Train Journey in India

Day 01 – Delhi
Arrive Delhi by International flight. Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 – Delhi – Amritsar (By Train)
Morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi which includes the Raj Ghat – the memorial at the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, Jama Mosque – the largest Mosque in India and the Red Fort – Once the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire.

Afternoon transfer to the railway station to board train for Amritsar. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03 – Amritsar
Today morning after breakfast you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Amritsar. AMRITSAR, the name of the city derives from the name of the pool around the Golden Temple (aka Harmandir Sahib) and means “holy pool of nectar”. It is the spiritual and cultural center of the Sikh religion, and they are rightfully very proud of the city and their very beautiful and unique Gurdwara (place of worship). The Golden Temple was initiated by Guru Ramdas Ji, the fourth Sikh Guru, and completed in 1601 by his successor Guru Arjan Dev Ji. It is now a major pilgrimage and tourism center.

After your visit to this exotic complex, you will proceed for Jallianwala Bagh & Mata Temple.  Jallianwala Bagh (Garden) is a short 5-minute walk from the Golden Temple, and is the site of the 1919 Amritsar massacre. You will also visit the Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.

Afternoon visit to Wagha border – It’s a border town straddling the line between Pakistan and India, 29 km from the town of Lahore on the Pakistani side and 28 km from Amritsar on the Indian side. This is the only crossing point between Pakistan and India that is regularly open to foreigners.

Evening return to the hotel for relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04 – Amritsar – Ambala (By Train) – Shimla
Early morning board the train for Ambala which is very close to Chandigarh city. Upon arrival drive to Shimla (approx. 145kms / 04 hours). Upon arrival check-in at the hotel and relax amidst the comforts of your room. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05 – Shimla
With a full day in Shimla we have an opportunity to explore this beautiful setting further, first with an orientation tour of the town, taking in some of its colonial ambience.

We will take in the ageing charm of the Christ Church and Scandal Point, Viceregal Lodge- the former residence of the British viceroy and site of a number of important negotiations that preceded Indian independence. Various optional walks are also available today, such as the 2km walk up to the Jakhu or ‘monkey’ Temple, which provides some inspiring panoramic views.

Back in town, the bazaar is renowned for its selection of locally made woollen shawls, as well as a range of other locally produced handicrafts. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06 – Shimla
Morning at leisure. Day is free for leisure walk around surrounding area or individual activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07 – Shimla – Chandigarh – Delhi (By Train)
Today morning after breakfast drive to Chandigarh (approx. 110kms / 03 hours). The capital of two states, Punjab & Haryana. Chandigarh is independent India’s most modern and well-planned city, designed by famous French architect and designer Le Corbusier. Upon arrival start your sightseeing tour of Chandigarh including Rock Garden constructed almost entirely out of city garbage, Rose Garden 30 landscaped acres containing a variety of 1600 roses and Museum & Art Gallery housing a good collection of sculptures and paintings.

Evening transfer to the Chandigarh railway station to board train for Delhi. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 – Delhi – Jaipur
After breakfast, drive to Jaipur (approx. 260kms / 05hours). This historic city was founded by Maharaja Swai Jai Singh in 1727 AD after shifting his capital from Amer valley to newly formed and planned city of its time after consulting so many maps of the world and finally organized own religious map Shilpa Shastra with the help of a young Bengali architect Vidyadhar Batacharya. Maharaja Swai Jai Singh was a builder, astronomer, astrologer, soldier, philospher. Presently, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and is world famous as the Pink City. Upon arrival at Jaipur, check – in at the hotel.

Afternoon is free to relaxation or independently explores the crowded and colorful lanes of the pink city’s local bazaars. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09 – Jaipur
Morning excursion to Amber Fort situated just outside the city is perhaps the most beautiful example of Rajasthani forts and gives a grand view of the city down below. You can have the unique experience of traveling on elephant back to and from the top of the hill on which the fort is situated. Later visit City Palace in the heart of Jaipur is known for its blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architecture. Not far away is the Central Museum with its large collection of woodwork, jewellery, costumes, brassware and pottery. Another monument near the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, is the largest of the five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal or the Palace of Winds was constructed for the royal ladies to watch the royal processions without being seen. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10 – Jaipur – Fatehpur Sikri – Agra
Morning leave for Agra (approx. 255kms / 06hours) enroute visiting one of the most important place of Mughal era Fatehpur Sikri founded by Akbar in 1569 AD as a ceremonial capital. But unfortunately this magnificent city was abandoned due to scarcity of drinking water and Akbar went back to Agra. Continue your drive to Agra, arrive and check in at hotel. Evening is free to relaxation or independently explores local bazaars. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 – Agra – Varanasi (By Train)
After breakfast, start sightseeing tour of Agra city visiting the impressive Agra Fort, the local bazaar and of course, the most perfect architectural monument in the world – The Taj Mahal (Closed on Fridays) – one of the seven wonders of the world, this beautiful mausoleum in pure white marble, took 22 years and 22,000 craftsmen to build it. This monument was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in the memory of his beloved consort Mumtaz Mahal.

In evening transfer to the railway station to board train for Varanasi. Overnight on the board.

Day 12 – Varanasi
Morning arrive at Varanasi railway station and transfer to the hotel for check-in (Early check-in subject to availability). Varanasi situated on the banks of the sacred Ganges, it has been a center of pilgrimage and learning for over 2000 years and is considered to be one of the oldest surviving cities in the world. Later proceed for a panoramic city sightseeing tour of Varanasi including tour to Sarnath, the site of Lord Buddha’s first sermon after attaining enlightenment. At Sarnath we meet many Buddhist monks and followers before visiting local homes to see in-home silk weaving and soak up some local customs, culture and hospitality. Evening witness Aarti ceremony at Ghats. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13 – Varanasi – Delhi (By Train)
Early morning boat ride to watch the sunrise over the Ganges when hundreds of people are worshiping and taking bath. Later tour the old city visiting the principles temples including Kashi Hindu University where more than fifty thousand students from all over the world are learning.

In evening transfer to the railway station to board train for Delhi. Overnight on the board.

Day 14 – Departure Delhi
In the morning arrive at Delhi railway station transfers to the hotel for wash & change. Later proceed for sightseeing tour of New Delhi including drive through the prestigious streets of the Diplomatic Enclave and then on to India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan (President’s House) and Humayun’s Tomb. Finally your tour ends after visiting the Qutub Minar. Evening is free for individual activities or shopping.

In time transfer to the airport for your departure flight for onward destination.