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Ultimate India by Rail

46 days, Delhi to Delhi

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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 ride 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.

46 days

Delhi to Delhi

Sold Out

There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.

Trip Code: AHFR

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

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 ride 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.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: Rail

Get closer to the big cities, isolated communities, and stunning landscapes of the world's greatest destinations via train-based adventures on iconic rail routes.

Service Level: Standard

Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.

Physical Rating: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 15, avg 12

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

View our Entry Requirements tool

46 days

Delhi to Delhi

Sold Out

There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.

Trip Code: AHFR

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 46

Ripple Score

Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 100

Map of the route for Ultimate India by Rail

Places visited

Itinerary Notes

Want to experience the sights and sounds of Holi? Make sure you’re in India on March 10, 2020 or March 29, 2021 for the nation’s most colourful festival.

Itinerary

Day 1Delhi

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group| Your G for Good Moment Women With Wheels Transfer

Day 2Delhi/Āgra

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.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 3Āgra/Jaipur

Hop on a Shatabdi Express train in the evening to Jaipur.

Day 4Jaipur

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, wander the Jantar Mantar or check out a Bollywood film at the spectacular Art Deco film house, the Raj Mandir.

Day 5Jaipur/Udaipur

In the morning board a train and soak in the passing scenery en route to Udaipur. Arrive in the evening with free time to explore the city.

Day 6Udaipur

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.

Day 7Udaipur/Būndi

Take a train to Bundi to explore the fort and stepwells.

Day 8Būndi/Mumbai

Explore Bundi with some free time before an overnight trip on the Mumbai Rajdhani Express train, with dinner on board.

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 9Mumbai

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.

Day 10Mumbai/Goa

Catch a morning flight to beautiful Goa. Spend free time relaxing on the beach or exploring the city's monuments.

Day 11Goa

Enjoy a free day in Goa.

Day 12Goa

Spend the day relaxing in paradise.

Day 13Goa

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. Don't forget to indulge in Goan cuisine.

Day 14Goa/Hampi

Travel by Visakhapatnam Howrah Express train and then by van to reach Hampi, in the heart of Karnataka.

Day 15Hampi/Mysore

Enjoy a walking tour and explore the spectacular ruins of Hampi Palaces, Vittala Temple complex, Virupaksh Temple, Hazararama Temple, and the boulders on the river. In the evening, take an overnight Hampi Express train to Mysore.

Day 16Mysore

Arrive to Mysore and explore the Mysore Palace and Chamundi Hill.

Day 17Mysore/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.

Day 18Madikeri

Explore Madikeri (the coffee hub of India) and enjoy a tour of a coffee plantation. Later, enjoy an orientation walk around the town and then enjoy free time to explore in the afternoon.

Day 19Madikeri/Kochi

Take a morning drive to the coastal town of Kannur. Catch the Ernakulam Express to Kochi in the afternoon.

Day 20Kochi

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.

Day 21Kochi

Make the most of Kochi with free time to explore.

Day 22Kochi/Alleppey

Take the early train to Alleppey to explore the Kerala backwaters. Walk in the paddy fields and take a canoe ride through the canals the region is famous for.

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 23Alleppey/Kanyakumari

Enjoy some more time in Kerala before an evening train to Kanyakumari for a full day exploring the area.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 24Kanyakumari/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.

Day 25Madurai

Explore the Meenakshi Temple and colourful markets of Madurai.

Day 26Madurai/Māmallapuram

Take the morning Vaigai Express to Chengalpattu before continue by van to Mamallapuram.

Day 27Māmallapuram

Cycle around and explore the rock-cut Shore Temple and Mamallapuram Beach.

Day 28Māmallapuram/Chennai

Drive to Chennai and explore Marina Beach and San Thome Basilica. Later, board an overnight train to Hyderabad.

Day 29Hyderabad

Learn more about the region's history with a visit to the iconic Charminar and historic Golconda Fort.

Day 30Hyderabad/Puri

Enjoy a free morning to continue exploring this state capital before catching an evening flight to Bhubaneshwar. Continue by van to reach Puri.

Day 31Puri

Explore Raghuraj Pur village and beautiful Puri beaches.

Day 32Puri/Calcutta

Take a morning Shatabdi Express train to Kolkata, with lunch provided on board. Arrive in the afternoon and take an orientation walk with the CEO.

Meals included:

Lunch

Day 33Calcutta

Explore the vintage monuments and streets of this former capital of the British Era, also visit Missionaries' of Charity the noble peace prize winner, Mother Teresa’s house and final resting place.. 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 34Calcutta

Spend some free time exploring this fascinating city.

Day 35Calcutta/Jalpāiguri

Visit the Victoria Memorial and explore Mother Teresa's House. Enjoy free time later and opt to explore the Indian Museum. In the evening, board an overnight New Jalpaiguri Kamrup Express train to New Jalpaiguri.

Day 36Jalpāiguri/Darjeeling

Arrive at New Jalpaiguri and continue onwards by van to Darjeeling. Take an orientation tour of the town before enjoying free time with the rest of the evening.

Day 37Darjeeling

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.

Day 38Darjeeling/Gangtok

Continue by private van to Gangtok and take an orientation tour of the town. Take in the stunning scenery of the Himalayas surrounding this quaint town.

Day 39Gangtok

Start the day with an orientation walk, then enjoy a free day to explore this scenic town.

Day 40Gangtok/Kalimpong

Continue by private vehicle to Kalimpong. Stop along the way at Rumtek Monastery. Embark on an orientation walk of the town of Kalimpong then enjoy the rest of the day to explore at leisure.

Day 41Kalimpong to New Jalpaiguri

Drive to New Jalpaiguri Station with a stop en route at Deolo Hills to take in views of the mountainous scenery. Catch the overnight train to Varanasi.

Day 42Mughal Sarāi/Varanasi

Arrive to Mughal Sarai in the morning and continue by van to Varanasi. Enjoy an evening visit to the ghats and watch the prayer sessions.

Day 43Varanasi

Take a sunrise boat trip on the Ganges. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Sarnath and the city of Varanasi.

Day 44Varanasi/Lucknow

Take a morning Varanasi-Lucknow Intercity train. In the afternoon, visit the Bara Imambara.

Day 45Lucknow/Delhi

Spend most of the day exploring Lucknow. Opt to explore The Residency and be immersed in colonial era history. In the afternoon, board the Swarna Shatabdi Express train to Delhi, with dinner provided on board. Enjoy the night in the bustle of Delhi.

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 46Delhi

Depart at any time.

View full itinerary

What's Included

  • Your G for Good Moment: Women With Wheels Transfer, Indira Gandhi International Airport
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Taj Mahal visit
  • Agra Fort visit
  • Jaipur orientation walk
  • Amber Fort visit
  • Udaipur orientation walk
  • Jagdish Temple and City Palace visit
  • Rajasthani cultural show
  • Bundi Fort and stepwells visit
  • Colaba area walking tour
  • Gateway of India visit
  • Beach time in Goa
  • Walking tour and ruins visit in Hampi
  • Hazararama Temple visit
  • Mysore Palace and Chamunda Hill visits
  • Namdroling Monastery visit
  • Coffee plantation tour
  • Madikeri Fort and Raja's Seat visit
  • Fort Kochi and Chinese fishing nets visit
  • Backwaters canal ride
  • Vivekananda Rock and Ramkrishna Ashram visit
  • Meenakshi Temple visit
  • Cycle tour to Shore Temple and Mamallapuram Beach
  • Charminar and Golconda Fort visit
  • Jagannath Temple visit
  • Raghuraj Pur village visit
  • Kolkata city tour
  • Victoria Memorial visit
  • Visit Mother Teresa's House
  • Tiger Hill sunrise visit
  • Tea estate visit
  • Mahakal Temple visit
  • Peace Pagoda visit
  • Toy train ride
  • Local lunch
  • Rumtek Monastery day trip
  • Deolo Hill visit
  • Evening ghats visit
  • Sunrise boat trip on the Ganges
  • Bara Imambara visit
  • Orientation walks in Darjeeling, Gangtok, and Kalimpong
  • Internal flights
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotels/guesthouses (39 nts), sleeper trains (5 nts), homestay (1 nt).

Meals

2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Allow USD1055-1375 for meals not included.

Transportation

Train (seats), train (beds), toy train, private vans, walking, plane.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Departures

There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.

Please Contact Us to inquire about dates for next season, or to discuss other tour options.

Ultimate India by Rail

| 46 days - Delhi to Delhi - Sold Out