India by Rail

Day 1 – Arrive to Delhi

Upon your arrival at Delhi International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel where you have the rest of the day at leisure.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 - Delhi to Varanasi

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Delhi in the atmospheric lanes of Old Delhi. Drive past the imposing Red Fort before visiting Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques, and take a cycle rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk. Continue through New Delhi, passing India Gate, the President’s House and Parliament House. After lunch, transfer to the airport and fly to the holy city of Varanasi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Explore Varanasi

Rise early for a memorable boat ride along the River Ganges, watching Varanasi come to life as pilgrims gather along its ancient ghats. Return to your hotel for breakfast before visiting Bharat Mata Temple, unusual for its large marble relief map of India rather than traditional religious deities. After lunch, travel to Sarnath, where Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Explore this important Buddhist pilgrimage site before returning to Varanasi. This evening, head back to the ghats to experience the atmospheric Ganga Aarti ceremony, where priests perform an elaborate ritual of fire, prayer and music on the banks of the Ganges.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Travel  to Lucknow

After breakfast, transfer to the railway station and board the Vande Bharat Express for your first major rail journey, travelling 4 and a half hours from Varanasi to Lucknow. A packed lunch will be provided for the journey. Arrive in Lucknow during the early afternoon and later visit The Residency, for approximately 1 and a half hours, whose atmospheric ruins bear witness to the Siege of Lucknow during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Lucknow to Agra

After breakfast, your exploration of Lucknow starts with a visit to the magnificent Bara Imambara, an imposing 18thcentury complex built by Nawab Asaf ud-Daula. You will then continue to the ornate Chota Imambara, known for its elaborate decoration and distinctive architecture. After lunch, transfer to the railway station and board the Shatabdi Express for a 4 hour journey to Tundla. On arrival, continue 45 minutes by road to Agra.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Agra

This morning, visit imposing Agra Fort, a magnificent red sandstone fortress that served as an important residence of the Mughal emperors. Explore its palaces, courtyards and halls while discovering the history of the Mughal dynasty. After lunch, enjoy some time at leisure before visiting the incomparable Taj Mahal in the late afternoon. Admire the changing light across its gleaming white marble and learn the story of Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – Agra to Jaipur

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Agra. There is also the opportunity to join an optional early morning excursion to Mehtab Bagh, travelling by tuk-tuk for views of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna River. After lunch, transfer to the railway station and board the 4 hour train to Jaipur.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Jaipur

Today you will discover Jaipur’s magnificent royal heritage, beginning at hilltop Amber Fort. Ascend by jeep before exploring its courtyards, ornate palaces and glittering Sheesh Mahal, or Hall of Mirrors. Return towards the city and meet local artisans during a pottery experience and gem-cutting demonstration. After lunch, visit the impressive City Palace, still home to Jaipur’s former royal family, before exploring Jantar Mantar, a UNESCO-listed 18th-century astronomical observatory. This evening, enjoy dinner with a local family for a more personal introduction to Rajasthani life and hospitality.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 – Jaipur to Shimla

Rise early and transfer to Jaipur Airport for your flight to Chandigarh. On arrival, continue 4 hours by road into the Himalayan foothills towards Shimla, stopping for lunch en route. Watch the scenery change as you climb into the mountains, arriving at your hotel during the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 – Shimla Toy Train

This morning, experience a section of the historic Kalka– Shimla Toy Train, travelling 45 minutes through the picturesque Himalayan foothills to Tara Devi. Rejoin your vehicle and return towards Shimla, stopping en route to visit Sankat Mochan Temple. After lunch, discover Shimla’s colonial heritage with visits to the Viceregal Lodge and historic Gaiety Theatre, before exploring Scandal Point and strolling along the famous Mall Road. Enjoy some free time to browse the local market before returning to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 – Shimla to Amritsar

Leave Shimla this morning and descend from the Himalayan foothills, continuing across the plains towards Amritsar. Stop for lunch en route before arriving at your hotel during the late afternoon. After dinner, you may choose to join your guide for the Palki Ceremony at the Golden Temple. During this deeply spiritual nightly ritual, the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of Sikhism, is ceremonially carried to its resting place.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 – Amritsar

After breakfast, explore Amritsar, beginning at the magnificent Golden Temple, Sikhism’s holiest shrine. Continue to nearby Jallianwala Bagh, an important memorial to those who lost their lives here in 1919. Next, discover another side of the city on an Amritsar food walk, sampling traditional Punjabi specialities while learning about their origins, preparation and place in local culture. After lunch, visit the Partition Museum, which tells the human stories behind the Partition of India in 1947 through photographs, documents, artefacts and personal accounts.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 – Amritsar to Delhi

After an early breakfast, transfer to Amritsar railway station and board the Vande Bharat Express for the 5 and a half hour journey back to Delhi. A packed lunch will be provided. Arrive in Delhi during the early afternoon and visit Humayun’s Tomb, a magnificent example of Mughal architecture and an architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 14-15 – Depart Delhi

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast