“Travel around India can be stimulating, exciting but often a challenge. The Deccan Odyssey seemed like an ideal way to get to visit the ancient sites of Ellora and Ajanta. But the trip was so much more than that, everywhere we stopped was fascinating and often unexpected. You know service is of a different level when you are handed a bottle of ice cold water as you reach the top of a long climb. Onboard you step into another era, charming service, delicious meals and a real sense of occasion, but without any stuffiness. Cabins are small but well appointed and do make time for the spa – a manicure watching the scenery pass by and the sure handedness of the therapist was not to be missed!” – Joanna Edmunds, Managing Director

South India

To book call 01306 744741 to speak to an india personal travel expert

Visit southern India and explore the beautiful coast of Maharashtra and Goa by rail. Enjoy authentic local experiences such as a cruise on a houseboat in Kerala or living with a Keralan family on a farm. If you’re a spa lover, don’t miss the renowned Ayurvedic retreats waiting to spoil you.

Your private chauffeur

Your private chauffeur

Explore Kerala, northeast India, the Himalayas, Rajasthan or southern India in a private air-conditioned car with your own chauffeur. This is one of the best ways of exploring India on a tailor made holiday and gives you the flexibility to discover the local area, visiting temples and palaces, stopping where you want, when you want. See where the road takes you… from £44 per car, per day.

The Deccan Odyssey Rail Tour

The Deccan Odyssey Rail Tour

Step back in time on board the classic and luxurious Deccan Odyssey. Spend seven nights on this incredible train journey, travelling from Mumbai through destinations including Goa, Aurangabad and Chandrapur. You’ll experience fascinating sights with expert local guides – tour Old Goa and the ancient city of Kolhapur, enjoy an amazing 4x4 safari in Tadoba National Park and Tiger Reserve, and see the spectacular ancient Buddhist caves of Ajanta. After unforgettable days, relax in the on-board spa and enjoy a delicious meal while watching the sunset and the scenery pass.

8 Nights mixed meal plan


4.5* Deccan Odyssey Rail Tour from £3065pp

11, 18, 25 Jan 2010, Ref: IN372. Flights with Oman Air.

Colours of Southern India Tour

Colours of Southern India Tour

This nine-night escorted tour starts in Bangalore before heading southwest to Mysore. Wander around the beautiful palace, once home to the rulers of Mysore, and tour the city. Head up into the hills of Western Ghats and stay in the town of Coorg. This area is beautiful, with rice plantations on the valley floor and exotic crops growing in the hills. Visit a coffee and spice plantation and have lunch with an ethnic kodava family before visiting Bylekuppe – the second largest Tibetan settlement in India. Under the stars, listen to stories around the campfire. You’ll have the chance to go bird-watching in Dubare Reserve Forest and take a 4x4 safari deep into Rajiv Ghandi National Park near Kabini, where you might spot tigers and elephants. Spend time in Calicut exploring the city or lazing on the beaches of the magnificent Malabar coast, before finishing your adventure in Mumbai.

10 Nights mixed meal plan


4* Colours of Southern India Tour from £1915pp

22 Jan 2010, Ref: IN370. Flights with British Airways.

Award-winning Ayurvedic retreat

Award-winning Ayurvedic retreat

The first Ayurvedic retreat in India, the award-winning Somatheeram Ayurvedic Health Resort is a place to unwind and restore serenity. The holistic concept uses Ayurveda, yoga and meditation, combined with a balanced vegetarian diet. Set in Kerala, you’ll stay in traditional Kerala-style houses or garden cottages, all created from eco-friendly materials. The Kerala method of Ayurveda is famous for its five-pronged treatment – panchakarma – which uses medicated oils, herbs, milk, massage and a special diet to balance the body. Courses about Ayurveda are available to deepen your knowledge, where you can learn the basics of Ayurvedic massage and therapies.

3 Nights room & Breakfast at 4* Travancore Heritage + 4 nights full board at Somatheeran Ayurvedic Health Resort


4* Kerala Ayurvedic Retreat from £1049pp

4 – 28 May 2010, Ref: IN050. Flights with SriLankan Airlines.

Stay on a houseboat in Kerala

Stay on a houseboat in Kerala

Cruise through the Keralan backwaters with our Backwaters of Kerala Houseboat Experience. This is one of the most enchanting ways of seeing local life in Kerala, cruising down canals, rivers and across lakes. Pass rice fields, tiny villages, fishing nets and coconut casks soaking in the waters. See women doing laundry and children wandering off to school. The traditional boats, once used to transport produce and people, are made from natural materials and have been turned into houseboats perfect for exploring. Stay in a private one, two or three bedroom houseboat with your own personal crew during this unforgettable two-day cruise.

6 Nights room & Breakfast at 3* Eastend Lake song + 1 night full board on Keralan Houseboat


4* Stay on a Houseboat in Kerala from £1025pp

5 – 30 Apr 2010, Ref: IN302. Flights with Gulf Air.

Live with a local family

Live with a local family

During our Keralan Family and Farm Experience, stay with a local Keralan family for a real taste of life in the backwaters and living on a farm. Set on a beautiful island, the farm practices sustainable organic methods of farming and has coconut, nutmeg, banana, cocoa and pepper cultivation on site, with jumbo prawns and karimeen found in the farm’s canals. During this three-night flexible adventure, the family will be your host and help you get to grips with farm life, but you’ll have your own privacy, staying in a waterfront villa. Home-cooked meals can be enjoyed with the family or in your own room and, during your stay, enjoy a sunset cruise, prepare dinner with your hosts and meet the local people.

3 Nights room & Breakfast at 4* Marari beach resort + 2 nights full board Family & Farm Experience


4* Live with a Local Family from £1195pp

1 – 30 Jun 2010, Ref: IN291. Flights with Gulf Air.