Satisfy your wanderlust with this bespoke luxury journey through Southern India.
From majestic temples to sun-kissed beaches, India offers an unmatched tapestry of diversity. Aboard the opulent Deccan Odyssey, the Madras Mail weaves its way through the vibrant cities of Mumbai (Bombay) and Chennai (Madras), before revealing a more serene, tropical side of India.
Accommodation
Dining
Service
Excursions
Your journey of discovery begins at Mumbai Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the iconic five-star Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel for a luxurious two-night stay.
This flagship Taj hotel provides you with splendid views of the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India, complemented by refined century-old hospitality. This legendary luxury hotel has welcomed kings, dignitaries, and eminent personalities from around the world.
Deluxe Class guests will stay in the Tower Wing, while Presidential Suite guests will reside in the Palace Wing. Depending on the arrival time of your flight on Day 1, you may need to purchase an additional night.
(All meals today are at your own arrangements.)
This morning in Mumbai, you will take a short cruise, weather permitting, to Elephanta Island—a lush retreat densely wooded with palm, mango, and tamarind trees. This atmospheric and fascinating cave complex, dating back to the 3rd–5th century, was designed to honour the life of Lord Shiva, one of the most revered Hindu gods, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You will return to the city for lunch at the renowned seafood restaurant, Trishna. In the afternoon, you are free to explore Mumbai independently or visit one of the vibrant local markets.
In the evening, a welcome drinks reception will be followed by dinner at your hotel, allowing you to get to know your fellow travellers who will share this extraordinary Indian odyssey.
This morning in Mumbai, you will visit the ‘Dhobi Ghats,’ a fascinating outdoor laundry where dhobis—traditional laundrymen—collect your linen, wash it, and return it neatly pressed. These historic Ghats showcase a unique aspect of Mumbai’s cultural heritage. Your tour continues to Fort Bombay and Gandhi’s House, now a captivating museum dedicated to his inspirational life.
In the mid-afternoon, you will board your private train, the Deccan Odyssey—an exceptional way to experience the vibrant colours, character, and incredible diversity of India. Settle into your beautifully appointed cabin, relax in the welcoming Bar Car, and savour exquisite Indian or western cuisine in one of the elegant restaurant cars.
The state of Goa, celebrated for its stunning beaches, temples, and world heritage architecture, was once the capital of the Portuguese Empire in the east. To this day, its architecture reflects this rich heritage.
In the morning, you will embark on a tour to explore the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Sé Cathedral of Santa Catarina. This striking white structure boasts a grand baroque interior and stands as the most imposing church in historic Old Goa
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a World Heritage Site, begins its journey in the town of Mettupalayam, where a narrow-gauge steam train takes you on a thrilling ride. This remarkable train climbs 30 km on India’s only Rack and Pinion Railway, with steep gradients of up to 1:12, to reach the town of Coonor. From here, the final 16 km sees the train picking up speed as it heads to the hill resort of Ooty, located 7,228 feet (2,225 metres) above sea level, renowned for its charming cottages and beautiful Botanical Gardens. The ‘Toy Train’ passes through tea and coffee plantations, forest-clad hills, 16 tunnels, and tall bridges, offering breathtaking views that make the journey to Ooty truly unforgettable.
Kochi (formerly Cochin), with its beautiful natural harbour and scenic backwaters, boasts a rich and varied history. The British, Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch, and Chinese have all left their mark on the city's architecture. Your visit includes the Dutch Palace and the Jewish Synagogue, followed by a chance to see the Giant Chinese fishing nets, which stretch from massive teak and bamboo poles along the harbour entrance and are still in use today. The day concludes with a visit to the 500-year-old Fort Kochi, where you will stroll through the historical Dutch and Portuguese buildings. In the evening, you have the opportunity to witness a Kathakali Dance performance, where dancers, adorned with intricate makeup and masks, act out a dramatic dance accompanied by drummers and musicians.
The train arrives in Trivandrum early in the morning. After breakfast, you will visit the Napier Museum and the impressive Padmanabhaswamy Hindu Temple. Following lunch, the journey continues to Kanyakumari, the southernmost point of mainland India, where the three seas – the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and Bay of Bengal – converge. Here, you will also visit the shore temple dedicated to the Virgin Goddess Kanyakumari.
One of the oldest cities in India, Madurai is situated on the River Vaigai. Known as the Temple City, it was once the capital of the Pandya Kingdom, but it was during the reign of the Nayaks that the magnificent Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple was constructed, becoming one of India’s greatest cultural and architectural landmarks.
In the evening, you will return to the temple to witness a traditional Hindu ritual, the Aarti Ceremony, before continuing your journey towards Madras.
Pondicherry, located in the Bay of Bengal, was once the capital of the French territories in India.
To this day, the city retains a rich French cultural heritage, with French being widely spoken. Key landmarks include Raj Nivas, the residence of the Lt Governor of Pondicherry – a charming 200-year-old building facing Government Park, featuring pathways, lawns, fountains, and sculptures, as well as the wide, vibrant beaches and beautiful promenades.
Chennai (formerly Madras), the capital of Tamil Nadu, is located on the legendary Coromandel Coast and boasts a rich tradition of music and dance. With a population of 4 million, the city has a strong colonial heritage dating back to the 17th century, when the British East India Company established Fort St. George on the banks of the Cooum River.
Upon arrival in Chennai, you’ll tour the city's highlights, including Fort St. George and the National Art Gallery. A visit is also made to the 16th-century San Thome Basilica, built over the tomb of Thomas Didymus, one of Jesus’ Twelve Apostles, who earned the nickname ‘Doubting Thomas’ for questioning Jesus’ resurrection.
In the evening, transfer to the luxurious Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa for a three-night stay. Once an impressive Dutch fort, the resort now ranks as one of Southern India's finest beach retreats. Located on a beautiful white sandy beach lapped by the Bay of Bengal, it offers the perfect setting for relaxation at the end of your Southern India journey.
Today, you have the option to visit Mahabalipuram, a stunning coastal resort that is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rock-cut temples and caves here, dating from the 7th to the 9th century, are some of the finest examples of ancient Indian architecture. The highlight of your visit is the Shore Temple, renowned for its intricate carvings and skilled craftsmanship. It is one of the oldest temples in Southern India, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural and architectural history.
Today, you can enjoy your final day in Chennai at the luxurious Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa. Take time to relax in the beautifully landscaped gardens of the hotel or stroll along one of the scenic walkways that lead to the beach. Alternatively, indulge in a signature spa treatment at the hotel's excellent Jiva Spa, providing the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate before the end of your journey.
Today, you will fly from Chennai to your final destination, Hyderabad, and enjoy a two-night stay at the luxurious Taj Falaknuma Palace. Perched 2,000 feet above the city, this 5-star property offers a perfect blend of colonial and Indian design. It features a heritage walk with beautifully crafted objects from around the world and a world-class spa.
Constructed in 1894, this former palace of the Nizam, once rumoured to be the richest man in the world, offers stunning views over the twinkling City of Pearls. The palace exudes romance and grandeur, transporting you back to the opulent era of Nizam rule in Hyderabad.
Today, you will visit Golconda Fort (Shepherd’s Hill), located 11 km west of Hyderabad. This ancient capital of the Kingdom of Golkonda was founded in the 12th century by the Kakatiya kings and the massive fort was later built under the reign of the Qutub Shahi Dynasty (c.1518–1687). The fort is an exceptional example of engineering and architecture, with its renowned acoustics system – the sound of clapping at the entrance can be heard at ‘Bala Hissar’, the highest point, nearly a kilometre away.
From here, you will travel to the Qutub Shahi Tombs, located north of the fort. These tombs showcase the grandeur and architectural tradition of the Qutub Shahi dynasty.
Next, you'll visit Charminar, built in 1591 AD by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty. This iconic structure was erected to commemorate the end of a plague epidemic in the city, following the Sultan’s prayer for its cessation.
In the evening, you’ll bid farewell to your fellow travellers at a Gala Farewell Dinner in the magnificent 101 Dining Hall of the Taj Falaknuma Palace.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in Hyderabad to begin your journey home. Airport transfers are included for all guests.
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