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Wendy Wu Tours · Classic Group Tour

India by Rail

14-day rail tour across India from Delhi to Varanasi with five named trains

Illustration of India by Rail

Wendy Wu Tours operates this 14-day guided group tour through India, starting in Delhi and concluding in Varanasi. The journey spans six major destinations and combines five named trains, domestic flights, coach transfers, and a river cruise. Days alternate between exploring cities and traveling: the opening days cover Delhi and Amritsar, including the Golden Temple; Days 4 and 5 take you to Shimla aboard the Chandigarh Express and the Himalayan Queen toy train through the mountains; Days 7 and 8 focus on Jaipur's palaces and forts; Days 9 and 10 center on the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort; the final days explore Varanasi's sacred Ganges River with sunrise cruises and the Ganga Aarti puja ceremony, plus Buddhist sites at Sarnath. All accommodation, meals as detailed in the itinerary, English-speaking guides, and site entrance fees are included. The pace is intensive, with most stops lasting one or two nights. Group members travel together throughout, creating a cohesive experience. This tour suits first-time rail travelers, history enthusiasts, and those who prefer the structure and camaraderie of a guided group.

What to know before you look closer

  • International flights are not included; the from-price is land-only.
  • The itinerary is described as very full on with busy schedules each day, with multiple activities per location.
  • Visa arrangements are your responsibility.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Delhi

    Arrive Delhi

    Met and transferred to your hotel (with other group members arriving similarly). Time at leisure before meeting fellow travellers for dinner.

  2. Day 2overnight: Amritsar

    Explore Delhi

    Drive by the Red Fort, a rickshaw journey to Khari Baoli Spice Market, and visit Jama Masjid. Board an evening flight to Amritsar; transfer to hotel.

  3. Day 3overnight: Amritsar

    Discover Amritsar

    Visit Jallianwala Bagh and Durgiana Temple. Afternoon Village Experience offering a taste of rural Punjab.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Shimla

    Travel to Shimla

    Early Chandigarh Express train (approx. 4h30) to Chandigarh, breakfast onboard, then drive 3.5-4 hours to Shimla. Walking tour of Mall Road, The Ridge, Christ Church and the New Library.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Shimla

    Shimla

    Board the Himalayan Queen toy train for a 1-hour journey from Shimla to Shogi, returning by road. Afternoon city tour including the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies and Himachal State Museum.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Delhi

    Travel to Delhi

    Transfer to Chandigarh Railway station to board the Shatabdi Express train to Delhi (3h20, lunch onboard).

  7. Day 7railovernight: Jaipur

    Jaipur

    Depart on the Shatabdi Express (4h35) to Jaipur, breakfast onboard. Visit the Maharaja's City Palace and Jantar Mantar Observatory.

  8. Day 8overnight: Jaipur

    Jaipur

    Photo stop at Hawa Mahal, visit the Amber Fort, and a craft centre for block printing and carpet weaving.

  9. Day 9overnight: Agra

    Jaipur to Agra

    Drive approx. 6h30 to Agra, stopping at Fatehpur Sikri (Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid).

  10. Day 10overnight: Agra

    Agra

    Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise, a marble inlay workshop, and Agra Fort. Evening musical drama 'Mohabbat the Taj'.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Varanasi

    Travel to Varanasi

    Early Vande Bharat Express train (approx. 7 hours) to Varanasi, breakfast and lunch onboard. Evening rickshaw ride to the Ganga Aarti puja ceremony on the River Ganges.

  12. Day 12overnight: Varanasi

    Varanasi

    Cruise the Ganges at sunrise; visit Bharat Mata Mandir, Durga Temple, Banaras Hindu University and Sarnath's Buddhist sites.

  13. Day 13overnight: Delhi

    Return to Delhi

    Free time before flying to Delhi. Visit the Qutab Minar complex, drive by Rashtrapati Bhawan and India Gate; farewell dinner.

  14. Day 14

    Depart Delhi

    Transfer to Indira Gandhi International Airport for your international flight home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4Board the Chandigarh Express from Amritsar with breakfast onboard, then drive to Shimla in the foothills.
  • Day 5Ride the Himalayan Queen toy train for one hour from Shimla to Shogi and return by road through the mountains.
  • Day 10Watch the sunrise at the Taj Mahal in Agra, then visit a marble inlay workshop and Agra Fort.
  • Day 11Travel on the Vande Bharat Express for seven hours to Varanasi with breakfast and lunch, then take a rickshaw ride to the Ganga Aarti puja ceremony at dusk.
  • Day 12Cruise the River Ganges at sunrise and visit Sarnath's Buddhist sites and Banaras Hindu University.

Included

  • Meals as stated (refer to itinerary)
  • Domestic transportation
  • Touring with English-speaking guides & entrance fees
  • All accommodation

Not included

  • International flights (land only price)
  • Visa
  • Early check-in and late check-out (available at additional cost)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The tour includes five named trains: Chandigarh Express, Himalayan Queen toy train, two Shatabdi Express journeys, and Vande Bharat Express. Meals are provided onboard where noted.
Is this tour guided or independent?
Fully escorted. Wendy Wu Tours provides English-speaking guides throughout, and entrance fees to all sites are included.
What is not included?
International flights (land-only price), visa, and early check-in or late check-out at hotels.
How much walking is involved?
Physical Rating 2: expect walking, steps, and extended time on your feet. A reasonable level of fitness is required.
What is the group size?
Groups are capped at 18 people.
When does the tour run?
No specific departure dates are published in the available information; contact Wendy Wu Tours to confirm availability.

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