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We invite you to participate in an extraordinary expedition through the best of India, from Delhi in the north to Cochin in the south, from Varanasi in the east to Jodhpur in the west, including 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Along the way, you will enjoy the company of maharajas and business leaders, dine with a family of sixth-generation Portuguese traders in Goa, and meet with specialist crafts workers who are modern practitioners of age-old skills.
October 16 and 17 U.S.A./Delhi, India
Depart on independent flights to Delhi, and upon arrival transfer to our historic accommodations.
The Imperial Hotel
(D)
October 18 Delhi
The morning is at leisure to relax or explore independently before gathering for a talk by our National Geographic expert during lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring India’s capital—an intriguing mélange of venerable historic monuments and 21st-century urban culture. We visit the soaring red sandstone tower of Qutb Minar and surrounding funerary buildings, most notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate, a masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art. Later we stop at Delhi’s Red Fort, an imposing crimson monument to the might of the Mogul empire of the 17th century. In the late afternoon, we arrive at the Tomb of Humayun, the first garden tomb in India, which inspired major architectural innovations, including, ultimately, the Taj Mahal. Other options for today include the National Museum, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the Gandhi National Museum. This evening, enjoy a festive welcome dinner to introduce us to the culinary delights of India.
(B,L,D)
October 19 Khajuraho/Varanasi
After our morning flight to Varanasi, climb the steps to the Kandariya Mahadev, Khajuraho’s famed Hindu temple complex, embellished with intricate bas-reliefs. Sculpted by master craftsmen of the Chandella dynasty between the 10th century and the 12th century, it was rediscovered by the British in the early 19th century. In the afternoon, continue to Varanasi, located along the Ganges. Since its founding in the sixth century B.C., Varanasi has been the most holy site of Hindu pilgrimage, where bathing in the Ganges is believed to wash away a person’s sins. The setting sun sheds an ethereal light on the scene of temples, pavilions, and terraces. Cruise along the river in this unforgettable setting, observing the pilgrims who gather along the river’s stone steps, or ghats, to perform sacred ritual ablutions.
Taj Ganges
(B,L,D)
October 20 Bodh Gaya/Agra
This morning fly to the eastern state of Bihar to explore the epicenter of Buddhism at Bodh Gaya, where it is said that Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. Visit the tiered Mahabodhi Temple, where Buddhist pilgrims and crimson-robed monks mingle and pray in this tranquil setting—one of the holiest sites of Buddhist pilgrimage in the world. On the surrounding grounds, a dozen nations with significant Buddhist populations have constructed their own temples and monasteries for meditation and worship.
We board our private aircraft for Agra. Visit the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most famous monuments, built in the 17th century by Shah Jahan as a tribute to his wife. A masterpiece of the Mogul empire, the Taj soars majestically above the banks of the River Yamuna. The perfectly proportioned building is said to have been “designed by giants and finished by jewelers.” Wander the site, admire its form among the reflecting pools and gardens that surround it, and observe the intricate and ornate ornamentation of inlaid precious stones.
Oberoi Amarvilas
(B,L,D)
October 21 Agra
Visit Fatehpur Sikri, another brilliant example of Mogul architecture. Occupied for only 15 years during the second half of the 16th century, this red sandstone complex remains exquisitely intact. Its royal palace, harem, and mosque illustrate a fusion of Hindu and Islamic artistic styles, from delicately latticed marble screens to colonnaded verandahs and elaborate ceilings carved in tulip motifs. This afternoon, choose from a variety of activities: a tour of Agra Fort, a visit to Akbar’s Tomb, or a visit to a famous marble factory and store.
(B,L,D)
October 22 Great Thar Desert
Rural Rajasthan provides a unique colorful spectacle unlike any other. Spend the day exploring the stark Great Thar Desert, where you may encounter a variety of wildlife, including Indian gazelles, blue bulls, and peacocks. Observe the resourceful ways of farmers in the area and watch skilled craftspeople at work—including carpenters, metalsmiths, carpet weavers, and potters. Ride camels into the dramatic sand dunes to savor an exotic night under the desert stars in our comfortable tented safari camp.
Royal Tented Camp at Manvaar
(B,L,D)
October 23 Jodhpur
Return to Jodhpur, the glittering jewel of a city where the aristocratic Rajputs channeled their wealth from overland trade into sumptuous fortresses and palaces, adorned with carpets, jewels, silks, and other finery. Today, the area abounds with elegant edifices reflecting this period when extravagance knew no bounds. Immense walls enclose the old city’s jumble of narrow streets, indigo-painted houses, and lively bazaars. Stroll through the massive-walled Meherangarh fortress, with its elaborate palaces and courtyards, and look down on the town below. Enjoy the exciting surroundings as you dine on the ramparts of the fort. Spend the night in a splendid maharaja’s palace.
Umaid Bhawan Palace
(B,L,D)
October 24 Jaipur/Udaipur
This morning, we stop in Jaipur, often called the “Pink City” because its prominent buildings are washed in a rose-pink color. We drive through the bustling city, passing several beautiful palaces before stopping for lunch. On its colorful streets, we see both the younger generation and the turbaned village elders, illustrating the tradition and modernity of Jaipur. We view the Palace of Winds, an oasis for women of the court who sat behind its honeycombed lattice screens to take advantage of the cooling winds as they watched palace activities without being observed.
A short flight takes us to Udaipur. Set on the shores of Lake Pichola, this picturesque town is graced by regal marble palaces of the Rajput era, fortresses, temples, and serene gardens. Among these is the Mughal-style City Palace—the largest palace in Rajasthan—richly adorned with miniature paintings, mosaics, and stained glass. Our visit allows us a glimpse into its glorious past, ranging from the 16th century onward.
Oberoi Udaivilas
(B,L,D)
October 25 Ranakpur
Today we have the opportunity for a full-day visit to one of the most famous temple complexes in the world. Situated in the remote and peaceful Aravila Valley, the Ranakpur temples are among the five most holy Jain sites. The most famous is Adinath Temple, a beautifully crafted and well-kept marble edifice, which has 29 halls supported by 1,444 pillars, no two of which are alike. For those who choose to remain in Udaipur, there is time to wander the serpentine streets of the old town, enjoy the folk museum’s collection of marionette puppets, or cruise Lake Pichola.
(B,L,D)
October 26 Cochin
This morning, we depart for the southern state of Kerala, and particularly the Malabar Coast, a relaxed environment of tropical greenery crisscrossed by interior waterways and canals, and beaches lined with palms. Cochin enchants travelers with its Old World charm, and its heritage of trade and settlement by the Portuguese, Dutch, and English. Tea and spices are still traded in the town’s old Jewish quarter graced by the 16th-century Dutch Mattancherry Palace and Pardesi Synagogue, India’s oldest.
Taj Malabar
(B,L,D)
October 27 Cochin
Today, we cruise along the inland backwaters, a labyrinthine network of waterways that weave through villages set amid lush vegetation. We stop for lunch at the picturesque Lake Palace Resort before returning to Cochin in the afternoon. This evening, enjoy a performance of traditional Kathakali dance.
(B,L,D)
October 28 Goa
Late this morning, we travel to Goa, with its sweeping golden beaches overlooking the Arabian Sea. Goa was already a flourishing trade center before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century. Although it became part of the Indian Union in 1961, evidence of the 450 years of Portuguese rule is still apparent in the dress, language, religion and cuisine. Goa has captivated visitors for centuries, particularly artists and beachcombers drawn by its sleepy air of romance and the legacy of its colonial past. We drive north along the coastline passing elegant mansions and Goan villages as we head toward Panaji, one of India’s smallest capitals.
We continue to Sinquerim where our unique hotel is located above the sea, built into the ramparts of a 16th-century fortress. This evening, a prominent local family, sixth-generation local traders and landowners, welcome us into their home for dinner and show us their rare collection of antiques and artifacts from the old trade routes.
Taj Fort Aguada Beach Resort
(B,L,D)
October 29 Goa
We explore the Goan capital of Panaji, a beautiful city of whitewashed churches and palm-lined plazas, with the Portuguese influence evident in its winding streets of old homes with red-tiled roofs and overhanging balconies. We will also visit Old Goa, which once rivaled Rome in splendor, and whose Church of Saint Francis Xavier is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. Late this afternoon we head to the train station to board the Deccan Odyssey, our elegant home for the next four nights.
Deccan Odyssey
(B,L,D)
October 30 Pune
We arrive this morning in Pune, the former capital of Marathas and home to many poets, writers, and artists. Following breakfast, we visit the enchanting Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, which is dedicated to the arts of everyday life: pots, lamps, containers—objects that one would find in the homes of the village landlord, the farmer, the merchant, and the shopkeeper. We continue to the Shaniwarwada Palace, the David Synagogue, and the Aga Khan Palace, where Gandhi and his wife were imprisoned. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and return to our train to continue to Aurangabad.
(B,L,D)
October 31 Aurangabad
Following breakfast we disembark for a full day of sightseeing including a visit to the world-famous Ellora Caves. This UNESCO World Heritage site consists of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist caves that originated between the sixth and the ninth centuries. Lunch is followed by a visit to the Himroo shawl factory and shop, and a stop at the Bibi-Ka-Maqbara mausoleum, a curious copy of the Taj Mahal, built in 1678. We return to the train for dinner.
(B,L,D)
November 1 Ajanta/Nasik
This morning, we visit the Ajanta Caves. These caves, which date from the second century B.C. to the seventh century A.D., contain some of the finest Buddhist murals and sculptures ever found. We reboard the train and continue to Nasik, one of India’s holiest Hindu sites, where we visit the Panchawati ghat. We return to our train for an exciting private Diwali celebration on the last leg of our adventure.
(B,L,D)
November 2 Mumbai (Bombay)
Our train journey ends after breakfast when we arrive in Mumbai, India’s commercial capital. This 300-year-old “City of Dreams” was built on seven islands in the early 1500s and is known for its striking contrasts. Within a street or two, you may find modern skyscrapers, ornate Victorian buildings, and bustling bazaars. We stay at the Taj Mahal Palace, a city landmark built in 1903, located in a historic district downtown, on the waterfront with panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.
Taj Mahal Palace
(B,L,D)
November 3 and 4 Mumbai/U.S.A.
This morning, we drive around the city, stopping to observe some fascinating features of the local economy. We visit the Dhobi Ghats, the world’s largest open-air laundry, for an unforgettable spectacle of human ingenuity. Here is where the city’s clothes and linens are cleaned and pressed with remarkable efficiency, as they have been done for generations. We then stop to observe Mumbai’s famous dabbawallahs, members of the Bombay Union of Tiffin Box Carriers. Each morning, 2,500 of them call on suburban housewives to pick up freshly cooked lunches packed in metal containers, called dabbas. They then deliver the meals, via an intricate series of handoffs, to hungry husbands working in the city. Over 100,000 lunches are delivered via this remarkable system each day.
No visit to Mumbai is complete without a foray into the bazaars of Crawford Market. Within a few square kilometers, there are dozens of bazaars, street stalls, hawkers, and local handicrafts.
While in Mumbai we have a variety of options, including an excursion to the Mani Bhawan, where Mahatma Gandhi lived when he was in Bombay, or a four-hour boat trip to Elephanta Island, to explore its cave temples. You may also choose to walk through the old section of town and browse the local markets.
Later this evening, transfer to the airport for independent flights to the United States, arriving the next afternoon.
(B,L,D)
| ABOUT THE LUXURY TRAIN AND PRIVATE AIR |
The Deccan Odyssey is a fully air-conditioned, luxury train. There is a comfortable lounge; a conference car ideal for talks by our experts; two restaurant cars serving fine Indian cuisine; and a health car with a gym, beauty salon, and yoga center. Massage service is also available. Bedroom suites have two twin beds or one double bed, generous closets, additional space for baggage, and private facilities.
Travel by private aircraft provides us the freedom to make the most of our adventures on the Indian subcontinent. We set our own schedules, making short direct flights, and enjoy expedited boarding and luggage handling. Our flights are on ATR-72 aircraft that are modern, comfortable, and spacious. They are operated and maintained by Jet Airways, India’s largest airline, which is known for its high standards of safety and service on the ground and in the air.
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