Rail: Ultimate India by Rail (AHFR)

Countries Visited: India
Trip Style: Rail-The best way to fully experience the world is by travelling through it. Rail tours bring you closer to amazing places via iconic and scenic rail routes
Service Level: Standard
  • Great value, reasonable prices, quality experiences
  • Comfortable and varied tourist-class accommodations chosen for location and character
  • Mix of public and private transport for the best overall experience
  • All the top highlights included, plus plenty of time to explore on your own
    Physical Demands Rating: 1 - You'll have to walk around on your own, climb some stairs and carry your own bag. Easy does it.
    Group Size: Max 15, avg 12
    Meals Included: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
    Accommodations: Not Availaible

    Highlights
    Ride a toy train in Darjeeling, Live like a local in the Kerala Backwaters, Enjoy the laidback vibe and tasty food of seaside Goa, Take a cycling tour to Shore Temple, Visit the Peace Pagoda, Watch the sunrise from a boat on the Ganges

    Description
    On this six-week trip that circles India via train, you'll start in Delhi, travelling to Agra for a tour of the legendary Taj Mahal, then head southwest by rail to make stops in Rajasthan, Mumbai, and Goa. From there it's on to Karnataka, Kochi, and living like a local in the Kerala Backwaters before going south, east, and north to view spectacular temples and riding the famous toy trains of Darjeeling. Top this epic journey off with local meals in family homes, wandering the beautiful streets of Jaipur and Udaipur, and relaxing on beaches along the way. India looks very different through a train's window - see it all for yourself.
  • Call (800) 468-2359 for more information or to book today! Mention code 13004669

    Tour Operator
    G Adventures
    Duration
    46 Days
    Escorted
    Escorted - Yes
    DayDestinationDescription
    Day 1DelhiDay 1 Delhi
    Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included through the G Adventures-supported Women on Wheels project. Included Activities: Women on Wheels Transfer Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
    Day 2AgraDay 2 Delhi/Agra (1B)
    Take the Shatabdi Express train to Agra, with breakfast served on board. Enjoy a guided tour of the impressive Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Time permitting, opt to visit the Baby Taj. Included Activities: Taj Mahal Guided Tour Agra Fort Guided Tour Transport: Train (2.00-3.00 hours)
    Day 3JaipurDay 3 Agra/Jaipur
    Hop on a Shatabdi Express train in the evening to Jaipur. Transport: Train (4.00-4.50 hours)
    Day 4JaipurDay 4 Jaipur
    Take an orientation walk around town. Take a photo of the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and visit the Amber Fort. Walk around the Old City and markets and opt to visit the City Palace. With free time, choose to visit local artisans in a nearby village, wander the Jantar Mantar, or check out a Bollywood film at the spectacular Art Deco film house, the Raj Mandir. Included Activities: Orientation Walk Amber Fort Visit
    Day 5JaipurDay 5 Jaipur
    Enjoy free time to explore Jaipur before boarding an overnight train to Udaipur. Transport: Basic overnight train (beds)
    Day 6UdaipurDay 6 Udaipur
    Enjoy an orientation walk, including a visit to the Jagdish Temple and the City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India. Attend a Rajasthani cultural show on Gangaur Ghat. Included Activities: Orientation Walk Jagdish Temple Visit City Palace Visit Rajasthani Cultural Show
    Day 7UdaipurDay 7 Udaipur
    With free time in Udaipur, opt to check out the many beautiful lakes, take a boat ride, visit the Monsoon Palace for some excellent views, or take an Indian cooking class.
    Day 8BundiDay 8 Udaipur/Bundi
    Take a train to Bundi to explore the fort and stepwells. Included Activities: Bundi Fort and Stepwells Visit Transport: Train (4.50 hour(s))
    Day 9BundiDay 9 Bundi (1D)
    Explore Bundi with some free time before an overnight trip on the Mumbai Rajdhani Express train, with dinner on board. Transport: Train (1.00 hour(s)) Basic overnight train (beds) (12.00 hour(s))
    Day 10MumbaiDay 10 Mumbai
    Arrive in the morning in bustling Mumbai, home to 20 million people. Take a walking tour of the Colaba area and see the Gateway of India. Included Activities: Colaba Walking Tour Gateway of India Visit
    Day 11GoaDay 11 Mumbai/Goa
    Opt to visit the many Portuguese-built monuments, wander around the churches of Old Goa (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), or discover Panjim, the capital of the state. Dont forget to indulge in Goan cuisine. Transport: Plane
    Day 12GoaDay 12 Goa
    Spend the day relaxing in paradise.
    Day 13GoaDay 13 Goa
    Spend a free day relaxing on the beach or opt to visit the many Portuguese-built monuments, wander around the churches of Old Goa (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), or discover Panjim, the capital. Dont forget to indulge in Goan cuisine.
    Day 14HampiDay 14 Goa/Hampi
    Travel by Visakhapatnam Howrah Express train and then by van to reach Hampi, in the heart of Karnataka. Transport: Train (6.50-7.50 hours) Private Vehicle (1.00 hour(s))
    Day 15MysoreDay 15 Hampi/Mysore
    Enjoy a walking tour and explore the spectacular ruins of Hampi Palaces, Hazararama Temple, and the boulders on the river. In the evening, take an overnight Hampi Express train to Mysore. Included Activities: Walking Tour Transport: Private Vehicle (3.00 hour(s)) Basic overnight train (beds) (13.00 hour(s))
    Day 16MysoreDay 16 Mysore
    Arrive to Mysore and explore the Mysore Palace and Chamundi Hill. Included Activities: Mysore Palace Visit Chamundi Hills Visit
    Day 17MadikeriDay 17 Mysore/Madikeri
    Drive to Bylakuppe and explore the Namdroling Monastery - home to nearly 5,000 Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns. Later drive to Madikeri for the evening. Included Activities: Namdroling Monastery Visit Transport: Private Vehicle (2.00-3.00 hours) Private Vehicle (1.00 hour(s))
    Day 18MadikeriDay 18 Madikeri
    Explore Madikeri (the coffee hub of India) and enjoy a tour of a coffee plantation. Visit the Madikeri Fort and the famed Raja's Seat for its stunning views. Included Activities: Coffee Plantation Tour
    Day 19KochiDay 19 Madikeri/Kochi
    Take a morning drive to the coastal town of Kannur. Catch the Ernakulam Express to Kochi in the afternoon. Transport: Private Vehicle (3.00-4.00 hours) Train (6.00 hour(s))
    Day 20KochiDay 20 Kochi
    Explore the Fort Kochi area and see the Chinese fishing nets at work. If time permits, visit the Jewish area and synagogue, the Dutch Palace, and Spice Market. Included Activities: Fort Kochi Visit Chinese Fishing Nets Visit
    Day 21KochiDay 21 Kochi
    Make the most of Kochi with free time to explore.
    Day 22AlleppeyDay 22 Kochi/Alleppey (1D)
    This evening enjoy a taste of local life with a homestay. Included Activities: Kerala Boat Tour Transport: Train (1.00-1.50 hours) Tuk-tuk (0.50 hour(s))
    Day 23KanyakumariDay 23 Alleppey/Kanyakumari (1B)
    Enjoy some more time in Kerala before an evening Ernad Express train to Kanyakumari for a full day exploring the area. Transport: Meals are available for purchase on board. Train (4.50 hour(s)) Private Vehicle (0.50 hour(s))
    Day 24MaduraiDay 24 Kanyakumari/Madurai
    Spend the day in Kanyakumari. Drive to the southernmost tip of India and take a ferry across to Vivekananda Rock and the Ramkrishna Ashram. Take an evening Kanyakumari Express train to Madurai. Included Activities: Vivekananda Rock and Ramkrishna Ashram Visit Transport: Ferry (0.50 hour(s)) Ferry (0.50 hour(s)) Train (4.50 hour(s))
    Day 25MaduraiDay 25 Madurai
    Explore the Meenakshi Temple and colourful markets of Madurai. Included Activities: Meenakshi Temple Visit
    Day 26MamallapuramDay 26 Madurai/Mamallapuram
    Take the morning Vaigai Express to Chengalpattu before continue by van to Mamallapuram. Transport: Train (6.50 hour(s)) Private Vehicle (0.50-1.00 hours)
    Day 27MamallapuramDay 27 Mamallapuram
    Cycle around and explore the rock-cut Shore Temple and Mamallapuram Beach. Included Activities: Shore Temple Visit Mamallapuram Beach Visit
    Day 28ChennaiDay 28 Mamallapuram/Chennai
    Accommodation on the train tonight will be either in two tier or three tier bunks. Included Activities: Chennai City Tour Transport: Private Vehicle (1.00 hour(s)) Basic overnight train (beds) (13.00 hour(s))
    Day 29HyderabadDay 29 Hyderabad
    Learn more about the regions history with a visit to the iconic Charminar and historic Golconda Fort. Included Activities: Golconda Fort Visit Charminar Visit
    Day 30PuriDay 30 Hyderabad/Puri
    Opt to visit the Salar Jung Museum or the scenic Qutb Shahi Tombs with free time. Transport: Plane Private Vehicle (1.00 hour(s))
    Day 31PuriDay 31 Puri
    Explore Raghuraj Pur village and beautiful Puri beaches. Included Activities: Raghuraj Pur Village Visit
    Day 32KolkataDay 32 Puri/Kolkata (1L)
    Take a morning Shatabdi Express train to Kolkata, with lunch provided on board. Arrive in the afternoon and explore Mother Teresa's house in the evening. Transport: Train (7.50-8.00 hours)
    Day 33KolkataDay 33 Kolkata
    Explore the vintage monuments and streets of this former capital of the British Era. Opt to take a ferry ride across the Hooghly River. Opt to join the group for dinner at one of the famed restaurants on Park Street for the final night out.
    Day 34KolkataDay 34 Kolkata
    Spend some free time exploring this fascinating city.
    Day 35JalpaiguriDay 35 Kolkata/Jalpaiguri
    Visit the Victoria Memorial, New Market and take a ferry on the Ganges. In the evening, board an overnight New Jalpaiguri Kamrup Express train to New Jalpaiguri. Included Activities: Victoria Memorial Visit Ganges Ferry Ride Transport: Basic overnight train (beds) (13.00 hour(s))
    Day 36KalimponDay 36 Jalpaiguri/Kalimpong
    Arrive at New Jalpaiguri and continue by van to Kalimpong. Take in views of the mountainous scenery with a stop at Deolo Hill. Included Activities: Deolo Hill Visit Transport: Private Vehicle (2.00 hour(s))
    Day 37GangtokDay 37 Kalimpong/Gangtok
    Continue by private van to Gangtok and take an orientation tour of the town. Included Activities: Orientation Walk Transport: Private Vehicle (4.00 hour(s))
    Day 38GangtokDay 38 Gangtok
    Enjoy a day trip to Rumtek Monastery. Included Activities: Rumtek Monastery Visit Transport: Travel roughly 24km to the monastery and back. Private Vehicle (24km)
    Day 39DarjeelingDay 39 Gangtok/Darjeeling
    Head to Darjeeling by private van and take an orientation tour of the town. Included Activities: Orientation Walk Transport: Private Vehicle (6.00-7.00 hours)
    Day 40DarjeelingDay 40 Darjeeling (1L)
    Watch the sunrise at Tiger Hill, visit a tea estate and explore the Mahakal Temple. Later, travel the World Heritage-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway on a vintage steam engine train. Continue with a visit to the Peace Pagoda and a cooking demonstration at a local, family-run restaurant. Additional Notes: Please note that occasionally the cooking demonstration may be moved to Varanasi to better suit the days schedule. Included Activities: Tiger Hill Sunrise Visit Tea Estate Visit Mahakal Temple Visit Peace Pagoda Visit Transport: Toy train
    Day 41Darjeeling to VaranasiDay 41 Darjeeling to Varanasi
    Drive to Siliguri to catch an overnight sleeper train to Mughal Sarai. Transport: Enjoy an air-conditioned train with linens provided. Basic overnight train (beds) (14.00 hour(s)) Private Vehicle (2.00 hour(s))
    Day 42VaranasiDay 42 Mughal Sarai/Varanasi
    Arrive to Mughal Sarai in the morning and continue by van to Varanasi. Enjoy an evening visit to the ghats. Included Activities: Ghats Visit Transport: Private Vehicle (1.00 hour(s))
    Day 43VaranasiDay 43 Varanasi
    Take a sunrise boat trip on the Ganges. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Sarnath and the city of Varanasi. Included Activities: Morning Ganges Boat Tour
    Day 44LucknowDay 44 Varanasi/Lucknow
    Take a morning Varanasi-Lucknow Intercity train. In the afternoon, visit the Bara Imambara. Included Activities: Bara Imambara Visit Transport: Train (6.00 hour(s))
    Day 45DelhiDay 45 Lucknow/Delhi (1D)
    Spend most of the day exploring Lucknow. In the afternoon, board the Swarna Shatabdi Express train to Delhi, with dinner provided on board. Enjoy the night in the bustle of Delhi. Transport: Train (6.00 hour(s))
    Day 46DelhiDay 46 Delhi
    With extra time, you can book our Agra Extension including accommodation, transport, and a guided visit to Indias most famous sight, the Taj Mahal.
    Disclaimer

    Local Flights: N/A

    Dossier Disclaimer:Information Not Available

    Itinerary Disclaimer: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

    Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
      
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