Want to experience the unique colours, aromas and sounds of India without succumbing to the chaos on the roads? Then consider two very different but equally memorable Indian rail journeys – the luxury Deccan Odyssey and the high-speed Gatimaan Express.
On any given road in India you will be confronted by a disconcerting array of users. Apart from the obvious cars, buses and motorcycles, non-motorised transport is abundant with bicycles, cycle rickshaws, handcarts and animal-drawn carts, as well as pedestrians and stray animals all competing for space. If you're touring by car, bus or coach, this is what you are faced with. No contest, the train wins hands down.
The Deccan Odyssey is one of India's most luxurious trains, often compared to a palace on wheels. It's designed for travellers who want an immersive, relaxed and culturally rich adventure through India's heritage, landscapes and cities.
It is a remarkable rail experience that transports travellers back to an age of romance and glamour and it was once reserved for Indian royalty and British aristocrats only. Guests can expect grandeur, impeccable service and true nostalgia of a bygone era.
Relaxing in opulent surroundings and dining on delicious Indian cuisine, passengers can soak up the changing landscapes that pass by on the journey. Elegant cabins feature rich wooden panels, plush bedding and every amenity you can think of, including personal attendants. Spa treatments and therapies are available, and some versions of the Deccan Odyssey offer dedicated wellness cars where you can indulge in massages and relaxation sessions.
Routes and itineraries
The Deccan Odyssey offers multiple bespoke itineraries, each seven to eight days long, typically running from September to May each year. Popular journeys include:
- Indian Odyssey – From New Delhi to Mumbai, this route covers iconic destinations like Agra (Taj Mahal), Jaipur, Udaipur, Vadodara, and the Ellora Caves.
- Heritage Odyssey – Focuses on the royal cities of Rajasthan such as Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, as well as Agra and other historic stops.
- Cultural Odyssey – A blend of history, culture, temples and sacred towns including Varanasi, Khajuraho, and Gwalior.
- Maharashtra Splendour & Wild Trail – These explore the western coast, national parks, Ajanta & Ellora Caves, beaches, and wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra and Goa, as well as Goa's beaches
There are six packages in total and all come inclusive of accommodation, dining, sightseeing and more. Each itinerary is crafted to showcase a different facet of India—from royal forts and palaces to wildlife safaris, spiritual centres and UNESCO World Heritage sites. At each stop guests are taken on the guided excursions listed, returning to the train for their overnight stay.
The Indian Odyssey, for example, includes the following highlights:
- Tiger-spotting in one of North India's most popular and biggest national parks, Ranthambore National Park
- A visit to the magical Taj Mahal
- Shopping for colourful and traditional handicrafts, artifacts, clothing and accessories in the streets of Agra, Udaipur and Jaipur
- A visit to one of the best Hill Forts of Rajasthan, Amber Fort, in Jaipur.
- Lunch in Jagmandir Palace
- A visit to Laxmi Vilas Palace (four times the size of Buckingham Palace)
- Viewing ancient art in the very popular Ellora Caves
Onboard, expect fine dining – often themed or regional cuisine – lounges and spacious cabins that reflect royal elegance.
How to book
Once you've selected your preferred dates and itinerary, you can book a tour on the Deccan Odyssey by going to the train's website and scrolling down to 'How to Book'. Alternatively, your regular travel agent can book for you. Most journeys fill up early, especially during peak season (winter and spring), so book well in advance.
Gatimaan Express – one of India's fastest trains
In contrast to the Deccan Odyssey's slow luxury experience, the Gatimaan Express – which is celebrating 10 years of operation this year – is India's semi-high-speed day train linking Delhi and Agra, perfect for travellers seeking a quick, comfortable and scenic trip.
The Gatimaan Express departs daily except Fridays from New Delhi's Hazrat Nizamuddin station at 8.10am and arrives at Agra Cantt at 9.50am. Some trains continue to Gwalior and Jhansi. The return train leaves Agra at 5.50pm, arriving back in New Delhi at 7.30pm.
The train covers the stretch between Delhi and Agra (about 190 km) in roughly one hour 40 minutes, making it one of the fastest ways to reach the Taj Mahal region.
The Gatimaan Express doesn't stop at scenic spots because its main appeal is its speed, but it's ideal for a same-day return trip from Delhi to Agra, giving you time to visit world-famous sites like the Taj Mahal (above and title picture), Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah (the Baby Taj). Many tour packages use this train to coordinate sightseeing.
Key features and seating details
The Gatimaan Express offers two types of air-conditioned, recliner-style chair seating: AC Executive Class (EC) – 2x2 configuration, more legroom – and AC Chair Car (CC) – 2x3 configuration, similar to aircraft economy. EC features wider seats with better recline and more legroom, generally considered a premium, comfortable experience. CC offers comfortable seating, though more compact than the Executive class.
Both classes include food, charging sockets (one for every four seats), and well-maintained, automatic-door toilets. Both feature red/orange leather seats with adjustable footrests, tray tables, magazine pockets and overhead reading lights. The train typically consists of 12 coaches, combining AC Executive and AC Chair Car.
Booking tips
Booking information can be found here. Tickets are usually for reserved seating and require ID checks; no general unreserved seating is available.
Visitors should note that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays for general viewing. On every other day it opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes before sunset.
Whether you want a luxurious multi-day rail adventure or a quick high-speed cultural getaway, the Deccan Odyssey and Gatimaan Express offer two very distinct and memorable ways to explore India by train.
More information:
Discover Incredible India: Travel Guide & Tourism Info | Incredible India
Train photos: Deccan Odyssey
Other photos © Judy Barford