Is train travel included?

Yes. The package includes the 7-night Deccan Odyssey luxury train journey with all meals on board, plus the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train and return drive during the Shimla portion.

What is the accommodation standard?

Four nights at the five-star ITC Hotel Maurya in Delhi, three nights at the five-star Oberoi Cecil in Shimla, and seven nights in a Deluxe Suite (95 square feet with en-suite bathroom) aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Is it escorted or independent?

Escorted. Local guides lead city tours and excursions at each stop. A personal butler is available 24 hours daily in Presidential Suite carriages on the train. No single dedicated Tour Manager is mentioned.

What is not included?

International flights to and from India. Visas and travel insurance are also not mentioned as included.

How much walking is involved?

Moderate. Full-day city tours involve walking through Old Delhi and Shimla's bazaars and attractions. The jungle safari, palace visits, and fort exploration involve some stairs and uneven terrain.

When does this trip run?

Planet Rail has not published departure dates in the available information; contact the operator directly to confirm available dates.

Planet Rail · Luxury rail & touring holiday

The Grand Indian Heritage Journey (Heritage Odyssey with Shimla)

Fifteen days through India: Delhi, Shimla, and seven nights aboard the Deccan Odyssey luxury

Planet Rail's Grand Indian Heritage Journey is a 15-day luxury escape combining colonial hill-station charm with the treasures of Mughal and Rajasthani India. The journey opens in Delhi with a full-day guided tour of Old and New Delhi, taking in the Jama Masjid, Red Fort, and Qutub Minar. From there, travellers fly to Shimla, the former summer capital of the British Raj, where a ride on the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train and guided city tour reveal mountain views, pine forests, and Vice Regal Lodge. After returning to Delhi, the adventure continues aboard the five-star Deccan Odyssey luxury train for seven nights. The route winds through Agra to see the Taj Mahal, into Ranthambhore National Park for tiger safaris, and across Rajasthan's storied cities: Udaipur with its lake palaces, Jodhpur with Mehrangarh Fort, Jaisalmer in the Thar Desert, and Jaipur with the Hawa Mahal. Local guides accompany all excursions; a personal butler serves Presidential Suite passengers around the clock. This itinerary suits luxury travellers, history enthusiasts, and those seeking guided comfort with immersive cultural experience.

What to know before you look closer

International flights to and from India are not included; Planet Rail arranges airport transfers but you book your own air travel.
The itinerary includes three unguided leisure days in Shimla (Days 4-5 offer optional activities); confirm the balance of structured and free time suits your preference.

Day by day

Day 1overnight: Delhi (ITC Hotel Maurya)
Arrive into Delhi
On arrival at Delhi airport, a partner's representative meets you after immigration and customs, assists with luggage, and transfers you to the ITC Hotel Maurya (5 star) for the next two nights. The rest of the day is free to relax or start exploring Delhi.
Day 2overnight: Delhi (ITC Hotel Maurya)
Exploring Delhi
After breakfast, a full-day tour of Old and New Delhi: Jama Masjid, one of Asia's largest mosques; Chandni Chowk market; a drive past the Red Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site); Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; Qutub Minar (UNESCO World Heritage Site); Humayun's Tomb; and a drive past India Gate, Parliament House, the Secretariat buildings and the Vice Regal Palace.
Day 3overnight: Shimla (The Oberoi Cecil)
Delhi - Chandigarh - Shimla
Transfer to Delhi Airport to board a flight to Chandigarh, then drive to Shimla (115km, approximately 3.5 hours), the capital of Himachal Pradesh at an altitude of 2,159 metres, known for its cool climate and views of river valleys, pine forests, apple orchards and terraced mountains. Check in at The Oberoi Cecil; the rest of the day is at leisure to explore Mall Road and the local bazaars.
Day 4railovernight: Shimla (The Oberoi Cecil)
Shimla, aboard the 'Toy Train'
After breakfast, a journey aboard the 'Toy Train' (Himalayan Queen) from Shimla to Tara Devi, then driven back to Shimla for a guided city tour: the historic Vice Regal Lodge, once the seat of British power, and the famous Scandal Point at the end of Mall Road. Enjoy time on Mall Road, lined with shops, cafés and restaurants.
Day 5overnight: Shimla (The Oberoi Cecil)
A day at leisure in Shimla
After breakfast at The Oberoi Cecil, a relaxed day at leisure: unwind at the hotel or explore Shimla at your own pace, with optional walks along Mall Road, café hopping, shopping for local handicrafts, or visiting nearby attractions.
Day 6overnight: Delhi (ITC Hotel Maurya)
Back to Delhi
After a final breakfast in Shimla, transfer back to Chandigarh airport for a flight to Delhi, then transfer back to the ITC Hotel Maurya (5 star) for an overnight stay ahead of boarding the Deccan Odyssey tomorrow.
Day 7railovernight: On board the Deccan Odyssey
Board the Deccan Odyssey
Greeted and assisted on board at Delhi Railway Station and shown to your private cabin. Enjoy welcome drinks as the train departs Delhi around 18:00, beginning its journey towards Agra, followed by an evening relaxing on board and dinner.
Day 8railovernight: On board the Deccan Odyssey
Agra - The City of Love
The Deccan Odyssey arrives in Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. After breakfast on board, explore the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site), once the seat of Mughal power. After lunch, the train departs for Rajasthan; dinner and overnight stay aboard.
Day 9railovernight: On board the Deccan Odyssey
Sawai Madhopur & Ranthambhore National Park
A lavish breakfast on board as the train arrives in Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambhore National Park, once the private hunting reserve of the Maharajas of Jaipur and now one of India's most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries. Set out on a jungle safari in search of tigers and other wildlife, followed by a village safari offering a glimpse into local life. Dinner and overnight stay aboard as the train continues its journey.
Day 10overnight: On board the Deccan Odyssey
Udaipur, the 'City of Lakes'
Explore Udaipur, renowned for its shimmering lakes, grand palaces and historic havelis: the City Palace overlooking Lake Pichola with its Crystal Gallery, and a guided walking tour of the Old City. Enjoy a lavish lunch of local specialties before returning to the Deccan Odyssey for the next leg of the journey; dinner and overnight stay aboard.
Day 11railovernight: On board the Deccan Odyssey
Jodhpur
Breakfast on board as the train arrives in Jodhpur, the 'Blue City'. Explore the imposing Mehrangarh Fort and its relics, plus Jaswant Thada and the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum. Return to the train as it departs for Delhi; dinner and overnight stay aboard.
Day 12railovernight: On board the Deccan Odyssey
Jaisalmer - The Golden City
Breakfast on board on arrival in Jaisalmer, the 'Golden City' in the Thar Desert, founded in 1156 AD by Maharaja Rawal Jaisal. Explore the majestic Jaisalmer Fort and its havelis, and wander the local markets. Dinner and overnight stay aboard the train.
Day 13railovernight: On board the Deccan Odyssey
Jaipur
Arrive in Jaipur, the 'Pink City' and capital of Rajasthan. Visit the iconic Hawa Mahal and City Palace, and explore the colourful local markets, before the train departs for the next destination; dinner and overnight stay aboard.
Day 14overnight: Delhi (ITC Hotel Maurya)
Disembark the Deccan Odyssey
Breakfast on board before disembarking at Delhi Safdarjung Station, marking the end of the journey aboard the Deccan Odyssey. Transfer to the ITC Hotel Maurya (5 star) for a final night in Delhi, with the rest of the day free to relax or explore at your own pace.
Day 15
Homeward bound
After a final breakfast, check out of the hotel as the holiday comes to an end, with a private transfer provided from the hotel to the airport for your flight home.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 2Full-day guided tour of Old and New Delhi, including Jama Masjid, the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and Humayun's Tomb.
Day 4Journey aboard the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train (Himalayan Queen) from Shimla to Tara Devi through mountain scenery, followed by a guided tour of Vice Regal Lodge.
Day 8Visit the Taj Mahal in Agra and explore the Agra Fort, UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Day 9Jungle safari at Ranthambhore National Park in search of tigers, followed by a village safari.
Day 10Guided walking tour of Old City Udaipur and visit to the City Palace overlooking Lake Pichola.

Included

Airport meet, assist and transfer on arrival in Delhi
4 nights (non-consecutive) at the ITC Hotel Maurya (5 star), Delhi
Full-day guided tour of Old and New Delhi
Domestic flights between Delhi and Chandigarh
Road transfer between Chandigarh and Shimla
3 nights at The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla (5 star)
'Toy Train' (Himalayan Queen) heritage rail journey from Shimla to Tara Devi, with return drive to Shimla
Guided Shimla city tour, including the Vice Regal Lodge and Scandal Point
7 nights aboard the Deccan Odyssey train in a private cabin, with meals on board
Sightseeing excursions at each Deccan Odyssey stop: Agra (Taj Mahal, Agra Fort), Ranthambhore (jungle safari and village safari), Udaipur (City Palace and Old City walking tour), Jodhpur (Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum), Jaisalmer (Jaisalmer Fort and havelis), Jaipur (Hawa Mahal, City Palace)
Final private transfer from the Delhi hotel to the airport

Not included

International flights to/from India (transfers to/from Delhi airport are included, but flights are arranged separately)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?: Yes. The package includes the 7-night Deccan Odyssey luxury train journey with all meals on board, plus the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train and return drive during the Shimla portion.
What is the accommodation standard?: Four nights at the five-star ITC Hotel Maurya in Delhi, three nights at the five-star Oberoi Cecil in Shimla, and seven nights in a Deluxe Suite (95 square feet with en-suite bathroom) aboard the Deccan Odyssey.
Is it escorted or independent?: Escorted. Local guides lead city tours and excursions at each stop. A personal butler is available 24 hours daily in Presidential Suite carriages on the train. No single dedicated Tour Manager is mentioned.
What is not included?: International flights to and from India. Visas and travel insurance are also not mentioned as included.
How much walking is involved?: Moderate. Full-day city tours involve walking through Old Delhi and Shimla's bazaars and attractions. The jungle safari, palace visits, and fort exploration involve some stairs and uneven terrain.
When does this trip run?: Planet Rail has not published departure dates in the available information; contact the operator directly to confirm available dates.