Images of India by Rail and the Ganges

Images of India by Rail and the Ganges

Stand back to admire a panoramic view of the mighty Pyramids at Giza - an unforgettable moment.

Discover India’s diversity, from the bustling streets of Delhi to the ghats of Varanasi. Travel by train and road through historic cities and scenic landscapes, including the Himalayan town of Shimla and Rajasthan’s Pink City, Jaipur. Explore forts, palaces and temples, enjoy traditional meals with local families, and experience wildlife safaris in Ranthambore National Park. In Varanasi, witness the calm and rituals of the Ganges while exploring India’s rich heritage and centuries-old traditions.

What's Included:

• Nationwide return chauffeur service
• 14 nights in hotels and 1 in flight
• 30 meals: 14 nights in hotels and 1 in flight
• 18 excursions & visits
• International and internal flights
• Four train journeys: Delhi to Chandigarh; Sawai Madhopur to Agra; and Agra to Varanasi and a Toy Train ride from Shimla to Taradev.
• Tipping (except tour manager, all drivers, coach assistant, naturalists and guides in Ranthambore)
• 1 days free time
• Headset system on excursions

• Porterage services included

  Excursions:

• Panoramic tour of Delhi
• Guided tour of Old and New Delhi (including Jama Masjid Mosque, Humayun’s Tomb, National Rail Museum and Bangla Sahib Gurudwara)
• Sightseeing tour of Shimla
• Toy train ride from Shimla to Taradevi
• Sightseeing tour of Jaipur (including Amber fort, City Palace, Jantar Mantar Observatory, Hawa Mahal (from outside)
• Dinner at local family home in Jaipur
• Tiger talk with local naturalist
• Two safaris in Ranthambore National Park

Day 1 - UK - Delhi

Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your flight to Delhi.

Day 2 - Delhi

Arrive in Delhi, India’s bustling capital where centuries of history blend with modern life. During the transfer into the city, take in its key landmarks on a panoramic tour: the towering India Gate, a First World War memorial, and drive past the imposing Parliament House.

Day 3 - Delhi

Spend a full day discovering both Old and New Delhi. In Old Delhi, wander the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk, whose lively markets and bustling streets offer a glimpse of life in Shah Jahan’s 17th-century capital. Visit Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques, built from red sandstone and marble. Pass by the Red Fort to see an example of Mughal imperial architecture. In New Delhi, explore Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that influenced the design of the Taj Mahal. Learn about India’s railway history at the National Rail Museum, then visit Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, a prominent Sikh place of worship surrounded by a sacred Sarovar – the holy water considered spiritually purifying and healing, where devotees often bathe. The Gurudwara also runs a community kitchen serving thousands each day.

Day 4 - Delhi - Chandigarh - Shimla

The day begins with an early morning train from Delhi to Chandigarh, a journey of around four hours that showcases India’s extensive rail network and its ever-changing landscapes. From Chandigarh, travel by road into the lower Himalayas, winding through pine forests and mountain passes en route to Shimla. The hotel is located just outside Shimla, offering quiet surroundings and views across the foothills while remaining within easy reach of the town. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure following a long, busy day of travel.

Day 5 - Shimla

Once the summer capital of British India, Shimla preserves its Victorian charm and enjoys a refreshingly cool mountain climate. Begin the day with a sightseeing tour of Shimla, taking in the Viceregal Lodge, Christ Church, and the Mall. The highlight of the day is a ride on the Shimla Toy Train to Taradevi – a century-old narrow-gauge railway that winds through tunnels, crosses bridges, and threads past pine forests, offering a rare glimpse of Himalayan travel as it once was. In the afternoon, visit Sankat Mochan Temple, dedicated to Hanuman, and the Indian Institute of Advanced Study on Observatory Hill.

Day 6 - Shimla

Today is at leisure in the Himalayas. A vehicle remains available for anyone wishing to return to the mall or to explore Shimla some more. Alternatively, join the optional Spineline Trail excursion to nearby villages and get a glimpse of everyday life around Shimla.

Day 7 - Shimla- Chandigarh - Jaipur

After a leisurely morning, travel by road to Chandigarh for an afternoon flight to Jaipur. Rajasthan’s landscapes unfold dramatically, with the arid plains and sunlit forts of the Pink City replacing the green hills of Shimla. Founded in 1727, Jaipur is renowned for its pink-hued architecture, lively bazaars, and majestic palaces, which reflect centuries of royal heritage.

Day 8 - Jaipur

A full day exploring Rajasthan’s royal heritage begins at Amber Fort, an imposing hilltop fortress overlooking Maota Lake that blends Hindu and Mughal architectural styles. The tour continues to the City Palace, still partially occupied by Jaipur’s royal family, and the Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century astronomical observatory and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The day also includes a drive past the intricately latticed façade of the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds). In the evening, enjoy dinner in the home of a local family – an authentic and immersive experience of Rajasthani hospitality and cuisine.

Day 9 - Jaipur – Ranthambore

The morning is at leisure before travelling by road into rural Rajasthan and Ranthambore National Park, once a royal hunting ground and now one of India’s most important wildlife reserves. Lunch will be at a local restaurant on route. In the evening, attend a Tiger Talk with a local naturalist, learning about conservation efforts, the park’s ecosystems and the behaviour of its elusive Bengal tigers.

Day 10 - Ranthambore

Today includes two safaris – one in the morning and one in the afternoon – by open-sided canter vehicles through Ranthambore National Park. The park’s vivid landscape of dry forest, lakes and ancient ruins provides habitat for tigers, leopards, sloth bears, deer and a wide variety of birdlife.

Day 11 - Ranthambore – Agra

Travel by road to Sawai Madhopur station to board the Vande Bharat Express, one of India’s newest high-speed trains to Agra. Arrive in time to experience the Taj Mahal at sunset, when the monument’s pristine white marble glows in the soft, golden light and its reflection shimmers on the Yamuna River. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a symbol of love, the Taj Mahal stands as one of the world’s most celebrated architectural achievements. The evening is at leisure.

Day 12 - Agra

Agra Fort takes centre stage today. This vast red sandstone citadel, constructed by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century, formed the political and military heart of the Mughal Empire. Explore a succession of courtyards, mosques and royal pavilions, with elevated viewpoints offering glimpses across the Yamuna River towards the Taj Mahal. Lunch is taken at a local restaurant, followed by free time to relax at the hotel. An optional evening excursion is available to attend the Mohabbat-e-Taj Show, a theatrical portrayal of the story behind the Taj Mahal.

Day 13 - Agra – Varanasi

Begin the day very early to board the Vande Bharat Express, India’s modern semi-high-speed train, crossing the plains of Uttar Pradesh towards the sacred city of Varanasi. Set on the banks of the River Ganges, Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and has been a centre of Hindu spirituality, learning and pilgrimage for more than 3,000 years. Unlike anywhere else on the tour, daily life here is shaped by ritual and belief, with the river at the heart of both. On arrival, transfer to the hotel to spend the rest of the day at leisure. In the evening, head to the ghats for the Ganga Aarti ceremony. Along the riverbanks, priests perform choreographed prayers with fire and incense, while lamps are offered to the Ganges, creating a powerful and atmospheric introduction to one of India’s most spiritually significant cities.

Day 14 - Varanasi

After a relaxing morning, explore Varanasi on a sightseeing tour. Visit Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment – one of the most important sites in the Buddhist world. Lunch is served as a traditional Thali: a variety of regional dishes on a single platter. The afternoon remains at leisure.

Day 15 - Varanasi - Delhi

An early morning boat ride on the River Ganges captures the city at its most atmospheric. Pilgrims bathe at the ghats, priests perform rituals, and funeral pyres burn along the riverbanks, reflecting the Hindu belief in Varanasi as a gateway to spiritual release. Later, transfer to the airport for the flight to Delhi.

Day 16 - Delhi - UK

Transfer to the airport for your fight home. Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.