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Vacations By Rail · Independent luxury rail vacation

Deccan Odyssey - Golden Triangle and the Ganges

Luxury train through India's Golden Triangle and sacred Ganges

Illustration of Deccan Odyssey - Golden Triangle and the Ganges

The Deccan Odyssey, operated by Vacations By Rail, is an 11-day luxury train journey through India starting and ending in Delhi. Your first two days unfold in the capital: you arrive at a hand-picked 5-star hotel, then take a private guided tour visiting the Jama Masjid, Humayun's Tomb, and the bazaars of Old Delhi. On Day 3, you board the Deccan Odyssey's Deluxe cabin and spend 7 nights traveling through Rajasthan and beyond. You safari for tigers in Ranthambore National Park, walk the pink-painted streets and bazaars of Jaipur, stand before the Taj Mahal in Agra, explore Gwalior Fort and the temples of Khajuraho, and experience Varanasi's Ghats and a boat ride on the sacred Ganges. Meals, onboard spa, and private transfers are included. This trip suits luxury seekers, history lovers, couples, and independent travelers who want structure without daily group guides.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of USD 7,615 covers the package; international flights to and from India are not included and must be booked separately.
  • The itinerary lists The Claridges or Oberoi in Delhi; Vacations By Rail notes a hand-picked selection of 5-star hotels, suggesting the final hotel may depend on availability.
  • Two days in Delhi are largely unguided city exploration before and after the train; you are responsible for your own navigation on Day 2 optional excursions carry supplements.

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, explore the spa car and your luxury cabin, and visit the bar car for a drink. The journey travels through Ranthambore to Rajasthan, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra and the Taj Mahal, Gwalior, the temples of Khajuraho, and finally the sacred city of Varanasi.

  4. Day 4overnight: 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.

  5. Day 5railovernight: 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.

  6. Day 6overnight: Deccan Odyssey (train)

    Marveling at the Taj Mahal

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

  7. Day 7overnight: Deccan Odyssey (train)

    Gwalior Fort

    Arrive at Gwalior to visit the majestic Gwalior Fort overlooking the city. After lunch onboard, continue to Orchha to visit its fort and temple and see village life. Dinner served onboard.

  8. Day 8overnight: Deccan Odyssey (train)

    The Temples of Khajuraho

    Visit a group of Hindu and Jain temples in the Chhatarpur district, including the World Heritage Chandela Temple and the 13th-century Mahadev Temple. Dinner served onboard.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Deccan Odyssey (train)

    Varanasi and the Ganges

    Arrive in Varanasi, one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities, to visit temples and the Ghats leading into the holy Ganges, experience the bazaar, and take a boat ride on the sacred river. Lavish dinner served back on the train.

  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 2Private guided tour of New and Old Delhi, including the 17th-century Jama Masjid mosque, a traditional rickshaw ride, and Humayun's Tomb.
  • Day 4Open-vehicle safari in Ranthambore National Park seeking Bengal tigers and other wildlife.
  • Day 6Visit the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World, in Agra.
  • Day 9A boat ride on the sacred Ganges River in Varanasi, one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities, followed by temple visits and bazaar exploration.

Included

  • 3 nights 5-Star hotel accommodation in the Claridges, 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 the train travel included?
Yes. The 11-day package includes 7 nights in a Deluxe cabin aboard the Deccan Odyssey train, from Day 3 through Day 9, plus meals and onboard amenities such as the spa car and bar cars. International flights are not included.
Which train am I traveling on?
The Deccan Odyssey, a vintage-inspired luxury train with Deluxe cabin accommodation, an onboard spa, multiple bar cars, and multi-course meals served daily.
What sightseeing is included?
The package includes a full-day private guided tour of New and Old Delhi on Day 2, entry to monuments, the Jama Masjid mosque, Humayun's Tomb, and the Sunder Nursery. Days 4 through 9 include guided visits to Ranthambore National Park, Jaipur, the Taj Mahal, Gwalior Fort, Orchha's fort and temple, the temples of Khajuraho, and Varanasi temples and Ghats, plus a Ganges boat ride. Transfers and most meals are included onboard.
Where do I stay off the train?
You stay in a 5-star hotel in Delhi for 3 nights on a bed-and-breakfast basis: 1 night on arrival (Day 1), 1 night after the sightseeing tour (Day 2), and 1 night returning from Varanasi (Day 10).
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is independent travel on a pre-planned itinerary. You have a private guide for the full-day Delhi sightseeing tour on Day 2; otherwise, you travel as individuals with private transfers between sightseeing stops and onboard the train.
When does this trip run?
Vacations By Rail does not publish a departure calendar in this information. Contact the operator directly to confirm available dates.

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