Deccan Odyssey’s Cultural Discovery Tour

Depart with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow for our overnight flight to Delhi.

Alternative airline – Emirates
If you prefer, you may fly with Emirates via Dubai from London Heathrow, Manchester or Birmingham for a supplement, from £375 per person return.

Upon arrival into Delhi, we transfer to the impressive Maidens Hotel, for our first two nights in India. This evening, we join our Tour Manager and fellow travellers for a welcome drink, to become better acquainted for our adventures ahead.

Delhi, a city combining the very best of old and modern India, is a wonderful introduction to this fascinating country. Following breakfast, we embark on a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi, taking in the sights as we ride through its streets. We cycle past the Red Fort – famed for its opulence, and being the palace of the Mughal Empire in the 1500s. We visit Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, as well as the lively old-city market, Chandni Chowk. Later, witness the imposing India Gate and striking Parliament House, and further explore New Delhi. Visits include the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Humayun’s Tomb, where the 16th-century Mughal Emperor lies.

It’s an early start today as we make our way to the train station in time to board the Shatabdi Express to Amritsar. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel, the centrally-located Taj Swarna, which will be home for the next two nights. Following dinner this evening, see the breathtaking Golden Temple at night, when numerous lights illuminate its beauty, and witness the sacred and much revered Palki Sahib ceremony.

Tour Highlight
We begin our sightseeing tour with a visit to the striking Golden Temple. We continue to the Partition Museum, a world-first ‘people’ museum that tells the stories of the millions affected during the Partition of India in 1947. The afternoon is reserved for a very special journey to the Wagah border, to witness the inimitable Wagah-Attari border ceremony. This daily ‘beating retreat’ attracts crowds from both sides of the India-Pakistan border and is characterised by elaborate and rapid dance-like manoeuvres.

This morning we begin the scenic drive from Amritsar to Dharamshala. Recharge as you take in the views of lush cedar forests and rolling hills as we approach Dharamshala, at the edge of the Himalayas. En route, we visit the magnificent rock-cut temples of Masrur, located in the Kangra Valley. Upon arrival, we check into Fortune Moksha Hotel. Our evening is at leisure to spend as we please.

A morning of sightseeing takes us to the renowned McLeod Ganj, the spiritual home of Tibetan Buddhism. Tucked among the shrines and statues of the serene Tsuglagkhang Complex, we visit the striking Namgyal Monastery, the library, and see countless artefacts showcasing tradition and art at the Tibetan Museum. We continue to the tranquil Norbulingka Institute, a peaceful sanctuary that pays tribute to Tibetan culture and crafts, and supports Tibetan refugees.

Tour Highlight
After breakfast, we head to the airport for our flight to Delhi. Upon arrival we transfer to the railway station to board the Deccan Odyssey, the epitome of train travel. Nestle into private cabins, with on-demand butler service, as we take in the tapestry of India’s panoramic landscapes. For dinner, we dine on a delicious menu prepared by expert chefs with the freshest local ingredients. Meander the elegant carriages and sample the facilities of the bar, lounge room, signature spa, and more.

We meet in the dining car as we prepare to embrace our quest for nature in the world famous Ranthambore National Park, a tiger reserve that once served as the private hunting ground of the Maharajas of Jaipur. Embark on a thrilling safari in search of the ever-elusive tigers that roam freely. Amid the ancient ruins of yesteryear, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant locales of Sawai Madhopur. Later, return to the luxurious embrace of our state-of-the-art train, Deccan Odyssey. Swap stories from plush armchairs as we sip on a cocktail, prior to dinner in the dining car.

We arrive into the historic capital of Rajasthan, ‘The Pink City’. After breakfast, we explore the treasure trove of exquisite forts and regal palaces, a testament to the architectural ingenuity of old. Behold the magnitude of Amber Fort that adorns the sprawling landscape; the seven-story citadel of the City Palace with its vast courtyards; and the latticed sandstone work of art that is the Hawa Mahal, known as the Palace of the Winds. History and modernity dance together as we browse the bustling bazaars of this beautiful city, weaving our way between stalls. Afterwards, we return to the comfort of the Deccan Odyssey, where a sumptuous dinner and a comfortable night’s rest awaits.

Tour Highlight
This morning, we set out to discover the Mughal citadel of Agra, where the vision of the Taj Mahal will be seared in our memories forever. The exquisite ivory white marble mausoleum and testament of love stands as a serene sentinel over the city. We discover other architectural gems, like the imposing beauty of the Agra Fort, and take in the views of the Yamuna River. With the experiences of the day fresh in our minds and hearts, we return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner.

Enjoy breakfast as the Deccan Odyssey pulls into Gwalior. Disembark and witness the imposing Gwalior fort. Its intricate sandstone façade towers into the azure sky, as the sun catches the ornate details of each majestic turret. We venture onward to the enchanting hidden gem of Orchha. Step into India’s rich history as we roam the ruins of grandeur and absorb the tranquillity of the sacred Chaturbhuj Temple which reaches skyward, glowing in the golden light. Step into the Orchha Fort complex with its daunting bastions and intricate architecture, and visit the village for a flavour of local life. Return to the train for another lovely dining experience.

This morning we visit the historic city of Khajuraho, an archaeological treasure trove. Take in the exquisite beauty of the Chandela Temple complex, a World Heritage Monument, resplendent with carved deities adorning the ornate exterior. Afterwards, it’s the spiritual centre of the Mahadev Temple, which tells tales of devotion through its majestic façade and reaching spire. Later in the day, we return to the Deccan Odyssey.

Today we step back in time during our visit to Varanasi – one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. We spend time traversing the bazaars, admiring the serenity of carved temples and walking in the footsteps of history itself as we descend the riverfront steps to the Holy River Ganges. We take a boat along the sacred water, deemed to be the embodiment of the goddess Ganga, as the water’s divinity is believed to offer purification and spiritual connection. With full hearts, return to the Deccan Odyssey to experience its comforts for one final evening.

Our train rolls into Delhi this morning, bringing our rail adventure to a close. Following breakfast, we disembark and check in to the ITC Maurya, for our final night in India. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Perhaps, purchase some last-minute souvenirs. This evening, we join our fellow travelling companions for dinner at our hotel.

After two weeks discovering the delights of India, it is finally time to say farewell to this enchanting country and our newfound friends. We make our way to the airport this morning to return home. We arrive in the UK in the evening, ready to delight our loved ones with stories from our travels.