Experiencing India is unforgettable. From its dazzling palaces, jaw-dropping temples and bustling cities to its pristine wildernesses, India is unique.
It's also home to some of the world's finest luxury trains. One of our Directors, Julian Appleyard, visited India for a special holiday - and the Deccan Odyssey provided suitable opulence.
"I've been fortunate to travel to India a number of times over the years," says Julian. "It's a country I absolutely love - it's certainly in my top three destinations. It's almost like stepping into a different world. The vibrant colours, noise and hubbub of the cities; the incredible architecture; majestic wildlife; amazing food. They all make it an unforgettable place to visit.
"This trip was our honeymoon, and my wife's first visit to India so it was a risk! But I'm happy to say that she loved it as much as I do."
Boarding the Deccan Odyssey
Recalling the golden age of rail travel, the Deccan Odyssey expertly blends tradition with modern luxury. This sense of a bygone age begins with the welcome aboard.
"The train staff are absolutely wonderful," says Julian. "Right from the first meeting through to saying goodbye eight days later, you're always greeted with a friendly, warm smile and nothing is too much trouble. It was lovely to have such fabulous service on such a special holiday.
"The cabins are really spacious and have everything you need. They're ensuite and have showers - which is really useful after a day exploring in the heat of India! The beds are comfortable and a good size, too."
Dining on the Deccan Odyssey
"I'd go back in an instant for the food alone," says Julian about his experience of dining on this sensational train.
"The meals onboard were outstandingly good. They do serve international cuisine, but I opted for the Indian option each time as it was always out of this world. Local dishes are very different in India, much lighter but also much tastier.
"The train in general is pretty relaxed, and that includes dining. I wore a shirt and jacket, while my wife wore a dress, but it's nothing like as formal as the Orient Express.
"I've still not found an Indian restaurant in the UK which is anywhere near as good as the catering on the Deccan Odyssey."
Journeying through incredible India
With a thousand miles to cover from Mumbai to the Golden Triangle, Rajasthan and Delhi, the excursions from the Deccan Odyssey reveal many of India's wonderful sights.
"We travelled from Mumbai to Delhi, via Udaipur, Jaipur and Agra - an epic journey! Because you're off the train sightseeing each day ins small buses exclusive to Deccan Odyssey customers, the train travels during the night, which can take a little getting used to. However, we were able to experience the very best sights of northern India.
"Everything was memorable, from the lake palace in Udaipur to the wonder-filed 'Pink City' of Jaipur. There were so many highlights, including having a go at haggling in a Jaipur bazaar to marvelling at the unforgettable Taj Mahal."
Spotting tigers in Ranthambore
One of the most treasured moments on our tours to northern India is in Ranthambore National Park. Declared a Project Tiger Reserve in 1973, it is possible to spot these majestic animals in their natural habitat. Because they're so elusive, it's not something that can be predicted. However, when you're lucky enough, it increases the magic and makes for an unforgettable experience.
Were Julian and his wife fortunate? Yes!
"We were really lucky in Ranthambore to see a tiger stalking through the forest and then along the road. Witnessing it up close as it walked near to our Jeep was one of the biggest highlights of our trip. I was also amazing at how much other wildlife we saw in Ranthambore, with monkeys, deer, crocodiles, many birds and even a jungle cat!"
Experience the Deccan Odyssey
Julian has travelled on the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada, and on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, so how does the Deccan Odyssey match up to those?
"It's not as formal or quite as luxurious as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, but it's really spacious and very comfortable. I'd also argue that the food is as good, albeit very different in style to the VSOE."
If you've dreamed of visiting the wonders of India, you can do so in style with our collection of Deccan Odyssey itineraries, from escorted tours to independent explorations.
Julian travelled on the India's Deccan Odyssey: Mumbai to Rajasthan, which you can find here. Alternatively, you might like to consider our other tours.
