Deccan Odyssey: Darjeeling Mail (Eastbound) (Tour code: 14216)

Your voyage of discovery begins at Mumbai airport, where you will be met and transferred to the iconic five-star Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel for a luxurious two-night stay.

This flagship Taj hotel offers you splendid views of the Arabian Sea and Gateway of India, alongside refined century-old hospitality. This legendary luxury hotel has played host to kings, dignitaries and eminent personalities from across the globe.

Important:
Deluxe Class guests will stay in the Tower Wing, Presidential Suite guests reside in the Palace Wing. 
An additional night may need to be purchased depending upon the arrival time of your flight on Day 1.
All meals today are at your own arrangements. 

Gateway of India, Mumbai

This morning in Mumbai, take a short cruise, weather permitting, to Elephanta Island, a lush island densely wooded with palm, mango and tamarind trees. The atmospheric and fascinating cave complex, which dates back to the 3rd – 5th century, was designed to honour the life of Lord Shiva, one of the most auspicious Hindu gods and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Later, you will return to the city for lunch at the famous seafood Trishna restaurant and in the afternoon you are free to explore Mumbai independently or visit one of the colourful local markets.

In the evening a welcome drinks reception is followed by dinner at your hotel where you can get to know your fellow travellers who will share this remarkable Indian odyssey.

Overnight stay in Mumbai.

Elephanta Island

The vibrant city of Mumbai is steeped in culture and history. Begin your day with a visit to the ‘Dhobi Ghats,’ a fascinating outdoor laundry where traditional dhobis—laundrymen—collect, wash, and return your garments, impeccably pressed. These ghats are where this age-old practice comes to life. The tour continues through Fort Bombay and includes a stop at Gandhi’s House, now a captivating museum dedicated to his inspiring life. Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant.

In the mid-afternoon, you'll board the Deccan Odyssey, an ideal way to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of India’s colours, character and diversity. Settle into your elegantly appointed private en-suite cabin and savour the warm ambiance of the stylish Bar Lounge Car before indulging in fine Indian or Western cuisine crafted by the onboard chefs.

Overnight stay aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Mumbai

Today, spend a leisurely morning on board as the landscape and spirit of India unfolds before your eyes.

You have the opportunity to listen to a talk on Indian culture before arriving at Udaipur, known as the ‘City of Lakes’ or ‘Venice of the East’. A beguiling tapestry of breathtaking lakes and opulently majestic palaces from the Rajput era await your discovery.

The afternoon is spent admiring the awe-inspiring beauty of the Lake Palace constructed entirely of marble, which sits on its own island in the shimmering waters of Pichola Lake, and visiting the medieval grandeur of City Palace.

Overnight stay aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Udaipur City Palace

Arriving in Rajasthan's capital for breakfast, the 'Pink City' of Jaipur captivates the senses as you delve into its vibrant and storied past. This morning, you'll visit the Amber Fort, exploring its awe-inspiring and intricate grandeur, including the stunning Hall of Mirrors.

After lunch at a local restaurant, continue your journey with a visit to the Jantar Mantar Observatory, the grand City Palace, and the exquisite Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds. This delicate yet enduring monument, built entirely of pink sandstone in 1799, was designed to allow royal ladies to discreetly observe daily life. If time allows, you'll also visit a renowned fabric market before returning to the train to refresh.

This evening, you'll dine at the elegant Rambagh Palace Hotel, originally built in 1835 and once the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The palace retains its lavish splendour, featuring intricately carved marble jalis (latticework), sandstone balustrades, cupolas, chattris (cenotaphs) and elaborate Mughal gardens.

As you arrive, ladies in traditional Rajasthani attire will perform the garlanding ‘aarti’ and ‘tikka’ ceremonies, accompanied by the music of the Shenai. A delightful fireworks display will be followed by a barbecue on one of the palace lawns, with the illuminated palace providing a stunning backdrop. A truly memorable conclusion to a fantastic day in the Pink City.

Overnight stay aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Amber Fort

One of the oldest cities in the world, Delhi is a bustling and vibrant city, famous for its traditional bazaars and street markets.

A fascinating city tour in this pulsating metropolis takes in the Raj Ghat memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the World Heritage Site of Humayun’s Tomb, the first example of Mughal architecture in India, and the towering Indo-Islamic Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world at 238ft (73m) which dates from 1368.

Tonight, you will enjoy a sumptuous dinner on board the train as it continues the journey across India.

Overnight aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Site of Humayun's Tomb

After breakfast, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri. Known as a ‘ghost city’, this red sandstone town was abandoned only shortly after being built due to lack of water in 1585.

This afternoon - the journey takes you to Agra Fort, a magnificent structure that dominates the skyline and acted as the main residence for emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638. Its red sandstone walls run for 2.5 km and contain many fairy-tale palaces and two beautifully preserved mosques.

Overnight stay aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Fatehpur Sikri

This morning is devoted to visiting the impossibly beautiful Taj Mahal, built entirely of white marble on the south bank of the Yamuna river and indisputably is the most famous building in the world.

Completed in 1648 by Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal is a mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and took 22 years and 20,000 artisan workers to complete.

Nowhere else on the planet will you experience such a poignant architectural statement dedicated to the enduring nature of human love and inspirational artistry.

Overnight stay aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Taj Mahal

Varanasi simply has to be experienced to be understood. Arrive early morning at Varanasi, one of India’s most sacred and spiritual places, offering the opportunity to discover what is believed to be the oldest continually inhabited city in the world.

Situated on the banks of the River Ganges this cultural and religious centre, known as the City of Light and established between 3 – 5,000 years ago, is a focus for Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges and perform funeral rites.

Guests are privileged to witness these time-honoured ceremonies as we travel on a private river cruise. Your exploration of Varanasi is completed with a guided walk and rickshaw ride through the winding ancient streets, home to some 2,000 temples, of this remarkable city.

Overnight stay aboard the Deccan Odyssey. 

Today, disembark from the Deccan Odyssey at Siliguri and embark on a breathtaking journey to the hill station of Darjeeling, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. You have the option to travel by bus, which takes 3-4 hours, or aboard the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which takes approximately 6 hours from Tindharia or 4 hours from Kerseong. Known as the ‘Toy Train,’ this narrow-gauge railway has a track width of just 2ft (610mm).

As you traverse through stunning scenery, the train zigzags and loops, steadily gaining altitude to reach the cool air of India’s most renowned hill station. The journey ascends to Ghum, India’s highest railway station at 2,258 metres, where the snow-capped Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak, dominates the skyline. The train then descends into Darjeeling, first passing through the elegant Batasia Loop. A packed lunch will be served on board before arriving in colonial Darjeeling.

Dinner will be served at the Hotel Mayfair (or similar), where you will stay for three nights. Perched on a scenic hill with stunning views of the valley, the Mayfair is a heritage hotel that radiates old-world charm and quiet elegance.

Overnight stay in Darjeeling. 

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

This morning, weather permitting, you'll have a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch the sun rising over the snow-capped high leaks of the Himalayas rising majestically 200 miles away on the horizon. Your early morning trip to Tiger Hill is a fantastic experience that captures the very character of one of our planet’s most overwhelming natural sights.

This afternoon, you'll visit a local tea plantation in Darjeeling and sample the freshest cup of tea most of us are ever likely to taste!

Overnight stay in Darjeeling. 
 

Darjeeling Town

After an English breakfast, leave this tranquil haven to embark on a car transfer (4 hours approximately) from Darjeeling to Bagdogra Airport for a short one-hour commercial flight to Kolkata.  As you travel down the mountain you will enjoy panoramic views of the extensive tea estates that unfurl around you as far as the eye can see.

On arrival, you will be transferred to the five-star Taj Bengal hotel for a two-night stay, a landmark five-star hotel in downtown Kolkata. Prominent landmarks of Victoria Memorial, Royal Calcutta Race Course, Horticultural Gardens, National Library, Eden Gardens and the Alipore Zoological Gardens are all within walking distance.

Overnight stay in Kolkata.

Darjeeling

Kolkata is a sensory delight and cultural extravaganza that is constantly evolving.  After breakfast, spend the day exploring and absorbing the many sights that comprise this enthralling city that was once India’s capital until 1911.

Today's tour includes a visit to the Victoria Memorial, one of the finest and most prominent buildings in Kolkata which houses a museum dedicated to the history of India.

You get to travel around Dalhousie Square, the bustling hub of English colonial power and trade during the two centuries of British rule.  Your final stop is South Park Street Cemetery, an atmospheric and still space within the clamour of modern day Kolkata.

In the evening, say goodbye to your fellow travelling companions who have shared this remarkable journey with you at a Farewell Dinner on the garden terrace at the Taj Bengal hotel.

Overnight stay in Kolkata.

Kolkata

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Kolkata airport to commence your journey home.