Luxury India Train Journey: Delhi to Mumbai

Your first stop is Delhi, which is an intriguing mix of the old and the new, from ancient monuments, colourful markets and modern museums to a global food scene. Explore this fascinating city on a guided tour which will take you from the historic walled city, winding lanes and bustling markets of Old Delhi to Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed monument.

Spend your first night in India at the regal Imperial hotel, whose luxurious, colonial style will take you back to the days of the Raj. Set in landscaped gardens, with a pool and a spa perfect for shaking off the jet lag, it is a haven from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Deccan Odyssey, or Blue Train, offers the chance to discover India's colourful cities, wealth of cultural treasures, epic wildlife and beautiful, diverse countryside in luxury. Inspired by imperial carriages used by Maharajas in days gone by, indulge in a touch of romance and royalty and enjoy stylish accommodation in private cabins, and delicious local cuisine inspired by the areas you are travelling through. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to explore during your journey, with curated cultural experiences along the way, from palace visits to wildlife spotting and venturing into caves.

Back onboard, unwind in the spa or the comfortable lounge, and take in the ever-changing views. Each night after a day’s adventures, you will return to the train for dinner and to spend the night onboard as it travels onwards.

Today you will board the train in Delhi and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner before spending your first night aboard in your comfortable cabin as you start making your way overnight towards Sawai Madhopur and Ranthambore National Park. 

After breakfast this morning, you will depart the train for a game drive in Ranthambore National Park, which is a famous tiger reserve but is also home to a wide range of other animals from gazelles and deer to crocodiles. After lunch back onboard, visit a village in the afternoon and meet the locals, followed by high tea a Vivanta Sawai Madhopur Lodge, a former hunting ground for the royal family of Jaipur.

On arrival in Agra today, your first stop is the legendary and ethereal Taj Mahal, an architectural masterpiece. After lunch in a local hotel, you will have the chance to visit Itmad-ud-Daulah, also known as the Baby Taj Mahal, a tomb commissioned some years before the Taj Mahal, and the Agra Fort. You then have the option to visit local markets or relax with a massage.  

The train’s destination today is Jaipur, or the Pink City, the capital of Rajasthan. See the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort, which dates from the 17^th century, along with attractions such as the City Palace and the intriguing astronomy site of Jantar Mantar. After lunch, take a stroll through the markets, piled high with colourful handicrafts.  

In Udaipur, otherwise known as the City of Lakes or the Venice of the East, swop the train for a ferry for a serene boat ride on Lake Pichola. The boat will take you Jagmandir Palace, set on an island in the lake, for lunch overlooking the Aravali mountains. In the afternoon, discover the centuries of heritage in the Old City on a guided walk.  

Another UNESCO-listed attraction awaits you today – the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, which is a showcase of Hindu and Islamic architecture. You will also visit a museum that was formerly a school for children from royal households, before relaxing over high tea and a cultural show at a palace that is still a royal residence today – and is four times the size of Buckingham Palace!

Today the train will reach the Mughal city of Aurangabad at lunchtime, so you can enjoy a leisurely morning breakfast and lunch before exploring in the afternoon. You will be taken on a scenic drive to the impressive UNESCO-listed Ellora Caves, whose many rock-cut shrines feature Hindu, Buddhist and Jain art dating back centuries. Back onboard, unwind with a sundowner as the train makes its way towards your final stop, Mumbai.

After breakfast this morning, you will depart the train in Mumbai, an eclectic and dazzling city where towering skyscrapers and shiny shopping malls jostle for space alongside historic temples. Sip champagne in swanky bars with Bollywood stars or drink sweet, milky chai at roadside stalls, shop in designer boutiques and centuries-old bazaars, and take a stroll along Marine Drive. Discover more on a half-day guided city tour, which takes you to the Gateway of India, the Prince of Wales museum and the waterfront ghats.

You will spend the night at the Taj Mahal Palace, which sits by the Gateway of India and looks out over the Arabian Sea. With decadent and spacious rooms with plush beds and a blissful spa, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after your train journey. Head to the rooftop restaurant to enjoy a gourmet dinner alongside panoramic views over Mumbai.