Northern India Railway Journey

Join trip in Kolkata

Our tour of Northern India starts in Kolkata. Once the capital of British India, Kolkata has had a turbulent past. It was central to the struggle for Indian independence and thousands of Bengali refugees came here at the start of the 1900s. It's a city of striking contrasts and can be overwhelming initially, but the sights, smells and chaotic sounds offer a unique introduction to life in the bustling state. For those arriving in time today our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 5pm for a welcome meeting followed by the option to go out for dinner. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Kolkata Airport (CCU), around a one-hour drive from the hotel.

Explore Kolkata

This morning we'll start exploring Kolkata with a visit to the colourful flower market and the clay modeller's village. We'll also visit the Victoria Memorial, Dalhousie Square and Kolkata's wonderfully intricate Jain temple.

Meals: Breakfast

Travel to Bodh Gaya

This morning is free to explore the city more at your own pace. You might wish to visit the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, the Ramakrishna Mission or the Mother Teresa Home and Orphanage. Transferring to the railway station later this afternoon, we'll continue our journey by train towards the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Bodh Gaya.

Meals: Breakfast

See the sacred Bodhi tree and take the train to Varanasi

This morning we'll visit the Mahabodhi Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the sacred Bodhi tree spot, and the 25-metre-high Great Buddha Statue. We then take an early afternoon train to the holy city of Varanasi on the banks of the sacred River Ganges.

Meals: Breakfast

Visit Sarnath's temples and experience the evening Aarti ceremony

This morning, we'll make a short journey north to the sacred site of Sarnath, visiting the Dharmarajka Stupa, Dhamekh Stupa, Ashoka Pillar and monastery. Returning to Varanasi, we'll spend the afternoon exploring the old city and the riverfront on foot before heading to the ghats to witness the aarti ceremony this evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Dawn boat ride on the Ganges. Afternoon train to Agra

This morning, we'll embark on a dawn boat ride along the Ganges to witness the city bathed in early morning light and pilgrims practising the puja ceremony. The rest of the day is free to explore. Later this afternoon, we'll transfer to the railway station for our day train to Agra (approximately seven hours).

Meals: Breakfast

Learn about the Asian elephant at Wildlife SOS. Afternoon explore of Agra Fort

Today, we'll drive around an hour outside of Agra to visit the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre. Returning to Agra in the afternoon, we'll spend some time exploring Agra Fort. This evening, there is an optional cooking lesson with a local family.

Meals: Breakfast

Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise

This morning, we'll have an early start to see the sun rise over the marble dome of the Taj Mahal. Once we've witnessed the majesty of the Taj Mahal, we'll journey on to Delhi. Our drive to the capital today will be approximately six hours, including stops.

Meals: Breakfast

Explore New Delhi

This morning we'll explore New Delhi's colonial grandeur: India Gate, Indian Parliament, Humayun's Tomb and the Qutub Minar. After lunch, we'll take a tour of Old Delhi by metro and cycle rickshaw, visiting Chandni Chowk Bazaar and the Sheesh Ganj Sikh temple.

Meals: Breakfast

Travel on the Kalka Shatabdi and Toy Train to Shimla

Departing Delhi this morning, we'll take a train to Kalka, just north of Chandigarh. From here we'll transfer to a narrow-gauge track and continue to Shimla on the remarkable 'Toy Train', climbing 93 kilometres through 103 tunnels and ascending over 1600 metres.

Meals: Breakfast

Take a walking tour to Shimla's Viceregal Lodge

Today, we'll have the full day to explore Shimla. We'll start with an orientation tour of the town, taking in Christ Church, Scandal Point and the Viceregal Lodge, the former residence of the British viceroy.

Meals: Breakfast

Free time to explore Shimla

Today is free to explore more of Shimla at your own pace. There will be an optional two kilometre walk up to the Jakhu (monkey) Temple, which rewards with panoramic views. The bazaar is renowned for locally made woollen shawls and handicrafts.

Meals: Breakfast

Travel to Amritsar

Departing Shimla, this morning we'll follow the train track down towards Ambala, to connect with a late afternoon train to Amritsar in the Northern Punjab. We might have the opportunity to visit the Golden Temple this evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Visit the Golden Temple and the Partition Museum

Today, we have a full day of exploring Amritsar, starting with Jallianwala Bagh. We'll then visit the incredible Golden Temple, the Partition Museum in the 19th-century Town Hall, the Hindu Durgiana Temple, and return to the Golden Temple in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Trip ends in Amritsar

Our tour of Northern India ends at our hotel in Amritsar. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. Luggage storage facilities are available at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast