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Orient Rail Journeys · Luxury train tour

Indian Odyssey (Deccan Odyssey)

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

Illustration of Indian Odyssey (Deccan Odyssey)

The Indian Odyssey, operated by Orient Rail Journeys, is an 8-day luxury train tour aboard the Deccan Odyssey that departs Delhi and concludes in Mumbai. Passengers spend all seven nights in cabins on the train, which serves as both transport and accommodation. The journey connects some of India's most celebrated historical and natural sites: Ranthambore National Park (famous for tiger sightings), the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, Jaipur's Amber Fort, Udaipur's palaces and lakes, and the UNESCO-listed Ellora Caves and Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park. Each day includes escorted coach excursions, guided monument tours, and meals aboard or at partner venues. The pace is leisurely, with two full days based near Udaipur allowing for a boat cruise and city exploration. This trip suits luxury-seeking travelers and history enthusiasts who want an immersive, all-inclusive train experience without the logistics of independent travel.

What to know before you look closer

  • All seven nights are spent on the Deccan Odyssey; there are no hotel stays, so comfort depends entirely on the train's cabin and facilities.
  • The itinerary includes long coach transfers on several days (e.g., from Tundla Railway Station to Agra, and from Vishwamitri to Champaner-Pavagadh), so this is not purely a train-based experience.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Onboard the train

    Delhi

    Welcome aboard the Deccan Odyssey train. Arrive at the railway station around 18:00 hours for registration and check-in. Traditional welcome and welcome drink. Escorted to cabins before the train departs for Sawai Madhopur. Dinner served on board.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Onboard the train

    Sawai Madhopur

    Breakfast on train as it arrives in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan. Drive to Ranthambore National Park for a wildlife safari. Return to train, lunch, then afternoon wildlife safari (08:30 Hrs leisure, 14:30 Hrs disembark for afternoon safari, 17:15 Hrs return for drinks & dinner, departure at 18:30). High-tea at Sawai Madhopur Lodge. Dinner on train while heading to Agra.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Onboard the train

    Agra

    08:30 Hrs: Deboard and drive to Agra from Tundla Railway Station. 09:30 Hrs: Visit the Taj Mahal. 13:00 Hrs: Lunch at City Hotel. 14:00 Hrs: Proceed to Agra Fort. 16:30 Hrs: Visit Kalakriti (Pietra Dura inlay work). 19:00 Hrs: Return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner. Departure at 20:00.

  4. Day 4overnight: Onboard the train

    Jaipur

    08:30 Hrs: Disembark from station, welcome at the station. 09:00 Hrs: Leave station for Amber Fort. 10:30 Hrs: Visit of Amber Fort. 13:00 Hrs: Lunch at City Hotel. 14:30 Hrs: Visit City Palace and drive past Hawa Mahal. 18:30 Hrs: Return to Deccan Odyssey. Departure at 20:00.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Onboard the train

    Udaipur

    10:00 Hrs: Boat cruise at Lake Pichola to Jagmandir palace for lunch. 13:30 Hrs: Lunch (Jagmandir). 14:30 Hrs: Walking tour of the Old City. 18:00 Hrs: Return to the Deccan Odyssey. Departure at 20:00, train heads to Vadodara.

  6. Day 6overnight: Onboard the train

    Vishwamitri (Vadodara)

    08:30 Hrs: After breakfast, proceed to visit Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site). 12:00 Hrs: Leave for Vadodara. 13:30 Hrs: Reach Deccan Odyssey and lunch on board. 15:30 Hrs: Visit the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. 17:30 Hrs: Snacks & tea at Laxmi Vilas Palace, with folk performance. 19:00 Hrs: Return to the Deccan Odyssey. Departure at 20:00, heads for Aurangabad.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Onboard the train

    Aurangabad (Ellora Caves)

    12:30 Hrs: Lunch on board. 13:30 Hrs: Disembark from the train. 15:00 Hrs: Leave for Ellora Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site, 34 rock-cut shrines). 18:00 Hrs: Reach Deccan Odyssey and board the train. Departure at 19:00. Evening sundowner, followed by dinner.

  8. Day 8rail

    Mumbai

    Breakfast before disembarking at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station in Mumbai, where the journey ends.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Early morning and afternoon wildlife safaris at Ranthambore National Park, with high tea at Sawai Madhopur Lodge before the train departs for Agra.
  • Day 3Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise and tour Agra Fort, returning to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner.
  • Day 5Boat cruise across Lake Pichola to Jagmandir palace for lunch, followed by a walking tour of Udaipur's Old City.
  • Day 6Exploration of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and an evening folk performance at Laxmi Vilas Palace.
  • Day 7Visit to Ellora Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site with 34 rock-cut shrines), with an evening sundowner and dinner on the train.

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Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, all seven nights aboard the Deccan Odyssey are included, along with meals and guided excursions to the destinations listed.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is fully escorted. Orient Rail Journeys provides guided tours at each stop, with timed departures and returns to the train.
What is the highest-tier accommodation?
The Deccan Odyssey is a luxury train; passengers stay in cabins aboard the train for all seven nights. No hotels are involved.
How much walking is involved?
Day 5 includes a walking tour of Udaipur's Old City. Most other days involve moderate walking at monuments and museums, with coach transport between the train and sites.
What are the departure and arrival points?
The journey begins in Delhi (boarding around 18:00 on Day 1) and ends in Mumbai at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station (Day 8 morning).
Are meals included?
Yes, the package includes all meals on board the Deccan Odyssey, plus lunch at specified hotels or venues during escorted sightseeing days.

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