Ultimate India by Rail

On this 6-week trip that circles India via train, you’ll start in Delhi with a tour of the legendary Taj Mahal, then head southwest by rail to make stops in Rajasthan, Mumbai and Goa (be sure to try the amazing seafood!).

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.

Itinerary

Day 1 Delhi
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Agra
Take a morning train to Agra, then enjoy a guided tour of the impressive Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Time permitting, opt to visit the Baby Taj.

Day 3-4 Jaipur
Hop a train to Jaipur and take an orientation walk around town on arrival. Take a photo opportunity at 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 on Day 4, 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.

Day 5-6 Udaipur
Continue by train to 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. With free time here, opt to visit the many beautiful lakes, take a boat ride, visit the Monsoon Palace for some excellent views or take an Indian cooking class.

Day 7-8 Bundi
Enjoy a free morning in Udaipur before an evening train to Bundi, about four and half hours. On Day 8, explore the Bundi Fort and stepwells before an overnight train to Mumbai.

Day 9-10 Mumbai
In the morning, arrive to bustling Mumbai, home to 20 million people. Take a walking tour of the Colaba area and see the Gateway of India. Spend Day 10 exploring more of Mumbai before an overnight train to Goa.

Day 11-13 Goa
Arrive to beautiful Goa and spend your free time relaxing on the beach. 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 Goan state. Don't forget to indulge in Goan cuisine.

Days 14-15 Hampi
Day 14 is a full day of travel by train and bus to reach Hampi, in the heart of Karnataka. Spend all of Day 15 on a walking tour and exploring the spectacular ruins of Hampi Palaces, Hararama Temple and the boulders on the river. In the evening, board an overnight train for Mysore.

Days 16-17 Mysore
Arrive to Mysore and explore the Mysore Palace and Chamunda Hill. Spend Day 17 on a day trip to Srirangapatnam.

Days 18-19 Bangalore
Take a morning train to Bangalore. Explore the Lal Bagh Gardens and Bangalore Palace. Spend Day 19 visiting Bangalore markets and Cubbon Park. In the evening, board an overnight train to Kochi.

Day 20-21 Kochi
Explore the Fort Kochi area and see the Chinese fishing nets at work. If time allows, visit the Jewish area and synagogue, the Dutch Palace and Spice Market.

Days 22-23 Alleppey
Take a morning train to Alleppey for an overnight in a Kerala Backwaters homestay. Walk in the paddy fields and take a canoe ride through the canals the region is famous for. Day 23 is a free day to continue exploring before an overnight train to Kanyakumari.

Day 24 Kanyakumari
Arrive early to Kanyakumari for a full day exploring the area. Drive to the southernmost tip of India and take a ferry across to Vivekananda Rock and Ramkrishna Ashram.

Days 25-26 Madurai
Most of Day 25 is in Kanyakumari before an evening train to Madurai, about four and a half hours. On Day 26, explore the Meenakshi Temple and colourful Madurai markets.

Days 27-28 Mamallapuram
Take morning train to Chengalpattu before continue by van to Mamallapuram. Cycle around and explore the rock-cut Shore Temple and Mamallapuram Beach.

Day 29 Chennai
Drive to Chennai and catch an overnight train to Vizag.

Day 30 Vizag
Arrive to Vizag and explore northern beaches and the Simachalam Temple.

Days 31-32 Puri
Take a day train to Bhubaneshwar and marvel at the scenery. Continue by van to reach Puri. Explore the Jagannath Temple, Raghuraj Pur village and beautiful Puri beaches.

Day 33-35 Kolkata
On Day 33 take a day train to Kolkata and arrive in time for dinner. Free time to exploring Kolkata on Day 34 – visit the Victoria Memorial, New Market and take a ferry on the Ganges. In the evening of Day 35, board an overnight train to New Jalpaiguri.

Day 36 Kalimpong
Arrive to New Jalpaiguri in the morning and continue by van to Kalimpong. Explore MacFarlane Memorial Church and visit a cactus and orchid nursery and the Lepcha Museum, dedicated to preserving the dwindling culture of the indigenous Lepcha tribe. After, enjoy lunch with a local family including a cooking demonstration.

Days 37-38 Gangtok
Continue by van to Gangtok and take an orientation tour of the town. On Day 38, enjoy a day trip to Rumtek Monastery.

Days 39-40 Darjeeling
Head to Darjeeling by van and take an orientation tour of the town. On Day 40, watch the sunrise at Tiger Hill, visit a tea estate, explore the Mahakal Temple and meet Tibetans at a Refugee Camp. After, visit the Peace Pagoda.

Day 41 Toy Train/Siliguri
In the morning take a Toy Train to Kurseong before driving to Siliguri. Visit Akshardham before an overnight train to Mughalsarai.

Days 42-43 Varanasi
Arrive to Mughalsarai in the morning and continue by van one hour to Varanasi. Enjoy an evening visit to the ghats. On Day 43, take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges and explore Sarnath.

Day 44 Lucknow
Take a day train to Lucknow. On arrival, take an orientation tour and visit Bara Imambara.

Day 45 Lucknow/Delhi
Spend most of the day exploring Lucknow before an evening express train to Delhi. Enjoy the final night of the journey and the bustle of Delhi.

Day 46 Delhi
Depart at any time.