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The Deccan Odyssey

Luxury rail tour: discover central India on the Deccan Odyssey

17 days from £6,910pp
The Deccan Odyssey
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Tour highlights

  • Explore the holy shrines and historical sites of Aihole and Pattadakal.

  • Discover the unique landscapes and ancient monuments of Hampi.

  • Visit the UNESCO protected sites of the Ellora and Ajanta Caves.

  • Get under the skin of sprawling Mumbai.

  • Relax on Kerala’s Backwaters and beaches.

Price includes:

  • Scheduled international flights
  • In-destination transfers
  • Activities and excursions as detailed
  • All accommodation
  • 24-hour support while you travel
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Itinerary idea in detail

Includes international flights from a choice of UK airports, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

  • Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Mumbai.

  • Arriving at Mumbai Airport, you're met by one of our local representatives. Your private driver will then take you into the city. Depending on your flight time, you may have time to enjoy lunch before heading to the station ready to board your luxury train. After a royal welcome, board the Deccan Odyssey and depart around 3.30pm.

    • Mumbai (Bombay), India
      Mumbai (Bombay), India
    • Mumbai (Bombay), India
      Mumbai (Bombay), India
    • Mumbai (Bombay), India
      Mumbai (Bombay), India

  • Day two on board the Deccan Odyssey. After arriving in Bijapur, disembark to visit Gol Gumbaz, the second largest tomb in the world, as well as Jama Masjid mosque and other key sights. You're back on board the train for lunch. Spend the afternoon and evening journeying north.

    • Taxis, Mumbai (Bombay), India
      Taxis, Mumbai (Bombay), India
    • Girl on the train, Mumbai (Bombay), India
      Girl on the train, Mumbai (Bombay), India
    • Gateway to India, Mumbai (Bombay), India
      Gateway to India, Mumbai (Bombay), India

  • It's day three on board the Deccan Odyssey. This morning, explore the holy shrines and historical sites of Aihole and Pattadakal. Later, visit the impressive rock-cut caves and temples at Badami before continuing to travel toward Hampi.

    • Street scene, Mumbai
      Street scene, Mumbai
    • The Gateway of India, Mumbai
      The Gateway of India, Mumbai
    • Victoria Terminus, Mumbai
      Victoria Terminus, Mumbai

  • Day four on board the Deccan Odyssey. Today is a busy day exploring in and around Hampi. With ancient monuments, unique landscapes, royal baths and elephant stables, there is plenty to see, and the history is fascinating. Lunch and dinner are served on board the train.

    • Mumbai street-sellers
      Mumbai street-sellers
    • Mumbai
      Mumbai
    • Dhobi Ghats Mumbai
      Dhobi Ghats Mumbai

  • Day five on board the Deccan Odyssey. This morning wake in Hyderabad. After breakfast, explore the impressive fort of Golconda 11 km away, before returning to stroll through the city's vibrant bazaars. Later, visit the beautiful Falaknuma Palace, now a luxurious Taj hotel.

    • Victoria Terminus Mumbai
      Victoria Terminus Mumbai
    • Mumbai (Bombay)
      Mumbai (Bombay)
    • The Gateway of India and boats as seen from the harbour in Mumbai
      The Gateway of India and boats as seen from the harbour in Mumbai

  • Day six on board the Deccan Odyssey. Explore the impressive UNESCO-protected Ellora Caves at Aurangabad this morning. Considered one of the finest examples of cave-temple architecture in India, they date back to the 4th and 5th century AD. After lunch back on board the train, enjoy a leisurely afternoon.

    • Mumbai (Bombay) railway station
      Mumbai (Bombay) railway station
    • Spice stalls, Mumbai (Bombay)
      Spice stalls, Mumbai (Bombay)
    • Mumbai (Bombay)
      Mumbai (Bombay)

  • Day seven on board the Deccan Odyssey. After breakfast, you can learn about and explore the Ajanta Caves, which were painstakingly and impressively carved from rock thousands of years ago. After lunch, you can pay a visit to Gandhi's memorial before your final evening on board the train.

    • Dhobi Ghat, Mumbai (Bombay)
      Dhobi Ghat, Mumbai (Bombay)

  • Day eight on board the Deccan Odyssey. Enjoy breakfast before bidding farewell to your fellow guests and disembarking. An Audley driver will meet you at the station and take you to your hotel in the city for the next two nights.

  • A local and knowledgeable guide will help you discover the bustling metropolis of Mumbai today. Start at dawn to really appreciate how this enormous city comes to life each day. After a rest this afternoon, head back out to explore with your taste buds on a street food walking tour.

  • Transfer to the airport today by private transfer before taking a short two-hour flight south to Cochin, in Kerala. On arrival, your local driver will meet you and take you to your hotel for the next two nights.

    • Fishing nets, Cochin
      Fishing nets, Cochin
    • Fishermen, Cochin
      Fishermen, Cochin
    • Chinese fishing nets and boats, Cochin, Kerala
      Chinese fishing nets and boats, Cochin, Kerala

  • Explore the colonial city of Cochin today with an experienced local guide. This afternoon and evening will be at your leisure, you might like to consider an evening cruise in the harbour.

    • Traditional fishing nets, Cochin
      Traditional fishing nets, Cochin
    • Chinese fishing net, Cochin
      Chinese fishing net, Cochin
    • Local homes, Cochin
      Local homes, Cochin

  • A short journey south today will take you to the beautiful Backwaters which are synonymous with Kerala. Board your own private houseboat this afternoon and enjoy cruising around this relaxing, palm-fringed region.

    • Alleppey Backwaters, Kerala
      Alleppey Backwaters, Kerala
    • Rice paddies, The Backwaters, Kerala
      Rice paddies, The Backwaters, Kerala
    • Backwaters, Kerala
      Backwaters, Kerala

  • After breakfast, leave your houseboat and meet your driver once again, who will take you south to Marari Beach, where you'll spend the next three nights.

    • Marari Beach Resort, Marari Beach
      Marari Beach Resort, Marari Beach
    • Snake Boat Race, Backwaters, India
      Snake Boat Race, Backwaters, India
    • Sunset over the backwaters, Kerala, India
      Sunset over the backwaters, Kerala, India

  • At leisure. Enjoy time relaxing on Marari's beautiful beach or in the hotel's swimming pool.

  • At leisure. Book a spa treatment or unwind with some yoga.

  • Drive back to Cochin today to the airport, where you'll connect with your onward flight(s). Your return flight will arrive the same day.

    • Kathakali performer, Cochin
      Kathakali performer, Cochin
    • Cochin, India
      Cochin, India
    • Small fishing village near Cochin, India
      Small fishing village near Cochin, India

Accommodation options

While the itinerary price reflects the suggested accommodation, Audley trips are 100% tailor-made, and a specialist can help you select the option best suited to your tastes and budget.

What our clients say about us

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Contact an India specialist

The specialist who designs your trip to India will have explored the country many times and, in some cases, lived there. Their first-hand knowledge gives us the belief that no other travel company can match our expertise in helping you plan your trip.

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When to go

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Place Daily max temperature (°C) Monthly rainfall (mm)
Mumbai
 
Cochin
 
The Backwaters
 
Mararikulam
 

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