5 Star Indian Rail Odyssey

• Return international full-service flights (economy class), departure city surcharges may apply

• 3 nights of 5-star hotel accommodation
• 7 nights aboard the 5-star 'Deccan Odyssey' luxury train

• Enjoy 23 meals including daily breakfast plus high tea on Days 4 and 9

• English-speaking national tour guide
• Airline taxes and surcharges

• Air-conditioned coach
• Air-conditioned luxury train

• Return airport transfers

• Arrive Early: Arrive up to 30 days before your tour starts (does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stay Behind: Return up to 30 days after your tour concludes (does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stopover Packages: Break up the long-haul flight with a stopover at a fantastic location (see checkout for details)
• Flight Upgrades: Upgrade to Business Class (see checkout for details)
• Preferred Airline: Fly with a preferred airline (see checkout for details)

Please note: Extra charges may apply, see the Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details

Today, you'll depart for Mumbai, India. Upon arrival, you'll be met by a representative at the airport who will transfer you to your hotel where you may enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on Day 0. Affected customers must be at the airport the day before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documents at least 6 weeks before departure.

Overnight: Trident Hotel, Nariman Point, or similar

Meals included: In-Flight

After breakfast this morning, you'll enjoy a full-day city tour of Mumbai. The list of sites to visit in this marvellous city is endless from contemporary wonders to archaeological landmarks, religious sites and natural wonders that will mark the day's tour.

Your tour starts at 'The Gateway of India', one of the main attractions in Mumbai. This massive historical monument was built to commemorate the visit of King George and Queen Mary who travelled to the Delhi Durbar in 1911.

At sites like the Mani Bhavan, Gandhi Memorial and Marine Drive, you'll feel like you're in the commercial capital of India. Afterwards, places like the Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park will provide you with much-needed rest between your sightseeing trips, while the Chowpatty gives you the view of one of the most happening beaches in Mumbai. 

Overnight: Trident Hotel, Nariman Point, or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Departs 15:30

Today after breakfast at the hotel, the morning is free for you to enjoy at leisure.

In the afternoon, you'll assemble at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus to complete the registration and check-in process for your train journey. You can also look forward to receiving a traditional Indian welcome and enjoying a refreshing welcome drink. After completion of all formalities, you will be shown to your delightful cabin which you can settle into as the Deccan Odyssey departs for Vadodara.

Overnight: Deccan Odyssey

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Enjoy breakfast onboard the train as you arrive in Vadodara, the capital of the Gaekwads which is located along the seasonal Vishwamitri River.

After disembarking, you'll visit the UNESCO-listed Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park before returning onboard the Deccan Odyssey for lunch. Afterwards, you'll drive to the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum which was originally constructed as a school for Maharaja's children. You'll then enjoy high tea at the resplendent Laxmi Vilas Palace which was built in 1890 but is now the residence of the Royal family.

Back onboard the Deccan Odyssey, indulge in an evening meal as you begin your journey to Udaipur.

Overnight: Deccan Odyssey

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Enjoy leisurely time onboard the Deccan Odyssey as it rolls into Udaipur this morning. Indulge in breakfast as you admire the charming landscape of the Aravalli Range before disembarking to visit the famous Udaipur City Palace, the largest palace complex in Rajasthan. You'll then board a ferry to cruise on the pristine Lake Pichola where you'll reach Jag Mandir Palace, a 17th-century Palace where you'll savour an exquisite lunch you won't forget. After lunch, you'll embark on a walking tour through the old city of Udaipur before returning to the Deccan Odyssey for a relaxed evening as you depart for Jodhpur.

Overnight: Deccan Odyssey

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

This morning, you'll enjoy a relaxing breakfast onboard as you travel through the stronghold of the Marwar region and marvel at the striking panorama of the Thar Desert before arriving at Jodhpur.

Following lunch, you'll have time at leisure to explore the magnificent city of Jodhpur. This place is also known as the Blue City after the vivid blue-painted houses that surround the Mehrangarh Fort. This is your chance to walk through the bustle of the Clock Tower Market and stroll to the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort, the pride of Jodhpur. In the evening, you'll enjoy a wide array of delicious Marwar barbeque delights, served in the royal courtyard of Mehrangarh Fort so you can admire the cityscape from atop.

Having taken in your share of the sublime beauty of Jodhpur, you'll then return to the Deccan Odyssey and head for Jaipur.

Overnight: Deccan Odyssey

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

After breakfast, you'll drive to Maharaja Man Singh’s 17th-century masterpiece, the Amber Fort, which overlooks the beautiful Maota Lake. On the way, you'll also have the chance to visit the Palace of Winds, otherwise known as the Hawa Mahal which is famous for its intricate pink sandstone carving and a beautiful view of the city. From there, you'll stop by the famous City Palace of Jaipur, an overwhelming complex of exquisite architecture, gardens and courtyards, decorative art and carved doorways. You'll then enjoy lunch at a city hotel before participating in a local shopping experience.

After your full day of delving into the royal past of Jaipur, you will return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner on board as it departs for Agra.

Overnight: Deccan Odyssey

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Enjoy breakfast onboard the train as you arrive at the home of the iconic Taj Mahal, Agra. This is your chance to marvel at the Majestic Taj Mahal and Itmad-ud-Daula before lunch at a city hotel.

In the afternoon, you'll enjoy tripping to Agra Fort, visiting the Diwan-i-Aam ‘Hall of Audience’, and the Royal Pavilions which is not to be missed. Later, you have the opportunity to visit the local showroom to admire the exquisite Pietra Dura (marble inlay) artefacts and Mughal ornaments.

In the evening, you'll return to the Deccan Odyssey for dinner and your onward journey to Sawai Madhopur.

Overnight: Deccan Odyssey

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Enjoy breakfast before taking a morning village tour to a local home and interacting with a family to discover their way of life.

Sawai Madhopur, in Rajasthan, is the landing point for the famous Ranthambore National Park where India’s efforts to conserve the dwindling tiger population can be seen. After lunch back on the Deccan Odyssey, you'll take an afternoon safari through the national park where you can search for the elusive Bengal tigers before continuing to Sawai Madhopur Lodge where you'll enjoy high tea.

Afterwards, you'll head back to the train to relax with a drink before dining onboard as the Deccan Odyssey sets off for Delhi.

Overnight: Deccan Odyssey

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner

Today you travel to your final destination aboard the Deccan Odyssey, disembarking in Delhi. Upon arrival, you'll be met by a representative who will escort you by private transport to your hotel.

Later in the day, you'll enjoy a combined city tour of both Old and New Delhi. This includes visiting Rajghat where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, the Red Fort and Jama Masjid which is one of the largest mosques in India. You'll find that the Jama Masjid mosque has three great gateways, four angle towers and two minarets constructed of alternating vertical strips of red sandstone and white marble.

You will also see Chandni Chowk, a main street of Old Delhi that's known for its colourful shopping bazaar, the Laxmi Narayan Temple that's dedicated to Lakshmi who is the goddess of prosperity and good fortune, the 42-metre India Gate war memorial which bears the names of 85,000 Indian army soldiers who died in the campaigns of WWI and much more.

After the city tour, you'll return to the hotel.

Overnight: Taj Man Singh Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight back to Australia (or New Zealand).

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase. Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.

On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information.

Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Tour packages are non-refundable. If your tour package is affected by Covid-19-related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other tour or package available via the TripADeal website.

Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with. We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.

Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated).

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 3rd April 2025.

This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share.

Single Traveller Supplement

For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $4,400 applies. 

Please note: Accommodation for single customers who are travelling on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, depending on availability.

Departure Dates

2025

February: 27

March: 27

April: 03*

Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.

Surcharges

Please note: 

• Dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge of $300 per person.

Departure Cities

Sydney, Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Adelaide, Perth and *Auckland.

Departure City Surcharges

• Brisbane and Adelaide: $250 per person.

• Auckland: $500 per person.

International Full-Service Airline(s) Used

• Cabin Class: Economy Class.

• Airlines: Singapore Airlines, Air India, Malaysia Airlines, Emirates, Qantas Airways, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, and partners (subject to availability).

Please note: We cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation.

Missed Flights 

If you fail to arrive for your outbound flight, you risk all flight and land arrangements in your destination being automatically cancelled by the airlines and land operator, respectively. Additional fees may apply to reinstate these services. If you miss your flight for whatever reason, please contact us as soon as possible to make arrangements.

Preferred Airline Surcharge

• Cabin Class: Economy Class.

• Singapore Airlines: $300 per person. 

Please note: 

• Preferred airlines are subject to availability. If we are unable to fulfil your request, the above extra cost will be refunded.

• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration.

• In the event that a purchased stopover package and a purchased preferred airline upgrade are not compatible, you will have the option to receive a refund for the preferred airline upgrade or be offered an alternative stopover city option, e.g if you choose to fly with Singapore Airlines you cannot stopover in Dubai.

• Preferred airline refers to the marketing carrier and could include codeshare partners.

Arrive Early Options

• Mumbai - $300 per person.

High season dates up to $700 per person, subject to availability.

Please note:

• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.

• You may book a date to arrive early via our website but only a date that is within 30 days of the tour departure date. If you wish to arrive earlier than 30 days before your tour departure date, please call our friendly staff for availability and pricing. Additional costs may apply.

• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.

• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.

• A high season arrive early can be purchased for up to $700 per person, subject to availability.

• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):

06/12/2024 - 31/01/2025

28/03/2025 - 27/04/2025

16/06/2025 - 20/07/2025

Stay Behind Options

• Delhi - $300 per person.

High season dates up to $700 per person, subject to availability.

Please note:

• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.

• A stay behind can only be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact us to request availability. Additional costs may apply.

• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.

• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.

• A high season stay behind can be purchased for up to $700 per person, subject to availability.

• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):

06/12/2024 - 31/01/2025

28/03/2025 - 27/04/2025

16/06/2025 - 20/07/2025

Stopover Packages 

* Singapore

Twin share: $1,200 per person/one way.

Solo Traveller: $1,800 one way.

Includes:

• 2 nights in 4-star accommodation.

• Daily breakfast.

• Return airport transfers.

Please note: 

• When a pre and post-tour stopover is chosen, the same stopover location must be chosen each way, due to the airline used.

• When selecting an Arrive Early or Stay Behind in conjunction with a Stopover Package, the stopover will take place after the departure date you select for your Arrive Early or Stay Behind.

• Stopover packages are subject to availability.

• In the event that a purchased stopover package and a purchased preferred airline upgrade are not compatible, you will have the option to receive a refund for the preferred airline upgrade or be offered an alternative stopover city option, e.g if you choose to fly with Singapore Airlines you cannot stopover in Dubai.

• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:

Singapore Grand Prix - September 2025

Flight Class Upgrades

Business Class: For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout.

Please note:

• Flight upgrades are subject to availability and pricing changes (if we cannot fulfil your request, the upgrade cost will be refunded).

• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed.

Accommodation Used

5-Star Properties (Self-Rated)

• Mumbai, India: Trident Hotel, Nariman Point, or similar.

• Delhi, India: Taj Man Singh or similar.

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.

Extra Nights

Not available.

Maximum Room Capacity

2 people.

Child Policy

• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.

• Valid for children 8 years old and over.

Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.

Triple Share

Not available.

Bedding Configuration

Twin or double bedding (subject to availability).

Minimum group size 2.

• Visa fees and requirements. 

• Domestic transfers and flights not stated in the deal offer.

• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer.

• Recommended gratuities/tipping. 

• Optional activities/tours.

• Personal expenses.

• Travel insurance.

• Mandatory city tax.

TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER

Tour Guide

Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it at the end of the tour; they do not travel with the group.

Tour Leader

An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village and offer information on the place visited on the bus. However, they are not required to have specific art, architecture, or historical knowledge. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and, if caught doing so, can be fined.

Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when required to enhance the experience of the destination featured.

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

In March and April, the region between Mumbai and Delhi experiences a varied climate. Mumbai tends to have a warm and humid climate during this time, with temperatures typically ranging from 25°C to 35°C, accompanied by occasional showers as it transitions towards the southwest monsoon. On the other hand, this period sees Delhi's temperatures gradually rising, with daytime highs ranging from 25°C to 35°C and increasing humidity, albeit with drier conditions compared to Mumbai. The area between these cities may witness diverse weather patterns, ranging from moist and rainy conditions near Mumbai to drier and warmer weather towards Delhi.

FLIGHTS

Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points

We do not arrange seat selection. It is essential to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and/or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.

Passport Validity

Customers must provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. Customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in this instance.

COACH TOUR

Meals

For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify us of any dietary requests/requirements.

Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.

Luggage

You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and unloading of bags from the vehicle.

OTHER

Mobility

If you require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.

Fitness Level Required

A leisurely level of fitness will be required. Leisurely is described as light walking, including up multiple stairs, and occasional hiking, may involve uneven surfaces. Able to travel unassisted and get on and off vehicles and small boats. Suitable for most fitness levels and mobility.

Please note: If you have any concerns, please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.

Gratuities/Tipping

Land

Gratuities (tips) are not included for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The recommended tip is $5 AUD equivalent per person per day. This covers the guide/leader and the driver and will be collected on tour. 

Please note: Tipping for services provided is always a matter of personal discretion; however, please be aware that many locals consider tipping part of their normal remuneration, and they may approach you for payment; there's no need to be intimidated by the request.

Sightseeing

Please note: If entry to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).

Shopping

Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all your receipts. Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding shopping for further information.

India

A tourist visa for India is a strict requirement if travelling on an Australian or New Zealand passport. You will be able to start your visa application process once you receive your final travel documentation approximately 6 weeks prior to departure.

Important: 

• Please start arranging your visa three weeks before departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.

• Visa rules may have changed since Covid-19. Some countries and airlines may require you to obtain an additional visa before arrival. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.

Please note: 

• Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.

• It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations, may have additional restrictions in applying for visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required.

Embarking on your next trip is exciting, and while you hope the unexpected does not happen, it is best to be prepared. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance when making your booking. Whether it’s a potential medical emergency, a flight cancellation, a delayed suitcase, or an unforeseen event, it's important to ensure you're adequately protected. For more information or advice visit https://www.tripadeal.com.au/travel-insurance

Voluntary Changes

This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.

• Changes - $100 AUD per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error

• If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100 AUD per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Supplier Fees

In the event the tour package you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.