Deccan Odyssey
Back
Deccan Odyssey: Madras Mail (Eastbound)
Thumbnails
Deccan Odyssey
Bar Lounge Car
Deccan Odyssey
Deccan Odyssey
Deccan Odyssey
Deccan Odyssey
Deluxe Class - Twin
Dining on the train
Ensuite bathroom with shower
Onboard bar car
Presidential Suite
Restaurant Car
Restaurant Car
India

Deccan Odyssey: Madras Mail (Eastbound) (Tour code: 14219)

Starts and Ends
Mumbai to
Hyderabad
Travel Periods
09 Oct 2025
Experience
Travel Style
Rail Holiday Packages
Travel from majestic temples to sun-kissed beaches, experience the unparalleled diversity of India. Aboard the luxurious Deccan Odyssey, the Madras Mail takes you through the vibrant cities of Mumbai and Chennai (Madras), before immersing you in the serene beauty of tropical India.
15 days
From
AUD 28,024
per person, twin share
Travelling with kids? Read more 
All services are subject to availability.

Overview

Explore a land where opulent temples and pristine beaches showcase the rich tapestry of India's unrivalled diversity. Aboard the luxurious Deccan Odyssey, the Madras Mail whisks you from the vibrant streets of Mumbai to the historic charm of Chennai (Madras). Along the way, discover the tranquil beauty of Goa's beaches, the serene hills of Ooty, and the lush landscapes of Kerala, culminating in a journey through Kanyakumari, Madurai, Pondicherry and Hyderabad. This is not just a trip, but an immersive experience in the heart of Southern India's splendour.

Inclusions

2 night hotel stay at five-star Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel, Mumbai
3 night hotel stay at five-star Taj Fisherman’s Cove, Chennai
2 night hotel stay at five-star Taj Falaknuma Palace Hotel, Hyderabad
7 nights private en-suite accommodation on the Deccan Odyssey
All gratuities – on and off the train
Arrival and departure transfers
14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 13 Dinners
Authentic dining experiences in local restaurants
Experienced Tour Management team
Expertly guided off-train excursions as detailed in the itinerary
Freshly prepared meals on board, using the finest local ingredients
Generous drinks allowance, including international wines with lunch and dinner
Luggage porterage throughout the journey

Day 1 Mumbai

Your voyage 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 offers you splendid views of the Arabian Sea and Gateway of India, alongside refined century-old hospitality. This legendary luxury hotel has played host to kings, dignitaries and eminent personalities from across the globe.

Important note:
An additional night may need to be purchased depending upon the arrival time of your flight on Day 1. Deluxe Class guests will stay in the Tower Wing, Presidential Suite guests reside in the Palace Wing. All meals today are at your own arrangements. 

Mumbai
Gateway of India, Mumbai

Day 2 Mumbai

This morning in Mumbai, there will be a short cruise, weather permitting, to Elephanta Island, a lush island densely wooded with palm, mango and tamarind trees. The atmospheric and fascinating cave complex, which dates back to the 3rd – 5th century, was designed to honour the life of Lord Shiva, one of the most auspicious Hindu gods and is now a World Heritage Site.

Return to the city for lunch at the famous seafood Trishna restaurant and in the afternoon you are free to explore Mumbai independently or visit one of the colourful local markets.

In the evening a welcome drinks reception is followed by dinner at your hotel where you can get to know your fellow travellers who will share this remarkable Indian odyssey.

Overnight stay in Mumbai.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mumbai
Mumbai markets

Day 3 Mumbai

This morning in Mumbai, you'll visit the 'Dhobi Ghats,' a fascinating outdoor laundry. Here, traditional dhobis, or laundrymen, collect, wash, and return clothes neatly pressed. The Ghats are where this historic practice comes to life. Following this, your tour will take you to Fort Bombay and Gandhi’s House, now a captivating museum that chronicles his inspirational life.

Mid-afternoon sees us boarding our private train, the Deccan Odyssey, a perfect way to experience the colour, character and amazing diversity of India. Settle into your beautifully appointed cabin and enjoy the hospitable atmosphere of the Bar Car before experiencing fine Indian or western cuisine in one of the restaurant cars.

Mid-afternoon sees all guests boarding the Deccan Odyssey, a perfect way to experience the colour, character and amazing diversity of India. Settle into your beautifully appointed cabin and enjoy the hospitable atmosphere of the Bar Car before experiencing fine Indian or western cuisine in one of the restaurant cars.

Overnight stay aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mumbai
Board the Deccan Odyssey

Day 4 Old Goa

The state of Goa, renowned for its beaches, temples and world heritage architecture, was the capital of the Portuguese Empire in the east and displays much of this heritage in its architecture today.

Today, take a morning tour to view Basilica De Bom Jesus and Sé Cathedral of Santa Catarina, a towering white structure with a grand baroque interior and the most imposing church in the historic Old Goa.

Overnight stay aboard the Deccan Odyssey. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Old Goa
Goa

Day 5 Nilgiri Mountain Railway to Ooty

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, begins in the town of Mettupalayam and takes guests on a winding journey aboard a narrow gauge steam train. This remarkable railway ascends 30 km on India’s only Rack and Pinion track, tackling gradients as steep as 1:12, to reach the town of Coonoor. From there, the train picks up speed for the final 16 km to the hill station of Ooty, perched at 7,228 feet (2,225 metres) and renowned for its charming cottages and stunning Botanical Gardens. The ‘Toy Train’ weaves through tea and coffee plantations, forest-covered hills, and passes through 16 tunnels and over tall bridges, offering breathtaking views that make the journey to Ooty truly extraordinary!

Overnight stay aboard the Deccan Odyssey. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Nilgiri Mountain Railway to Ooty
Ooty

Day 6 Kochi

Kochi (formerly Cochin) with its beautiful natural harbour and scenic backwaters has meant its history has been rich and varied. The British, Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch and Chinese have all left indelible marks on the architectural development of this city. Today, you will visit the Dutch Palace and the Jewish Synagogue and then see the Giant Chinese fishing nets that billow from massive teak and bamboo poles which dot the entrance to the harbour and are still in use today. The day ends in a visit to the 500-year old Fort Kochi where you will walk through the historical Dutch and Portuguese buildings.

In the evening there is the opportunity to witness a Kathakali Dance performance where the dancers are elaborately made up with paint and masks accompanied by drummers and musicians as they act out a dance drama.

Overnight stay aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Kochi
Kochi

Day 7 Trivandrum & Kanyakumari

The Deccan Odyssey arrives in Trivandrum in the early morning. After breakfast, visit the Napier Museum and the dominating Padmanabhaswamy Hindu Temple.

Following lunch,  head to Kanyakumari which is mainland India’s southernmost point, where the three seas – Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea & Bay of Bengal – meet and where the shore temple to the Virgin Goddess Kanyakumari stands.

Overnight stay aboard the Deccan Odyssey. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trivandrum & Kanyakumari
Trivandrum Napier Museum

Day 8 Madurai

One of the oldest cities in India situated on the River Vaigai, the Temple City of Madurai was the capital of the Pandya Kingdom but it was during the reign of the Nayaks that the magnificent Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple was constructed, which is one of India’s greatest cultural and architectural landmarks.

In the evening you will return to the temple to witness a Hindu ritual, an Aarti Ceremony before continuing the journey towards Madras.

Overnight aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Madurai
Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple

Day 9 Pondicherry

Pondicherry, located on the Bay of Bengal, is the former capital of the French territories in India.

To this day there still remains a rich French cultural heritage including the French language being widely spoken. Landmarks include Raj Nivas, the residence of the Lt Governor of Pondicherry – a handsome 200-year old building which faces Government Park with its paths and lawns, fountains and sculptures as well as the wide and vibrant beaches and beautiful promenades.

Tonight, guests will have one final dinner aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Overnight stay aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Pondicherry
Pondicherry

Day 10 Chennai

Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is located on the Coromandel Coast and is renowned for its rich tradition of music and dance. This city, with a population of 4 million, boasts 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.

You'll arrive in Chennai in the morning and tour the city's highlights, including Fort St. George, the National Art Gallery, and the 16th-century San Thome Basilica, built over the tomb of Thomas Didymus, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus.

In the evening, you'll transfer to the luxurious beachfront Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa for a three-night stay. Originally a Dutch fort, this resort, set on a stunning white sandy beach along the Bay of Bengal, offers the perfect setting for relaxation at the end of your journey through Southern India.

Overnight stay in Chennai. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Chennai
Chennai

Day 11 Mahabalipuram

Today there is the option to visit Mahabalipuram, a beautiful coastal resort classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rock cut temples and caves situated here are amongst the finest in the world and originated between 7th and 9th century. The highlight is a visit to the Shore Temple, which is renowned for its intricate carvings and skilled craftsmanship and is one of the oldest temples in southern India.

Overnight stay in Chennai. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram

Day 12 Chennai (day at leisure)

Enjoy your final day in Chennai at the Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort & Spa. Enjoy time relaxing in the lush landscaped gardens of the hotel or take one of the many scenic walkways that lead to the beach. Perhaps make time also to rejuvenate yourself with a signature spa treatment from the hotel’s excellent Jiva Spa (at own expense). 

Overnight stay in Chennai. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Chennai (day at leisure)
Local market

Day 13 Chennai Hyderabad (by air)

Today, you will travel by air from Chennai to the final destination on this tour, Hyderabad and stay for two nights at the luxury Taj Falaknuma Palace. Elevated 2,000 feet above Hyderabad, this luxurious 5-star property features a blend of colonial and Indian designs. It houses a heritage walk with beautifully crafted objects from the world over and a first-rate spa.

Built in 1894, it is the former palace of the Nizam, rumoured to be the richest man in the world at one time. Overlooking the twinkling City of Pearls, this enchanting palace exudes romance and grandeur that take one back to when the Nizam ruled Hyderabad.

Overnight stay in Hyderabad. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Chennai → Hyderabad (by air)
Charminar by day

Day 14 Hyderabad

Today, visit Golconda Fort, once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Golkonda, located 11 km west of Hyderabad. Originally founded in the 12th century by the Kakatiya kings, the fort was later expanded under the Qutub Shahi Dynasty (c.1518–1687). The fort is renowned for its impressive engineering and architecture, particularly its acoustics system, where a clap at the entrance can be heard at 'Bala Hissar,' the highest point nearly a kilometre away.

Next, you'll visit the Qutub Shahi Tombs, situated north of Golconda Fort, which showcase the architectural heritage of the Qutub Shahi dynasty.

Returning to Hyderabad, explore the Charminar, built in 1591 by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah to commemorate the end of a plague epidemic after moving his capital from Golkonda to Hyderabad.

In the evening, bid farewell to your fellow travellers at a Gala Farewell Dinner in the opulent 101 Dining Hall of the Taj Falaknuma Palace.

Overnight stay in Hyderabad. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hyderabad
Hyderabad by night

Day 15 Hyderabad

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport in Hyderabad to begin your journey home. 

Breakfast

Accommodation

Deccan Odyssey

Upgrade available

To travel aboard the Deccan Odyssey is to experience the finest traditions of rail travel in a train specifically built to cater for the demands of today’s most discerning traveller.

DELUXE CLASS

The Deccan Odyssey's Deluxe Class cabins provide a luxurious and comfortable experience, fully air-conditioned and designed to accommodate 2-3 guests. These elegant cabins feature either twin or double beds and come with an en-suite bathroom complete with a separate shower. Additional amenities include a hairdryer and complimentary tea, coffee, and mineral water, ensuring a refined journey aboard this private luxury train. 

Deluxe Class (Twin)
Deluxe Class (Double)

 

Room Upgrades

Presidential Suite

The Deccan Odyssey's Presidential Suite provides a luxurious stay, fully air-conditioned and designed to accommdate 2-3 guests. Each cabin features a separate sitting room and two bathrooms. Guests staying in the Presidential Suite enjoy the added luxury of a private guide and chauffeured car service at many of the destinations on the itinerary. Additionally, they benefit from complimentary drinks from the Bar Lounge Car, laundry service, and room upgrades to the next available category at the hotels included in the itinerary.

  • Double bedroom
  • Separate lounge / seating area with writing desk
  • Additional sofa bed available in lounge
  • Two en-suite bathrooms with separate shower
  • Hairdryer
  • DVD player and television screen
  • Complimentary tea, coffee and mineral water in cabin
Presidential Suite

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Additional information

  • The Bar Lounge Car: offers a well-stocked bar offering the perfect surroundings for a quiet drink with your fellow passengers.
  • There is also dedicated spa car where passengers can enjoy a traditional Ayurvedic massage; work out in the gym; visit the on board hairdressing salon; or enjoy the heat of the sauna while the train is underway. Alternatively, you can utilise the facilities in the Reception Car which has a library and reading area, and a fully-equipped business centre.
  • The Deccan Odyssey includes two splendid restaurant cars, offering a wonderful variety of international cuisine. Prepared and served with the highest attention to detail, the Indian and international food offered here is to the highest culinary standard. Traditionally decorated, these beautifully designed cars offer a superb and relaxed setting in which to enjoy your meals and watch India’s remarkable scenery unfold

2025 departure: 

  • 09 Oct - 23 Oct, 2025

Excluded

  • International airfares and taxes
  • Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
  • Visa expenses, processing, and issuance fees
  • Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
  • Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
  • Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

Welcome to Entire Travel Group. We offer exceptional travel experiences across our extensive range of Entire Holiday Packages, Entire Group Journeys, Entire Rail Journeys, and Entire Cruise Journeys. With our industry-leading Peace of Mind Booking Plan, you can Book Now with flexibility and confidence.

Entire Travel Group is celebrating over 50 years of passionately delivering unique and memorable travel experiences. We are an Australian, family-owned, award-winning business with a friendly team ready to match your expectations to the perfect holiday experience.

Entire Travel Group used to be known by the individual brands shown in the footer of the website. The company has not changed, but we have amalgamated under one brand - Entire Travel Group.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

Is Entire Travel Group Australian owned and operated?

Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Entire Travel Group is both ATAS and CATO Accredited. ATAS is actively administered by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

Are the Entire Travel Group holiday packages exclusive?

In some cases, we are the sole representative in Australia for the overseas travel operator. In other circumstances the product developed has been exclusively built for Entire Travel Group and can’t be found elsewhere.

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

  • They are not group tours with set departures - they are pre-designed, purpose built, independent holiday packages full of unique and memorable experiences.
  • Our holiday packages have been exclusively built for us in collaboration with our handpicked suppliers, who also offer full on-ground support for the clients.
  • We are offering unique travel experiences which cannot be found elsewhere.
  • Many packages include our “Freedom of Choice” options which allow you to tailor the holiday experience. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.
  • They include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan.
  • A wide selection of our packages are compliant with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Covid Safe Travels.

Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

Our Independent Holiday Packages are NOT group tours with set departure dates. Group Tours have specific set departure dates, and of course, you are travelling with unknown passengers in a coach. These tours are great for certain travellers and there are many reputable tour operators providing a wide range of options around the world.

At Entire Travel Group, our focus is Independent Holiday Packages. Available daily, they are pre-designed, purpose built, packaged itineraries full of memorable experiences delivered by our hand-picked local partners.

Our holidays suit every demographic, from couples to singles, to retirees to families and everyone else in between.

Why travel with Entire Travel Group?

Of Entire Travel Group's attributes, we have settled on "When Experience Matters" as the quality we believe adds the most value to our customers. We have the experience to ensure your itinerary makes the dream holiday possible. Our continually enhanced technology allows our team to provide a quality customer service experience, and our partnerships with outstanding operators ensure we are confident of the on-ground experience for our customers.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

How does the Peace of Mind Booking Plan work?

Our Peace of Mind Booking Plan allows you to book with confidence in the new international travel environment. With low deposits, a cooling off period and a flexibility period where you can cancel and rebook later, we really do have you covered.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

Is there a cooling-off period?

Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

  • We understand that occasionally plans may change, so we give you the confidence to proceed with a cooling off period.
  • You may cancel for any reason within 7 days, where you will receive a 100% refund of your $100 per person deposit.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

What is Freedom of Choice?

At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

  • Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
  • The price of the package remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

For more details please visit - Freedom of Choice | Entire Travel Group

What is Book Now?

Book Now offers you the ability to make a reservation on our website for Holiday Packages that include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan. But it’s not just a static offer – you have complete flexibility from travel dates, passenger numbers, single supplements, room upgrades, optional extras, flexible booking terms and more.

  • Our team will contact our overseas suppliers and confirm all arrangements.
  • A Confirmation from our reservation system will be sent in the coming days.
  • The Booking Number on this confirmation supersedes the website reference.

What forms of payment can be used at Entire Travel Group?

  • To confirm a booking using our on-line Book Now process, a credit card must be used to pay the refundable deposit.
  • For additional payments on the booking, Entire Travel Group supports bank transfer, credit card, TravelPay B2B, PaymentGate.
  • For further details please visit our Payments page.

How secure is the Entire Travel Group's on-line payment portal?

  • Entire Travel Group have partnered with TravelPay to ensure secure on-line credit card payments.
  • TravelPay is a level 1 PCI DSS compliant, which gives you peace of mind that your payment card data is in safe hands.
  • Entire Travel Group does not store any credit card information.

For more details please visit - Security and Compliance - TravelPay

Can you book my international airfares?

On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

We found that many customers may prefer to:

  • Travel on a specific airline of their choice
  • Have the flexibility to book flights with Frequent Flyer points
  • Select flight dates that may be different to our Holiday Package start/end dates
  • Use a Travel Credit already held with the airline
  • Use their travel agent for this service

We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

Should I take travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. During the Book Now process please confirm you require assistance, and our team will be in contact with you.

What should I do before travelling?

Before you travel it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate documentation including visas. If you are travelling on a passport other than Australian or New Zealand, you will require a permit to re-enter Australia. It is your responsibility as the traveller and/or travel booker to meet all government entry requirements.

For more information please visit - Before you travel | Entire Travel Group

How does a Travel Agent make a booking?

Please visit the Entire Travel Group's Agent Portal. We are here to support our industry partners with a range of informative updates, marketing collateral for campaigns and a reward & recognition program.

How do I start a Booking?

  • On any page that has Book Now simply follow the booking process.
  • You must select the Travel Agent tick box and provide correct details.
  • To confirm a booking only the refundable deposit is required.
  • An agency credit card must be used for this initial payment.

How do I contact Entire Travel Group?

For more information please visit - Contact us | Entire Travel Group

When experience matters
INDUSTRY ACCREDITED
AWARD WINNING
TRAVEL SUPPORT
50 YEARS EXPERIENCE
HANDPICKED SUPPLIERS
UNRIVALLED EXPERIENCES