The Golden Eagle - Madras Mail

Your voyage of discovery begins at Mumbai Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the five-star Taj Mahal Hotel, conveniently located at 'The Gateway of India' for a luxurious two-night stay. (Meals today - own arrangements)

This morning we take 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. Marvel at the many statues and works of art dedicated to Lord Shiva. We return to Mumbai for lunch at the Khyber restaurant (or similar) and in the afternoon you are free to explore Mumbai independently or visit one of the colourful local markets.

Alternatively, with our Freedom of Choice programme, we offer a visit to the famous Jehangir Art Gallery and also the Prince of Wales Museum, housing 50,000 exhibits in a landmark building close to the Gateway of India.

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.

This morning we visit the 'Dhobi Ghats', an intriguing outdoor laundry. The dhobi is a traditional laundryman who collects your dirty linen, washes it and returns it neatly pressed. The Ghats are the laundries where they practice this historic tradition. Our tour then takes in Fort Bombay and Gandhi's House, now turned into a fascinating museum depicting 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.

An all-day option prior to boarding the Deccan Odyssey  is to take the 100-year old line from Neral to the hill station of Matheran (at 2,500 feet or 800 metres), 2 hours drive south of Bombay. As the little train climbs up into the clear mountain air one can view the scenic vista of hills and plains below. The total lack of motorised traffic at Matheran makes it an unusual and peaceful retreat. (Guests will then join the Deccan Odyssey,  at Pavel Junction after descending from Matheran).

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. We 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 Old Goa.

The  Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a World Heritage Site, starts from the town of Mettupalayam and takes us on a journey full of twists and turns as this narrow gauge steam train ascends 30kms on India's only Rack and Pinion Railway with gradients as steep as 1:12 to the town of Coonor, from where for the final 16kms the train picks up speed on its way to the hill resort at Ooty at 7,228 feet (2,225 metres) famous for its pretty cottages and beautiful Botanical Gardens. The steam-hauled 'Toy Train' heads through tea and coffee plantations and forest clad hills and with no less than 16 tunnels and tall bridges along with the breathtaking views make a journey to Ooty an extraordinary experience!

Cochin's 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. We 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 Cochin where we 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.

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

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 we will return to the temple to witness a Hindu ritual, an Aarti Ceremony before we continue our journey towards Madras.

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, we have our final dinner aboard the Deccan Odyssey.

Chennai (formerly known as Madras), the capital of Tamil Nadu, is located on the legendary Coromandel Coast with a marvellous tradition of music and dance. This city of 4 million people has a pronounced colonial heritage dating back to the 17th century when the British East India Company built a small fort on the banks of the Cooum River and called it Fort St. George.

We arrive in Chennai in the morning and transfer to our luxurious beachfront property of Taj Fisherman's Cove for a 3-night stay. Fisherman's Cove, once an impressive Dutch Fort, is now one of the finest beach resorts in Southern India. It is located on a beautiful white sandy beach, lapped by the waters from the Bay of Bengal and offers a perfect setting for relaxation at the end of your journey through Southern India.

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.

Today we enjoy our final day at leisure in Chennai. Enjoy time relaxing in the lush landscaped gardens of the hotel or take one of the many scenic walkways that lead to the sea. Perhaps make time also to rejuvenate yourself with a signature spa treatment from the hotel's excellent Jiva Spa.

Today we travel by air from Chennai to our final destination, 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.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport in Hyderabad to begin your journey home. Airport transfers are included for all guests.