The Great Indian Rail Journey

Day 1 - Delhi

Join your tour group at the hotel.

Day 2 - Delhi

Spend the day discovering Old and New Delhi on a guided tour. We embrace the colour and clamour of Old Delhi first, weaving our way through the rainbow-coloured sari sellers, electronic stalls and makeshift restaurants that spill onto the pavements of Chandni Chowk - Delhi’s biggest market. Old Delhi dates back to the Mughal empire and we witness the majesty of the Shahs in the intricate marble of Jama Masjid - India's largest and more impressive mosque, and the soaring sandstone battlements of the Red Fort. Established by the British, New Delhi is a fascinating blend of modernity and colonial history, with elegant pockets of tree-lined boulevards and blinding-white Georgian colonnades. We visit the Rail Museum, where we explore a rich collection of India’s rail heritage, showcasing everything from vintage steam engines to royal carriages. As we drive through the city, we pass by the iconic Red Fort, a symbol of India’s rich history and a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.

Day 3 - Delhi - Amritsar

Whizzing through changing landscapes, from rocky deserts to woven countryside, we take the train north into India’s Punjab region close to the border of Pakistan. Established by the Sikh guru, Guru Ram Das, the glittering temples of Amritsar are a holy pilgrimage city for Sikhs.

Day 4 - Amritsar

Amritsar is a city of extremes, where resplendent temples and artificial lakes provide moments of serenity and enlightenment amongst the beeping traffic and full-to-bursting bazaars. This morning’s tour takes us to Jallianwalah Bagh - a memorial to commemorate the Indians who died at the hands of British troops during a demonstration in 1919. We also visit a local bazaar and Durgiana Temple – which is often called the ‘Silver Temple’ because of its exquisite silver doors and the extensive use of silver in its construction and decoration. We then admire Amritsar’s crowning glory - the gilded domes and mirrored waters of the Golden Temple - the holiest site in the world for Sikhs. In the afternoon, we visit the Partition Museum, which tells the powerful and moving story of the 1947 Partition of India through photographs, personal accounts and artefacts. Afterwards, we take to the streets for a guided street food tour of Amritsar, sampling local favourites such as chole kulche, jalebi and Amritsari fish while soaking up the city's vibrant atmosphere. This evening, we return to the Golden Temple to see the community kitchen in action, where volunteers work together to prepare and serve meals for all visitors, highlighting the temple's commitment to service and unity.

Day 5 - Amritsar - Ambala - Shimla

This morning, we take the train from Amritsar to Ambala, where we then travel by road towards Shimla. For the final part of the journey, we’ll board a 'Toy Train.' This quaint, narrow-gauge train offers a unique travel experience with its vintage design and scenic route - making the ride as captivating as the destination itself.

Day 6 - Shimla

Surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks and with colourful buildings stacked high on the hillsides, Shimla is India’s largest and most popular hill station. This morning, we have a sightseeing tour that includes experiencing the hustle and bustle of Mall Road, visiting Viceroy Lodge – a stunning example of British colonial architecture – and exploring Christ Church, the second-oldest church in Northern India. We also enjoy another charming ride on a ‘Toy Train,’ visit the Sankat Mochan Temple, and later the Indian Institute of Advanced Study on Observatory Hill.

Day 7 - Shimla

Today is free for you to enjoy at your own pace. You can take advantage of the complimentary transport back to the mall for some shopping, or you might choose to join the optional excursion, Spineline Trail - an exclusive experience at a local village.

Day 8 - Shimla - Chandigarh - Jaipur

Today we travel to Chandigarh to take a flight to one of the points of Rajasthan’s famous Golden Triangle, the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur. The jewel in Rajasthan’s already bejewelled crown, the pink-hued archways, bustling bazaars and carved palaces of Jaipur were the setting for the film 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel'.

Day 9 - Jaipur

Today’s tour starts outside Jaipur at the UNESCO-listed Amber Fort - the ancient capital of the Rajput empire. Seemingly carved out of the desert sandstone hillside, the palace complex rises majestically above a mirrored lake. Within the creamy coloured ramparts, we explore a maze of marble-inlaid halls, emerald-green gardens and sunken royal courtyards. Back in Jaipur, we visit Maharajas City Palace, a historic royal residence known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and extensive collection of art and artifacts. We also visit the extraordinary Jantar Mantar. Built in the 1720s, architectural and astronomical accuracy combine to reveal 18 huge stone sculptures, including a 27m-high sundial that can calculate the time to within two seconds. Not bad for a 300-year-old clock. We then drive past Hawa Mahal, ‘The Palace of the Winds’. Built in 1799 so that royal women could watch street processions while in purdah, like tiers on a wedding cake, layer after layer of intricately carved windows create Jaipur’s most recognisable site.

Day 10 - Jaipur - Ranthambore

Spend the morning relaxing at the hotel or perhaps exploring Jaipur further. This afternoon we travel by road to Ranthambore National Park. Slowly being reclaimed by the jungle, the 1,000-year-old crumbling forts and tangled vines provide an Indiana Jones-esque backdrop for spotting India’s elusive Bengal tigers. The rest of the day is free to relax by the pool ahead of tomorrow’s safaris.

Day 11 - Ranthambore

Today we go on a morning and afternoon safari drive in open-sided vehicles. The promise of tigers and leopards are the big cat draw of Ranthambore, we also keep a close watch for the park’s other residents amongst the scattered ruins and lakes - including hyena, sambar, wild boar, water buffalo and crocodile. Please note: To protect wildlife, preserve natural behaviour and encourage responsible tourism, the Forest Department in India has introduced a ban on mobile phone use during safaris in Ranthambore National Park. Local guides will collect mobile phones before the safari begins and deposit them securely prior to entering the safari zone. Cameras remain permitted, in line with existing forest regulations.

Day 12 - Ranthambore - Agra

This morning, we drive to Sawaimadhopur where we board the train to Bharatpur before continuing to Agra – the final apex of the Golden Triangle. After lunch, we take a guided tour of the city. Agra is best known for the Taj Mahal, and while it remains the star of the show, the former capital of the Mughal empire has more imperial treasures in its trove. We begin at the UNESCO-listed Agra Fort. Begun in 1565 by the great Mughal emperor Akbar, this vast red sandstone fort was finished over successive reigns by his grandson and great-grandson. A proper family home, the finished result is 2.5km long and 21m high. In comparison to its indomitable size, we also visit the nearby tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah (known as the 'Baby Taj') – a royal tomb built in the same style as the Taj Mahal but a fraction of the size.

Day 13 - Agra

An almost impossible image to live up to, those preparing themselves to be disappointed by the Taj Mahal needn’t worry. Arriving by sunrise to watch the marble walls change from flaming orange to coral and then white, this architectural masterpiece - built by Shah Jahan between 1560-82 in memory of his favourite wife - is spellbinding. Not to mention, a lesson in true love. We grab our photos and take a guided tour before the crowds get too busy. The rest of the day is to relax. There’s an optional excursion this evening to watch the Mohabbat the Taj show.

Day 14 - Agra - Delhi

This morning, we travel on the train from Agra to Delhi where we spend our last full day of the tour at leisure.

Day 15 - Delhi

Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.