Indian Odyssey Journey

Guests assemble at 2015 hours in railway station and complete their formalities related to registrations and check-in, which is followed by a traditional welcome and welcome drink.

You are shown your cabins where you then relax as the train departs for its first destination- Sawai Madhopur.

Dinner and overnight stay onboard.

The train reaches Sawai Madhopur on the second day of Indian Odyssey Journey. Sawai Madhopur is majorly known for Ranthambore National Park which has a dense population of tigers and this is one of the best conserved tiger reserves of India. And this is why you have fair chances of spotting tigers here.

After refreshing breakfast leave for an enthralling game-drive in Ranthambore National Park.

Other than tigers, Ranthambore National Park is home to chital, sambar, nilgai, wild boar, sloth bear, chinkara gazelles, crocodiles, ducks, storks, jungle fowl, serpent eagle, woodpeckers etc.

When done with the game-drive, return to the comforts of your luxury train. Treat your taste-buds with delicious lunch and then proceed for village-safari.

Rajasthani folk and heritage has always fascinated people in India and beyond. What adds on to this already spectacular ethnicity is the friendliness of the locals who are welcoming and are always more than happy to serve the guests. This session of village-safari is meant to give you an insight of what makes Rajasthan one of India's most vibrant states.

Later, a high-tea experience awaits you at Sawai Madhopur Lodge, which indeed served as hunting lodge to Jaipur's royal family in the erstwhile era. Afterwards return to Deccan Odyssey where you can relax and sip a drink before you are served dinner. The train tonight leaves for Agra.

Overnight stay onboard.

On this day the Deccan Odyssey enters the City of Taj, Agra. The city isn't only popular for the Seventh Wonder of the World (Taj Mahal), but its Mughal influence is fascinated by people regardless of their geographical confinements.

You are served breakfast onboard, after which Taj Mahal is scheduled for the visit. Taj Mahal, as everyone knows, is an epitome of love and brilliant architecture. This white marble mausoleum was built by Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, in 1632. It took about 22 years to complete its construction but it was worth it as even a glimpse of this particular edifice fills the heart with awe.

Lunch is arranged in a City Hotel, after which you take a tour to another popular attraction of Agra, Itmad-ud-Daulah Tomb. This mausoleum is also known as Baby Taj or Jewel Box and was built years before Taj Mahal, by Nur Jahan for her father Mirzā Ghiyās Beg. Afterwards, visit Agra Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site) erected on the banks of Yamuna River. The fort has been standing at least since 11th century and was built by the Mughals. There are number of structures inside the fort that are worth a visit- such as Diwan-i-aam, Jahangir Palace and Sheesh Mahal, among others.

If the time permits, you are free to take a stroll in the local markets, which are popular for marble inlay (Pietra Dura) artifacts and Mughal ornaments. If not shopping, you can rejuvenate in a spa at a five-star hotel.

Return to the comforts of luxury train by late evening. Dinner is served onboard as the train leaves Stay overnight onboard.

Welcome to the Pink City, the capital city of Rajasthan, Jaipur. The city is dotted with many architectural and historical structures and this heritage touch is complemented by its bazaars which are stocked with colorful knick-knacks.

After breakfast, proceed to visit Amber Fort which was built by Maharaja Mansingh in the 17th century. This, along with other Hill Forts of Rajasthan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort is adorned with carvings, mirror-work, jalis and semi-precious stones.

While on your way to Amber Fort, stop by Hawa Mahal or Palace of Winds. The palace features an intricate combination of various windows, which collectively look like a honeycomb. This was made mainly for the ladies of royal household, who wished to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the local market. Another site to visit before Amber Fort is the City Palace, with royal palaces, courtyards, gardens, decorative doorways and a well-stocked museum. Near the Palace is a royal observatory called Jantar Mantar dating back to 18th century. This UNESCO World Heritage Site also houses world's largest stone sundial.

Later, have lunch in a city hotel and then either enjoy spa facilities in a five-star hotel or stroll through the colorful markets of the city.

Return to the royal train. Dinner is served as Deccan Odyssey departs for Udaipur.

Overnight stay onboard

This morning, the train reaches the City of Lakes, Udaipur. The romantic backdrop of lazy Aravali Mountain range and glistening lakes, have led to the christening of the city as Venice of the East. Savor refreshing breakfast onboard.

After refreshing de-board and proceed for City Palace. This is the largest palace complex of Rajasthan, having fretted balconies, scalloped arches and cupolas. Also, the palace's most popular aspect is its Crystal Gallery. Afterwards, take a ferry ride upon Lake Pichola in order to reach Jagmandir for lunch. Jagmandir is a 17-century palace where the sound of Tabla and Jal Tarang are going to make the views even more spectacular.

Return to the comforts of your luxury train after lunch and take a break. Later, leave for a walking-tour through the Old City of Udaipur. The streets are filled with colorful handicrafts, puppets, wall hangings, cloth lanterns, ornaments, wooden boxes and what not!

Return to the comforts of the luxury train and relax. Dinner is served as the train departs for Vadodra. Overnight stay onboard.

Have your breakfast onboard and then proceed to Champaner-Pavagadh Archeological Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site). This is the only unchanged and complete Islamic city of India. However, existence of Islam is still seen in many of the sites here like the Jami Masjid, which was built in 1513. The mosque represents a blend of both Muslim and Hindu architecture.

Return to Deccan Odyssey for lunch and then leave for Maharaja Fatehpur Singh Museum. The museum originally served as school for kings' kids. This, today, is an art-aficionados' delight as it exhibits paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and other European masters. Other than the paintings, bronze and marble sculptures are also put in display here.

High-tea is arranged in the Laxmi Vilas Palace, the residence of the royal family with its history dating back 1890. As a matter of fact, this is four times the size of Buckingham Palace. You can browse through the collection of sculptures, old armory and terracotta items. To make you feel the essence of the very culture, a folk performance is held accompanied by special delicacies from the royal kitchen.

Return to the train and enjoy your lunch as the train leaves for Aurangabad.

Overnight stay onboard.

Welcome to the historic Mughal city, Aurangabad which is named after the great Mughal ruler, Aurangabad. The city is celebrated for its Mughal influence. Another reason why Aurangabad is famed is its close proximity with the world-famous Ellora Caves.

Have an unhurried breakfast onboard and take advantages of the services offered in the train such as spa, lounge and indoor games. The train reaches Aurangabad in the afternoon. Have your lunch and leave for Ellora Caves, roughly 30 km from the city.

Ellora Caves is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprising of 34 rock-cut shrines representing Buddhist, Hindu and Jain art. As per the historians, the caves date back to the time between 4th and 5th century AD. As a whole, there are 17 Hindu caves, 12 Buddhist caves and 5 Jain caves. Most notable of all is the Kailash Temple which is believed to represent Mount Kailash, the Adobe of Lord Shiva.

Head back to Deccan Odyssey after exploring Ellora Caves. Savor sun-downers at Mumbai Hi (onboard), followed by dinner.

Stay overnight onboard.

Have your breakfast as the train stations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Railway Station, Mumbai. After this, the guests bid farewell and continue their onward journey.