Extravagant Gardens & Architecture of India by Luxury Rail

Your journey of discovery begins as you are met at Mumbai airport. From here, you will be transferred to the iconic five-star Taj Mahal Palace Hotel for a luxurious two-night stay. This flagship Taj hotel exudes a refined century-old hospitality. Over the years, the hotel has played host to kings, dignitaries and eminent personalities from across the globe. Enjoy splendid views of the Arabian Sea during your stay.

Stay: Two Nights: Mumbai, Taj Mahal Hotel (Tower Wing) or similar

• Dinner

This morning, we take a short cruise, weather permitting, to Elephanta Island, a lush island densely wooded with palm, mango and tamarind trees. This atmospheric cave complex and World Heritage site was designed to honour Lord Shiva, one of the most auspicious Hindu gods. We return to the city for lunch at the famous seafood restaurant, Trishna. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Mumbai independently or perhaps visit one of its colourful local markets. A drinks reception is followed by a Welcome Dinner this evening at our hotel. Get to know your fellow travellers, who will share this remarkable journey with you.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Rich in culture and history, Mumbai invites us to explore today. At the Dhobi Ghats, we see the time-honoured tradition of its vast outdoor laundry in action. Our tour then takes in George Fort and Gandhi’s House, which has been turned into a museum depicting his inspirational life. We adjourn to a local restaurant for lunch before boarding our private train, the Deccan Odyssey. What better way to experience the character, colour and diversity of India. Settle into your beautifully appointed private ensuite cabin and enjoy the hospitality of the stylish Bar Lounge Car. This evening, savour the fine Indian or western cuisine prepared by our onboard chefs.

Stay: Seven Nights: The Deccan Odyssey, Luxury Private Train

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

We spend a leisurely morning on board the train as India’s landscapes unfold before us. We have the opportunity to hear a talk on Indian culture before we arrive at Udaipur, also known as the ‘City of Lakes’. Here we discover the city’s numerous lakes and opulent palaces. Take in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Taj Lake Palace this afternoon. Constructed entirely of marble, the structure sits upon its own island, amid the shimmering waters of Lake Pichola. We also pay a visit to the grand City Palace, which further illustrates the majestic architecture India is renowned for. At Saheliyon-ki-Bari, we see its fountains and lotus pond situated amid flourishing gardens. Designed to be a peaceful retreat, the garden is an example of the Victorian Mixed Style, placing elements of English and Indian gardens side by side. 

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Arrive in Rajasthan’s capital this morning, the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. Visit the Amber Fort and explore its Hall of Mirrors and the Chahar Bagh paradise garden. Enjoy the view over the elaborate Kesar Kyari saffron garden, planted with star-patterned terraces. After lunch in a local restaurant, we explore further with a tour of the Jantar Mantar Observatory, the imposing City Palace and the astonishing Hawa Mahal, also known as the ‘Palace of the Winds’. This intricately designed monument, built of pink sandstone, was created to enable the royal ladies to discreetly observe everyday life passing by the many windows of its facade. This evening, following a fireworks display, dinner will be enjoyed upon the lawns of the elegant Rambagh Palace Hotel - a truly memorable end to a fantastic day in the Pink City.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Delhi is a bustling, vibrant city, famous for its traditional bazaars. Our tour of this enthralling metropolis takes in the World Heritage Site of Humayun’s Tomb, the first example of Mughal architecture in India, which is set within 100 acres of Mughal gardens. At Sunder nursery, we take in the symmetry and grandeur of the 16th-century heritage park complex. We then visit Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of India’s president. The building was designed by Edwin Lutyens and was also home to the former viceroy, Lord Mountbatten, during the last days of the Raj. The gardens were created in 1939 and are designed in the Mughal style, with water rills, ponds, fountains and flower beds full of colourful displays. Tonight, we enjoy a sumptuous dinner on board our private train as we continue our rail journey across India. 

Note: Our visit to the president’s house cannot be confirmed until closer to our departure. In the event we are unable to visit, we will arrange alternative touring.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

After breakfast, we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri. Known as a ‘ghost city’, this red sandstone town was abandoned only shortly after being built, due to a scarcity of water. Our travels then take us to Agra Fort, a magnificent structure dominating the skyline which served as the principal residence for emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638. Its red sandstone walls run for 2.5 km and contain many palaces, as well as two well-preserved mosques.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Today is devoted to visiting the impossibly beautiful Taj Mahal. Built entirely of white marble upon the south bank of the Yamuna River, it is arguably the most famous building in the world. Completed in 1648 by Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal was designed as a mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, taking 20,000 artisan workers 22 years to complete. After admiring the exquisite structure of the Taj Mahal, we also take time to discover its wonderful garden with our Botanical Guide.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner