Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Gallery

What's included

Prices and Availability

Accommodation

View dates & prices

Price

from £7803 /pp

was £8669
Flights included
Dates Available

November 2026 - November 2027
Duration

14 days
Depart From

6 airports
Excursions & Visits

11 included
Meals

31 included
Ways to pay

Want to spread the cost? Choose our Easy Payment Plan and pay from £1,100.71 per month.

A Luxury Indian Rail Odyssey – Premier Collection

An opulent rail journey encapsulating the sights, sounds and colours of India’s sweeping landscapes taking in the main sights and cities, plus a tiger safari, as well as stays in Delhi, Mumbai and Himalayan Shimla.

Step aboard the luxury Deccan Odyssey train, your home on wheels for the week, where attentive staff, elegant cabins, and fine dining promise a journey of comfort and discovery through some of India’s best highlights. This gently paced adventure allows you to explore the sights and sounds of this country by day and spend evenings unwinding, enjoying the scenery, and chatting with fellow travellers. Travelling as a small group, the unique itinerary means you can discover the desert state of Rajasthan and northern and western India at a leisurely pace.

Your holiday is also framed by stays in high-end hotels in Delhi, Shimla, and Mumbai. Tour around Old and New Delhi with an exhilarating rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of the old city, take the famous ‘toy train’ into the Himalayan foothills to reach Raj-era Shimla, and conclude in cosmopolitan Mumbai. Along the way, excursions include seeing tigers in Ranthambore, visiting the iconic Taj Mahal, ornate forts and palaces in the pink city of Jaipur, and observing lakeside views in Udaipur.

Set off on a tour of Old Delhi, where you’ll see its most famous landmarks, including the Red Fort, Jama Masjid Mosque, and India Gate

The heritage toy train crossing a railway bridge on the Kalka–Shimla route, surrounded by lush green hills and trees

Travel by ‘toy train’ to Shimla and experience a tour, covering the Viceregal Lodge, Scandal Point and the Mall

Dining aboard the elegant Deccan Odyssey train, with a server offering a basket of pastries. The dining car features red upholstered seats, red tablecloths, and matching decorative details

Board the iconic Deccan Odyssey train for a scenic seven-night journey along its tracks, stopping at different cities along the way

A Bengal tiger walks toward the camera on a forest path in Ranthambore National Park, India, surrounded by trees

Explore the tiger-rich wilderness of Ranthambore National Park with an afternoon safari

You’ll arrive at Delhi airport, where you’ll be met by your friendly, local tour manager and transferred to the first five-star hotel of the holiday.

The afternoon is yours to relax and settle in. Later, meet your tour manager for a welcome briefing on the journey ahead, enjoyed with a glass of wine or beer.

Dinner will be at the hotel, where you can get to know your fellow travellers.

Following breakfast, set off on a sightseeing excursion of Old Delhi. Begin by passing by the UNESCO-listed Red Fort, known as the Lal Qila, deriving its name from the red sandstone that embellishes its soaring walls. This historic fortress is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Continue to Jama Masjid Mosque, one of the largest in India, before enjoying a cycle rickshaw ride through the winding lanes of Chandni Chowk.

Later, you’ll be driven by India Gate, modelled after the grandeur of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. This serves as a memorial dedicated to the soldiers who fought during World War I. Then travel towards the President’s House (Rashtrapati Bhavan) and Parliament House before the beautiful Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, a prominent Sikh temple. After lunch, explore the National Rail Museum and the UNESCO-listed Humayun’s Tomb, the tomb of Emperor Humayun and a fine example of Mughal architecture.

In the evening, return to the hotel for dinner.

Early this morning, you’ll be collected from the hotel and transferred to Delhi railway station to board the train to Kalka, a small town in North India. A packed breakfast will be provided for the journey.

On arrival in Kalka, you’ll connect to a ‘toy train’, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kalka-Shimla Railway. This narrow-gauge line, built by the British in the early 20th century, makes its way through the pine forests, offering dramatic views of the Himalayas, to Shimla. Serving as the former summer retreat for the British colonial government, this hill station is where they would escape to, avoiding the sweltering Delhi heat. You’ll be given a packed lunch box at Kalka station.

After this scenic ride, you’ll be met on arrival and transferred to the legendary Oberoi Cecil for check-in. Settle into this colonial-style property, which overlooks the Shimla Valley, before dinner.

Have breakfast before joining your tour manager for an introduction to Shimla and its highlights. The Viceregal Lodge is first, and this former British summer retreat of teak-panelled interiors was where the map of the Indian Partition was drawn up in 1947 by Lord Mountbatten. You’ll then pass the Gaiety Theatre, boasting striking, colonial architecture.

Continue to Scandal Point, which is positioned on the western edge of Shimla, where two of the city’s roads convene, The Ridge and Mall Road. This traditional meeting place for locals features a small square with a mock-Tudor state post office. There will then be time to browse an assortment of handicraft shops along the Mall, a pedestrian avenue.

The rest of the evening will be at leisure before dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and travel back to the railway station to board your train to Delhi. A packed lunch box will be provided at the Chandigarh railway station.

Upon arrival in Delhi, you’ll be escorted to the train station for a traditional welcome to your ‘Home on wheels’ for the next few nights, the Deccan Odyssey. With 21 beautifully appointed coaches, this train encompasses two restaurants, a lounge, a bar, and a spa, and is inspired by the royal era of travel of the Maharajas.

Enjoy drinks and a briefing in the lounge, and as the train departs, check into your cabin and have dinner.

Following breakfast and a morning at leisure, the train will arrive in the city of Sawai Madhopur in the southeastern part of Rajasthan. From here, you’ll be driven to Ranthambore, one of the largest and most famous national parks in Northern India. This former royal hunting ground is now a key centre for ‘Project Tiger’, and its grasslands, streams, and pools are home to striped hyenas, sambar deer, sloth bears, and of course, the elusive and still endangered tigers of Ranthambhore.

In the afternoon, witness the park’s incredible biodiversity on an open-air safari. Your guide will share their expertise, providing insights into the behaviour, habitats, and unique characteristics of the animals you encounter.

This evening, dinner will be served on board the train as you continue your journey.

While having breakfast, the train will arrive in the city of Agra. You’ll then start the day in a truly unforgettable way by visiting the Taj Mahal, the famed monument of love. This ivory-white marble mausoleum and UNESCO World Heritage Site, encircled by expansive Mughal gardens, is one of the greatest architectural achievements and a wish-list spectacle.

Completed in 1648 and built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, it’s renowned for its Mughal design and elements, including a central dome, minarets, and a reflecting pool. Your guide will bring to life the love story that resulted in the Taj being built.

Lunch will be enjoyed at a hotel in the city before you visit Agra Fort, a grand red sandstone fortress that served as the residence of Mughal emperors for over three centuries. Here, you can explore the intricate maze of courtyards, palaces, and mosques within the fort.

In the afternoon, conclude your time in Agra at Kalakriti, an arts and cultural centre. Observe the exquisite art of inlay work, known as Pietra Dura, a technique famously used to adorn Mughal masterpieces, such as the Taj Mahal.

This evening, you’ll return to the train for dinner.

Today, after breakfast, you’ll arrive in the former Rajput capital, Jaipur. From the station, travel to the base of Amber Fort, board a Jeep, and climb to the city's vast 6th-century hilltop fort. At the top, take in the magnificent views over Maota Lake from the ramparts.

After lunch at a hotel in the city, head to the City Palace, a red-hued, intricate complex of temples, courtyards, pavilions, and gardens, and a major heritage landmark. The Jantar Mantar, an observatory constructed in 1724 is the following highlight. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located outdoors and features expansive geometric ‘toys’, the world’s largest sundial and an assortment of 19 astronomical instruments.

You’ll then pass by another poignant palace, Hawa Mahal. Also known as the ‘Palace of the Winds’, this 18th-century building is constructed from red and pink sandstone and lined with ornate windows and screened balconies.

Dinner will be served back on the train.

Enjoy breakfast on the train before arriving in Udaipur, the ‘City of Lakes’, set around artificial lakes and home to a collection of magnificent royal residences.

A guided tour will begin with a visit to the majestic City Palace, a grand structure of towers and balconies, and Rajasthan’s largest palace. This will be followed by a scenic cruise across the waters of Lake Pichola, an ideal way to take in the shoreside attractions from a different angle.

Lunch will be enjoyed at a nearby hotel, and then you’ll set off on a walking tour through the old city and its bustling, colourful bazaar. Observe the architecture and astrosphere, which provide a glimpse into traditional Rajasthani life, and pick up some hand-crafted souvenirs.

Back on the train, dinner will be served as you continue your journey.

This morning, you’ll stop in the royal city of Vadodara, famously ruled by the Gaekwads, and after breakfast, travel to Champaner, a fortified city founded in the 8th century. It’s here that you’ll visit Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a collection of largely unexcavated forts, mosques, and stepwells.

After you’ve finished exploring this park, return to Vadodara and reach the train in time for lunch. In the afternoon, continue to the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, home to an impressive assortment of art, sculptures, and royal artifacts.

Later, enjoy snacks and tea at the resplendent Laxmi Vilas Palace, the grand residence of the Gaekwad family, known for its elaborate architecture and extravagant interiors. This is the world’s largest private residence (four times the size of Buckingham Palace), and encompasses 170 rooms, a museum, and a cricket ground.

This evening, travel back to the train for dinner.

Arrive in Aurangabad, the gateway to one of India’s most remarkable heritage sites, this morning.

After lunch onboard, you’ll travel to the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rock-cut architecture and intricate carvings. These caves, dating from the 6th to 10th centuries, showcase Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments, including the magnificent Kailasa Temple, carved entirely from a single rock.

Later, return to the train, where you can relax and have dinner before heading to the last stop on your itinerary.

As the train arrives in Mumbai, finish your last breakfast onboard and disembark.

You’ll then join a tour of the city, visiting several of the historical and cultural landmarks. Start at the Gateway of India, a grand arch monument located on the waterfront of the city. It was constructed to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911 and served as the exit point for the last British troops leaving India.

Mani Bhavan, a museum, and a historical building dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, will follow. Serving as Gandhi’s headquarters for around 17 years, this mansion houses a library, a photo gallery, and a room where Gandhi stayed. You can view his spinning wheel and bed on the floor, as well as the terrace where he was arrested in 1932.

A short walk around Kala Ghoda Chowk will take you into the heart of the city’s arts and cultural district. Named after the equestrian statue (Kala Ghoda) of King Edward VII, the area is famous for its art galleries and museums. Every year, it hosts the annual Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, celebrating local and international art, music, dance, and theatre.

Lastly, pause for a photo stop at the Prince of Wales Museum, an ornate building with detailed lattice work, housing around 50,000 artefacts. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formally known as the Victoria Terminus Station, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another striking structure, with its Victorian Gothic Revival architecture built over 10 years.

After the tour, you’ll check into the last hotel, located on the well-known Marine Drive, with views of the Arabian Sea, and enjoy an evening at leisure before dinner.

Three people dressed in traditional Indian clothing standing on the platform outside the Deccan Odyssey train, with the person in the middle playing a musical instrument

A symmetrical view of the Taj Mahal on a clear day, showing its white marble façade, ornate minarets, and carefully trimmed topiary gardens

A hillside in Shimla, India, lined with bright, colourful buildings

A group of staff standing along the red carpet on the platform beside the Deccan Odyssey train

Sunset over Mumbai Harbour, with sailboats scattered across the shimmering water

The heritage toy train arrives in Shimla, India, passing by vibrant, colourful buildings in the background

Mumbai seafront at sunset on a calm day, with birds flying over the water, two people standing on the beach, and the city skyline in the background

A close-up of a Bengal tiger in the forest in Ranthambore National Park, India

A Bengal tiger walking through the warm, dry grasslands of Ranthambore National Park, India, its orange coat and black stripes standing out against the landscape

The Taj Mahal reflected in the decorative pool in front of it, surrounded by landscaped gardens and manicured topiaries, under a bright sky with a few clouds

Spend time in Agra and witness the Taj Mahal, the ivory-white marble mausoleum of love and the red-sandstone Agra Fort

Discover Jaipur’s Amber Fort, City Palace, and Hawa Mahal, the ‘Palace of the Winds'

Witness the splendours of Udaipur, the ‘City of Lakes’, and sail across Lake Pichola

Stop in the royal city of Vadodara and visit the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park and Laxmi Vilas Palace

Travel to the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Aurangabad

Uncover Mumbai’s highlights, like the Gateway of India, Mani Bhavan, and Prince of Wales Museum

Five nights’ half-board accommodation at five-star hotels in Delhi (2), Shimla (2), and Mumbai (1), plus seven nights’ full-board accommodation aboard the Deccan Odyssey, plus one night on the aircraft
Tour of Old Delhi
Train journey from Delhi to Kalka
‘Toy train’ journey from Kalka to Shimla
Tour of Shimla
Train journey from Chandigarh to Delhi
Visit to Ranthambore National Park and afternoon safari
Visit to Agra, the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, and Kalakriti Arts Centre
Tour of Jaipur
Tour of Udaipur and cruise across Lake Pichola
Visit to Vadodara and Champaner
Visit to Aurangabad and Ellora Caves
Tour of Mumbai
12 breakfasts, seven lunches, and 12 dinners
Return flights to Delhi and from Mumbai
Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced Premier Collection tour manager and a local guide on the Deccan Odyssey
All mandatory local taxes and charges

Dates & Prices

Want to spread the cost? Choose our Easy Payment Plan.

Departure point	Departure date		Price (per person)	Availability
Belfast City George Best	November 2026 - November 2027		from £7920.00 pp	5 dates available
Belfast City George Best	02 Nov 2026 Monday 14 days 15 Nov 2026 Sunday	Late Escape	from £8564.00 was £9515.00
Belfast City George Best	04 Jan 2027 Monday 14 days 17 Jan 2027 Sunday		from £8100.00 was £8999.00
Belfast City George Best	25 Jan 2027 Monday 14 days 07 Feb 2027 Sunday		from £7979.00 was £8865.00
Belfast City George Best	08 Mar 2027 Monday 14 days 21 Mar 2027 Sunday		from £7920.00 was £8799.00
Belfast City George Best	01 Nov 2027 Monday 14 days 14 Nov 2027 Sunday		from £8577.00 was £9529.00
Edinburgh	November 2026 - November 2027		from £7911.00 pp	5 dates available
Edinburgh	02 Nov 2026 Monday 14 days 15 Nov 2026 Sunday	Late Escape	from £8555.00 was £9505.00
Edinburgh	04 Jan 2027 Monday 14 days 17 Jan 2027 Sunday		from £8091.00 was £8989.00
Edinburgh	25 Jan 2027 Monday 14 days 07 Feb 2027 Sunday		from £7970.00 was £8855.00
Edinburgh	08 Mar 2027 Monday 14 days 21 Mar 2027 Sunday		from £7911.00 was £8789.00
Edinburgh	01 Nov 2027 Monday 14 days 14 Nov 2027 Sunday		from £8577.00 was £9529.00
Glasgow	November 2026 - November 2027		from £7907.00 pp	5 dates available
Glasgow	02 Nov 2026 Monday 14 days 15 Nov 2026 Sunday	Late Escape	from £8546.00 was £9495.00
Glasgow	04 Jan 2027 Monday 14 days 17 Jan 2027 Sunday		from £8082.00 was £8979.00
Glasgow	25 Jan 2027 Monday 14 days 07 Feb 2027 Sunday		from £7961.00 was £8845.00
Glasgow	08 Mar 2027 Monday 14 days 21 Mar 2027 Sunday		from £7907.00 was £8785.00
Glasgow	01 Nov 2027 Monday 14 days 14 Nov 2027 Sunday		from £8577.00 was £9529.00
London Heathrow	November 2026 - November 2027		from £7803.00 pp	5 dates available
London Heathrow	02 Nov 2026 Monday 14 days 15 Nov 2026 Sunday	Late Escape	from £8348.00 was £9275.00
London Heathrow	04 Jan 2027 Monday 14 days 17 Jan 2027 Sunday		from £7803.00 was £8669.00
London Heathrow	25 Jan 2027 Monday 14 days 07 Feb 2027 Sunday		from £7803.00 was £8669.00
London Heathrow	08 Mar 2027 Monday 14 days 21 Mar 2027 Sunday		from £7803.00 was £8669.00
London Heathrow	01 Nov 2027 Monday 14 days 14 Nov 2027 Sunday		from £8100.00 was £8999.00
Manchester	November 2026 - November 2027		from £7970.00 pp	5 dates available
Manchester	02 Nov 2026 Monday 14 days 15 Nov 2026 Sunday	Late Escape	from £8559.00 was £9509.00
Manchester	04 Jan 2027 Monday 14 days 17 Jan 2027 Sunday		from £8204.00 was £9115.00
Manchester	25 Jan 2027 Monday 14 days 07 Feb 2027 Sunday		from £7974.00 was £8859.00
Manchester	08 Mar 2027 Monday 14 days 21 Mar 2027 Sunday		from £7970.00 was £8855.00
Manchester	01 Nov 2027 Monday 14 days 14 Nov 2027 Sunday		from £8577.00 was £9529.00
Newcastle	November 2026 - November 2027		from £7907.00 pp	5 dates available
Newcastle	02 Nov 2026 Monday 14 days 15 Nov 2026 Sunday	Late Escape	from £8550.00 was £9499.00
Newcastle	04 Jan 2027 Monday 14 days 17 Jan 2027 Sunday		from £8087.00 was £8985.00
Newcastle	25 Jan 2027 Monday 14 days 07 Feb 2027 Sunday		from £7965.00 was £8849.00
Newcastle	08 Mar 2027 Monday 14 days 21 Mar 2027 Sunday		from £7907.00 was £8785.00
Newcastle	01 Nov 2027 Monday 14 days 14 Nov 2027 Sunday		from £8577.00 was £9529.00

Exterior view of the Deccan Odyssey train at the platform, with a red carpet and gold barriers by the entrance

A Luxury Indian Rail Odyssey – Premier Collection Touring Hotels India You will be staying in a series of comfortable hotels that are conveniently located for your tour itinerary.

British citizens require passports when travelling overseas and this must be valid for six months beyond the date you return. If you are not a British citizen, you may need a visa for the country/countries you are visiting (please contact the respective embassies to check and to apply).

In developing countries road networks are continually being improved and expanded, which can mean that, from time to time, roadworks and rough road surfaces can extend journey times. Some journeys are made on winding mountain roads and passes, which may also make for slow travelling - although the scenery is usually worth it! Many roads do not have separate pavements or safety barriers, and great care should be taken when crossing or walking alongside roads.

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC

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Excursions & Visits

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A Luxury Indian Rail Odyssey – Premier Collection

Top Highlights

Itinerary

More highlights

What the price includes

Dates & Prices

Solo price

Departing from

Duration

Departing

Returning

Accommodation

Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi (nights 2-3)

Oberoi Cecil, Shimla (nights 4-5)

The Deccan Odyssey (6-12)

Trident Nariman Point, Mumbai (night 13)

Further information

Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC

1914 translation by H. Rackham

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