Extravagant Gardens & Architecture of India by Luxury Rail

Our voyage of discovery begins in Kolkata, at the five-star Taj Bengal Hotel, designed by the legendary architect Bob Fox. The property exhibits a blend of old-world charm and modernity, and stands as an elegant Kolkata landmark. Take your afternoon at leisure to explore the local sights.

Kolkata is a sensory delight that is constantly evolving. An early morning visit to the Mallick Ghat Flower Market stimulates the senses as we browse hundreds of stalls brimming with floral blooms. Our tour of the former capital includes a visit to the Victoria Memorial, one of the city’s finest and most prominent buildings, housing a museum dedicated to the history of India. We then move on to Dalhousie Square. During its period of British rule, this was a bustling hub of English colonialism and trade. Our final stop is South Park Street Cemetery, an atmospheric space within the otherwise hectic climate of modern-day Kolkata. In the evening, welcome drinks will be followed by a Welcome Dinner at the Taj Bengal, where you will get to know your fellow guests better.

We leave Kolkata today for the short flight to Bagdogra. From here, we embark on a spectacular journey to the hill station of Darjeeling, in the foothills of the Himalayas. Choose to make the journey by bus, on a route taking between three and four hours. Or embark the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which takes around five hours. Also known as the ‘Toy Train’, the narrow-gauge railway travels past awe-inspiring scenery to reach the heights of India’s most famous hill station. Our locomotive climbs its way to Ghum, which at 7,407 feet (2,258 metres) is the highest railway station in India. Here, snow-covered Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest, dominates the skyline. Having taken in these extraordinary views, our train descends to Darjeeling. We dine at our hotel this evening, during the first of a three-night stay.

Awaken to the breathtaking sight of Mount Kangchenjunga. This morning, we again join the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway up to Batasia Loop and Ghum. Along the way, our train passes within inches of colourful shops, houses and monasteries. Arriving in Ghum, we visit the Ghum Monastery, before returning by car to the hotel for lunch. Witness daily life during our afternoon tour of Darjeeling, which includes a visit to a Tibetan Refugee Centre. At the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, we also learn about some of the region’s famous mountaineering expeditions.

This morning, weather permitting, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch the sun rising over the snow-capped Himalayas. Take an early morning trip to Tiger Hill for this enthralling experience, which stands as one of the world’s most overwhelming sights. This afternoon, pay a visit to a local tea plantation. With our journey taking place during April, it coincides perfectly with the tea harvesting season. Witness the tea picking process firsthand and sample the freshest cup of tea most of us are ever likely to taste.

Following breakfast, we depart the cosy surrounds of the Hotel Mayfair for a three-hour drive from Darjeeling, through the countryside and tea plantations, to Siliguri, where lunch awaits us at the Mayfair Siliguri Resort. Afterwards, we make our way to New Jalpaiguri Station, where the Deccan Odyssey awaits our arrival. Board the train, as we begin our rail adventure across India to Mumbai.

Our early morning arrival in Varanasi allows us time to fully experience one of India’s most sacred and spiritual places. Situated on the banks of the River Ganges, this cultural and religious centre, known as the ‘City of Light’, is a focal point for Hindu pilgrims. These devotees come here to bathe in the Ganges and perform funeral rites in its waters, which are considered sacred. Witness these long-standing ceremonies before departing for a private river cruise. Our exploration of Varanasi concludes with a guided walk through its ancient and winding streets, which are home to some 2,000 temples.

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. Next, wander 90 acres of lush landscapes at Lodhi Garden, dotted with vibrant rose gardens, tranquil lakes, and bonsai displays. Marvel at its 15th- and 16th-century Indo-Islamic architecture, including the tombs of Mohammed Shah and Sikandar Lodi, the grand Bara Gumbad, and the glazed-tile Shish Gumbad. We continue our exploration with a drive around Lutyen’s Delhi, an upscale neighbourhood in New Delhi, home to government buildings, including the President’s House and India Gate. This is followed by a visit to Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Tonight, we enjoy a sumptuous dinner on board our train as we continue our journey across India.

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. The fort served as the principal residence for emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638. Its red sandstone walls run for 2.5km and contain many palaces, as well as two well-preserved mosques. We continue with a sunset visit to the world-renowned Taj Mahal. See the grand monument bathed in the fading light of the setting sun. Enjoy dinner back aboard the Deccan Odyssey as we overnight in Agra.

An early start to the day sees us avoiding the crowds during a visit to the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Arguably the most famous building in the world, the Taj Mahal was designed as a mausoleum for the beloved wife of the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan. It is said to have taken 20,000 artisan workers 22 years to complete. Afterwards, we enjoy breakfast in the gardens at the Taj Khema hotel, weather permitting, with views of the Taj Mahal in the distance. Take time to discover the hotel’s garden with our Botanical Guide. Return to the Deccan Odyssey for lunch as we continue our rail journey towards the state of Rajasthan.

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. Afterwards, learn about the centuries-old art of block printing during a visit to a textile workshop. After lunch in a local restaurant, we explore further during 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. If time permits, we will also explore a famous fabric market before returning briefly to the train.

This evening, a Gala Dinner is held in our honour at the elegant Rambagh Palace Hotel, formerly the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The palace retains its elaborate splendour, with hand-carved marble latticework, sandstone balustrades, and elaborate Mughal gardens.

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 in 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.

Farewell the Deccan Odyssey as we transfer to the illustrious five-star Taj Mahal Tower Hotel for an indulgent two-night stay. Revel in the opulent accommodations of this flagship Taj establishment, offering unrivalled vistas of the Arabian Sea and the iconic Gateway of India. Hosting monarchs, dignitaries, and luminaries worldwide, this legendary abode epitomises extravagance. Mumbai invites us to discover its rich culture 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, savouring the regional cuisine while enjoying Mumbai’s vibrant ambience.

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-listed site was designed to honour Lord Shiva, one of the most auspicious Hindu gods. We return to the city for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Mumbai independently – perhaps visit one of its colourful local markets. Having shared in this remarkable journey, we say goodbye to our fellow travellers at this evening’s Farewell Dinner.

You will be transferred to Mumbai airport today as our journey concludes.