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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

India's Deccan Odyssey – Golden Triangle and the Ganges

12-day luxury train journey from Delhi through India's Golden Triangle to Varanasi

Illustration of India's Deccan Odyssey – Golden Triangle and the Ganges

Great Rail Journeys operates this 12-day escorted tour combining cultural exploration in India's Golden Triangle with a seven-night journey aboard the Deccan Odyssey, a luxury train styled on the golden age of rail travel. The tour opens with three nights in Delhi, including two days to explore temples, the Red Fort, and markets before boarding the train on day 4. Once onboard, the itinerary moves through Ranthambore National Park (where guests take open-vehicle safaris in search of tigers), the Pink City of Jaipur, Agra (home to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort), Gwalior Fort, the architecturally distinctive town of Orchha, the Hindu and Jain temples of Khajuraho, and culminates in Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges River. The train includes a spa car, and all meals aboard feature both Indian and international cuisine. The route returns to Delhi for a final night before the homeward flight. This trip suits luxury seekers and history lovers who value escorted comfort and want to experience India's most celebrated monuments without logistical complexity.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price (GBP 6,340) covers the tour package and includes return London-Delhi flights; single-supplement pricing is not stated in the evidence.
  • Hotels in Delhi are offered on a bed-and-breakfast basis; full meal inclusions begin only once onboard the train.
  • Day 3 in Delhi is unguided and free; the itinerary lists optional paid excursions such as private sightseeing tours and food tours.

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    Fly to India

    Your epic adventure begins today when you take your overnight flight from London to Delhi.

  2. Day 2overnight: Delhi

    Arrive Delhi

    When you arrive in Delhi you'll be transferred to your hotel. Choose from handpicked 4* and 5* hotels, on a B&B basis.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3overnight: Delhi

    Exploring Delhi

    You have a free day in Delhi today to explore and get to know the city better. Visit a temple or two and see the magnificent Red Fort. Try out local dishes and visit the vibrant and colourful markets. Optional excursions available at a supplement: Private Sightseeing Tour of New and Old Delhi; The Great India Wedding Tour; Of Potlucks and Partition – a Gastronomic Tour.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Deccan Odyssey (train)

    The Deccan Odyssey

    Board the Deccan Odyssey train today. The train appears and feels vintage but has every modern amenity, including a spa car. Get to know your luxury cabin as your journey begins and visit the bar car for a drink.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Deccan Odyssey (train)

    Tiger spotting in Ranthambore National Park

    Enjoy a leisurely breakfast onboard before arriving at Sawai Madhopur where you'll spend the day in the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, once the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Travel in open vehicles through the park spotting big cats. Enjoy a village safari and visit Sawai Madhopur, and take an adventurous jungle safari. Return to the train for dinner of international or Indian dishes, then relax in the 'Mumbai Hi' bar car or your cabin.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6railovernight: Deccan Odyssey (train)

    Jaipur, the Pink City

    Following a leisurely breakfast onboard, arrive at the historic capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur – the 'Pink City'. Explore fascinating forts and palaces and take an intriguing walk through the colourful bazaars. Return to the train for a relaxed dinner onboard.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7railovernight: Deccan Odyssey (train)

    The Taj Mahal

    Arrive at the Mughal citadel of Agra. Following breakfast, visit the iconic Taj Mahal – one of the seven wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also visit the magnificent Agra Fort. Lunch onboard the train includes starters, main course, and desserts from India and across the world. Dinner served back onboard.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8railovernight: Deccan Odyssey (train)

    Gwalior Fort

    The Deccan Odyssey arrives at Gwalior. After breakfast onboard, visit the Majestic Gwalior Fort. Following lunch onboard, the train takes you to Orchha, an architecturally stunning town where you'll visit the fort and the temple and experience village life. Dinner served back onboard.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: Deccan Odyssey (train)

    The temples of Khajuraho

    Enjoy a slow breakfast onboard before arriving at the historic city of Khajuraho, home to a group of Hindu and Jain temples in the Chhatarpur district. Visit the World Heritage Monument Chandela Temple complex and the Mahadev Temple, a 13th century Shaivite temple. Dinner served back onboard with international and Indian dishes.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  10. Day 10railovernight: Deccan Odyssey (train)

    Varanasi and the Ganges

    Following breakfast onboard, arrive at Varanasi – one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. Visit temples, see the Ghats leading into the river, experience the lively bazaar, and enjoy a serene boat ride on the Holy Ganges. Relax back on the train with a lavish dinner and a drink in the bar.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  11. Day 11railovernight: Delhi

    Return to Delhi

    Spend the morning relaxing onboard the train, enjoying the spa car or reading in your cabin. Lunch is served onboard before arriving back into Delhi in the afternoon. Transfer to your hotel to spend the night in Delhi.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  12. Day 12

    Delhi to the UK

    Your once-in-a-lifetime journey comes to its close today when you are transferred from your hotel back to Delhi airport for your flight back to London. Optional extensions available: Shimla, Goa, Kerala.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 5Day 5: Open-vehicle safari through Ranthambore Tiger Reserve to spot tigers in the landscape once reserved for Maharajas of Jaipur.
  • Day 7Day 7: Visit the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort following breakfast aboard the Deccan Odyssey; three-course lunch and dinner served onboard.
  • Day 8Day 8: Explore Gwalior Fort in the morning, then travel to the architecturally stunning town of Orchha to visit its fort and temple.
  • Day 10Day 10: Arrive in Varanasi, visit temples and the Ghats overlooking the river, and take a boat ride on the holy Ganges.

Included

  • 3 nights hotel accommodation (Bed and Breakfast)
  • Deluxe cabin for 7 nights on the Deccan Odyssey Train
  • Private transfers throughout
  • Return flights between London and Delhi

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes seven nights aboard the Deccan Odyssey train in a deluxe cabin, covering the route from Delhi to Ranthambore, Jaipur, Agra, Gwalior, Orchha, Khajuraho, and Varanasi. Return flights London to Delhi are also included.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
This is an escorted tour operated by Great Rail Journeys. Private transfers are included throughout, and guided visits to major sites are organized. Day 3 in Delhi is free to explore independently.
What hotels are included?
Great Rail Journeys offers a choice of handpicked 4-star and 5-star hotels in Delhi (such as The Claridges or The Oberoi, both five-star properties) on a bed-and-breakfast basis for three nights. Seven nights are spent in a deluxe cabin aboard the Deccan Odyssey.
What meals are included?
Breakfast is included at the Delhi hotels. Aboard the train, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided, featuring international and Indian dishes.
What highlights are included?
The itinerary covers the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Gwalior Fort, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (open-vehicle safari), Orchha fort and temple, Khajuraho temple complex, and Varanasi with a boat ride on the Ganges River.
How much walking is involved?
Days include guided walks through cities and forts, village visits, and exploration of temples and bazaars. Open-vehicle safaris in Ranthambore require minimal walking. No strenuous hiking is described.

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