Incredible India
The railway is the main form of transport in India, and traditional sleeper cars offer a range of options to the traveller, from air-conditioned first class to the crowded ‘seater class’. However, there is no need to sacrifice comfort and privacy for an authentic and in depth travel experience; a range of luxury sleeper trains operate throughout the country, providing decadent experiences coupled with an unrivalled insight to Indian life. Whether you’re journeying across these luscious landscapes seeking spiritual awakening or simply want to experience as much of the culture (and cuisine!) as possible, a voyage on a luxury sleeper train allows you to enjoy the very best of this intoxicating country.
The journey aboard Deccan Odyssey offers a rare opportunity to explore the untouched terrains of the Deccan region; It is a fabulous way to experience the rich heritage of India. Our train journey on the Deccan Odyssey included an itinerary of organised sightseeing off-train, leavened with extraordinary personal attention.
Deccan Odyssey comprises of 21 luxuriously appointed coaches, 12 of which are used to accommodate guests, making this an intimate and lavish experience. Offering several travel packages, guests can visit destination such as Goa, Jaipur and Mumbai in complete and utter comfort. Inspired by Imperial Maharajan tradition, each spacious guest coach features decadent touches such as sumptuous fittings, air conditioning and internet connection, the decor serving to reflect gorgeous views that speed by. Amenities include a beautiful on board dining room and bar, gym and even a ‘spa car’; complemented by excellent personal service, travelling on board Deccan Odyssey is a deluxe and unique experience of India.
The journey covered over 8 days, and included: Sawai Madhopur for a wildlife safari in Ranthambore, Agra to visit the Taj Mahal (one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World), Jaipur with its pink buildings and impregnable forts, the ‘blue city’ Jodhpur, Udaipur with its sparkling lakes and floating palaces, Vadodara, the city of the Gaekwads and finally concluded in the ‘city of dreams’: Mumbai.
An array of insider experiences and cultural interactions ensured that we got a peek into the real essence of India along with its diversity. At each city, we were provided with guided sightseeing tours and transportation which is part of this luxury train travel package.
Personal attendants met us with chilled towels and a fruit drink when we returned to the train each day after a day filled with sightseeing. They served us tea and biscuits every morning, and made sure we kept to our schedule for meals and sightseeing. I expected life on board a train to feel cramped and in-your-face social. Not so! On the Deccan Odyssey, guests sleep in the comfort and privacy of their own suites. There are just four suites to a train car, and the staff-to-guest ratio is just about one to one. India’s rail system is one of the world’s first long-haul networks, and sleeping on a rocking train sometimes proved challenging to those of us accustomed to the smooth glide of European trains. A full-sized bed and morning tea served in our cabins helped make up for this!
Who Should Travel to India? Anyone with a love of history, culture and deep spirituality; anyone with a passion for beauty, whether natural or manmade, and anyone with the desire to meet some of the most open and welcoming people on earth. In short...just about everyone should experience India during their lifetime. Few visitors ever leave disappointed…