North India & The Golden Triangle by Rail 2027

After breakfast this morning, we’ll visit the National Rail Museum, home to a fascinating collection of royal carriages, locomotives, and antique trains from a bygone era, including the Vice Regal Dining Car, the luxurious Prince of Wales Saloon, the Maharaja of Baroda’s Saloon, and the Maharaja of Mysore’s Saloon.  

Later, transfer the short distance to the New Delhi Cantt Railway Station to board our late morning Vande Bharat Express train to Chandigarh, arriving in the mid afternoon. Take in the open plains of the rich farming country from the window of your train and enjoy a boxed  lunch on board as you prepare for the next leg of our adventure.

With its grid-like city map, perfectly planned and identical sectors, and streets where traffic flows unhindered through roundabout after roundabout, Chandigarh is like no other Indian city. Designed by Swiss–French architect Le Corbusier in the 1950s, it’s one of India’s earliest planned cities and arguably one of the best examples of modern planning and architecture. 

En route to our hotel, we’ll visit the Capitol Complex, the centrepiece of Le Corbusier’s work. Here you’ll marvel at the Tower of Shadows building, the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Haryana Legislative Assembly building and the Open Hand Monument. All four are classic pieces of 1950s architecture from the proto-brutalist school, with bold geometric lines and vast sweeps of moulded concrete. A stone’s throw away is the Nek Chand Rock Garden, which was completely built from industrial home waste, debris and discarded junk that was left over from the 50-odd villages destroyed in order to build the city of Chandigarh. We’ll tour this unique site before heading off to our opulent accommodation – the finest luxury hotel in Chandigarh, the Taj. 

After checking in we’ll transfer to a delicious dinner in one of the city’s best restaurants, the Saffron. 

Overnight: Taj Chandigarh, Chandigarh (B, L, D)

After breakfast at the hotel and checking out, we’ll continue touring Le Corbusier’s architectural gems, visiting the exterior of the Chandigarh Architecture Museum and the Government Museum and Art Gallery, located across from our hotel and the Gandhi Bhavan building, in the Punjab University campus.

We’ll transfer to the nearby Kalka station to board our privately chartered vintage rail-car for the iconic train journey all the way to Shimla. We will provide a packed lunch from the hotel, and there will be stops along the way and sections where we have photo opportunities.

The Himalayan Queen offers one of the most scenic train journeys in India as it traverses the iconic Kalka–Shimla Railway line, a UNESCO World Heritage site that winds its way through the majestic foothills of the Himalayas. Originally built in 1903, and affectionately referred to as the “British Jewel of the Orient”, the route stretches over 96 kilometres, crossing 806 bridges and rolling through 103 tunnels, offering breathtaking views of lush valleys, terraced fields, and pine-covered slopes. The slow pace enables you to soak in the natural beauty, with every turn of the track revealing stunning vistas and charming colonial-era stations. 

Upon arrival in Shimla, we’ll transfer to our 5-star hotel to settle in for the next two nights. Due to its cooler climate, Shimla was the British summer capital during the peak of colonial activity (1864 – 1939) and boasts many examples of original British architecture; from churches to offices, private residences and a theatre.  

Dinner will be hosted tonight at the hotel restaurant.

Overnight: Taj Theog Resort & Spa, Shimla (B, L, D) 

After breakfast, we’ll immerse ourselves into the rich history of Shimla, starting with a fascinating walking tour that delves into the British heritage of the city.  Situated at over 2,000m, it attracted the moniker, ‘the abode of the high and mighty’ very early on, and with picturesque promenades, elegant colonial buildings, lush, wooded ravines, evergreen forests, and the majestic snow-capped Himalayas as a backdrop, the city exudes charm and tranquillity.

Our first stop will be the Viceregal Lodge, the former official summer residence of the British viceroys to witness where the partition agreement that separated India from Pakistan and Bangladesh was drawn up. Completed in 1888, and a cross between Harry Potter’s Hogwarts and a Scottish baronial castle, the entire Indian subcontinent was ruled from this magnificent building for just over half of every year right up until World War II.

Next, explore the Gaiety Theatre, a splendidly restored Victorian theatre that has been a social and cultural hub in Shimla since its opening in 1877 and is very popular among Bollywood producers – many music videos and movies are often filmed here.  We’ll continue onto The Ridge, the hub of most cultural activities of Shimla, to wander the triangular parade, see colonial buildings and enjoy fine mountain views. Later, take a stroll along Mall Road – Shimla’s main shopping stretch. Constructed during British colonial rule, the Mall Road is a busy thoroughfare and is home to the quirky and colourful Cafe Shimla Times, and we’ll pause here for some lunch.

After lunch we’ll visit the bustling Lakkar Bazaar, where you can shop for souvenirs or wooden crafts, and visit the famous Jakhu Temple, situated on Shimla’s highest peak, and home to a 108-foot statue of the Monkey-God Lord Hanuman.  

We’ll return to our hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner tonight is at leisure.

Overnight: Taj Theog Resort & Spa, Shimla (B, L) 

This morning after an early breakfast and checking out, we’ll board our private coach and travel through the mountains and picturesque valleys of Himachal Pradesh to the flatlands of Rupnagar. Upon arrival, we’ll collect your specially organised lunch box and travel the short distance to the town of Phagwara. Here, you’ll take your first class seats in air conditioned comfort on the Amritsar Express for the journey to Amritsar, arriving around 16:15pm.

Founded in 1577 by the fourth Sikh guru, Guru Ram Das, Amritsar is home to the spectacular Golden Temple, Sikhism’s holiest shrine and one of India’s most serene and humbling sights. The city is situated in the heart of the fertile plain known as India’s ‘breadbasket’ and is a wealthy and industrious city of 1.5 million people.

Upon our arrival later in the afternoon, we’ll go directly to our hotel and check in.

We’ll have an early dinner at a local restaurant, after which you’ll visit the magnificent Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) to hear the soothing sounds of the devout chanting verses from the Sikh holy book – the Guru Granth Sahib at dusk, a sight to behold and one that will be indelibly printed in your memory. 

Overnight: Ramada by Wyndham, Amritsar (B, L, D)

This morning after breakfast, we’ll return to Golden Temple for a morning mystics tour and take some time to wander through the rambling streets and bazaars of the Old City by foot. The streets surrounding the temple are calm and graceful, but duck into any side alley and you’ll soon discover Amritsar’s fantastically frenetic old-city bazaars, sheltering a sensory overload of sights, sounds and smells.

This morning you’ll also visit Jallianwala Bagh, a poignant park commemorating the 1500 Indians killed or wounded when a British officer ordered his soldiers to shoot unarmed protesters in 1919. Some of the bullet holes are still visible in the walls, as is the well into which hundreds desperately leapt to avoid the bullets. There’s an eternal flame of remembrance, an exhibition telling stories of victims, and a Martyrs’ Gallery, with portraits of independence heroes. Many historians consider the episode a decisive step towards the end of British rule in India, although it was another 28 years before independence was achieved.  

We’ll enjoy some free time and lunch at leisure in the old town before heading out to the India–Pakistan Attari–Wagah border to witness the pomp and circumstance of the daily flag ceremony, a military practice that the security forces of India and Pakistan have followed since 1959. Characterized by elaborate and rapid dance-like manoeuvres and raising legs as high as possible, this daily ritual is both a symbol of the two countries’ rivalry, and a display of brotherhood and cooperation between them. 

We’ll return to the hotel in the early evening where the rest of your evening is at leisure.

Overnight: Ramada by Wyndham, Amritsar (B)

After an early breakfast and checking out, we’ll transfer to the Amritsar railway station to board the Vande Bharat Express train and enjoy first class air conditioned comfort and a packed lunch from our hotel as you travel along the scenic flatlands to Delhi, the nation’s capital. 

Upon arrival in Delhi in the early afternoon, you’ll visit India Gate, an imposing triumphal arch commemorating the Indian soldiers killed in the First World War and Gandhi Smriti, a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi’s life and his works. You’ll have plenty of time to explore an amazing array of information, documents, and relics from his life, philosophy, and work. When people think of India, there’s a good chance that Gandhi is one of the first things that comes to mind. His legacy of non-violent protest remains a major influence on Indian society and the international community. 

We’ll then return to our Delhi Hotel, to check in and enjoy some down time before gathering in the foyer for a transfer to dinner together at the Punjab Grill restaurant. 

Overnight: The Claridges Hotel, Delhi (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will start by driving past the Red Fort, a stunning example of Mughal architecture before exploring the lively streets of Old Delhi, with a visit to the magnificent Jama Masjid Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Asia. Islam is the second largest religion in India, with 16% of the country’s population, or 225 million people and India has the world’s third highest Muslim population after Pakistan and Indonesia.

Moving on you’ll explore the intricate, bustling and colourful side streets of Old Delhi where you’ll wind through its lanes and markets and stop for a chai masala and a samosa. Visit the Sheeshganj Gurudwara Sikh temple to learn about the Sikh religion in India and experience the thrill of a rickshaw ride around the streets surrounding the Chandni Chowk marketplace.

Visit the spice warehouses in the back alleys of Khari Baoli and meet a seller to learn about the spice mixes they take to market. Visit the Gali Paranthe Wali (lane of parathas), which has been in operation since the 1870s. Parathas are one of the most popular unleavened flat breads in Punjabi North Indian cuisine, so taste some delicious variations with fillings like potatoes, cauliflower and paneer.

Enjoy lunch at a local dhaba restaurant, and navigate the city’s busy metro system with a train ride from Chandi Chowk metro station, three stops south to Rajiv Chowk metro station on Connaught Place. The metro system in Delhi, with its 254 stations, both underground and above ground – and all air-conditioned, opened in 2002. It was the first railway system in the world to get a United Nations certification for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This is huge for Delhi, and, as a result, locals are very proud of their metro. Connaught Place houses the headquarters of several noted Indian firms and is a major shopping, nightlife and tourist destination in New Delhi. As of 2024, it was ranked as the eight most expensive office location in the world.

While at Connaught Place, you’ll visit the historic United Coffee House, which opened in 1942, is an all-time favourite of many Delhiites and Wenger’s – oldest bakery in Delhi, dating back to 1924. 

Return to your hotel in the mid afternoon where the rest of your day is free.

Overnight: The Claridges Hotel, Delhi (B, L)

After breakfast and checking out, we’ll transfer to the New Delhi Cantt Railway Station for the mid morning  departure of the marvellous heritage Fairy Queen steam locomotive train. Also known as the East Indian Railway No. 22, the train was constructed in England in 1855 and commenced service in Calcutta in the same year, only two years after the railways started operation in India. The Fairy Queen continues to maintain the status of being the world’s oldest steam locomotive in regular service. 

This 103 kilometre journey in a fully restored, air conditioned, vintage carriage with comfortable seats, wide aisles and large glass viewing windows, is something really special.  You’ll enjoy your packed lunch from the hotel along the way. We’ll arrive at the Rewari Heritage Steam Loco Shed just after lunch and enjoy a tour. Built in 1893, it’s the only surviving steam locomotive shed in India, and houses some of India’s last surviving steam locomotives.

Our private coach will then take us through rural Rajasthani to the remote and rarely visited village of Kesroli. Offering a fantastic glimpse of the real Rajasthan, we’ll meet the locals, visit the old village temple and wander through the markets, gaining an insight into everyday life in this peaceful community. 

Tonight you’ll sleep in a 14th-century palace hotel,  Neemrana’s Hill Fort-Kesroli. Originally built 700 years ago by the Yaduvanshi Rajputs, who claimed descendancy from Lord Krishna, it is now one of the oldest heritage hotel sites in India, and still managed by its owner. After settling in and exploring this magnificent place, we’ll enjoy a special dinner in the hotel, featuring delicious local flavours.

Overnight: Neemrana’s Hill Fort-Kesroli, Kesroli (B, L, D)

This morning, after enjoying a spectacular breakfast in the grounds of your palace hotel, we’ll check out and transfer to the train station for our journey to the pink city of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan and a friendly city brimming with charm.  In 1876, the entire city was painted pink as a grand gesture to welcome the Prince of Wales, and the pink hues were later refreshed to commemorate the visits of Queen Elizabeth II and later Diana, Princess of Wales. 

Upon arrival, we’ll transfer directly to our 5-star hotel, the Raj Palace, check in and enjoy lunch in the stunning grounds. The oldest mansion in Jaipur and originally called ‘The Chaumoo Haveli’, it was built in 1727 and converted to a luxury palace hotel in 1996.

After lunch, we’ll travel into town to visit one of the country’s most photographed landmarks, the Hawa Mahal, otherwise known as ‘The Palace of the Winds’. Built from red and pink sandstone and looking like a honeycomb of a beehive, it’s considered as the most iconic site in Jaipur. Moving on, we’ll tour the extravagant and striking City Palace, originally built in the mid-18th century as a royal residence. 

Dinner tonight is at the very special train themed ‘Steam’ Restaurant, a meticulously restored steam locomotive and carriages in the grounds of the nearby luxury Rambagh Palace Hotel. The restaurant, one of the most iconic in Jaipur, was inspired by the luxury trains that once ran through India during the British Raj era.

Overnight: Raj Palace, Jaipur (B, L, D)

After a lavish breakfast, your day will start with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Amber Fort, an extensive palace complex perched atop the Aravalli Hills on the outskirts of Jaipur.  Built in 1592 by Maharaja Man Singh I, it served as the capital of the Kachwaha Rajput dynasty until Jaipur was established, and is a magnificent blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of Rajasthan’s royal history. Key highlights include the stunning Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), adorned with intricate mirror work, and the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), where the maharajas held court.

On our return to Jaipur, we’ll enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, Peshawri, before heading into the lively Johri Bazaar. This crowded market is popular among locals and tourists alike for its ornamental designs, both in textiles and jewellery. Later in the afternoon, we’ll jump into rickshaws and travel to a royal haveli, where we’ll be welcomed by the owner and taken on a personal tour of the history of the property and his ancestors, who once ruled the nearby provinces. Our visit will end with a drink on the rooftop to take in sweeping views of Jaipur’s old walled city.   

Your evening tonight is at leisure. However, there is an option to enjoy an unforgettable evening of Indian culture at a screening of a Bollywood blockbuster movie at the spectacular Raj Mandir Cinema. This Art Deco-style meringue-shaped auditorium has seen many movie premieres of Hindi films over the years and has become a popular symbol of Jaipur. Your Tour Leader will organise tickets a few days in advance for those that would like to attend.

Overnight: Raj Palace, Jaipur (B, L)

After breakfast and check out, we’ll transfer to the Jaipur train station and board our train for a 2-hour journey to the town of Sawai Madhopur, your gateway to the Ranthambore National Park, one of India’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries.  

Once a royal hunting ground, this sprawling park is now a protected haven for Bengal tigers and an array of other wildlife as well as being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ranthambore Fort, ancient ruins, temples, and mosques.

Upon arrival, we’ll transfer directly to our hotel and check-in, where we’ll enjoy lunch and take time to relax ahead of our special wildlife safari excursion later this afternoon.  In 4WDs, you’ll take a game drive to search for animals, including the elusive tiger, which stalks through the jungle. India’s tiger population has reduced from around 40,000 in the early 20th century to an estimated 4,000 nationwide. Ranthambore is known for its Bengal tiger population, which sits at around 85, based on last estimates. While a Bengal tiger sighting is a once in a lifetime experience, if they are too stealthy to see, the park is filled with other animals like gazelle, hyenas, sloth bears, crocodiles, jackals, three types of antelope (nilgai, sambar and chital), leopard, civets, foxes and more. 

Dinner tonight will be at our hotel.

Overnight: Aamaghati Wildlife Resort, Ranthambore (B, L, D)

We’re up early this morning for a morning tiger safari followed by breakfast and check out. 

We’ll transfer to the railway station in Sawai Madhopur and board our train to Agra. Again, you will enjoy first class air conditioned comfort and a packed lunch from our hotel on the train as the landscape unfolds with a mix of lush greenery, rugged hills, and occasional sightings of rural wildlife, as the train takes you through vibrant Rajasthani countryside, dotted with small villages, farmlands, and ancient fortresses, providing a charming glimpse of traditional Indian life.

Agra, nestled along the banks of the Yamuna River, is a city steeped in history and grandeur, most famous for the world-renowned Taj Mahal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its gleaming white marble and intricate inlay work, is a symbol of eternal love and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. But Agra’s charm doesn’t end with the Taj. The city is home to other architectural marvels, including the red sandstone Agra Fort and the exquisite Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah, often called the “Baby Taj.” Rich in Mughal heritage, Agra offers visitors a fascinating blend of history, culture, and vibrant local markets brimming with traditional crafts and delicacies. A must-visit for history lovers, Agra captures the essence of India’s regal past.

On arrival in the mid-afternoon, we’ll transfer directly to our hotel and check in.  Later in the afternoon, you’ll visit the magnificent Taj Mahal with an expert guide. Built in 1653 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a testament to his love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631 aged 37 during the birth of her 14th child, this ivory-white marble mausoleum is an architectural marvel that leaves visitors awestruck by its unparalleled beauty and the love story behind it. 

Afterwards, we’ll return to your hotel for a ‘foodie’ walking tour, which also doubles as dinner. Agra boasts a marvellous food scene and tonight, an expert will take you on a street food tour away from the main tourist trail and help you understand Agra’s cuisine and culture. Stop by a 19th-century shop serving up age-old recipes from the Braj region of India and visit hyperlocal eateries most visitors to Agra never see. 

Overnight: Courtyard by Marriott, Agra (B, L, D) 

This morning, there’s the option to stay in your luxurious bed or return to the Taj Mahal for an early morning visit – a sunrise visit to this magical place is something you’ll never forget! 

After breakfast back at the hotel, we’ll set off and explore Agra Fort, also known as Agra’s Red Fort. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fort is a towering symbol of Mughal power and artistry. Built in the 16th century by Emperor Akbar, this massive red sandstone fortress served as the royal residence of the Mughal dynasty until 1638 – the Mughal Emperor Humayun was crowned at this fort in 1530. Highlights include the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), and the delicate marble palaces of Shah Jahan, the emperor who built the Taj Mahal. Agra Fort is not just a fortress; it’s a masterpiece that reveals the opulence and grandeur of Mughal architecture.

Lunch today features a cooking demonstration which you then get to enjoy. You’ll meet a passionate cook who’ll teach you how to prepare Mughlai classics such as malai ki sabzi (vegetables cooked with cream) and onion paratha (flatbread stuffed with onions and potato) and have the chance to get an insight into the day-to-day life of Agra locals.  

After lunch, we’ll visit Mehtab Bagh (the Moonlight Garden), the last of eleven Mughal-built gardens along the Yamuna opposite the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. Built by Emperor Babur before the Taj Mahal was even conceived, it was created as “a moonlit pleasure garden”, it fell into disrepair and was nothing more than a mound of sand. Archaeological explorations in the 1990’s unearthed treasure after treasure and the restoration of the garden commenced in earnest, financially supported by America. Apart from its historical significance, the garden is one of the best places from which to view the Taj Mahal.

We’ll return to our hotel in the mid afternoon where the rest of your day and evening is at leisure.

Overnight: Courtyard by Marriott, Agra (B, L) 

After breakfast and checking out, we’ll transfer to the Agra train station to board the Vande Bharat Express train for the air conditioned, comfortable and scenic ride through the heart of northern India to Delhi, enjoying a lunch packed by our hotel on board. 

Upon our arrival at Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi in the early afternoon, we’ll transfer to our private coach and visit the grand Tomb of Humayun, a stunning example of Mughal architecture and the first garden-tomb in India. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the tomb is regarded as a gem of Indo-Islamic architecture. Commissioned by his widow, Empress Bega Begum, in 1565, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a fitting tribute to the second Mughal emperor – a grand red sandstone and white marble structure that blends Persian, Indian, and Central Asian architectural styles, set in the midst of a sprawling Persian-style garden.

After lunch, we check in and enjoy a free afternoon to make the most of the grand hotel and its central location. There is a saying. “While one is in India, one must see the Taj Mahal and stay at the Imperial Hotel”. Before leaving this tour, you would have done both! Dinner this evening is feast served in the elegant colonial-style ambience of this iconic property.

There’ll be some time to unwind and explore the hotel before our Farewell Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant for a feast served in an elegant colonial-style ambiance of this iconic property.

Overnight: The Imperial Hotel, Delhi (B, L, D) 

This morning after breakfast and check out, we’ll say goodbye to India and transfer to the Delhi International airport for our flights back home (B)