Welcome aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Early this evening at approximately 15.30 hrs, gather at the Chhatrapati Shivaji to complete the registration process and check in formalities for your Indian Sojourn rail journey. Once done, receive a traditional Indian welcome and enjoy a refreshing drink.

You will then be guided to your charming cabins. As you settle in, the Deccan Odyssey will begin its journey from Mumbai to Vadodara.

Arrive at the capital of the Gaekwads, Vadodara, which is situated along the Vishwamitri river.

Post breakfast proceed to visit Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park. This famous UNESCO World Heritage site is the only complete and untouched pre-Mughal Islamic city of India. Witness its impressive landscape, which consists of unexcavated archaeological, historic and living cultural heritage. Explore the Jama Masjid (Great Mosque) built in 1513. It represents a seamless blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture, which later became a model for mosque architecture in India.

Drive back to Vadodara for a nice lunch on board the Deccan Odyssey.

After lunch, head to the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, originally built as a school for the Maharaja's children. Art lovers will especially love this place! You can view a varied range of art displayed in the museum, including a collection of the Raja Ravi Varma's paintings, along with other renowned European Masters and a collection of sculptures in bronze and marble.

At the resplendent Lukshmi Villas Palace, enjoy high tea with your fellow travelers. Built in 1890, this palace is the residence of the Royal family even today.

Renowned for being four times the size of Buckingham Palace, its awe-inspiring Durbar hall boasts of a Venetian mosaic floor, Belgian stained glass windows and walls with elaborate mosaic decorations. The palace is also home to an extraordinary collection of Fellici's old armory and sculptures in bronze, marble & terracotta. Relish delicacies from the Royal kitchen, and witness a folk performance of the region.

Enjoy dinner aboard the Deccan Odyssey as it departs for Udaipur.

The Deccan Odyssey rolls into Udaipur in the morning. Set on the shores of the placid Lake Pichola, Udaipur, known as the City of Lakes, is easily one of the most romantic cities of India, surrounded by scenic hills. Enjoy your breakfast as you admire the picturesque landscape of the Aravali hills. Spend the relaxed morning availing the different facilities available on board.

After an early lunch, disembark to visit the famous City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan, with its scalloped arches, fretted balconies, and cupolas, which also houses the spectacular Crystal Gallery. The tour of this magnificent city is completed with a boat cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola. Later return to Deccan Odyssey or walking tour through the Old City of Udaipur. Sample the exquisite variety of handicrafts ranging from toys, bewitching puppets, wall hangings, cloth lanterns, handmade papers, jewellery, paintings, painted wooden boxes, pottery, brassware and terracotta sculptures.

Thereafter you return to the Deccan Odyssey for a relaxed evening and dinner as we depart for Jodhpur

This morning as the Deccan Odyssey travels through the stronghold of the Marwar region, enjoy a relaxing morning on board as you breakfast, unwind and experience the striking panorama of the Thar Desert, arriving at Jodhpur.

The morning is at leisure on board the Deccan Odyssey, but those who wish to step out have the option of visiting a weavers' village, a potters' village as well as a Bishnoi village. The Bishnoi tribe, indigenous to India, follow the 29 principles laid down by their Guru about 540 years ago, to protect trees and wildlife ensuring a healthy eco-friendly social life for the community. Take a peep into their lives where traditions and skills are passed down unchanged through generations OR enjoy spa facilities at a hotel.

(Please Note: Subject to Deccan Odyssey arriving into Jodhpur station on time)

Lunch on board the Deccan Odyssey

Following lunch, set out once again to explore the magnificent city of Jodhpur, also known as the Blue City, after the vivid blue-painted houses that surround the Mehrangarh Fort. Set like a pearl amidst the stark desert, this former capital of Marwar boasts some of the finest architecture from the Rajput era, renowned for its superb forts and glorious palaces.

Experience glimpses of the lifestyle of the residents as you explore the city. Walk through the bustle of the Old Clock Tower market, past old havelis and houses, continue to the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, the pride of Jodhpur. Marvel at the intricate carvings and expansive courtyards of the several palaces inside as well as the amazing view of palanquins, arms, paintings, costumes and the arts and crafts of a bygone era at the museum.

In the evening enjoy a wide array of sumptuous Marwar barbeque delights served in the royal courtyard of Mehrangarh Fort as you admire the cityscape from atop.

Having taken in your share of the sublime beauty of Jodhpur, return to the Deccan Odyssey and head for Agra

Arriving at Agra, you will realize that the Mughals were not just the greatest dynasty to rule India but also its greatest builders. After a leisurely breakfast on board the Deccan Odyssey, enjoy a relaxed morning availing the different options we have to offer.After lunch on board the Deccan Odyssey, you will visit the Taj Mahal, which was Emperor Shah Jahan's gift of love to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and is truly the world's most wondrous monument. The making of the Taj Mahal is as much a fable as the edifice itself. It took 20000 men 22 years to build this unrivalled mausoleum and its exquisite white marble was brought from 200 miles away by caravans of elephants and camels

Thereafter proceed to Agra Fort, another outstanding example of Mughal architecture, and the seat of Mughal reign and administration for three generations. The present structure owes its origins to Emperor Akbar who had its first buildings of red sandstone erected on the eastern bank of the river Yamuna. His grandson Shah Jahan, the most artistic and prolific builder of the dynasty, later added the impressive marbled private quarters and the mosque while Aurangzeb added the outer ramparts. A visit to the Diwan-e-Am, 'Hall of Public Audience' and the Royal Pavilions is not to be missed.

Later, you have the opportunity to visit the local markets to admire the exquisite Pietra Dura (marble inlay) artefacts and Mughal ornaments OR as an optional activity you may avail of spa facilities at a hotel before completing your tour of this historical city.

Late evening, you return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner and your onward journey to Sawai Madhopur

Sawai Madhopur, in Rajasthan is the alighting point for the famous Ranthambore National Park, and India’s efforts to conserve the dwindling tiger population can be seen here. The park is one of the finest tiger reserves in the country and the most likely place to spot one of these majestic animals.

Enjoy breakfast before you set out for your morning village safari. The people of Rajasthan’s villages are mostly tribals who subsist on farming and hunting. These friendly folk are warm and welcoming, happy to show guests around their villages, giving deep insights into their daily lives. The women here wear bright colours to offset the drab desert, and most people live in mud huts. Visit a local home for a and interact with the family. Post the village tour head back to the comfort of Deccan Odyssey for a sumptuous lunch.

Post lunch, disembark to head for the afternoon safari. Ranthambore is home to several other species as well; you can see herds of Chital and Sambhar deer as well as wild boar, Nilgai antelope and chinkara gazelles. There are also sloth bear, a few leopards and crocodiles. Extensive bird life includes jungle fowl, partridges, quails, the crested serpent eagle, woodpeckers, flycatchers etc. There are also water birds like storks, ducks and geese at the lakes and waterholes. If it’s your lucky day, you could spot a tiger lolling around lazily in the sun, or feverishly hunting down deer around the lakes!

After a fulfilling afternoon, proceed for high tea at the Sawai Madhopur Lodge, the former hunting lodge of the erstwhile royal family of Jaipur. Feel free to share the spoils (of your photo-shoots!) over a leisurely hi tea .

After high tea, it is time to head back to the Deccan Odyssey where you can relax with a drink before dinner on board, as the Deccan Odyssey sets off for Jaipur, the Pink City.

Celebrated for the triumphs of its proud Rajputs, Jaipur - the City of Victory, is set amidst the rugged Aravali hills. Formidable forts, beautiful palaces, mansions and gardens further elevate its beauty. At one point of time, royal parades and processions, in all their splendour, graced these palaces and forts. The city is a colourful oasis in the desert, and you will witness a timeless charm that is attached to Jaipur's bazaars and its people.

After breakfast you drive to Amber fort, Maharaja Mansingh's 17th century masterpiece, which overlooks the striking Maota Lake. The fort is a expansive complex of halls, courtyards and rooms ornamented with stunning paintings, precious stones and mirrors. Then proceed to the Sheesh Mahal, 'Hall of Mirrors', where a single lamplight reflects in many mirrors, and lights up the entire room, creating a glittery effect.

En route to Amber Fort, halt at the Palace of Winds. Also known as the Hawa Mahal, it is renowned for its elaborate pink sandstone carving and an outstanding view of the city.

You will then visit the famous City Palace of Jaipur. This extraordinary complex is known for exquisite palaces, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. The palace museum is home to an assortment of rare armoury, manuscripts, costumes and carpets. Located adjacent to it is Jantar Mantar, the astronomical observatory built in the 18th century by Sawai Jai Singh. An astounding achievement for its time, this observatory till date manages to give accurate readings.

Halt for lunch at a city hotel.

Post lunch you can choose to participate in one of the optional tours. Unwind at a palace hotel spa or roam the colourful bazaars of the Pink city. These bazaars are known for a wide range of ethnic handicrafts produced in the city-centre, and its outskirts.

After your full day tour of the royal Jaipur, return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner, as it departs for Delhi.

Early in the morning, after breakfast, your journey will come to an end at the Delhi Railway Station. Bid farewell to the royal Deccan Odyssey and take home along with you innumerable precious memories.