Tour Introduction
Discover India in extraordinary style on a Sisterhood journey that brings together the energy of Mumbai, the romance of Rajasthan, the splendour of the Taj Mahal and the captivating contrasts of Delhi. At the heart of our adventure is seven nights aboard the magnificent Deccan Odyssey, where elegant cabins, attentive service and memorable excursions make the journey as special as the destinations. From Bollywood dancing and bustling markets to royal palaces and a wildlife safari, this is India at its most colourful — shared with new friends for company.Highlights
Spend three exciting nights in vibrant Mumbai, discovering the magic of Bollywood, enjoying traditional dance and witnessing the remarkable efficiency of the famous dabbawalas
Enjoy a special henna and saree draping experience
Indulge in seven unforgettable nights aboard the luxurious Deccan Odyssey, experiencing the romance of rail travel with elegant accommodation, fine dining and exceptional service
Experience the magic of Diwali, India’s dazzling Festival of Lights, aboard the luxurious Deccan Odyssey, surrounded by colour, celebration and festive spirit
Step back in time at UNESCO-listed Champaner-Pavagadh and marvel at magnificent royal palaces that reveal India's rich history and regal heritage
Fall in love with romantic Udaipur, the City of Lakes, before exploring the colourful streets and architectural treasures of Jodhpur, the famous Blue City
Discover the splendour of Jaipur, Rajasthan's enchanting Pink City, with its magnificent forts, royal palaces and bustling bazaars
Stand in awe before the breathtaking Taj Mahal, one of the world's most celebrated monuments, and explore the impressive Mughal architecture of Agra Fort
Experience the thrill of a wildlife safari through Ranthambore National Park, keeping watch for majestic Bengal tigers and other fascinating wildlife
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and flavours of Old and New Delhi, with an exhilarating rickshaw ride, fragrant spice markets and a hands-on Indian cooking class
Friends for company
Inclusions
Personally escorted from Australia, with your Sisterhood Tour Hostess on hand throughout your journey to ensure a relaxed and memorable holiday
Return economy airfares from Melbourne to India including applicable taxes (other departure cities available on request and may require additional nights due to flight schedules)
3 nights luxury accommodation in Mumbai
7 nights in a twin-bedded en-suite cabin aboard the Deccan Odyssey (single supplement available for solo travels)
3 nights luxury accommodation in New Delhi
Daily hotel breakfasts; breakfast, lunch and dinner on the Deccan Odyssey (with train excursion meals as scheduled)
Arrival and departure airport transfers in India with assistance
Air-conditioned transport, local English-speaking guides and specified sightseeing/entrance fees
Mumbai dabbawala and Dhobi Ghat experience; private Bollywood studio tour and dance session
Delhi rickshaw experience and Indian cooking class
Deccan Odyssey guided excursions and game drive as detailed in the itinerary
Two bottles of water per person per day during road transfers and sightseeing
Notice
Activity Level:
This tour is designed for travellers with a moderate level of fitness who enjoy cultural sightseeing, magnificent historic landmarks and the luxury of rail travel. Throughout India, we'll discover colourful cities, royal palaces, ancient forts, bustling markets and remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites, with seven nights spent aboard the magnificent Deccan Odyssey.
Travellers should be comfortable walking for extended periods on sightseeing days, often over uneven stone pathways, steps, cobblestones and busy streets while maintaining the group's pace. Visits to historic forts, palaces and archaeological sites require good balance and mobility, while boarding and disembarking the train, coaches and safari vehicles independently is essential. Although the luxury rail experience provides welcome opportunities to relax, the daily excursions still require reasonable stamina.
Activity Factors:
✔ Regular guided walking tours throughout the itinerary
✔ Walking through Mumbai's busy streets and railway stations
✔ Boarding and disembarking a suburban train in Mumbai
✔ Guided exploration of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
✔ Uneven stone pathways and steps at historic monuments
✔ Walking through Udaipur's City Palace and Old City bazaars
✔ Exploring Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, including slopes and steps
✔ Walking through Amber Fort, City Palace and Jantar Mantar in Jaipur
✔ Extensive sightseeing at the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort
✔ Walking through bustling markets and narrow streets in Old Delhi
✔ Visits to Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb and Lotus Temple
✔ Boarding and disembarking the Deccan Odyssey independently
✔ Walking through train carriages and managing movement while the train is travelling
✔ Regular use of steps when accessing the train and sightseeing attractions
✔ Boarding and disembarking safari vehicles at Ranthambore National Park
✔ Possible bumpy travel during the wildlife safari
✔ Warm temperatures and extended periods outdoors
✔ Extended periods standing during guided sightseeing
✔ Independent luggage handling when required
✔ Comfortable rail travel providing opportunities to rest between excursions
✘ No compulsory hiking or trekking
✘ No sustained long-distance walking days
✘ No technically challenging terrain
✘ No compulsory strenuous physical activities
Additional Meal Allowance:
Breakfast is included daily, together with all meals during our seven-night journey aboard the luxurious Deccan Odyssey and a special farewell dinner in Delhi. There will also be opportunities to enjoy India's wonderful restaurants and local cuisine during our stays in Mumbai and Delhi. For comfortable budgeting, we recommend allowing approximately INR25,000 per person (approximately AUD400) for lunches and dinners not included, together with coffees, drinks, snacks and incidental treats throughout the tour. Travellers wishing to enjoy regular alcoholic beverages or premium dining experiences may wish to allow a little extra.
Tipping:
Tipping is customary throughout India and is an important way of recognising the service provided by local guides, drivers, hotel staff, porters and onboard train personnel. To make things simple and stress-free, Sisterhood Womens Travel operates a group tipping kitty. At the beginning of the tour, each traveller contributes to the kitty, which is managed by your Sisterhood Tour Hostess. Tips are distributed to the onboard Deccan Odyssey staff, local guides and drivers where gratuities are not already included, hotel staff, porters and other service providers on your behalf. Gratuities for guided excursions included during our Deccan Odyssey rail journey have already been covered in your tour price.
For any rickshaw rides included in our itinerary, we recommend that each traveller personally tips their rider approximately INR100–200 per ride, depending on the duration and service provided. These tips are not covered by the group kitty.
The estimated contribution to the Sisterhood tipping kitty for this tour is USD150 per person, excluding personal rickshaw tips. The final amount will be confirmed in your final travel documentation. Any additional gratuities for exceptional personal service are entirely at your discretion.
Visa Information and Travel Advice:
An Indian visa must be obtained before travel. CLICK HERE for the Indian E-Visa Portal.
Please visit www.smartraveller.gov.au for travel and health advice for India.
Deccan Train Odyssey Information:
Step aboard the magnificent Deccan Odyssey and experience seven unforgettable nights travelling through India in the style of royalty. Often described as a five-star hotel on wheels, this extraordinary luxury train combines old-world elegance, beautifully appointed cabins, exceptional dining and attentive service with the romance of discovering India by rail.
Our journey from Mumbai to New Delhi follows the spectacular Indian Sojourn route, taking us through a fascinating tapestry of royal cities, magnificent palaces, ancient forts and colourful landscapes. Discover the UNESCO-listed Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, the romantic lakes of Udaipur, the majestic Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur and the breathtaking beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra.
Experience the thrill of a wildlife safari in Ranthambore National Park, where Bengal tigers roam, before exploring Jaipur, Rajasthan's enchanting Pink City.
Between our daily adventures, return to the comfort of our luxurious train to enjoy delicious cuisine, elegant surroundings and the pleasure of unpacking just once. With two dining carriages, a lounge bar and onboard spa facilities, the journey itself is every bit as memorable as the destinations.
This is more than a train journey. It's a wonderful opportunity to experience the colour, culture, history and grandeur of India, all while travelling in exceptional comfort with our Sisterhood friends for company. For more details on our train experience, CLICK HERE.
Visit the Deccan Train Odyssey FAQ page for answers to your questions and don't hestiate to reach out to Sisterhood Central for further information.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Wednesday 20 October 2027
Melbourne - Mumbai (D)
Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel! Join your Sisterhood Tour Hostess and fellow travellers at Melbourne Airport for our morning flight to Mumbai.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the airline's in-flight service as our Indian adventure begins. On arrival in Mumbai later this evening, we'll be met and transferred to our hotel for a well-earned rest before starting our adventure.
A welcome dinner is included tonight at our hotel.
Overnight - The Oberoi, Mumbai (or similar)
Day 2 - Thursday 21 October 2027
Mumbai - Dabbawalas and Dhobi Ghat (B)
Mumbai is a city of contrasts, where old traditions thrive alongside the energy of modern India.
After breakfast, we discover the remarkable dabbawalas, the lunchbox delivery workers whose carefully coordinated system has become one of Mumbai's most fascinating stories.
We experience a slice of local life aboard a suburban train (first class, non-airconditioned) before visiting Dhobi Ghat, the vast open-air laundry where rows of washing and busy workers create a truly memorable sight. It's a wonderful introduction to everyday life in this captivating city, with time afterwards to relax at our hotel.
Dinner at leisure tonight, your Sisterhood hostess will suggest a venue.
Overnight - The Oberoi, Mumbai (or similar)
Day 3 - Friday 22 October 2027
Mumbai - Bollywood Magic (B)
Lights, camera, Bollywood! Today we go behind the scenes of India's famous film industry on a private studio experience. Discover how the colourful costumes, elaborate sets, music and dance come together to create the movies loved by audiences around the world. Depending on filming schedules, we may even glimpse a production underway. Then it's our turn to join the fun with a dance session led by a professional choreographer. No experience required — just a sense of adventure and a willingness to have a laugh with your Sisters! Also included is a special henna hand experience.
Dinner at leisure tonight, you Sisterhood hostess will suggest a venue.
Overnight - The Oberoi, Mumbai (or similar)
Day 4 - Saturday 23 October 2027
Mumbai - Board the Deccan Odyssey (B, D)
Today our journey continues with the luxury theme. After breakfast, we transfer to Mumbai's historic railway station for our welcome aboard the magnificent Deccan Odyssey. Step into the elegant surroundings of this extraordinary train, settle into your private en-suite cabin and familiarise yourself with the lounges and dining facilities that will be our home for the next seven nights. As the train begins its journey towards Vadodara, watch the scenery change beyond the windows and enjoy the anticipation of the royal cities and cultural treasures awaiting us. Dinner and overnight aboard.
In addition toi the highlight of the train, we'll also enjoy a special saree draing session where we get to keep our very own saree and wear throughout our stay!
Overnight - Onboard Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train
Day 5 - Sunday 24 October 2027
Vododara - Royal Heritage (B, L, D)
Wake to a new destination as we arrive in Vadodara, a city with a rich royal heritage. Our exploration begins at the UNESCO-listed Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, where centuries of history unfold among impressive monuments, including the beautifully detailed Jami Masjid. After lunch aboard the train, we visit the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, home to an extraordinary collection of art and royal treasures. A special highlight follows: high tea at the splendid Laxmi Vilas Palace, accompanied by a traditional folk performance. Return to our luxurious train with stories to share over dinner.
Overnight - Onboard Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train
Day 6 - Monday 25 October 2027
Udaipur - City of Lakes (B, L, D)
This morning we arrive in Udaipur, often called India's most romantic city. Surrounded by hills and shimmering lakes, its graceful palaces seem straight from a fairytale. We explore the magnificent City Palace complex and the fascinating Crystal Gallery, gaining a glimpse into the lives of Rajasthan's former rulers. A cruise on Lake Pichola offers beautiful views of the lakeside architecture before we wander through the lively lanes and colourful bazaars of the Old City. There may be time to admire local handicrafts before returning to the train for dinner.
Overnight - Onboard Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train
Day 7 - Tuesday 26 October 2027
Jodhpur - The Blue City (B, L, D)
Enjoy a relaxed morning aboard the Deccan Odyssey as the changing Rajasthan landscape slips past our windows. Our destination is Jodhpur, the celebrated Blue City, where indigo-coloured houses spread beneath the mighty Mehrangarh Fort. We explore the atmosphere of the Old Clock Tower market, with its spices, textiles and tempting treasures, before visiting the imposing hilltop fort. Its grand courtyards and intricate architecture reveal centuries of royal history. Tonight brings a particularly memorable experience: a special Marwar-style dinner in the fort's royal courtyard, an evocative setting for an evening with under the stars.
Overnight - Onboard Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train
Day 8 - Wednesday 27 October 2027
Jaipur - The Pink City (B, L, D)
Welcome to Jaipur, Rajasthan's famous Pink City, where regal architecture and colourful street life make every turn a delight. Our sightseeing includes Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds), the spectacular Amber Fort, with its ornate halls and commanding setting, followed by the City Palace, a fascinating blend of royal history and beautiful design. We also discover Jantar Mantar, the remarkable astronomical observatory that reflects India's scientific heritage. Following lunch at a city hotel, enjoy some time at your own pace — perhaps browsing Jaipur's famous jewellery and textile shops, or choosing an optional spa experience at your own expense. Return to the train for dinner.
Overnight - Onboard Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train
Day 9 - Thursday 28 October 2027
Agra - The Taj Mahal (B, L, D)
Few sights in the world inspire quite the same sense of wonder as the Taj Mahal, and today we have the opportunity to experience it for ourselves. Discover the moving love story behind this exquisite white-marble monument and take time to appreciate its delicate craftsmanship and serene gardens. Our day in Agra also includes the elegant Itmad-ud-Daulah tomb, often nicknamed the Baby Taj, and the imposing Agra Fort, whose walls hold stories of Mughal emperors and their courts. There may be time to browse local crafts or enjoy an optional activity before returning to our train.
Overnight - Onboard Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train
Day 10 - Friday 29 October 2027
Sawai Madhopur - Ranthambore Safari -(B, L, D)
Our journey now takes us into a different side of India as we arrive in Sawai Madhopur, gateway to Ranthambore National Park. This former royal hunting reserve is now one of the country's best-known wildlife sanctuaries. On an afternoon game drive, keep your eyes peeled for deer, monkeys, birdlife and, with luck, the magnificent Bengal tiger. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the scenery and excitement of the search are experiences in themselves. Afterwards, enjoy high tea at the historic Sawai Madhopur Lodge before rejoining the Deccan Odyssey for our final evening aboard. Enjoy a farewell rail dinner to celebrate an amazing experience.
Overnight - Onboard Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train
Day 11 - Saturday 30 October 2027
Delhi - Farewell to the Deccan Odyssey (B)
After one last breakfast aboard the Deccan Odyssey, we say farewell to the wonderful train staff and disembark at Delhi Safdarjung Station. Our Indian adventure is far from over! We transfer to our hotel in the capital, a city where ancient monuments stand alongside broad avenues, busy markets and modern neighbourhoods. The remainder of the day is yours to unwind after our remarkable rail journey. Perhaps enjoy the hotel's facilities, compare favourite moments with your travelling companions or simply recharge before exploring Delhi over the next two days.
Dinner at leisure tonight. Your Sisterhood hostess will suggest a venue.
Overnight - The Oberoi, New Delhi (or similar)
Day 12 - Sunday 31 October 2027
Delhi - Old and New (B)
Today we discover the many faces of India's fascinating capital. In Old Delhi, climb aboard a rickshaw for an unforgettable ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, where market stalls, historic buildings and daily life create a lively tapestry of sights and sounds. Explore the famous Khari Baoli spice market and the traditional shopping streets of Dariba Kalan and Kinari Bazaar. Along our route we see significant landmarks associated with the Red Fort and Mahatma Gandhi. We then contrast the narrow lanes of Old Delhi with the grand avenues and landmarks of New Delhi, including India Gate and Parliament House.
Dinner at leisure tonight. Your Sisterhood hostess will suggest a venue.
Overnight - The Oberoi, New Delhi (or similar)
Day 13 - Monday 1 November 2027
Delhi - Monuments and Cooking (B,D)
Today's sightseeing offers a wonderful mix of history, architecture and flavour. We begin with the soaring Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage monument renowned for its intricate stonework and remarkable age. Then roll up your sleeves for a hands-on Indian cooking experience, a delicious opportunity to learn about the spices and techniques behind some of the country's best-loved dishes. Later, we visit the striking Lotus Temple, known for its flower-inspired design, and Humayun's Tomb, an elegant Mughal masterpiece that helped inspire later imperial architecture. It's a fitting finale to our Indian discoveries.
Tonight, we'll enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate great memories with new friends for company.
Overnight - The Oberoi, New Delhi (or similar)
Day 14 - Tuesday 2 November 2027
Delhi - Walk with a Purpose Depart for home (B)
This morning, we experience a very different side of Delhi on a truly meaningful guided walk through the bustling streets of Paharganj and the neighbourhood surrounding New Delhi Railway Station. What makes this experience so special is that our guides are young people who were once living and working on the streets of Delhi and have since been supported by the remarkable Salaam Baalak Trust.
As we wander through the lively laneways, our guides share their personal stories, experiences and journeys towards a brighter future, offering us a unique and heartfelt perspective on everyday life in this extraordinary city. More than simply a sightseeing tour, this is an opportunity to connect, listen and gain a deeper understanding of the resilience, courage and determination of these inspiring young people.
Our walk concludes with a visit to the Trust's centre, where we have the opportunity to learn more about the wonderful work being done to support vulnerable children.
An experience that beautifully reflects the spirit of Sisterhood – travelling with heart, connecting with others and discovering that some of our most treasured travel memories come from the people we meet along the way.
Following our visit, we return to the hotel before transferring to the airport later this evening for our homeward journey.
With late checkout of our hotel before we transfer to the airport to begin our journey home. Sit back, relax and enjoy the flight.
Day 15 - Wednesday 3 November 2027
Welcome Home!
Thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you back.