Search

Explore Worldwide · Escorted group tour

Northern India Railway Journey

Sacred sites and Himalayan foothills across Northern India by rail

Illustration of Northern India Railway Journey

Explore Worldwide operates this 15-day escorted tour through Northern India, departing from Kolkata and concluding in Amritsar. The journey weaves together India's major faiths and historical landmarks: you begin in the chaotic energy of Kolkata, move to the Buddhist sacred site of Bodh Gaya and the Hindu ghats of Varanasi, witness sunrise at the Taj Mahal in Agra, explore Delhi's colonial grandeur, ascend into the Himalayan foothills on the narrow-gauge Toy Train to Shimla (climbing through 103 tunnels and 1600 metres), and end at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. A Tour Leader and local guides accompany you throughout. Train travel is a central thread: you travel overnight on sleeper coaches, take a dawn boat ride on the Ganges, and ride the famous Toy Train as a signature experience. Hotels range from simple to premium, and fourteen breakfasts are included. Days alternate between structured sightseeing (visits to temples, forts, museums, and monuments) and free time to explore markets and local neighbourhoods. Lunches and dinners are your own expense. This tour suits history enthusiasts, repeat rail travellers, and those seeking a guided introduction to Northern India's spiritual and architectural highlights.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels are listed as 'or similar', so your final accommodation depends on availability and the tier booked; confirm the exact properties with Explore Worldwide.
  • Lunches and dinners are not included except breakfast; budget and restaurant choices are your own for most meals.
  • Single supplement is £655 from a base price of £1,825 for two people (GBP 1,825 each), a significant premium; verify current single pricing when booking.
  • The itinerary includes several optional paid activities (cooking demonstration in Agra, Jakhu Temple walk in Shimla) not covered in the package price.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Kolkata

    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.

  2. Day 2overnight: Kolkata

    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

  3. Day 3railovernight: Bodh Gaya

    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

  4. Day 4railovernight: Varanasi

    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

  5. Day 5overnight: Varanasi

    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

  6. Day 6railovernight: Agra

    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

  7. Day 7overnight: Agra

    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

  8. Day 8overnight: Delhi

    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

  9. Day 9overnight: Delhi

    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

  10. Day 10railovernight: Shimla

    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

  11. Day 11overnight: Shimla

    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

  12. Day 12overnight: Shimla

    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

  13. Day 13railovernight: Amritsar

    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

  14. Day 14overnight: Amritsar

    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

  15. Day 15

    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

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4Visit the Mahabodhi Temple UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bodh Gaya, then take the afternoon train to Varanasi.
  • Day 6Embark on a dawn boat ride along the Ganges to witness pilgrims at puja, then travel by day train to Agra (approximately seven hours).
  • Day 8Watch the sun rise over the Taj Mahal before driving six hours to Delhi.
  • Day 10Ride the narrow-gauge Toy Train from Kalka to Shimla, climbing through 103 tunnels and ascending 1600 metres.
  • Day 14Explore the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the heart of the Sikh faith, including a return visit in the evening.

Included

  • 14 breakfasts
  • Explore Tour Leader throughout
  • Driver(s)
  • Local Guide(s)
  • 11 nights comfortable hotel accommodation
  • 1 night simple hotel accommodation
  • 2 nights premium hotel accommodation
  • All train journeys (2nd class air-conditioned; bedding provided on overnight trains)
  • Boat ride on the Ganges
  • Transport by bus, rickshaw and boat as per itinerary
  • Visit to Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre
  • Agra Fort visit
  • Taj Mahal sunrise visit
  • Sightseeing in Kolkata (flower market, clay modeller's village, Victoria Memorial, Jain temple)
  • Bodh Gaya sightseeing (Mahabodhi Temple, Great Buddha Statue)
  • Sarnath sightseeing (Dharmarajka Stupa, Dhamekh Stupa, Ashoka Pillar)
  • Delhi sightseeing (India Gate, Humayun's Tomb, Qutub Minar, Old Delhi tour)
  • Shimla orientation tour (Christ Church, Scandal Point, Viceregal Lodge)
  • Amritsar sightseeing (Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Partition Museum, Durgiana Temple)

Not included

  • International flights
  • Visas
  • Travel insurance
  • Lunches and dinners (except where stated)
  • Optional activities (e.g. cooking demonstration with local family ~1800 INR)
  • Personal spending money
  • Tips (recommended £15–£20 per person per week for leader; ~£52 for local crew)
  • Airport transfers (available at extra cost)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. All train journeys are included, operating in 2nd class air-conditioned coaches with bedding provided on overnight trains. You will travel on six separate routes, including the famous Toy Train from Kalka to Shimla.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Explore Worldwide provides a Tour Leader throughout the 15 days, plus local guides at each destination. Most days include structured sightseeing; some afternoons are free to explore at your own pace.
What is included in the price?
Fourteen breakfasts, 14 nights of hotel accommodation (a mix of simple, comfortable, and premium hotels), all train and local transport (bus, boat, rickshaw), entry to major sites (Taj Mahal, Mahabodhi Temple, Golden Temple, Wildlife SOS centre, museums), and Tour Leader and driver services.
What is not included?
International flights, visas, travel insurance, lunches and dinners, optional activities (cooking demonstration, Jakhu Temple walk), personal spending money, tips (recommended £15 to £20 per person per week for the leader; approximately £52 for the local crew), and airport transfers (available at extra cost).
When does the tour depart?
Explore Worldwide offers 14 departures in 2026 and 2027, running October through March. Prices range from GBP 1,825 to GBP 2,245 depending on the date.
How much walking is involved?
You will walk through cities and temples, climb stairs at monuments, and navigate markets and ghats. An optional two-kilometre walk to Jakhu Temple in Shimla is available. Most sightseeing is guided; no strenuous hikes are required.

Similar journeys