, to explore its 12th-century fort area, a honeycomb of narrow alleys still home to up to 3,000 people. Return to the train for dinner.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Deccan Odyssey (train)

    The 'Pink City' of Jaipur

    Arrive at Jaipur, Rajasthan's historic capital, to explore its forts and palaces and walk through the colorful bazaars, before returning to the train for a relaxed dinner onboard.

  10. Day 10overnight: Delhi

    Return to Delhi

    Relax onboard through the morning, enjoying the spa car, with lunch served onboard before arriving back into Delhi in the afternoon. Transfer to your hotel for the night.

  11. Day 11

    Homeward bound

    Private transfer to the airport for your flight home. Optional extensions available to extend the trip.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Private guided tour of New and Old Delhi includes entry to the 17th-century Jama Masjid mosque, a traditional rickshaw ride, Humayun's Tomb, and the Sunder Nursery.
  • Day 4Day 4: Visit the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with other Mughal architectural gems and Agra Fort.
  • Day 5Day 5: Game drives in open vehicles through Ranthambore National Park seeking Bengal tigers and other wildlife.
  • Day 8Day 8: Explore the 12th-century fort city of Jaisalmer in the Thar Desert, with its honeycomb of narrow alleys housing up to 3,000 residents.

Included

  • 3 nights 5-Star hotel accommodation in New Delhi (Bed and Breakfast)
  • Deluxe cabin for 7 nights on the Deccan Odyssey train
  • Private transfers throughout

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance (not included but can be arranged)
  • Flights

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Seven nights aboard the Deccan Odyssey luxury train, including all meals and onboard beverages, are included. The train travels from Delhi through Agra, Ranthambore, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, and back to Delhi.
Is this trip guided or independent?
Independent travel on a pre-planned itinerary. A private guide conducts the full-day Delhi sightseeing tour on Day 2; other days feature organized excursions and train travel but are not accompanied by a guide.
What accommodation is included?
Three nights in a 5-star Delhi hotel (your choice of The Claridges or Oberoi) on a bed and breakfast basis, plus seven nights in a Deluxe cabin aboard the Deccan Odyssey train.
What is included in the price?
Hotel accommodation, deluxe cabin on the train, private transfers throughout, all meals aboard the train, sightseeing tours including the Taj Mahal and Ranthambore tiger safaris, City Palace and Crystal Gallery in Udaipur, Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer's fort area.
Are optional extras available?
Yes. Optional excursions available at supplements include The Great India Wedding Tour and Of Potlucks and Partition: A Gastronomic Tour (both in Delhi), as well as post-tour extensions.

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