Darjeeling Mail: Mumbai to Kolkata by Luxury Deccan Odyssey Train

This morning we take a short cruise, weather permitting, to Elephanta Island, a lush island densely wooded with palm, mango, and tamarind trees. The fascinating cave complex, which dates back to the 3rd – 5th century, was designed to honor the life of Lord Shiva, one of the most auspicious Hindu gods, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We return to the city for lunch at the famous seafood restaurant, Trishna. In the afternoon, you are free to explore Mumbai independently or visit one of the colorful local markets.

In the evening, a welcome reception is followed by dinner at your hotel, where you can get to know your fellow travelers.

The compelling city of Mumbai is rich in culture and history. Today we visit the ‘Dhobi Ghats’, an intriguing outdoor laundry complex. Our tour then takes in Fort Bombay and Gandhi’s House, now converted into a museum depicting his inspirational life. Lunch is served in a local restaurant.

Mid-afternoon sees us boarding our private train, the Deccan Odyssey, a perfect way to experience the color, character, and amazing diversity of India. Settle into your beautiful, private en-suite cabin and enjoy the hospitable atmosphere of the stylish Bar and Lounge cars before experiencing a fine dinner of Indian or western cuisine.

We spend a leisurely morning on board as the landscape and spirit of India unfolds before us. We then have the opportunity to listen to a lecture on Indian culture before arriving at Udaipur, known as the ‘City of Lakes’ or ‘Venice of the East.’

The afternoon we admire the awe-inspiring beauty of the Lake Palace, constructed entirely of marble, which sits on its own island in the shimmering waters of Pichola Lake. Later, we visit the medieval grandeur of City Palace.

With a breakfast arrival into the capital of Rajasthan, the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur overwhelms the senses as we embrace its rich and colorful past. This morning we visit the Amber Fort and explore its breathtaking and ornate majesty, including the magnificent Hall of Mirrors.

After lunch in a local restaurant, we continue our exploration with a tour of the Jantar Mantar Observatory, the imposing and vast City Palace, and the beautiful Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds. This stunning yet enduring monument is constructed entirely of pink sandstone and was built in 1799 to allow royal ladies to discreetly observe everyday life. Finally, if time permits, we explore a famous fabric market before returning to our train to refresh ourselves.

This evening, we dine in the elegant Rambagh Palace Hotel, originally built in 1835 and once the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The palace retains its elaborate splendor, decorated with hand-carved marble ‘jalis’ or latticework, sandstone railings, and elaborate Mughal Gardens.

Ladies in Rajasthani costumes perform the traditional garlanding ‘aarti’ and ‘tikka’ ceremonies while the music of the ‘Shenai’ welcomes you. A delightful fireworks display is followed by an outdoor barbeque, with the illuminated Palace as a stunning backdrop.

One of the oldest cities in the world, Delhi is a bustling and vibrant city, famous for its traditional bazaars and street markets.

Our fascinating city tour in this pulsating metropolis takes in the Raj Ghat memorial to Mahatma Gandhi; the World Heritage Site of Humayun’s Tomb, the first example of Mughal architecture in India; and the towering Indo-Islamic Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world at 238ft (73m), which dates from 1368.

Tonight, we enjoy a sumptuous dinner on board our private train.

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 lack of water in 1585.

This afternoon, we’ll explore Agra Fort, a magnificent structure that dominates the skyline and acted as the main residence for emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638. Its red sandstone walls run for 1.5 miles (2.5 km) and contain many fairy-tale palaces and two beautifully preserved mosques.

Today is devoted to visiting the beautiful Taj Mahal, built entirely of white marble on the south bank of the Yamuna River.

Completed in 1648 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal is a mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and took 22 years and 20,000 artisan workers to complete. Nowhere else on the planet will you experience such a poignant architectural statement dedicated to the enduring nature of human love and inspirational artistry.

Varanasi simply must be experienced to be understood. It is one of India’s most sacred and spiritual places, and is believed to be the oldest continually inhabited city in the world.

Situated on the banks of the River Ganges, this cultural and religious center, known as the ‘City of Light’ and established between 3,000–5,000 years ago, is a focus for Hindu pilgrims who bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges and perform funeral rites.

We are privileged to witness these time-honored ceremonies on a private river cruise. Our exploration of Varanasi is completed with a guided walk through the winding ancient streets of this remarkable city, home to some 2,000 temples.

Today we leave the Deccan Odyssey and embark on a spectacular journey to the hill station of Darjeeling. You have the choice to travel either by bus (3-4 hours) or the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which takes about 6 hours from Tindharia. Also known as the ‘Toy Train,’ it is a 2ft (610mm) narrow-gauge railway.

Travelling through awe-inspiring scenery, our locomotive zigzags and loops, gaining height to reach the cooler air of India’s most famous hill station. We climb to Ghum, which at 7,407 feet (2,258 meters) is the highest railway station in India. Enjoy a packed lunch on board the train as we take in views of the snow-covered Mount Kanchenchunga (third highest in the world) and cross the graceful loop at Batasia before we arrive in Darjeeling.

This evening, we have dinner in the Hotel Mayfair (or similar), where we will stay for three nights. Perched on a picturesque hill with beautiful views of the valley, the Mayfair is a heritage hotel that exudes old-world charm and quiet elegance.

We awaken to the breathtaking scenery of Mount Kanchenchunga this morning before we ride the DHR up to Batasia Loop and Ghum, climbing over 600 feet during its 5 mile (8 km) journey. The senses reel as we experience the chaotic nature of roadside life, passing within inches of colorful shops, houses, and enthralling monasteries.

Our afternoon tour of Darjeeling provides an opportunity to experience the delicate nature of colonial life, as well as the contrasting culture of a Tibetan refugee center and an absorbing visit to the Himalayan Institute, where we learn about some of the most famous mountaineering expeditions.

Early this morning, weather permitting, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit Tiger Hill and watch the sun rise over the snow-capped Himalayas, with Mount Everest rising majestically 200 miles away on the horizon.

This afternoon, we visit a local tea plantation and sample the freshest cup of tea most of us are ever likely to taste!

After an English breakfast, we leave this tranquil haven to embark on a private transfer from Darjeeling to Bagdogra airport for a short commercial flight to Kolkata. On the way, you will enjoy panoramic views of the extensive tea plantations that unfurl around us.

On arrival, we transfer to the five-star Taj Bengal hotel, a landmark building in downtown Kolkata, for a two-night stay. Prominent landmarks – Victoria Memorial, Royal Calcutta Race Course, Horticultural Gardens, National Library, Eden Gardens, and the Alipore Zoological Gardens – are all within walking distance.

Kolkata is a sensory delight and cultural extravaganza that is constantly evolving. After breakfast, we spend the day exploring and absorbing the many sights that comprise this enthralling city that was once India’s capital.

Our tour includes a visit to the Victoria Memorial, one of the finest and most prominent buildings in Kolkata, which houses a museum dedicated to the history of India.

We then move on to Dalhousie Square, the bustling hub of English colonial power and trade during the two centuries of British rule. Our final stop is South Park Cemetery, a sanctuary of stillness within the clamor of modern-day Kolkata.

In the evening, we say goodbye to our fellow traveling companions who have shared this remarkable journey with us at our farewell dinner.

You will be transferred to Kolkata airport to begin your journey home.