(Kolkata – Mumbai) Our route: Mumbai – Vadodara – Udaipur – Jaipur – Agra – Varanasi – Siliguri – Darjeeling – Bagdogra – Kolkata
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Deccan Odyssey

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14-day special train journey with 8 days on the legendary Deccan Odyssey

Asia

India

55 - 70 people

14 days

This unique route offers you a kaleidoscope of India. Your journey begins in Bengal’s metropolis Kolkata and continues by 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 are on the trail of India’s tigers. Finally, a bang: the mega-city of Mumbai. The form of travel is also exceptional: 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-language charter for you. Start your Indian adventure with a pre-trip to Delhi. End your trip in Hampi, India's Rome, or on Goa's dream beaches.

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

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HIGHLIGHTS

Charter exclusive on a unique route
7 nights aboard the legendary luxury train Deccan Odyssey
7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one trip
Kolkata and Mumbai, two breathtaking metropolises
Experience the Himalayas: With India's most famous toy train to Darjeeling
Varanasi, India's holiest city on the Ganges
Rajasthan's Pearls: Jaipur and Udaipur
Fairytale: The Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world
On a tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park

route

itinerary

Day 1. Welcome to Kolkata

Arrival in the morning and transfer to your hotel. You will explore Bengal's exciting metropolis, a city with countless facets between colorful chaos and deep spiritual beauty. Kolkata is the center of Indian intellectuals and the artistic avant-garde. Capital of British India until 1911, the huge white marble Victoria Memorial is the pride of the city. Other magnificent colonial buildings at the BBD Bag and St. Paul's Cathedral also bear witness to this. You will visit the mother house and learn about the religious work of Mother Teresa, whose tomb you will also visit. You will stay in a comfortable hotel in Calcutta for the next two nights. Overnight: The Taj Bengal (or similar), (D)

Day 2. Kolkata is (not) on the Ganges...

Today you will get to know more facets of Kolkata. In the traditional pottery district of Kumortuli, Hindu idols such as Durga, Kali, and Ganesha are made for a variety of celebrations. The blooming gardens of the colorful Jain temple are an oasis of calm. 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. Finally, enjoy the blaze of color at the Flower Market with a view of Kolkata's landmark, the steel Howrah Bridge. Overnight: The Taj Bengal (or similar), (BD)

Day 3. On the Darjeeling Railway to the Himalayas

A short flight in the morning takes you from Kolkata to Bagdogra in the northern part of West Bengal. Overland drive to Kurseong. A unique experience awaits you: the ride on India's famous Toy Train up to Darjeeling in the Himalayas. You drive approx. 30 km on the route built by the British in 1879 - 1881, which overcomes a difference in altitude of over 2,000 m over a total length of 86 km and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gentle hills covered with red blooming rhododendrons, white magnolias and bright green tea gardens nestle against snow-capped mountain giants. What a spectacle! 554 bridges and a single short tunnel on the entire route. You will spend the next two nights in a comfortable hotel with an enchanting flair. Overnight: Hotel Mayfair Hill Resort (or similar), (BD)

Day 4. The Roof of the World

In the morning, you drive up Tiger Hill with an unforgettable view of Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. When the weather is clear, you can even see Mount Everest from here! Pure harmony awaits you in the brightly colored Goom Monastery. Back in Darjeeling, stroll past colonial mansions and follow the ups and downs of Mount Everest summiteers at the Mountaineering Institute. Afterwards, spices, tea, and incense sticks lure you to shop in the mall. Overnight: Hotel Mayfair Hill Resort (or similar), (BD)

Day 5. Welcome aboard!

From Darjeeling, you drive back down to Siliguri station, where the legendary Deccan Odyssey awaits you. In the late afternoon, the crew welcomes you aboard. Settle in your home on wheels for the next seven nights. Overnight: Deccan Odyssey (BD)

Day 6. Holy City of Varanasi

As the first rays of sun fall on bathing ghats and temples on the banks of the Ganges, take boats on the holy river. You rub your eyes in amazement: Is that a mirage, a film set or is it reality? Pilgrims cleanse themselves from sins in the murky waters, 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 conjure up the sacred Ganges with flickering oil lamps – simply magical! Your train then 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. Overnight: Deccan Odyssey (BLD)

Day 7. Taj Mahal – Love turned into stone

When the entrance gates open and a snow-white monument of infinite dimensions emerges on the horizon, it is a moment that 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 ruler Shah Jahan had the structure built entirely of white marble in memory of his late favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal. Precious inlays made of sparkling semi-precious stones are reflected in deep blue basins. Then you have the choice: either you take a stroll through the market, learn more about Indian cuisine in a cooking class, or admire the Red Fort, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight: Deccan Odyssey (BLD)

Day 8. Palace of Winds

Welcome to Rajasthan, the land of the Maharajas! In the morning, your train pulls into the pink city of Jaipur. You will be amazed by the famous pink shimmering front of the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds. From its barred balconies, the noble ladies of the city once looked down on the colorful hustle and bustle of the market. Essential: visits to the magnificent city palace and the Jantar Mantar observatory from the 18th century, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A fascinating excursion takes you to the mighty palace-fortress of Amber, which towers picturesquely over Lake Maota. 1,000 mirrors reflect the glow of a single lamp and illuminate the huge hall of mirrors. In the afternoon, there is still some time for a shopping spree at Jaipur's handicraft market before your rolling home starts moving again. Overnight: Deccan Odyssey (BLD)

Day 9. On the trail of the tiger

A day in India's wilderness. Arrive at Sawai Madhopur railway station in the morning. First you get to know the villages in the area: men with colorful turbans and women with colorful saris – a glimpse into everyday life in another world. From here it is a short hop to the famous Ranthambore National Park. Deer, antelope, pheasant, monkeys, and sloth bears populate the wooded plain. Speaking of a stone's throw: it's actually about him, India's secret ruler, the tiger, for which the national park is famous. You might be lucky and spot one of the magnificent predators on your safari. In the evening, board your palace on rails again. Overnight: Deccan Odyssey (BLD)

Day 10. Udaipur

Against the backdrop of the Araveli Mountains, palaces are reflected in small lakes. Udaipur is India's most romantic city. First you visit the huge palace area directly on Lake Pichola. The crystal collection is unique and curious at the same time: Or have you ever seen armchairs, tables, and beds made of crystal glass? With boats you can enjoy the dream scenery at Lake Pichola. The afternoon is dedicated to social contrasts and the position of women in modern India: you will visit the Mahesh Ashram, a social project founded in 2003 that offers orphaned girls a secure future. Alternatively, you can take a stroll through the old town. In the evening, your special train leaves Udaipur and soon afterwards Rajasthan. It goes to the neighboring state of Gujarat, no less exciting and yet little known to us. Overnight: Deccan Odyssey (BLD)

Day 11. High tea in the Maharaja’s palace

Today you reach the university town of Vadodara. Not far away are the largely unexcavated remains of Gujarat's ancient capital, Champaner (UNESCO World Heritage Site). The city walls enclose pre-Mughal mosques and palaces and combine Islamic and Hindu styles. A feast for all the senses: In the Laxmi Vilas Palace, where the princely family still resides today, you can enjoy dance and music with delicacies from the princely Indian cuisine. In the afternoon, wonderful paintings and sculptures await you in the Maharadsha Fateh Singh Museum. Back on board the Deccan Odyssey, the journey begins south into the state of Maharashtra. Overnight: Deccan Odyssey (BLD)

Day 12. Mumbai – Colorful, chaotic, and full of contrasts

Today your train reaches the Indian Ocean and drives into India's economic metropolis Mumbai. Their Victoria Station from 1888 is the largest railway station in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is here that you bid farewell to the Deccan Odyssey and its lovely crew. But your India adventure continues! Discover the dazzling city of Mumbai and arrive at Mani Bhawan, the home of Mahatma Gandhi. After visiting the archaeological treasures at the Prince of Wales Museum, head to the Gateway of India, the city's landmark. This is where your harbor tour starts, showing you Mumbai's sparkling sea of lights and its famous Marine Drive promenade from a very special perspective. Tonight you stay in a deluxe hotel. Overnight: Trident Nariman Point (or similar) (BD)

Day 13. Welcome to Bollywood!

An unusual highlight follows today: You will visit the world-famous Bollywood film studios and walk 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 films a year. After so much glamour, end the day and your journey with an Indian specialty meal. Overnight: Trident Nariman Point (or similar) (BD)

Day 14. Return flight

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and flight home.

DATES & PRICES

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Information

Included services:

Domestic flight Kolkata – Bagdogra in economy class
7 nights accommodation 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)
Pension completa a bordo del treno Deccan Odyssey
Train ride on the Toy Train from Kursong to Darjeeling
Safari in Ranthambore National Park
Tanz, Musik und Spezialitätenküche im Laxmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara
Visit the Red Fort in Agra and an ashram in Udaipur
Transfers and excursions in modern coaches with air conditioning or, at times, car transfers from the 4th to the 6th day
Porter service at the train station
Permanent English-speaking tour guide from Kolkata to Mumbai
Additional local English-speaking tour guide (maximum group size: 25 guests)
Entrance fees for all sightseeing as per itinerary
Boat trips in Kolkata, Varanasi, Udaipur, and Mumbai