Emerald Assam to Golden Rajasthan

Program Overview

Embark on a remarkable journey across India, from the tranquil waterways of Assam to the royal cities of Rajasthan. Aboard the river cruiser and the iconic Deccan Odyssey, this experience blends wildlife encounters, sacred traditions and timeless rail travel, revealing a country shaped by nature, history and striking contrasts. Thoughtfully paced, the journey unfolds through silk-weaving towns, spiritual Varanasi, Delhi and Rajasthan’s celebrated cities.

Along the way, explore Kaziranga National Park, witness the Ganga Aarti and sunrise on the Ganges, admire the Taj Mahal and discover Ranthambore, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Jaipur. Curated excursions, dining and time to unwind on board come together seamlessly. Rooted in the romance of slow travel, the experience feels immersive, enriching and deeply memorable.

Program Routing

Guwahati – Kaziranga – Varanasi – Delhi – Agra – Ranthambore – Udaipur – Jodhpur – Jaisalmer – Jaipur – Delhi

The Awesomeness of the Itinerary

From the lush waterways of Assam to the royal cities of Rajasthan, this journey reveals India through river cruising, sacred traditions, wildlife and luxury rail. Landscapes and experiences shift continuously, from silk-weaving settlements and the Brahmaputra to ancient ghats, tiger reserves, Mughal monuments, colourful bazaars and grand palaces, each destination offering a distinctive story shaped by nature, culture and history.

Along the way, curated excursions bring depth to every stage of the journey. Explore Kaziranga National Park, witness the Ganga Aarti and sail along the Ganges at sunrise, visit Sarnath, admire the Taj Mahal, track wildlife in Ranthambore and discover the palaces, forts and old quarters of Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Jaipur. Life aboard the river cruiser and the Deccan Odyssey combines comfort, regional dining and unhurried travel, allowing India’s diversity to unfold at an immersive and thoughtfully paced rhythm.

Bear in mind

Excursions may include village walks, boat rides, heritage visits and wildlife safaris across varied terrain

Domestic flights between Guwahati, Varanasi and Delhi form part of the journey

Itineraries and timings for the river cruise and Deccan Odyssey may change due to operational, weather or river conditions

Some areas of Kaziranga National Park may be inaccessible when river levels are high

Foreign nationals require a valid Indian Tourist Visa and a passport valid for at least six months

Optional tours are subject to availability and may involve additional charges

Arrival and departure transfers are excluded unless specifically mentioned in the programme

Program at a Glance

Day 1: Guwahati – Sualkuchi

Arrive in Guwahati and transfer to Pandu Port to board the river cruiser. Sail downstream to Sualkuchi and explore its renowned Assamese silk-weaving workshops before continuing towards Saraighat Bridge.

Day 2: Kamakhya Temple – Mayong

Visit the revered Kamakhya Temple atop Nilachal Hill and experience its spiritual atmosphere. Return to the vessel and cruise upstream towards Mayong for the night.

Day 3: Brahmaputra Cruising

Spend the day cruising upstream along the Brahmaputra, visiting a riverside village surrounded by lush fields. Enjoy the changing river landscapes and an Indian cooking demonstration on board.

Day 4: Kaziranga National Park

Cruise to Silghat before heading to Kaziranga National Park for a jeep safari. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, wild buffalo and diverse birdlife.

Day 5: Guwahati – Varanasi

Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Guwahati Airport for your flight to Varanasi. In the evening, experience the spectacular Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

Day 6: Varanasi & Sarnath

Begin with a sunrise boat ride along the Ganges as the ancient ghats awaken. Later, visit Sarnath, including the Dhamek Stupa, museum and ruins of the historic monastic complex.

Day 7: Varanasi – Delhi

Fly from Varanasi to Delhi and transfer to your hotel. Later, enjoy a half-day excursion through the capital before an evening at leisure.

Day 8: Delhi – Board the Deccan Odyssey

Complete registration and check-in formalities before receiving a traditional Indian welcome aboard the Deccan Odyssey. Settle into your cabin as the train departs Delhi for Agra.

Day 9: Agra

Visit the magnificent Taj Mahal before exploring Agra Fort and its Mughal architecture. Later, discover the traditional art of Pietra Dura before returning to the train.

Day 10: Ranthambore National Park

Arrive at Sawai Madhopur and set out on a morning wildlife safari through Ranthambore National Park. Return to the Deccan Odyssey for lunch as the journey continues towards Udaipur.

Day 11: Udaipur

Explore Udaipur’s magnificent City Palace and Crystal Gallery before enjoying a boat cruise on Lake Pichola. Later, walk through the colourful bazaars of the Old City before rejoining the train.

Day 12: Jodhpur

Discover Jodhpur’s imposing Mehrangarh Fort and explore the lively Old Clock Tower Market. Return to the Deccan Odyssey as it continues towards Jaisalmer.

Day 13: Jaisalmer

Explore Jaisalmer Fort and Nathmal Ki Haveli in the heart of the Thar Desert. Later, head to the desert dunes for sundowners before returning to the train for dinner.

Day 14: Jaipur

Visit the impressive Amer Fort, followed by the City Palace and a drive past the iconic Hawa Mahal. Return to the Deccan Odyssey as it departs for Delhi.

Day 15: Delhi

Arrive at Delhi Safdarjung Station in the morning. Enjoy breakfast on board before disembarking, marking the conclusion of the journey.

Your Journey Includes

Overall

14-night journey combining a Brahmaputra river cruise, Varanasi and Delhi stays and luxury rail travel
4 nights aboard the river cruiser in Assam
2-night hotel stay in Varanasi
1-night hotel stay in Delhi
7 nights aboard the Deccan Odyssey
Domestic flights from Guwahati to Varanasi and Varanasi to Delhi
Sightseeing, entrance fees and guided excursions as specified in the programme
Jeep safaris in Kaziranga National Park and Ranthambore National Park

Accommodations

Entertainment

Experiences

Visit to Sualkuchi and its traditional Assamese silk-weaving workshops
Visit to Kamakhya Temple and a riverside village along the Brahmaputra
Jeep safari in Kaziranga National Park
Evening Ganga Aarti ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat
Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges and a visit to Sarnath
Sightseeing excursion in Delhi
Visits to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
Wildlife safari in Ranthambore National Park
City Palace and Lake Pichola experience in Udaipur
Mehrangarh Fort and Old Clock Tower Market in Jodhpur
Jaisalmer Fort, Nathmal Ki Haveli and desert sundowners
Amer Fort, City Palace and Hawa Mahal in Jaipur

Culinary

Your Journey does not Include

Government taxes, including the applicable 5% service tax, and travel insurance
Laundry services and alcoholic beverages unless specifically included
Video and professional still-camera fees
Gratuities during the journey
Arrival and departure transfers unless expressly specified in the programme
International and domestic air tickets unless specifically included
Pre- and post-journey accommodation or tour extensions not mentioned as part of the programme
Optional excursions and activities, which are subject to availability and additional charges

Plan Your Journey with Us

Discover journeys crafted with care — from serene river cruises to vibrant cultural trails, every experience is designed to inspire, connect, and delight.