Train journey through India – From Kolkata to the Himalayas, from the Taj Mahal to Mumbai (2026/2027)
starting at 11.600 €

Deccan Odyssey: Kolkata – Mumbai

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15-day special train journey in India with an 8-day trip on the legendary luxury train Deccan Odyssey

Asia

India

55 - 75 people

15 days

This unique route offers you a kaleidoscope of India. Begin your journey in Bengal's metropolis of Kolkata and continue on India's most famous toy train to Darjeeling in the Himalayas. Discover the holy city of Varanasi on the Ganges, the breathtaking Taj Mahal, and Rajasthan's fairytale palaces. In Ranthambore, you can track India's tigers. Finally, a grand finale: the mega-city of Mumbai. The mode of travel is also extraordinary: the luxurious Deccan Odyssey has been named Asia's best train several times. We now offer this Indian fairy tale on rails exclusively as a German-speaking charter for you. Start your adventure with a pre-trip to Delhi and end it on the dream beaches of Goa or Kerala.

Stephanie Gräf

A specialist in personalized and exciting trips around the globe.

I am your contact person for questions and bookings regarding your trip.

You can reach me by phone or email:
+49 (0)201 858 90 960
welcome@inventia.de

Select consultation appointment

HIGHLIGHTS

The only German-speaking exclusive charter on an extraordinary route
7 nights aboard the legendary Deccan Odyssey luxury train
7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one trip
Kolkata and Mumbai, two breathtaking metropolises
Experience the Himalayas: Travel to Darjeeling on India's most famous toy train
Varanasi, India's holiest city on the Ganges
Rajasthan's gems: Jaipur and Udaipur
Fairytale: The Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World
On safari in Ranthambore National Park

route

itinerary

Day 1 Off to India

Flight from Germany to Kolkata.

Day 2 Oh, Calcutta!

Arrival in the morning. Transfer to the hotel and time to relax. You will stay at a comfortable hotel in Kolkata for the next two nights. (A)

Day 3 Kolkata is (not) on the Ganges ...

Today, you will explore Bengal's exciting metropolis, a city with countless facets ranging from colorful chaos to profound spiritual beauty. You will enjoy the blaze of color at the flower market with a view of Calcutta's landmark, the steel Howrah Bridge. The huge Victoria Memorial, made of white marble, is the pride of the city, which was the capital of British India until 1911. In the traditional pottery district of Kumartuli, Hindu deities such as Durga, Kali, and Ganesha are crafted for various celebrations. Experience the silhouette of the metropolis from a completely different perspective: during a boat trip on the Hugli, an estuary in the western Ganges Delta. (FA)

Day 4 On the Darjeeling Railway to the Himalayas

In the morning, take a short flight from Kolkata to Bagdogra in the northern part of the state of West Bengal. Followed by an overland trip to Kurseong. Now a unique experience begins: the ride on India's famous Toy Train up to Darjeeling in the Himalayas. You travel approx. 30 km on the line built by the British between 1879 and 1881, which covers a total length of 86 km and climbs over 2,000 m in altitude and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gentle hills covered with red flowering rhododendrons, white magnolias, and bright green tea gardens nestle against snow-capped mountain giants. There are 554 bridges and a single short tunnel along the entire route! You will spend the next two nights in a comfortable hotel with enchanting flair in Darjeeling. (FA)

Day 5 The Roof of the World

In the morning, drive up Tiger Hill for an unforgettable view of Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. On a clear day, you can even see Mount Everest from here! Pure harmony awaits you in the brightly colored Ghoom Monastery. Back in Darjeeling, stroll past colonial villas and follow the ups and downs of Mount Everest climbers at the Mountaineering Institute. Afterwards, spices, tea, and incense sticks beckon you to shop at the mall. (FA)

Day 6 India's blue luxury train

From Darjeeling, you will travel back down to Siliguri station, where you will catch your first glimpse of the blue dream train, the Deccan Odyssey. In the late afternoon, the crew will welcome you aboard your rolling home for the next seven nights (FA).

Day 7 Holy City of Varanasi

Pilgrims purify themselves in the murky waters of sin, yogis meditate, mourners scatter ashes. On a stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, you will pass the famous Vishvanath Temple. In the evening, you will witness the Aarti ceremony, when pilgrims and priests invoke the holy Ganges with flickering oil lamps – simply magical! Afterwards, your train sets off again and travels west through the green Ganges plain. Fields, villages, markets, sacred cows – India's everyday life passes you by. Your next destination: one of the most breathtaking monuments in the world. (FMA)

Day 8 Taj Mahal – Love turned to stone

When the entrance gates open and a snow-white monument of infinite dimensions appears on the horizon, it is a moment you will never forget. The majestic Taj Mahal is rightly considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan had the building constructed entirely of white marble in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Precious inlays of sparkling semi-precious stones are reflected in deep blue pools. Afterwards, you will admire the Red Fort, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (FMA)

Day 9 In Ranthambore National Park

A day in India's wilderness. In the morning, you arrive at Sawai Madhopur railway station. First, you get to know the villages in the surrounding area: men wearing colorful turbans and women in brightly colored saris – a glimpse into everyday life in another world. From here, it's just a stone's throw to the famous Ranthambore National Park. Antelopes, deer, pheasants, monkeys, and sloth bears populate the wooded plains. Speaking of a stone's throw: this is actually about India's secret ruler, the tiger, for which the national park is famous. Maybe you'll be lucky and spot one of these magnificent predators on your safari. A detour takes you to the non-profit project Dastkar, which was founded more than 20 years ago and has two main goals: to preserve traditional craftsmanship and at the same time to generate income for women in rural areas. In the evening, you return to your palace on rails. (FMA)

Day 10 Palace of Winds

Welcome to Rajasthan, the land of the Maharajas! In the morning, your train arrives in the pink city of Jaipur. And there you are, standing in front of the famous pink shimmering facade of the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds. From its latticed balconies, the noble ladies of the city once looked down on the colorful market bustle. Not to be missed: visits to the magnificent City Palace and the 18th-century Jantar Mantar observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A fascinating excursion takes you to the mighty palace fortress of Amber, which sits picturesquely above Lake Maota. 1,000 mirrors reflect the light of a single lamp, illuminating the huge Hall of Mirrors. (FMA)

Day 11 Fairytale Udaipur

Palaces are reflected in small lakes against the backdrop of the Araveli Mountains. Udaipur is India's most romantic city. First, you will visit the huge palace complex directly on Lake Pichola. The crystal collection is both unique and curious: have you ever seen crystal glass armchairs, tables, and beds? From boats, you will enjoy the dreamlike scenery of Lake Pichola. In the evening, your special train will leave Udaipur and soon after Rajasthan. It will take you to the neighboring state of Gujarat, which is no less exciting and yet little known to us. (FMA)

Day 12 High tea at the Maharaja's palace

Today you will reach the university city of Vadodara. Not far away are the largely unexcavated remains of the ancient capital of Gujarat, Champaner (UNESCO World Heritage Site). The city walls enclose mosques and palaces from the time before the Mughal emperors and combine Islamic and Hindu stylistic elements. A feast for all the senses: at Laxmi Vilas Palace, where the princely family still resides today, you can enjoy dance and music accompanied by delicacies from princely Indian cuisine. In the afternoon, wonderful paintings and sculptures await you at the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. Back on board the Deccan Odyssey, the journey south to the state of Maharashtra begins. (FMA)

Day 13 Mumbai – Colorful, chaotic, full of contrasts

Today, your train reaches the Indian Ocean and arrives in India's economic metropolis, Mumbai. Its Victoria Station, built in 1888, is the largest railway station in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will bid farewell to the Deccan Odyssey and its charming crew. But your Indian adventure continues! You will discover the dazzling city of Mumbai and visit Mani Bhawan, the home of Mahatma Gandhi. After visiting the archaeological treasures in the Prince of Wales Museum, you will head to the Gateway of India, the city's landmark. This is where your harbor tour begins, showing you Mumbai's sparkling sea of lights and its famous Marine Drive beach promenade from a very special perspective. You will spend the next two nights in a deluxe hotel. (FA)

Day 14 Welcome to Bollywood!

Today brings an unusual highlight: you will visit the world-famous Bollywood film studios and follow in the footsteps of Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Rani Mukherjee. India's film industry is the largest in the world, producing 1,000 Bollywood films per year. Alternatively, you can visit downtown Mumbai, have the opportunity to photograph the world-famous Dhobi Ghat laundry, and then enjoy some free time on the colorful and lively Colaba Causeway shopping street. You will end the day and your trip with a meal of Indian specialties. (FA)

Day 15 Flight home

Flight home and landing in Germany – the end of an unforgettable trip. (F)

Information

Included services:

Flights Frankfurt – Kolkata and Mumbai – Frankfurt in Economy Class
Domestic flight Calcutta – Bagdogra in Economy Class
7 nights on the Deccan Odyssey luxury train
6 nights in comfortable and deluxe hotels in Kolkata, Darjeeling, and Mumbai
Meals as per itinerary (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
Full board on board the Deccan Odyssey train, non-alcoholic beverages included
Train ride on the Toy Train from Kurseong to Darjeeling
Safari in Ranthambore National Park
Dance, music, and specialty dining at Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara
Visit to the Red Fort in Agra and an ashram in Udaipur
Transfers and excursions in modern air-conditioned coaches or occasional car transfers from day 4 to day 6
Luggage carrier service at the train station
Permanent German-speaking tour guide from Kolkata to Mumbai
Additional local German-speaking tour guide (maximum group size: 25 guests)
Admission fees for all sightseeing tours as per itinerary
Boat trips in Kolkata, Varanasi, Udaipur, and Mumbai
Doctor on board