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Vacations By Rail · Independent luxury rail vacation

Deccan Odyssey – Mumbai to Rajasthan

Twelve-day luxury train journey through India from Mumbai to Delhi

Illustration of Deccan Odyssey – Mumbai to Rajasthan

Vacations By Rail operates the Deccan Odyssey, a 12-day independent luxury rail journey starting in Mumbai and ending in Delhi. The trip combines five-star hotel stays in both cities with seven nights aboard the Deccan Odyssey, a deluxe train that serves as a mobile base as it travels through Vadodara, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Agra, and Ranthambore National Park. Days begin with guided tours to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Taj Mahal and Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, as well as maharaja palaces and historic forts. The itinerary also includes a morning safari at Ranthambore in search of Bengal tigers and a dawn tour of Mumbai's markets and docks. Meals are served onboard the train with fine wines; the onboard spa offers relaxation between destinations. A private guide joins only for Delhi sightseeing; other days mix structured excursions with free time to explore bazaars and historic quarters at your own pace. This trip suits travelers seeking luxury rail travel, history lovers drawn to India's palaces and UNESCO sites, and those who appreciate regional food and wine.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights to and from India are not included in the from-price.
  • Mumbai and Delhi hotels are offered on a bed-and-breakfast basis; most meals aboard the train are included, but some meals in cities are not.
  • Optional excursions and post-tour extensions are at additional cost.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Mumbai

    Arrival in Mumbai

    On arrival in Mumbai, private transfer to your hotel. Choose between 5-Star hotels, on a B&B basis.

  2. Day 2overnight: Mumbai

    Exploring Mumbai

    Early rise for a Mumbai by Dawn tour: bargaining at wholesale fruit and vegetable vendors, Sassoon docks fish arrivals, bread-boys and the flower and vegetable markets. Afternoon at leisure, or optional excursions (Day with the Dabbawallas with Lunch; Colonial Walk) at a supplement.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Deccan Odyssey (train)

    Boarding the Deccan Odyssey

    Transfer to Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and board the Deccan Odyssey, departing for Vadodara. Explore the train, including the spa coach, and enjoy dinner as the journey begins.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Deccan Odyssey (train)

    Vadodara: The Royal City of the Gaekwads

    Arrive at Vadodara and visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, the Jami Masjid monument and the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. Folk dance performance and royal-kitchen delicacies at Lukshmi Vilas Palace, then return to the train for dinner.

  5. Day 5overnight: 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 onboard; afternoon free to relax or walk through the Old City. Dinner served onboard.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Deccan Odyssey (train)

    The 'Blue City' of Jodhpur

    Arrive at Jodhpur, the 'Blue City', to see Jaswant Thada and the Mehrangarh Fort, ending the day with a barbecue in its courtyard before returning to the train.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Deccan Odyssey (train)

    Exploring Jaipur, the 'Pink City'

    Arrive in Jaipur, Rajasthan's historic capital, to explore its forts and palaces and walk through the colorful bazaars. Return to the train for dinner of regional and international dishes with fine wines.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Deccan Odyssey (train)

    Marveling at the Taj Mahal

    The train takes you to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, plus Itmad Ud Daula and the Agra Fort. Dinner served onboard the train.

  9. Day 9overnight: Deccan Odyssey (train)

    Tiger-spotting in Ranthambore National Park

    Arrive at Ranthambore; lunch served onboard, then a safari in an open vehicle looking for Bengal tigers, hyenas and other wildlife. Dinner served onboard.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Delhi

    Disembarking in Delhi

    Leave the train at Delhi Cantt Railway Station and transfer privately to your hotel in Delhi. Choose between hand-picked 5-Star hotels on a B&B basis.

  11. Day 11overnight: Delhi

    Exploring Delhi

    Private sightseeing tour of New and Old Delhi all day, including a private guide, entry to monuments, the Jama Masjid mosque, a 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.

  12. Day 12

    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: Mumbai by Dawn tour includes bargaining at wholesale fruit and vegetable vendors and observing fish arrivals at Sassoon docks.
  • Day 4Day 4: Folk dance performance and royal-kitchen delicacies at Lukshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara.
  • Day 5Day 5: Boat ride on Lake Pichola in Udaipur with three-course lunch served onboard.
  • Day 6Day 6: Barbecue dinner in the courtyard of Mehrangarh Fort overlooking the Blue City of Jodhpur.
  • Day 8Day 8: Visit to the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, plus Itmad Ud Daula and Agra Fort.
  • Day 9Day 9: Open-vehicle safari at Ranthambore National Park searching for Bengal tigers and other wildlife.

Included

  • 4 nights 5-Star hotel accommodation in Mumbai and 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 in a deluxe cabin aboard the Deccan Odyssey train are included in the package price, along with most meals and onboard amenities such as the spa.
Is this an escorted or independent trip?
Vacations By Rail describes it as independent travel on a pre-planned itinerary. A private guide is provided only for the full-day Delhi sightseeing tour; other days combine guided excursions with leisure time.
Which hotels are included?
Four nights in five-star hotels are included: two nights in Mumbai (either the Trident Nariman Point or Taj Mahal Hotel) and two nights in Delhi (either The Claridges or Oberoi), both on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
What is the main highlight?
The itinerary includes a visit to the Taj Mahal in Agra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, plus palaces and forts in Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur, and a safari at Ranthambore National Park.
How much walking is involved?
Days include city walking tours, exploration of palaces and forts, bazaar walks, and a safari in an open vehicle. There is moderate physical activity; the operator rates it as suitable for most active travelers.
When does this trip run?
Vacations By Rail publishes no departure calendar in the available information; contact the operator to confirm dates and availability.

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