Planet Rail · Luxury rail holiday

Delhi to the Divine: An Indian Odyssey (Cultural Odyssey with Shimla)

Delhi to the Divine: An Indian Odyssey (Cultural Odyssey with Shimla), a rail journey with Planet Rail

A luxurious journey blending Himalayan serenity with royal heritage and spiritual wonders: Delhi to Shimla by road, then aboard the iconic Deccan Odyssey through Rajasthan, Agra, Khajuraho, and Varanasi.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Delhi

    Arrive into Delhi

    On arrival at Delhi airport a representative meets you in arrivals, assists with your luggage and transfers you to the ITC Hotel Maurya (5 star) for the next two nights. The rest of the day is yours to relax or start exploring Delhi.

  2. Day 2overnight: Delhi

    Exploring Delhi

    Full day tour of Old and New Delhi: Jama Masjid, one of Asia's largest mosques; Chandni Chowk, Asia's largest wholesale market; a drive past the Red Fort; Raj Ghat, the memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; the UNESCO-listed Qutub Minar; 16th-century Humayun's Tomb; and a drive past India Gate, Parliament House, the Secretariat buildings and the Vice Regal Palace.

  3. Day 3overnight: Shimla

    Delhi - Chandigarh - Shimla

    Transfer to Delhi Airport for your flight to Chandigarh, then drive to Shimla (115 km, approximately 3.5 hours), the capital of Himachal Pradesh at 2,159 metres in the Himalayan foothills. Check in at the Oberoi Cecil; the rest of the day is at leisure to explore the Mall Road and local bazaars.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Shimla

    Shimla, aboard the 'Toy Train'

    Journey aboard the 'Toy Train' (Himalayan Queen) from Shimla to Tara Devi, then return by road for a guided Shimla city tour: the historic Vice Regal Lodge, the century-old church and temple near the Mall Road, Scandal Point and time on Shimla's iconic Mall Road.

  5. Day 5overnight: Shimla

    A day a leisure in Shimla

    A relaxed day at leisure: unwind at The Oberoi Cecil or explore Shimla at your own pace, with optional walks along the Mall Road, café hopping, shopping for local handicrafts or nearby attractions.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Delhi

    Back to Delhi

    Transfer back to Chandigarh airport for your flight to Delhi, then transfer to the ITC Hotel Maurya (5 star) for your overnight stay before boarding the train tomorrow.

  7. Day 7railovernight: On board the Deccan Odyssey

    Board the Deccan Odyssey

    Assemble at Delhi Railway Station, where you are greeted and shown to your private cabin. Enjoy welcome drinks as the train departs Delhi at around 18:00 towards Sawai Madhopur, followed by dinner on board.

  8. Day 8overnight: On board the Deccan Odyssey

    Sawai Madhopur and Ranthambore Tiger Reserve

    Arrive in Rajasthan at Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore Tiger Reserve. Embark on a jungle safari for a chance to spot tigers and diverse wildlife, followed by a village safari offering an authentic glimpse into local life. Dinner and overnight aboard.

  9. Day 9railovernight: On board the Deccan Odyssey

    Jaipur

    Guided sightseeing in Jaipur, the Pink City: the City Palace and its museum, the iconic Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) and time in the vibrant bazaars before returning to the train.

  10. Day 10overnight: On board the Deccan Odyssey

    Agra, the 'City of Love'

    Arrive in Agra to visit the magnificent Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of Mumtaz Mahal, followed by the impressive red-sandstone Agra Fort.

  11. Day 11railovernight: On board the Deccan Odyssey

    Gwalior

    Explore the majestic Gwalior Fort, then proceed to Orchha to visit the celebrated Orchha Fort Complex and its temples, with a glimpse of village life, before the train departs for Khajuraho.

  12. Day 12overnight: On board the Deccan Odyssey

    Khajuraho

    Visit Khajuraho's UNESCO World Heritage-listed Group of Monuments, including the revered Mahadev Temple, showcasing some of India's finest medieval Hindu and Jain architecture, before continuing towards Varanasi.

  13. Day 13overnight: On board the Deccan Odyssey

    Varanasi

    Explore one of the world's oldest living cities: the sacred ghats and temples along the holy Ganga River, a breathtaking sunset boat ride on the Ganges and time in Varanasi's vibrant bazaars.

  14. Day 14overnight: Delhi

    Disembark the Deccan Odyssey

    Breakfast on board before disembarking at Delhi Safdarjung Station. Transfer to the ITC Hotel Maurya (5 star) for your final night, with the rest of the day at leisure.

  15. Day 15

    Homeward bound

    Check out after breakfast and take your private transfer from the hotel to the airport for your flight home.

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