Luxury rail tour: discover central India on the Deccan Odyssey

Day two on board the Deccan Odyssey. After arriving in Bijapur, disembark to visit Gol Gumbaz, the second largest tomb in the world, as well as Jama Masjid mosque and other key sights. You're back on board the train for lunch. Spend the afternoon and evening journeying north.

It's day three on board the Deccan Odyssey. This morning, explore the holy shrines and historical sites of Aihole and Pattadakal. Later, visit the impressive rock-cut caves and temples at Badami before continuing to travel toward Hampi.

Day four on board the Deccan Odyssey. Today is a busy day exploring in and around Hampi. With ancient monuments, unique landscapes, royal baths and elephant stables, there is plenty to see, and the history is fascinating. Lunch and dinner are served on board the train.

Day five on board the Deccan Odyssey. This morning wake in Hyderabad. After breakfast, explore the impressive fort of Golconda 11 km away, before returning to stroll through the city's vibrant bazaars. Later, visit the beautiful Falaknuma Palace, now a luxurious Taj hotel.

Day six on board the Deccan Odyssey. Explore the impressive UNESCO-protected Ellora Caves at Aurangabad this morning. Considered one of the finest examples of cave-temple architecture in India, they date back to the 4th and 5th century AD. After lunch back on board the train, enjoy a leisurely afternoon.

Day seven on board the Deccan Odyssey. After breakfast, you can learn about and explore the Ajanta Caves, which were painstakingly and impressively carved from rock thousands of years ago. After lunch, you can pay a visit to Gandhi's memorial before your final evening on board the train.

Day eight on board the Deccan Odyssey. Enjoy breakfast before bidding farewell to your fellow guests and disembarking. An Audley driver will meet you at the station and take you to your hotel in the city for the next two nights.

A local and knowledgeable guide will help you discover the bustling metropolis of Mumbai today. Start at dawn to really appreciate how this enormous city comes to life each day. After a rest this afternoon, head back out to explore with your taste buds on a street food walking tour.

Transfer to the airport today by private transfer before taking a short two-hour flight south to Cochin, in Kerala. On arrival, your local driver will meet you and take you to your hotel for the next two nights.

Explore the colonial city of Cochin today with an experienced local guide. This afternoon and evening will be at your leisure, you might like to consider an evening cruise in the harbour.

A short journey south today will take you to the beautiful Backwaters which are synonymous with Kerala. Board your own private houseboat this afternoon and enjoy cruising around this relaxing, palm-fringed region.

After breakfast, leave your houseboat and meet your driver once again, who will take you south to Marari Beach, where you'll spend the next three nights.

At leisure. Enjoy time relaxing on Marari's beautiful beach or in the hotel's swimming pool.

At leisure. Book a spa treatment or unwind with some yoga.

Drive back to Cochin today to the airport, where you'll connect with your onward flight(s). Your return flight will arrive the same day.