To experience different train travel in India, and cross the sub continent in luxury, try a journey on the Deccan Odyssey. In India the rail network is an important part of daily life. It is ranked second in the world for the sheer size of it. Usually the 14 million people who travel by train are squashed into carriages with bars at the windows or they travel on the roof. This train opens up a whole new world. This train is where the passengers are pampered whilst feasting their eyes on the changing scenery. The train totally cocoons its travellers from the outside world.

This is a journey to recapture the travel of the maharajahs. By taking this train tour you follow the epic journey of the Viceroy of India. You will travel 2,300km from Mumbai through Jaipur, Agra, Delhi, Bharatpur, and Varanasi to Siliguri in the far east. From here you travel by steam train to Darjeeling and on to Kolkata This route has opened thanks to the hard work of GW Travel, the rail journey experts behind the Trans-Siberian Express, negotiating terms with Indian diplomats. The train has two dining carriages, business centre, seating area with televisions, sleeping carriages with en-suite cabins and a spa car which includes a steam room and gym. There are also thirty eight staff who are there to ensure you have everything you desire.

The journey begins in the Victorian Mumbai Terminus that is over 150 years old. The train staff are dressed in traditional Maharashtran peshwar tunics and the greeting you receive from them gives you a brief glimpse of the service you will receive on the journey. Scarlet mats are placed at your feet whilst garlands are hung around your neck. A fantastic start to an unforgettable journey.

Always have your train ticket with you. Just like all your other valuable travel documents such as your ID card and passport, your ticket should be well guarded. This is especially important if you are using a multiple type of pass. Carefully read the information indicated on your ticket, so you know the time for boarding and the platform that you are to wait on. When traveling on the train, keep the train pass with you in an easily accessible place, so that you can pull it out if needed. You do not want to have to be digging around in your bag for it.

Get to know your destination points well. Using a map or a tourist guide, you should be able to identify key areas, as well as basic signs regarding your train. This will prevent you from missing your stop or boarding the wrong train. Most train stations have passenger information in English, and you can also inquire at ticket offices if you have any concerns.

Be sure that you have enough food with you as you travel. Depending on the length of travel time, which can be anywhere from an hour to several hours, trains can provide first class passengers with food and drinks. If you are using a second class ticket, you can bring your own food beforehand, buy snacks on your next stop, or purchase them from on the train.

You should be familiar about luggage rules and guidelines on your train. Usually, each passenger should not have more than three items of luggage, and the size standards may vary depending on which country you are in. For example, if you are traveling in Europe, there are certain trains that do not allow pets, large pieces of luggage, or bicycles. Take note of these before you make a reservation or purchase your ticket.

Another note about luggage. It will be wise to properly label all your belongings. You can store your bags on overhead racks in the train, or even under your seat. Though you may have the option of having some luggage stowed in the luggage car of your train, not all stations have porters who can pick them up for you. Organizing your luggage properly makes finding them easy. According to sources, train stations are not liable for any luggage losses.