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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Highlights of Rajasthan with Delhi, Mumbai and Goa

Independent 15-day rail vacation through Rajasthan, Mumbai, and Goa

Illustration of Highlights of Rajasthan with Delhi, Mumbai and Goa

Railbookers operates this 15-day, 14-night independent rail vacation across northern and western India, running from Delhi to Goa by way of Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, and Mumbai. Rail Expert support is available, but travelers largely make their own way, with the days built from a mix of included guided sightseeing and free time. Rail travel anchors two legs: the Gatimaan Express carries the trip from Delhi to Agra on day 3, and a scenic train along the Konkan Coast runs from Mumbai to Goa on day 12; the stretches between Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur are covered by road, and Udaipur to Mumbai by flight. Along the way, the itinerary includes a sunset visit to the Taj Mahal, the abandoned sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri, a boat cruise on Lake Pichola, and a cooking demonstration with a local family in Jaipur. The trip suits travelers with an interest in India's history and food who are comfortable with some independent time.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is billed as a rail vacation, but only two of the six inter-city legs run by train: the Gatimaan Express from Delhi to Agra and the scenic train from Mumbai to Goa. Agra to Jaipur, Jaipur to Jodhpur, and Jodhpur to Udaipur are covered by road, and Udaipur to Mumbai by flight.
  • Hotels are listed as multiple options per city, for example five choices in Delhi alone, so the specific property depends on the tier booked.
  • The Mumbai to Goa train requires a very early morning start; travelers who prefer not to can fly instead for an additional cost.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Delhi

    Your Journey Begins in New Delhi

    Transfer from the airport to your hotel. As soon as you step foot in Delhi, you’ll realize you’ve stepped back in time. The vibrant temples, tantalizing cuisine, bustling street life, mosques, and shrines will awaken your senses in every possible way.

  2. Day 2overnight: Delhi

    New Delhi

    Your included full day tour of both Old and New Delhi will be the perfect introduction to this iconic corner of the world. Enjoy a traditional rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk and see the 17th-century Jama Masjid. Visit the Red Fort to capture some photos and Raj Ghat (where Gandhi was cremated). You’ll travel past The Presidential Palace, the India Gate, and the Parliament House. Wrap up your tour at the 12th-century Qutab Minar and Humayun’s Tomb. In the evening, you have the option to join a local Indian family at their home for an authentic cooking demonstration for dinner. B

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3railovernight: Agra

    Delhi to Agra

    Take the Gatimaan Express directly to Agra. Upon arrival, your guide will take you to visit Agra Fort and then drop you off at your hotel. This afternoon, you’ll get to catch the sunset at the legendary Taj Mahal (closed Fridays). The evening is free for you to explore the city of Agra on your own. B

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4overnight: Jaipur

    Agra to Jaipur

    This morning, you have the option of enjoying the sunrise at Taj Mahal before driving to Jaipur. En route you’ll visit Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted red sandstone city, as well as the popular Abhaneri stepwells. The remainder of the day and evening is free. We recommend experiencing a food walk to sample some local culinary delights. B

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5overnight: Jaipur

    Jaipur

    This morning, visit the Palace of Winds en route to Amber Fort, a beautiful, extensive palace complex built from white marble and yellow and pink sandstone. Explore the palaces, temples, and courtyards of this UNESCO World Heritage. Then, you’ll see Jantar Mantar observatory before enjoying a city tour of Jaipur. This evening, you’ll join a local family at their home for a cooking demonstration followed by dinner. B,D

  6. Day 6overnight: Jodhpur

    Jaipur to Jodhpur

    After breakfast this morning, you’ll drive to Jodhpur with a stop at Pushkar Palace for lunch. Once in Jodhpur, get settled at your hotel and then step out to get to the know the beautifully Brahmin-blue city on your own. B

    Meals: B

  7. Day 7overnight: Jodhpur

    Jodhpur

    Today’s sightseeing tour of Mehrangarh Fort (Citadel of the sun) and Jaswant Thada will certainly be memorable. Visit the fort’s beautiful palaces and museums showcasing various treasures of the royal family. The pillared marble memorial of Jaswant Thada is a great spot to capture photos of the fort and to see the royal family’s cenotaphs. Later, you’ll visit the colorful spice market which is a bucket list experience in and of itself. B

    Meals: B

  8. Day 8overnight: Udaipur

    Jodhpur to Udaipur

    Drive to Udaipur today. On the way, stop at Ranakpur Temple and use your audio guide to learn all about one of the most beautiful temples in India. Upon arrival in Udaipur, known as the “Venice of the East,” you’ll be treated to a wealth of attractions and experiences. B

    Meals: B

  9. Day 9overnight: Udaipur

    Udaipur

    Your sightseeing tour of the city will take you around to all the must-see points of interest, including the majestic City Palace, Jagdish Temple, and Sahelion-ki-bari garden. This afternoon enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Pichola toward Ja Mandir Palace. Wrap up your tour with a visit to the local market. The evening is yours to discover Udaipur at your leisure. B

    Meals: B

  10. Day 10overnight: Mumbai

    Udaipur to Mumbai

    Fly from Udaipur to Mumbai this afternoon and transfer to your hotel. Mumbai is a city of juxtapositions, colonial-era architecture, bustling bazaars, quaint, hidden temples, and world-class restaurants. B

    Meals: B

  11. Day 11overnight: Mumbai

    Mumbai

    Take a ferry to the island of Elephant to explore the Elephanta Caves, which feature temples and sculptures dating back to 740 AD. In the afternoon, embark on a city tour of Mumbai to see the Prince of Wales Museum, Mani Bhawan and Jain Temple. You’ll also drive by High Court and the Tower of Silence. B

    Meals: B

  12. Day 12railovernight: Goa

    Mumbai to Goa

    Catch the train to Goa (including a packed breakfast). This scenic rail journey travels along the Konkan Coast and requires a very early morning start. Alternatively, you can fly to Goa for an additional cost. Goa’s golden beaches and tropical, laid back atmosphere make for the perfect way to wrap up your exciting train journey. B

    Meals: B

  13. Day 13overnight: Goa

    Goa

    Why not spend your free time on an excursion visiting Panjim, the capital of Goa with its shops, restaurants and colonial buildings and Old Goa with its famous Basilicas? This multicultural destination is sure to please. B

    Meals: B

  14. Day 14overnight: Goa

    Goa

    Enjoy your final day soaking up the sun, sea and white-sand beaches. Take in breathtaking views of the ocean framed by the lush vegetation. B

    Meals: B

  15. Day 15

    Your Journey Ends in Goa

    Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport to continue with your onward travels. B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Gatimaan Express travels directly from Delhi to Agra, and the day ends with a sunset visit to the Taj Mahal.
  • Day 4Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted red sandstone city, appears en route to Jaipur, along with the Abhaneri stepwells.
  • Day 5A local family in Jaipur hosts a cooking demonstration followed by dinner.
  • Day 9A boat cruise on Lake Pichola in Udaipur heads toward the Jag Mandir Palace.
  • Day 12A scenic rail journey along the Konkan Coast carries the trip from Mumbai to Goa.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary 2 nights accommodation with breakfast in Delhi 1 night accommodation with breakfast in Agra 2 nights accommodation with breakfast in Jaipur 2 nights accommodation with breakfast with Jodhpur 2 nights accommodation with breakfast in Udaipur 2 nights accommodation with breakfast in Mumbai 3 nights accommodation with breakfast in Goa Full day tour of Old and New Delhi Visit Agra Fort and Taj Mahal in Agra Visit Fatehpur Sikri Half day city tour in Jaipur Cooking demonstration with local family in Jaipur Sightseeing tour of Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada and spice market in Jodhpur Visit Ranakpur Temple Sightseeing tour of Udaipur Morning excursion of Elephant Caves from Mumbai Sightseeing tour of Mumbai Flight from Udaipur to Mumbai Airport transfers

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Rail travel is included per the itinerary. The trip runs on the Gatimaan Express from Delhi to Agra and on a scenic train along the Konkan Coast from Mumbai to Goa, though the other city-to-city legs are by road or flight.
Is this a guided tour or independent travel?
It is an independent rail vacation from Railbookers with Rail Expert support, meaning travelers make their own way between cities, with guided sightseeing tours included at each stop rather than one tour leader for the whole trip.
Which cities does the trip visit?
Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Mumbai, and Goa.
What hotels are used?
The evidence lists several hotel options per city, ranging from four-star properties like the JW Marriott and Courtyard by Marriott to five-star and heritage palace hotels like The Oberoi, the Taj Mahal Palace, and Umaid Bhawan Palace. The final hotel depends on the tier booked.
How much does the trip cost?
Prices start from $4,859 per person, which works out to about $324 per day.

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