Deccan Odyssey: Madras Mail (Eastbound) (Tour code: 14219)

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

Gateway of India, Mumbai

This morning in Mumbai, there will be 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 World Heritage Site.

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.

Mumbai markets

This morning in Mumbai, you'll visit the 'Dhobi Ghats,' a fascinating outdoor laundry. Here, traditional dhobis, or laundrymen, collect, wash, and return clothes neatly pressed. The Ghats are where this historic practice comes to life. Following this, your tour will take you to Fort Bombay and Gandhi’s House, now a captivating museum that chronicles his inspirational life.

Mid-afternoon sees us boarding our private train, the Deccan Odyssey, a perfect way to experience the colour, character and amazing diversity of India. Settle into your beautifully appointed cabin and enjoy the hospitable atmosphere of the Bar Car before experiencing fine Indian or western cuisine in one of the restaurant cars.

Mid-afternoon sees all guests boarding the Deccan Odyssey, a perfect way to experience the colour, character and amazing diversity of India. Settle into your beautifully appointed cabin and enjoy the hospitable atmosphere of the Bar Car before experiencing fine Indian or western cuisine in one of the restaurant cars.

Overnight stay aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Board the Deccan Odyssey

The state of Goa, renowned for its beaches, temples and world heritage architecture, was the capital of the Portuguese Empire in the east and displays much of this heritage in its architecture today.

Today, take a morning tour to view Basilica De Bom Jesus and Sé Cathedral of Santa Catarina, a towering white structure with a grand baroque interior and the most imposing church in the historic Old Goa.

Overnight stay aboard the Deccan Odyssey. 

Goa

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, begins in the town of Mettupalayam and takes guests on a winding journey aboard a narrow gauge steam train. This remarkable railway ascends 30 km on India’s only Rack and Pinion track, tackling gradients as steep as 1:12, to reach the town of Coonoor. From there, the train picks up speed for the final 16 km to the hill station of Ooty, perched at 7,228 feet (2,225 metres) and renowned for its charming cottages and stunning Botanical Gardens. The ‘Toy Train’ weaves through tea and coffee plantations, forest-covered hills, and passes through 16 tunnels and over tall bridges, offering breathtaking views that make the journey to Ooty truly extraordinary!

Overnight stay aboard the Deccan Odyssey. 

Ooty

Kochi (formerly Cochin) with its beautiful natural harbour and scenic backwaters has meant its history has been rich and varied. The British, Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch and Chinese have all left indelible marks on the architectural development of this city. Today, you will visit the Dutch Palace and the Jewish Synagogue and then see the Giant Chinese fishing nets that billow from massive teak and bamboo poles which dot the entrance to the harbour and are still in use today. The day ends in a visit to the 500-year old Fort Kochi where you will walk through the historical Dutch and Portuguese buildings.

In the evening there is the opportunity to witness a Kathakali Dance performance where the dancers are elaborately made up with paint and masks accompanied by drummers and musicians as they act out a dance drama.

Overnight stay aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Kochi

The Deccan Odyssey arrives in Trivandrum in the early morning. After breakfast, visit the Napier Museum and the dominating Padmanabhaswamy Hindu Temple.

Following lunch,  head to Kanyakumari which is mainland India’s southernmost point, where the three seas – Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea & Bay of Bengal – meet and where the shore temple to the Virgin Goddess Kanyakumari stands.

Overnight stay aboard the Deccan Odyssey. 

Trivandrum Napier Museum

One of the oldest cities in India situated on the River Vaigai, the Temple City of Madurai was the capital of the Pandya Kingdom but it was during the reign of the Nayaks that the magnificent Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple was constructed, which is one of India’s greatest cultural and architectural landmarks.

In the evening you will return to the temple to witness a Hindu ritual, an Aarti Ceremony before continuing the journey towards Madras.

Overnight aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple

Pondicherry, located on the Bay of Bengal, is the former capital of the French territories in India.

To this day there still remains a rich French cultural heritage including the French language being widely spoken. Landmarks include Raj Nivas, the residence of the Lt Governor of Pondicherry – a handsome 200-year old building which faces Government Park with its paths and lawns, fountains and sculptures as well as the wide and vibrant beaches and beautiful promenades.

Tonight, guests will have one final dinner aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Overnight stay aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Pondicherry

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is located on the Coromandel Coast and is renowned for its rich tradition of music and dance. This city, with a population of 4 million, boasts a strong colonial heritage, dating back to the 17th century when the British East India Company established Fort St. George on the banks of the Cooum River.

You'll arrive in Chennai in the morning and tour the city's highlights, including Fort St. George, the National Art Gallery, and the 16th-century San Thome Basilica, built over the tomb of Thomas Didymus, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus.

In the evening, you'll transfer to the luxurious beachfront Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa for a three-night stay. Originally a Dutch fort, this resort, set on a stunning white sandy beach along the Bay of Bengal, offers the perfect setting for relaxation at the end of your journey through Southern India.

Overnight stay in Chennai. 

Chennai

Today there is the option to visit Mahabalipuram, a beautiful coastal resort classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rock cut temples and caves situated here are amongst the finest in the world and originated between 7th and 9th century. The highlight is a visit to the Shore Temple, which is renowned for its intricate carvings and skilled craftsmanship and is one of the oldest temples in southern India.

Overnight stay in Chennai. 

Mahabalipuram

Enjoy your final day in Chennai at the Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa. Enjoy time relaxing in the lush landscaped gardens of the hotel or take one of the many scenic walkways that lead to the beach. Perhaps make time also to rejuvenate yourself with a signature spa treatment from the hotel’s excellent Jiva Spa (at own expense). 

Overnight stay in Chennai. 

Local market

Today, you will travel by air from Chennai to the final destination on this tour, Hyderabad and stay for two nights at the luxury Taj Falaknuma Palace. Elevated 2,000 feet above Hyderabad, this luxurious 5-star property features a blend of colonial and Indian designs. It houses a heritage walk with beautifully crafted objects from the world over and a first-rate spa.

Built in 1894, it is the former palace of the Nizam, rumoured to be the richest man in the world at one time. Overlooking the twinkling City of Pearls, this enchanting palace exudes romance and grandeur that take one back to when the Nizam ruled Hyderabad.

Overnight stay in Hyderabad. 

Charminar by day

Today, visit Golconda Fort, once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Golkonda, located 11 km west of Hyderabad. Originally founded in the 12th century by the Kakatiya kings, the fort was later expanded under the Qutub Shahi Dynasty (c.1518–1687). The fort is renowned for its impressive engineering and architecture, particularly its acoustics system, where a clap at the entrance can be heard at 'Bala Hissar,' the highest point nearly a kilometre away.

Next, you'll visit the Qutub Shahi Tombs, situated north of Golconda Fort, which showcase the architectural heritage of the Qutub Shahi dynasty.

Returning to Hyderabad, explore the Charminar, built in 1591 by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah to commemorate the end of a plague epidemic after moving his capital from Golkonda to Hyderabad.

In the evening, bid farewell to your fellow travellers at a Gala Farewell Dinner in the opulent 101 Dining Hall of the Taj Falaknuma Palace.

Overnight stay in Hyderabad. 

Hyderabad by night

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport in Hyderabad to begin your journey home.