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Travelogy India · Luxury train journey

Indian Sojourn (Deccan Odyssey)

Luxury train through India's palaces, forts, and wildlife from Mumbai to Delhi

Illustration of Indian Sojourn (Deccan Odyssey)

Travelogy India's Indian Sojourn aboard the Deccan Odyssey is an eight-day luxury sleeper train journey through India's western and northern heritage regions. Departing from Mumbai, the train carries guests through Vadodara, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Agra, Sawai Madhopur, Jaipur, and concluding in New Delhi. Each day combines guided exploration of palaces, forts, and UNESCO World Heritage sites with meals at special venues and onboard. Day 3 includes a boat ride on Lake Pichola to Jag Mandir after visiting the City Palace; Day 5 features the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort; Day 6 offers a wildlife safari at Ranthambore National Park. The train itself is a five-star accommodation with fine dining, spa facilities, and curated excursions. This trip suits luxury travellers, history enthusiasts, and photographers who prefer guided comfort and want to explore India's monuments and landscapes without changing hotels each night.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of $9,330 USD is for single occupancy in a Deluxe Cabin; twin occupancy starts at $13,300 USD.
  • Passport holders must hold a valid foreign passport, and availability is noted for 2025-2026 only; confirm current departures with the operator.
  • Some meals are at city hotels rather than onboard; plan for meal variety but expect most dining on the train itself.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Deccan Odyssey (onboard)

    Mumbai (Arrival)

    Report by 15:30 hours at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mumbai for a traditional welcome, registration and check-in, and a welcome drink. Train departs for Vadodara by evening.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Deccan Odyssey (onboard)

    Vadodara

    Breakfast onboard, then visit the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Lunch, then the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum and high tea at Laxmi Vilas Palace with a folk performance. Train departs for Udaipur.

  3. Day 3overnight: Deccan Odyssey (onboard)

    Udaipur

    Visit the City Palace (built ~1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II), followed by a boat ride on Lake Pichola to Jag Mandir. Lunch onboard, then a walking tour of Old Udaipur and the local market.

  4. Day 4overnight: Deccan Odyssey (onboard)

    Jodhpur

    Breakfast onboard. Optional spa session or visit to a Bishnoi tribal village. Lunch onboard, then a city tour including Mehrangarh Fort (built by Rao Jodha, 1459) and the Turban Gallery. Marwar barbeque dinner in the Fort courtyard.

  5. Day 5overnight: Deccan Odyssey (onboard)

    Agra

    Breakfast, then a city tour to the Taj Mahal. Lunch at a City Hotel, then Itmad-Ud-Daulah tomb ('Baby Taj') and Agra Fort. Optional spa session or local markets.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Deccan Odyssey (onboard)

    Sawai Madhopur

    Breakfast, then a wildlife safari at Ranthambore National Park. Lunch onboard, then a village safari and high tea at a hunting lodge belonging to the region's royal family. Train departs for Jaipur.

  7. Day 7overnight: Deccan Odyssey (onboard)

    Jaipur

    Visit the Amber Fort (commissioned by Raja Man Singh, 1592), Hawa Mahal, City Palace and the Jantar Mantar (UNESCO World Heritage site). Lunch at a city hotel, optional spa or local markets.

  8. Day 8rail

    New Delhi (Departure)

    Breakfast onboard; guests bid farewell to the Deccan Odyssey at Delhi Cantt Railway Station.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Traditional welcome and registration at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai, followed by evening departure onboard the Deccan Odyssey.
  • Day 2High tea at Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara with a folk performance, after visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park.
  • Day 3Boat ride on Lake Pichola to Jag Mandir, preceded by a visit to the City Palace built by Maharana Udai Singh II around 1559.
  • Day 5Visit the Taj Mahal in Agra, followed by exploration of Itmad-Ud-Daulah tomb and Agra Fort.
  • Day 6Wildlife safari at Ranthambore National Park and village safari with high tea at a royal hunting lodge.

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included?
Yes. The Deccan Odyssey luxury train is the primary transport for all 7 nights and 8 days; accommodation and most meals are included.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is guided and escorted. The itinerary includes guided city tours, palace visits, wildlife safaris, and curated experiences at each stop.
Which destinations does the train visit?
The Deccan Odyssey departs Mumbai and travels to Vadodara, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Agra, Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore), Jaipur, and New Delhi.
What are the cabin options?
Deluxe Cabins start at $9,330 USD (single) or $13,300 USD (twin); Presidential Suites begin at $20,000 USD. Children can occupy a separate cabin.
What major highlights are included?
The itinerary covers the Taj Mahal, Mehrangarh Fort, City Palace, Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, Ranthambore wildlife safari, Lake Pichola boat ride, and UNESCO heritage sites.
How much walking is involved?
Days include city tours, palace visits, and market walks. An optional Bishnoi village visit and spa sessions are also available, but no strenuous hikes are listed.

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