Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train in India

The Marée & Meridian rail collection

Deccan Odyssey
Luxury Train in India

The Deccan Odyssey is a luxury train that runs seven-night journeys across India from Mumbai and Delhi, between September and May. Its routes take in palace cities, cave temples, tiger reserves and the Konkan coast south of Mumbai. Journeys, cabins, fares and published departure dates for the 2026/27 and 2027/28 seasons are set out below.

Deccan Odyssey at a Glance

Standard circuits. Signature journeys may be longer.

No monsoon departures

40 Deluxe Cabins · 4 Presidential Suites

Plus three M&M signature journeys

Signature journeys also from Chennai

Per Deluxe Cabin for two, 2026–27, plus taxes

About the train

About the Deccan Odyssey

The Deccan Odyssey made its first journey in January 2004, launched by Indian Railways and the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). It is still operated in association with MTDC. Named after the Deccan, the plateau covering much of western and southern India, the train was first built to show visitors Maharashtra’s interior and coast. Its six standard circuits now also reach Gujarat, Rajasthan, Agra, central India and Varanasi on the Ganges.

Guests sleep in private en-suite cabins while the train travels overnight. Each morning brings a new city, and the day goes on guided excursions to forts, palaces, UNESCO World Heritage Sites or national parks, with transfers, entrance tickets and guiding arranged. Dinner and drinks are taken on board as the train moves on, and the same cabin is home for all seven nights.

The route matters more than the cabin. A Rajasthan circuit, a Maharashtra journey and a wildlife itinerary are very different weeks on the same train, and the month of travel and the appetite for sightseeing decide which one fits.

Marée & Meridian arranges journeys on the Deccan Odyssey, including three signature journeys, and plans the travel around them. Departures and cabin availability are confirmed by the operator.

Nidhi Gopal

Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Marée & Meridian

Journeys & routes

Deccan Odyssey Journeys and Routes

The Deccan Odyssey runs six standard seven-night circuits. Two cross between Mumbai and Delhi, two are round trips from Mumbai, and two are round trips from Delhi. Three Marée & Meridian signature journeys also travel aboard the train, and each journey page carries the full day-by-day programme.

Marée & Meridian Signature Journeys

Mumbai - Kolkata

Bombay – Kolkata Mail

Seven nights on the Deccan Odyssey through Rajasthan, Agra and Varanasi, then the narrow-gauge Darjeeling toy train into the Himalayan foothills, ending in Kolkata.

Chennai - Mumbai

The Great Southern Mail

Coast to coast across southern India, through Tamil Nadu’s temple towns, Pondicherry, Hampi and Hyderabad, then north to the Ellora Caves and Mumbai.

Mumbai - Gurgaon

Royal Greens & Rails

Golf on the Deccan Odyssey, with rounds in Vadodara, Jaipur and the Delhi area, an optional round in Jodhpur, and Udaipur, the Taj Mahal and a Ranthambore safari along the way.

Standard Deccan Odyssey Circuits

Deccan Odyssey

Maharashtra Wild Trail

Journey through Maharashtra’s wild heart aboard the Deccan Odyssey, uncovering ancient caves, sacred riversides, vibrant culture, and thrilling tiger safaris across Ellora, Ajanta, Aurangabad, Pench, Tadoba, and Nashik.

Deccan Odyssey

The Indian Sojourn

Journey in regal style from Mumbai to Delhi aboard the Deccan Odyssey, exploring royal cities, desert vistas, and timeless heritage across Vadodara, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Agra, Ranthambore, and Jaipur.

Deccan Odyssey

Heritage Odyssey

Glide through India’s royal heartland aboard the Deccan Odyssey, where shimmering lakes, desert citadels, and timeless Mughal marvels unfold across Vadodara, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, and Agra before circling back to Mumbai.

Route map & destinations

Deccan Odyssey Route Map and Destinations

Marée & Meridian’s six Deccan Odyssey journeys cover Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Agra, southern India, Varanasi and Darjeeling. Most begin in Mumbai or New Delhi.

Palaces and Forts of Rajasthan and Gujarat

Udaipur’s palaces stand on the shores of Lake Pichola, Mehrangarh Fort sits on a rocky hill above Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer’s sandstone fort is still lived in at the edge of the Thar Desert. In Gujarat, Vadodara’s Laxmi Vilas Palace was completed for the Gaekwad maharajas in 1890.

The Taj Mahal, the Ganges and the Himalayan Foothills

In Agra, the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan’s marble tomb for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, stands a short way along the Yamuna from Agra Fort. Further east, Varanasi’s stone steps, known as ghats, lead down to the Ganges, and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, opened in 1881, climbs through tea gardens to Darjeeling.

Caves and Tiger Reserves of Maharashtra

Buddhist, Hindu and Jain communities carved Ellora’s caves into basalt cliffs between the sixth and tenth centuries, including the Kailasa temple, cut from a single rock. Ajanta’s painted Buddhist caves are older still. Tadoba is Maharashtra’s oldest national park, and Nashik pairs bathing ghats on the Godavari with vineyards.

Temples and Ruins of Southern India

The Chola dynasty completed the Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur in 1010, and the Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram stands on the Bay of Bengal. Hampi’s ruins mark the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, Pondicherry keeps its French quarter, and Hyderabad the palaces of its former rulers, the Nizams.

Departure Dates and Schedule

Deccan Odyssey Departure Dates and Schedule

Standard circuits depart on Saturdays from September to May, and signature journeys run on fixed dates.

Deccan Odyssey departure dates by journey for 2026–27 and 2027–28
Journey	Route	Remaining 2026–27 departures	2027–28 departures
The Indian Sojourn	Mumbai → New Delhi	24 Oct 202619 Dec23 Jan 202720 Feb3 Apr	9 Oct 202723 Oct13 Nov18 Dec19 Feb 20281 Apr
Heritage Odyssey	New Delhi round trip	31 Oct 202621 Nov5 Dec2 Jan 202727 Feb17 Apr	30 Oct 202720 Nov4 Dec1 Jan 202826 Feb15 Apr
Maharashtra Wild Trail	Mumbai round trip	16 Jan 202727 Mar1 May	2 Oct 202725 Mar 20286 May
M&M Signature Journeys	Various	Royal Greens & Rails 23 Jan 2027 · Bombay–Kolkata Mail 4 Feb 2027 · The Great Southern Mail 22 Jan 2028

Dates come from the operator’s published timetable. A Deccan Odyssey “time table” is a programme of multi-day departures, not a daily train service. Departures depend on operational approval and minimum occupancy, so every date is confirmed in writing when you book. Book flights only after your departure is confirmed. Check availability for a date

Prices & fares

Deccan Odyssey Prices and Fares

For 2026/27, the Deccan Odyssey train price is US$13,300 per Deluxe Cabin for two guests sharing (US$6,650 each), US$9,330 for one guest, and US$20,000 per Presidential Suite, for seven nights before taxes.

Fares are per cabin and cover all meals, soft beverages, guided excursions, and entrance and park fees, with 5% GST added. A double bed in a Deluxe Cabin is US$500 plus GST, subject to allocation. Signature journeys are priced separately.

Cabin Category	Season	Single Occupancy (Per Cabin)	Double / Twin (Per Cabin)	Per Person (Two Sharing)
Deluxe Cabin	Sept 2026 – May 2027	US$9,330 ≈ ₹8.86 lakh	US$13,300 ≈ ₹12.64 lakh	US$6,650 ≈ ₹6.32 lakh
Presidential Suite	Sept 2026 – May 2027	US$20,000 ≈ ₹19.00 lakh	US$20,000 ≈ ₹19.00 lakh	US$10,000 ≈ ₹9.50 lakh
Deluxe Cabin	Sept 2027 – May 2028	US$10,200 ≈ ₹9.69 lakh	US$14,600 ≈ ₹13.87 lakh	US$7,300 ≈ ₹6.94 lakh
Presidential Suite	Sept 2027 – May 2028	US$22,000 ≈ ₹20.90 lakh	US$22,000 ≈ ₹20.90 lakh	US$11,000 ≈ ₹10.45 lakh

The per-person column divides the cabin tariff by two. It illustrates the cost and is not a separate single-person ticket. Rupee amounts are indicative and depend on the exchange rate on your invoice date. Deposit, balance due dates and cancellation charges are set out in your written booking confirmation. See our booking policy. Source: operator tariff.

Need a fare for a specific date, cabin or currency?

Cabins and Suites

Deccan Odyssey Cabins and Suites

The Deccan Odyssey has 40 Deluxe Cabins of 95 sq ft and four Presidential Suites of 191 sq ft, all air-conditioned with en-suite shower rooms.

Deluxe Cabin

Most guests travel in a Deluxe Cabin, a private base for a couple, two friends or a solo traveller. Twin beds are standard, with a double available for a supplement. The cabin is compact, so soft-sided bags that fold away work best.

Best for couples and solo travellers who spend their days ashore and want a private, comfortable base.

Presidential Suite

The four Presidential Suites sit two to a carriage. Each has a bedroom, a separate sitting room and two bathrooms, with roughly twice the space of a Deluxe Cabin. With only four on board, early enquiry is advisable.

Best for Honeymoons, milestone celebrations, families and anyone who wants more space.

Life on board

Life On Board the Deccan Odyssey

Beyond the cabins, the Deccan Odyssey carries a bar lounge, a spa, a gym, a conference car and two restaurant cars. These shared carriages are where guests gather in the evenings as the train travels overnight.

The journey keeps its own pace. Some days start early for sightseeing, while others leave time to read, talk or watch the countryside go by. The sounds and movement of a working train are part of the experience, and the whole train is non-smoking.

Bar car

Spa car

Wellness

Business

Service

Connectivity

Dining

Dining Aboard the Deccan Odyssey

All meals are included on the Deccan Odyssey, served in two restaurant cars with Indian regional specialities alongside an international menu. Soft drinks are included at mealtimes.

Dining is a highlight of the journey. Menus follow the route, with Maharashtrian cooking on the Wild Trail, Rajasthani and Mughlai dishes further north, and South Indian food on the Great Southern Mail, plus a Continental choice at every meal.

Most breakfasts and dinners are taken on board, and lunch is on the train or during the day’s excursion. The atmosphere is relaxed, not formal.

The kitchen will try to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, Jain (strictly vegetarian, without root vegetables), gluten-free and other requirements noted at enquiry. A serious allergy is best discussed with the operator before booking, as an allergen-free kitchen cannot be guaranteed on a train.

Inclusions

What Your Deccan Odyssey Journey Includes

A Deccan Odyssey fare includes your cabin, all meals, guided excursions and entrance fees for the whole journey. Taxes, alcohol, tips, flights and transfers are extra. The inclusions for your chosen journey and your written confirmation take precedence over this summary.

Plan separately for

Included in the fare

Train layout & facts

Deccan Odyssey Train Layout and Coach Facts

The Deccan Odyssey has 21 coaches and carries up to 88 guests, with 12 accommodation coaches and nine for dining, the bar, spa, conference car, staff and generators.

Gen.

Staff

Deluxe

Waavar

Gateway Bar

Ayush Spa

Pankh

Utsav

Suite

Deluxe

Staff

Gen.

Deluxe Cabins
Presidential Suites
Dining, bar, spa & business
Staff & generator / luggage

Simplified diagram: it shows the number of each coach type, not the actual order. Ask us for the current coach plan if your cabin's position matters to you.

Deccan Odyssey train facts
Maiden journey	2004 · operated in association with MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism)
Total coaches	21
Guest capacity	Up to 88 guests
Accommodation coaches	12 · 10 Deluxe (4 cabins each) and 2 Presidential (2 suites each)
Cabins	40 Deluxe Cabins · 4 Presidential Suites
Restaurant cars	2 · Waavar and Utsav
Other public cars	Gateway bar · Ayush spa · Pankh conference / business centre
Service cars	2 staff / spare cars · 2 generator / luggage cars
Recognition	World's Leading Luxury Train 2019 · Asia's Leading Luxury Train 2019 (World Travel Awards)

Practical information

What to Know Before You Travel on the Deccan Odyssey

The questions guests ask most before boarding are about dress, luggage, accessibility, dietary needs, children and connectivity. Short answers are below. Your pre-departure pack confirms the details for your departure.

Is there Wi-Fi on board?

Yes, though the signal depends on the mobile network and drops in rural areas. Tickets and documents are best downloaded before boarding.

Where do I board, and are transfers included?

Journeys board in Mumbai or New Delhi, and the station and reporting time are confirmed in your travel documents. Transfers are not included in the operator’s fare, but Marée & Meridian can arrange private transfers and hotel stays. For international travellers, we recommend arriving in the boarding city the day before.

Do I need a visa for India?

Most foreign nationals need a visa, and many nationalities can apply online for an Indian e-Visa. Check the current requirements for your nationality on official government sources, and make sure your travel insurance covers the full itinerary. We can point you to the right information when you book.

How much should I tip?

Gratuities are not included and are at each guest’s discretion. Marée & Meridian can suggest current amounts.

Are there medical facilities on board?

Medical conditions should be shared at booking and with the train manager on board. Travel insurance with medical cover is essential.

What is the dress code?

Smart casual on board, with no jackets or ties required. Excursions call for comfortable shoes, sun protection and clothing that covers shoulders and knees at temples and mosques.

How much luggage can I bring?

Cabin storage is limited, so one medium soft-sided case per person and a day bag work best.

Is the Deccan Odyssey suitable for guests with limited mobility?

One Deluxe carriage is adapted for guests with reduced mobility, but excursions involve steps and uneven ground. Specific needs are best shared at enquiry.

Can the train cater for dietary requirements?

Yes. Requirements noted at booking are shared with the chef on board.

Is it suitable for children?

Children are welcome, though long sightseeing days suit older children best. A Presidential Suite sleeps two adults and two children.

Why Marée & Meridian

Why Book the Deccan Odyssey with Marée & Meridian

Marée & Meridian is a specialist in luxury train journeys and river cruises, founded by Nidhi and Ujjwal. We do not operate the Deccan Odyssey; we arrange journeys on it and plan everything around them.

The right journey starts with what you want to see and how you like to travel. We compare routes and cabins, suggest a signature departure, and plan stays before and after the train, from extra nights in a city to a river cruise from Kolkata.

Reviews & recognition

Deccan Odyssey Reviews and Recognition

The Deccan Odyssey has been recognised internationally, most recently by the World Travel Awards in 2019. Here is what guests who travelled with Marée & Meridian say about the train, its service and the planning behind their trip.

2019

World's Leading Luxury Train

2019

Asia's Leading Luxury Train

Good afternoon Mr Rajiv, we just returned from our trip to India. Everything lived up to expectations: luxurious and comfortable train, excellent cuisine, attentive staff. Ground services were also impeccable. We felt pampered all week, and we hope to repeat the experience in the future. Keep me informed about any offers: we are interested in visiting southern India.

Just some feedback for you. Maharaja Express was absolutely fantastic. The service was unbelievably good. We certainly book another trip.

I just wanted to thank you so much for making all the arrangements for our Maharajas Express tour. There is no way we could have seen so much so quickly. We learned so much and loved every minute of the trip & it your explanation of the tour the was detailed, accurate and exciting. The planning was all spot on and even when we had a small luggage issue at the end you were on it! Thank you for all you support.

Rajiv I will definitely send photos but might be a few days. I’m a Parish councillor and have 3 weeks of emails and actions to do. As soon as I have time I’ll download my photos ( I’m old fashioned , I prefer camera) and I’ll forward them to you. We had a really good time, a bit emotional for me because it was supposed to be our 30th wedding anniversary, but after all this time u saw the Ellora and Ajunta caves. Amazing. I’ve promised Aditi I’ll put a good message on the website to encourage more people to go, everyone does DAJ etc. there were only 17 guests which was brilliant for us! But not for the company. Fantastic holiday! Thank you.

FAQs

Deccan Odyssey FAQs

Answers to the questions travellers ask most about the Deccan Odyssey, from where it travels and what it costs to its cabins, inclusions and how to book.

How much does the Deccan Odyssey cost?

From US$13,300 per Deluxe Cabin for two in 2026/27, plus 5% GST.

What is included in a Deccan Odyssey fare?

The cabin, meals, soft beverages, guided excursions, entrance fees and valet service.

What cabins are available on the Deccan Odyssey?

Deluxe Cabins with twin or double beds, and Presidential Suites with a separate sitting room.

How do I book the Deccan Odyssey?

Through the enquiry form on this page. A specialist checks availability and sends a written quotation.

What is the best time to travel on the Deccan Odyssey?

Departures run from October to May, outside the monsoon. December and January bring cool mornings and evenings in the north, while April and May are noticeably hotter.

How far in advance should I book?

As early as possible, especially for one of the four Presidential Suites. Payment terms are set out at booking, and the balance is usually due 60 days before departure.

Is smoking allowed on board?

No, smoking is not permitted anywhere on the train. Guests who smoke can ask the train manager for guidance.

What power supply is there in the cabins?

Cabins have 110 and 230 volt power. Toiletries and hair dryers are provided in every bathroom.

The M&M Edit

Related Rail Guides and Inspiration

Luxury Trains

The Darjeeling Toy Train, Britain’s Railway Legacy in the Himalayas

The Darjeeling Toy Train has climbed into the Himalayas since 1881, zigzagging past tea estates and around the Batasia Loop to Darjeeling. Discover how British engineers built the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, why it joined the Mountain Railways of India on the UNESCO list and how to ride it on a Marée & Meridian journey.

Luxury Trains

What Rovos Rail Shows You on the Way to Victoria Falls

Nine days aboard Rovos Rail move from vineyard to desert to elephant country, a Victorian village frozen in the Karoo, a diamond mine’s mile deep scar at Kimberley, two nights under Pretoria’s jacarandas, then across the Tropic of Capricorn into Hwange’s baobabs before the Zambezi drops into Victoria Falls. Here is what the nine days actually look like, carriage by carriage.

Luxury Trains

What to Expect Aboard the Trans-Siberian Express

Thirteen days aboard the Trans-Siberian Express move at a different pace, cabin windows opening onto taiga and steppe, mornings built around Russian breakfast service and evenings settling into the bar carriage. Here is what a day onboard actually looks like, from Lake Baikal to the Moscow Kremlin.

Journey

Preferred month

Cabin Category

Guests

Country of Residence

Full name

Anything we should know? (optional)

I have read the Privacy Policy and agree to be contacted about this enquiry. Marée & Meridian is an independent travel company and not the operator of the Deccan Odyssey.

Plan your journey

Plan Your Deccan Odyssey Journey

Tell us which journey interests you, roughly when, and how many of you are travelling. A Marée & Meridian specialist will check cabin availability on the Deccan Odyssey with the operator and send a written quotation, with suggested hotel stays and extensions if you would like them.