Deccan Odyssey: Madras Mail (Westbound) (Tour code: 14224)

Your voyage of discovery begins at Hyderabad Airport, where you will be met and transferred to 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.

Important note:
All meals today are at your own arrangements. 

Hyderabad by night

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, enjoy a Gala  Welcome Dinner in the most magnificent of venues, the 101 Dining Hall of the Taj Falaknuma Palace.

Overnight stay in Hyderabad. 

Charminar by day

Today, you will travel by air from Hyderabad to Chennai.

Upon arrival you'll be transferred to a luxurious beachfront property of the Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa for a three-night stay. The Fisherman’s Cove, once an impressive Dutch Fort, is now one of the finest beach resorts in Southern India. It is located on a beautiful white sandy beach, lapped by the waters from the Bay of Bengal and offers a perfect setting for relaxation at the end of your journey through Southern India.

Overnight stay in Chennai. 

Chennai

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is steeped in colonial heritage with roots dating back to the 17th century when the British East India Company established Fort St. George on the Cooum River. The tour includes visits to Fort St. George, the National Art Gallery, and the 16th-century San Thome Basilica, built over the tomb of Apostle Thomas.

You may also choose to explore Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its 7th to 9th-century rock-cut temples and the intricately carved Shore Temple.

Relax in the lush gardens of your hotel or indulge in a signature treatment at the Jiva Spa. On the afternoon of Day 6, board the Deccan Odyssey, a luxurious train that will take you through India's vibrant landscapes. Settle into your cabin, enjoy the Bar Car's ambiance, and savour Indian or Western cuisine in the restaurant car.

Board the Deccan Odyssey on day 6

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.

Overnight stay aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Pondicherry

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

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

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 an 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 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. 

Nilgiri Mountain Railway

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

Today marks your arrival in Mumbai, where you'll bid farewell to the Deccan Odyssey and begin a luxurious two-night stay at the iconic five-star Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel. This flagship Taj hotel offers splendid views of the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India, coupled with century-old refined hospitality that has welcomed kings, dignitaries, and renowned personalities from around the world.

The tour of Mumbai includes a short cruise to Elephanta Island, weather permitting. This lush, densely wooded island is home to an atmospheric and fascinating cave complex dating back to the 3rd–5th century, designed to honour Lord Shiva. Marvel at the statues and works of art dedicated to this auspicious Hindu god at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterward, return to Mumbai for lunch at the Khyber restaurant (or similar), with the afternoon free for independent exploration or a visit to one of the city's vibrant local markets.

You'll also visit the ‘Dhobi Ghats,’ a unique outdoor laundry where traditional laundrymen, known as dhobis, collect, wash, and neatly press linens. The tour continues with stops at Fort Bombay and Gandhi’s House, now a museum dedicated to the inspirational life of Mahatma Gandhi.

Overnight stays in Mumbai.
Please note: Deluxe Class guests will stay in the Tower Wing, while Presidential Suite guests will reside in the Palace Wing.

Elephanta Island

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