Around India In 80 Trains

Once the ruler of India's railways, the Palace on Wheels has now been dethroned by younger relatives. The elegant Indian Maharaja Deccan Odyssey connects Mumbai and Delhi via Rajasthan and is the closest option to travelling like the Rajput kings once did - so it's not cheap.

A seven-day journey takes you from Mumbai's CST up to the rapidly deteriorating caves at Ellora and Ajanta, followed by a day trip in Jaipur, Lake Pichola in Udaipur - where Octopussy was filmed - an obligatory afternoon in Agra at the Taj Mahal, a day at Ranthambore national park, where we were lucky to witness two tigers fighting (see in video links), finishing in Delhi.

Needless to say the train is luxury on wheels and you won't be short of things to do including cycling in the gym, having a massage in the spa, or watching Octopussy from under a giant duvet.

Two ornate dining cars serve a choice of both Indian and continental food, ranging from fragrant biriyani and usal pav, to steaks, roast lamb and grilled fish. Catering is taken care of by the Taj Group of hotels, so the food is impeccable and the service, second to none. One upside to the Indian Maharaja is the lack of formality. Guests are free to wear what they like, when they like and there is no required dress for dining.

The one downside if you are desperate to enjoy the scenery through the windows, is that the train travels mainly at night and arrives at its next destination while you sleep. Coaches then take you off for the day and bring you back onboard in the early afternoon, so you can read in the lounge, or sip Bombay Sapphire in the bar. If you are tired and want to sit out any of the trips, you are most welcome to. It's your holiday and you can do whatever you like!

You can book a ten-night tour, including seven nights on the Indian Maharaja Deccan Odyssey plus flights, from £2,925pp based on two sharing, from Great Rail Journeys.