Train journey in India

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

Day 02 – Delhi – Jaisalmer (By Train)
Morning sightseeing tour of Delhi visiting 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, sightseeing tour of New Delhi visiting the Humayun’s Tomb, the Qutab Minar, drive along the ceremonial avenue – Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House and President’s Residence and end the tour with a drive through Diplomatic Enclave.

Evening departure transfer to the railway station to board train for Jaisalmer. Overnight on the board.

Day 03 – Jaisalmer – Khuri   
Upon arrival our representative will greet you at Jaisalmer Railway Station. Later drive to Khuri (Sand dunes) and check-in at the Resort and relax amidst the comforts of your room.

Late afternoon enjoy Camel safari in the sand dunes up to the sunset point. Return to the resort for dinner amidst Rajasthani musicians playing haunting tunes. Overnight at the Resort.

Day 04 – Khuri – Jaisalmer   
Morning is at leisure to enjoy walk in village to see local house or culture. Later drive to Jaisalmer city. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel and relax amidst the comforts of your room.

Afternoon is free for individual activities or visit local bazaar. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05 – Jaisalmer – Jodhpur (By Train)    
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of The Golden City – Jaisalmer. Visit the 12th century magnificent fort at Jaisalmer (This is the highlight of the tour). Also visit the beautifully and magnificently carved Havelis of Salim Singh ki Haveli and Patwon ki Haveli and Gandhi Sagar Tank.

Late evening departure transfer to the railway station to board train for Jodhpur. Overnight on the board.

Day 06 – Jodhpur  
Early morning arrival at Jodhpur Railway station and transfer to the hotel for check-in (Early check-in subject to availability)

Jodhpur- The Gateway to the Thar desert, the city is known for its striking Forts, stately palaces and gracious buildings. Some of these are now India`s finest hotels. The city was built in 1459 by Rao Jodha of The Rajput clan. Later visit Mehrangarh Fort built by the city`s founder five centuries ago, Jaswant Thada, museum and local bazaar.

Afternoon is free for individual activities or visit local bazaar. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07 – Jodhpur – Jaipur (By Train)  
Early morning, departure transfer to railway station to board train for Jaipur. Upon arrival at Jaipur Railway station, transfer to the hotel for check-in and relax amidst the comforts of your room.

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. Maharaja Swai Jai Singh was an astrologer, soldier and philosopher. Presently, Jaipur is the capital of Rajasthan and is world famous by the name of the Pink City. Upon arrival at Jaipur, check – in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Late afternoon visit local bazaar and evening Aarti at Birla Temple. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 – 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. Visit another monument 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.

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

Day 09 – Jaipur –Abhaneri – Agra   
This day after breakfast, proceed to Agra (approx. 255kms / 05-06hours) en-route visiting Abhaneri. This village is home to an unheralded architectural jewel and one of the most beautiful step wells (Baori) in Rajasthan. Abhaneri was gifted with skilled craftsmen and many sculptures from Abhaneri belonging to the post Gupta or early medieval period are displayed in various museums around the world.

Continue your drive to Agra. Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Evening is free for relaxation or explores the local bazaar. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10 – Agra – Varanasi (By Train)   
Today morning visit the Agra Fort containing the halls private and public audiences. Both buildings are truly spectacular and the Taj Mahal is now one of the wonders of the World.

Later visit the world famous Taj Mahal built by Shahjahan in 1648 in memory of his Queen Mumtaj Mahal to enshrine her mortal remains. This architectural marvel is a perfectly proportioned masterpiece fashioned from white marble that stands testimony to the skill of 20,000 craftsmen and who took 17 years to complete.

Later witness the display of Marble Inlay Work (same intricate work done on marbles used in Taj Mahal). In evening transfer to the railway station to board train for Varanasi. Overnight on the board.

Day 11 – 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 12 – 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 13 – Delhi – Cochin (By Flight)  
In the morning arrive at Delhi railway station transfers to the hotel for wash & change.

Later transfer to the airport to board flight for Cochin. Meeting and assistance upon arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14 – Cochin
Morning after breakfast, visit Fort Kochi which is the oldest European settlement in India (1500), and has a mixture of English, Dutch and Portuguese influence. The Mattancherry Palace was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, but extensive renovations by the Dutch some hundred years later earned it the name the Dutch Palace. It has some of the best murals in India, depicting scenes from the Ramayana and other great legends. On our tour we visit the Jew town synagogue where Kochi’s surviving Jewish community come to worship. Nearby are the interesting cantilevered Chinese Fishing nets.

In the early evening we see a performance of Kathakali, which is thought by some to be the very essence of the culture of Kerala. Its origins may have come from traditional temple rituals and from an art form known as Koodiyattam. It is the face make up which makes this dancing so unique. The dancers can take up to three hours painting their faces – the features are heavily emphasised as it is the facial expressions and coordinated eye movements which are important in the dance. The dances usually portray events from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, great Indian epics. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15 – Cochin – Thekkady
Morning drive to Thekkady (Approx. 150Kms / 04 hours), a beautiful area of tea gardens, rubber estates and coffee and pepper plantations, located high in the Cardamom hills. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel and relax for a while amidst the comforts of your room.

In the afternoon, visit rubber plantations and varied spice gardens like cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, coffee and tea estates. On your way back to hotel, you can shop at the local market and pick up some fragrant spices. Evening is free for individual activities or relaxations. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16 – Thekkady – Kumarakom
In the morning after breakfast drive to Kumarakom (Approx. 115Kms / 03 hours), en-route you will visit a working Tea estate, where you will have the opportunity to learn how tea is grown, graded, the various processes involved in the production of tea and an introduction to tea tasting.

Continue drive to Kumarakom and check-in at the hotel.

This is an enchanting backwater destination of Kerala. Spread over a cluster of islands on Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom is pictured as a mesh of lush tropical waterways and low-lying paddy fields. Stay in the backwater resort and enjoy your day in swimming or a massage that would do wonders on your body. The splash of water slapping softly on the banks provides soothing background music. Evening is free for relaxation or individual activities. Overnight at the hotel/resort.

Day 17 – Kumarakom
Have an early wake up and make your day by hearing the chirruping melodies of the sweet birds. Proceed to Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary which lies at the edge of the grounds of an old estate where a profusion of all kinds of birds can be observed.

Enjoy sumptuous breakfast, later explore the rest of the day at your own leisure by watching the Vembanad Lake which has its majestic canals, streams and distributaries along its banks weave an intricate and enchantingly beautiful web.

Late afternoon a Cruise in the backwaters of Kerala. Cruise takes you through the palm-fringed canals and is a unique way to discover Kerala. Overnight at the hotel/resort.

Day 18 – Kumarakom – Cochin – Coimbatore (By Train) – Ooty    
Today after early breakfast, transfer to the Cochin railway station to board train for Coimbatore. Upon arrival directly drive to Ooty (03hours drive). Upon arrival in Ooty, check-in at the hotel and relax for a while amidst the comforts of your room.

The major attractions of Ooty are Botanical Garden, Ooty Lake “The Dodabetta Peak. Evening is free for relaxation or individual activities. Overnight at the hotel/resort.

Day 19 – Ooty    
Today after breakfast, we will go on scenic ride through Nilgiris on a toy train to Coonoor. The trek passes numerous bridge, forest, hill and tunnels.

Arrive at Coonoor station and visit nearby tea plantation and see the process of tea making by visiting factory. On your way back to hotel, you can shop at the local market and pick up some tea packets. Evening is free to explore local market or just relax in hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 20 – Ooty – Mysore      
Morning drive to Mysore (Approx. 135Kms / 03 hours), enroute visit Srirangapatanam. Major attractions of Srirangapatnam are Daria Doulata, Summer Palace & Gumbuz – Tippu’s Mausoleum.

Later proceed to Mysore the land with numerous domes, towers and battlements; it is sheer luxury in the form of a palace. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel and relax amidst the comforts of your room. Evening is free to explore local market or just relax in hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 21 – Mysore – Hampi (By Train)      
After enjoying the breakfast, proceed to visit the sprawling Maharaja’s Palace with its outstanding treasures and ivory inlaid doors. Also visit St. Philomena’s Church, a beautiful Cathedral reminiscent of Medieval Architecture with stained glass Windows and lofty Towers.

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

Day 22 – Hampi  
Morning arrival in Hampi, the World Heritage Center, is the most beautiful and evocative of all the ruins of Karnataka. Capital of Vijayanagar kingdom is full of delightful surprises where kings were weighed against gold or money which was then distributed to the poor.

Transfer to the hotel for check-in. Post breakfast proceed to experience this World Heritage Site and best way is to take a leisurely walk through the ruins. Most of the important structure and ruins are located in two areas, know as the Royal Centre and Sacred Centre. The Royal Centre have structures of palaces, pavilions, Royal stables and temples. The sacred center is situated on the banks of river Tungabhadra. Here, we can visit Virupaksha temple and Vittthala temple.

Evening is free for individual activities or relaxations. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 23 – Hampi – Goa (By Train)         
Today after breakfast, go on a leisurely walk to experience this Heritage Site. Try to find an old structure of palaces and other ruins temples. Spend half a day in or around river Tungabhadra.

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

Day 24 – Goa  
Early morning arrival in Goa and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is free for your leisure activities and also enjoying various Ayurvedic treatments.

You can also practice meditation and yoga in the calm surroundings of this resort/ hotel. Overnight at the resort/ hotel.

Day 25 – Goa  
Day is free for your leisure activities and also enjoying various Ayurvedic treatments. You can also practice meditation and yoga in the calm surroundings of this resort/ hotel. Overnight at the resort/ hotel.

Day 26 – Goa – Mumbai (By Train)  
Day is free for your leisure activities or enjoy whole day on beach.

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

Day 27 – Depart Mumbai   
Early morning arrival in Mumbai and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Post breakfast proceed for a sightseeing tour of Mumbai city including Prince of Wales Museum, Mani Bhawan, Dhobi Ghat and later panoramic view of The Gateway of India & drive through the Crawford Market and Marine Drive.

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