20 Day Northern India Rail Adventure
20 days/19 nights
Max group 12
Lifetime Deposit
5 Good Reasons To Do This Trip!
TAJ MAHAL BEFORE THE CROWDS
Catch the sunrise at the Taj Mahal before the selfie-stick squad arrives to snap the most envy-worthy photo of this world wonder while basking in its early morning glow. (Almost) just you, the soft light and one of the most famous buildings on Earth.
BORDERLINE BONKERS
Imagine the loudest, most flamboyant showdown and now add moustaches, military struts, and a crowd cheering like it’s a football match. The Beating The Retreat Ceremony is a flag-waving spectacle between India and Pakistan that’s touristy, but in the best way possible.
TOY TRAIN VIBES
Hop on the Himalayan Queen, a ‘toy train’ that snakes through the foothills like a mountain roller coaster. Breathe in that crisp mountain air, and let those wow-worthy views steal the show. It’s the train ride your inner kid never knew it needed!
SPICES AND SPIRIT
From spice-laden streets to pedal-powered rickshaws, Old Delhi’s back alleys are a lovable maze of chaos and charm. Hold on tight as you zoom past market stalls, meet the spice masters and fill your belly with bold, unforgettable flavours.
DESERT DREAMING
Forget your basic hotel stay – we’re throwing you into a luxe Rajasthani desert camp where you’ll eat like a local king and maybe even ride a camel. No Wi-Fi needed when the sand dunes and starry skies are your headline entertainment!
Trip Breakdown
| Dates | Price AUD (per person twin share) |
|---|---|
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Pricing Details
- $1,900 deposit.
- 2 week cooling off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Private supplement available – max 2 spots.
Trip length
20 days, 19 nights
Meeting point
Suryaa Hotel, DELHI, INDIA
Ending point
Suryaa Hotel, DELHI, INDIA
Group size
Maximum 12 people.
Participation Requirements
Please see our “Is this trip right for you?” section under the Participation Tab.
Inclusions
- Meals: 19 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 1 high tea and 9 dinners.
- Private arrival and departure transfers.
- All trains and private road transfers as listed.
- Transfers between hotels and train stations.
- 18 nights boutique accommodation and 1 night desert camp.
- All activities as listed, and more.
- 2 top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leaders
- All listed activities and more!
Exclusions
- International Flights and travel insurance (necessary)
- Visa (See FAQs for more information)
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information).
Have a group?
Contact us and we can arrange a private departure.
What our Northern India MagRailers say
Overview
Train Journeys Included
Day 3: Intercity Express Train 22472: Delhi to Bikaner
Day 7: Ranikhet Express Train 15013: Jodhpur to Jaipur
Day 9: Ajmer Agra Superfast Train 22987: Jaipur to Agra
Day 11: Vande Bharat Express Train 20171: Agra to Delhi Nizamuddin
Day 12: Kalka Shatabdi Train 12011: Delhi to Chandigarh
Day 15: The Himalayan Express or Shimla Kalka Express 52458: Shimla to Solan
Day 17: Intercity Express Train 12411: Chandigarh to Amritsar
Day 19: Vande Bharat Express Train 22488: Amritsar to Delhi
Accommodation Preview
Reggies Camel Camp (1 Night)
Bal Samand Lake Palace, Jodhpur (2 Nights)
Alsisar Haveli, Jaipur (2 Nights)
Trip Summary
| Trip Summary | B | L | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Welcome to India! | |||
| Day 2 | Delhi city tour, mosque visit, market tour, rickshaw ride | |||
| Day 3 | Train, Delhi to Bikaner | |||
| Day 4 | Bikaner and Osian Desert Camp | |||
| Day 5 | Roll through Rajasthan countryside, arrive to Jodhpur | |||
| Day 6 | Mehrangarh Fort and Farm Tour | |||
| Day 7 | Train, Jodhpur to Jaipur and city walk | |||
| Day 8 | The Pink City of Jaipur and Amber Fort | |||
| Day 9 | Train, Jaipur to Agra and Sunset Taj Mahal View | |||
| Day 10 | Taj Mahal and Sheroes Hangout | |||
| Day 11 | Train, Agra to Delhi and Leisure time | |||
| Day 12 | Train, Delhi to Chandigarh and onto Shimla | |||
| Day 13 | Shimla, Colonial Tour and High Tea | |||
| Day 14 | Shimla. Option 1: Relax and explore. Option 2: Day Tour | |||
| Day 15 | Ride the Himalayan Toy Train | |||
| Day 16 | Chandigarh, India’s only urban-planned city | |||
| Day 17 | Train, Chandigarh to Amritsar and dinner at the Golden Temple | |||
| Day 18 | Amritsar, the Golden Temple and Attari Border | |||
| Day 19 | Train, Amritsar to Delhi and Farewell Dinner | |||
| Day 20 | Farewell! |
Trip Map
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to India!
Welcome to India! One of our friendly team will be waiting for you in New Delhi with a free airport transfer directly to the hotel. Tonight, you’ll meet up with your fellow MagRailers and head out for dinner at an iconic downtown restaurant – an opulent establishment that predates India’s independence and a spectacular start to your Northern India rail adventure!
ACCOMMODATION: The Suryaa Hotel or Similar
INCLUDED: Dinner
Day 2: Old Delhi
You’ll ‘track’ (hehe!) straight into India’s rail heritage today by touring the National Rail Museum. Lunch is at a Persian-influenced, Parsi cafe that supports social change for the hearing impaired. Then, discovering some of India’s cultural richness, you’ll visit Jama Masjid, Delhi’s oldest Mosque and then make friends with the stallholders at Khari Baoli – the world’s largest spice market. It’s all belly laughs over dinner as you compare stories of heart-pumping moments through chaotic streets on our afternoon’s Cycle Rickshaw ride.
ACCOMMODATION: The Suryaa Hotel or Similar
INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Delhi – Bikaner
All Aboard! The express train is the first time you’ll be hitting the rails on this adventure. There’s enough time to sneak in breakfast at the hotel before you and your fellow MagRailers are on the train pulling away from Delhi’s outer neighbourhoods, and venturing west towards the state of Rajasthan. Your destination is Bikaner, but today is just as much about the journey, as you find yourself immersed in rail travel … local style. Don’t worry – there will be air conditioning!
Few tourists stop in Bikaner for more than a fleeting moment to change trains, but this 15th century walled city is worth exploring. Check into your hotel – yes it really was once a residence for His Highness of the Bikaner Royal Family! Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant specifically chosen by your guides.
ACCOMMODATION: Laxmi Niwas Palace or Similar
INCLUDED: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4: Bikaner and Osian Desert Camp
Before moving on, you’ll explore this old Rajasthani city with your guides. The palaces and castles here are decorative and enormous! As you stroll the narrow lanes of the old city you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped into a children’s picture-book filled with whimsical stories of far-off lands, magic carpets and Maharajas with gilded sceptres – and the day just continues to get better because this afternoon you’re off to the desert!
With Silk Road trading origins from the 8th century, the Thar Desert is our destination this morning (four hours by road). You’ll visit the ornamentally carved Sachiya Mata Temple, a place of worship for one of the world’s oldest practising religions, and soon after, the group will check into a Desert Safari Camp. Memorable times are planned here and not the least is a traditionally prepared Rajasthani feast for dinner. To round off this unique desert experience, you’ll stay overnight in cottage-style tents with private bathrooms.
ACCOMMODATION: Reggies Camel Camp or similar
INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Jodhpur – The Blue City
The early riser in you will soak up the magic of the dawn desert light! Then, after breakfast and a two-hour drive, your eye will spy what appears to be a wave of sea-blue buildings in the middle of the desert. You may be wondering ‘Is this a mirage’? But instead, it’s welcome to Jodhpur!
Today you’ll come to know your home for the next two nights by exploring the arts-and-crafts-laden streets with your guides. All before heading to the outskirts of town in the late afternoon for a farm-to-plate adventure that’ll leave your belly full and a desire to repeat the dishes when you’re back at home in your own kitchen!
(NB: Depending on the season, some departures may enjoy the farm-to-plate meal adventure at lunchtime.)
ACCOMMODATION: Bal Samand Lake Palace or Similar
INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort is monumental in both size and impression. Perched on a hill with 36-metre high walls from the mid-15th century, the fort was originally the protector of the City of Jodhpur. With its construction came stories of curses and sacrifice. As you wander through the decorative courtyards, you may capture a dance performance depicting these folklores. From the top, you’ll also see what Michael Portillo saw under the guidance of Bradshaw’s Handbook, “The Great Desert to the West and the vast state of Rajasthan to the East”. It’s no surprise that Mehrangarh is a must-see in Jodhpur, but our guides will make sure you arrive in time to start ahead of the crowds.
ACCOMMODATION: Bal Samand Lake Palace Taj Chandigarh or Similar
INCLUDED: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7: Jaipur – The Pink City
Day 7 already and that must mean… it’s time for another train ride! You and your MagRail crew will head to the Jodhpur Junction railway station this morning for the express to Jaipur. Goodbye Blue City. Hello Pink City!
Tonight, you’ll stretch your legs acquainting yourself with this ancient city and finish the day with dinner at one of your guide’s favourite restaurants.
ACCOMMODATION: Alsisar Haveli or similar
INCLUDED: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8: Amber Fort
World-famous and now World Heritage Listed, the centuries-old Amber Fort rises from the ground with its red sandstone outer walls that enshrine the 17th-century palace inside. Today is overwhelming for all the right reasons! Ancient temples, pavilions, courtyards and opulent gardens abound. By the end of the morning, you’ll be a bit tired of walking, so you’ll be met by a team of women driving pink motor-rickshaws. What sort of surprise do they have in store? You just have to come to find out.
ACCOMMODATION: Alsisar Haveli or Similar
INCLUDED: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 9: Agra
Today, the group leaves the pink city of Jaipur behind for Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. You’ll board the morning train. You might like to take a stroll through the train and meet up with the local travellers. After all, you’re probably an old hand at this already! Check into the hotel, and in the afternoon you’ll explore the Agra Fort and the Mughal Palaces hidden inside its walls. Later for dinner, join a cooking demonstration to learn about Mughlai cuisine, rich in Central Asian influences.
ACCOMMODATION: Grand Mercure or Similar
INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: The Taj Mahal
Feeling nimble this morning? There’s a yoga instructor on hand to take you through your pre-breakfast paces – if you’re up for it! Then head straight out to visit the world-renowned Taj Mahal before the crowds hit. No trip to Agra is complete without this visit! Afterwards, lunch is also a special experience because today you’ll visit Sheroes Hangout Cafe. Run by women who have survived acid attacks, you’ll join them for some coffee and snacks as they share their stories with you. The afternoon is free. It’s been a whirlwind journey so far, so take the time to relax. Those with extra beans can dive into a last memorabilia hunt – Agra is famous for its marble carvings and leather wares.
ACCOMMODATION: Grand Mercure or Similar
INCLUDED: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 11: Agra – Delhi
Can you believe it is day 11 of your Indian adventure already? It’s been action-packed so far and today’s a day to sit back and relax. Your only commitment is to join your fellow MagRailers on the train to Delhi, which doesn’t depart until after 11am! Check into your Delhi hotel and do as you please. Does a poolside drink take your fancy? Maybe an afternoon wandering Delhi’s streets and markets? All this and more is for your choosing and your guides will be on hand for any dinner recommendations if you’re keen on dinner out and about.
ACCOMMODATION: The Suryaa or similar
INCLUDED: Breakfast
Day 12: The Colonial Hill Station of Shimla
If you’re holding out for your ride on the World Heritage-listed ‘toy train’ Himalayan Queen, well you’re just going to have to wait a little longer. Today is a transfer day to the British era Colonial Hill Station of Shimla, by commuter train and road. The cooler mountain air is a drawcard for local tourists year-round and once your group has settled into the hotel, there will be time to appreciate the impressive views of the alpine slopes.
ACCOMMODATION: The Zion Hotel or similar
INCLUDED: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 13: Shimla
During British rule, the Administrative Centre shifted every Summer from Delhi to Shimla to escape the oppressive heat of the plains below. Today, you’ll tour Shimla, a beautiful alpine township that cascades down the mountainside towards the valley. You’ll visit the impressive architecture and gardens created during colonial times and take High Tea at Wildflower Hall – once the residence of Lord Kitchener, then Commander-in-Chief of the British Army.
ACCOMMODATION: The Zion Hotel or similar
INCLUDED: Breakfast and High Tea
Day 14: The Road to Tibet
Today is a day of choice. You’re welcome to lounge around the hotel. Or join your guides on a drive further into the Himalayas towards Tibet to explore around Hatu Peak, the tallest mountain in the region. The lunch stop is extra special because who doesn’t love a meal served with a view? In the late afternoon you’ll drive back to Shimla for a free evening.
By now, you would have realised we’ve chosen your hotel for its views rather than a close-to-town location – so if you or anyone else in the group fancies a local lunch or dinner in town today, we’ve arranged a private shuttle to make that happen!
ACCOMMODATION: The Zion Hotel or similar
INCLUDED: Breakfast
Day 15: Himalayan Queen
The day has finally arrived! We hope you’ve charged up your camera battery because; Himalayan Queen, here you come! The ‘toy train’ journey from the Himalayan Foothills has operated since 1903 which passes by traditional rural villages and through forested, towering mountain passes. Afterwards, stop for a local lunch on the way to Chandigarh and we bet the table will be all a-chatter after ticking off that ride from your bucket list!
You’re staying in a bigger hotel here, with lots of facilities at hand, so check in and rest up. Or maybe you’d like to take in your new surroundings by walking in one of the city’s green belts – there’s one just near your hotel.
ACCOMMODATION: Taj Chandigarh or similar
INCLUDED: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 16: Mid-Century Modern Chandigarh
Nothing is normal in Chandigarh and you’ll continually be reminded of this during your stay. You’re off to visit Chandigarh’s “Rock Garden” with your guides this morning. It began as a secret creation of a government official back in the 1950s, and has grown into a 40-acre avant garde sculpture space created mostly from rocks and discarded Industrial materials.
Towards the end of the day, you’ll explore the most interesting streets and buildings of this unlikely Indian city, by foot. It’s the only one of its kind with managed urban planning. You’ll get to know its sweeping tree-lined avenues, framed with mid-century contemporary architecture. Could this be the Palm Springs of India?
Feeling like heading outside the hotel for dinner tonight? No worries! There’s a bunch of restaurants within walking distance and your guides will steer you towards their favourites.
ACCOMMODATION: Taj Chandigarh Raj Palace or similar
INCLUDED: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 17: The Holy City of Amritsar
You’ll be jumping out of bed early this morning and with a breakfast box in hand, you’ll be climbing aboard the train bound for the state of Punjab. Your destination is the Sikh Holy City of Amritsar. Avoiding the crowds is normally our focus. But – the Golden Temple is not only an incredible building – it’s a living, breathing phenomenon inside the holiest Sikh site in the world! The best time to embrace the experience is when it’s filled with devotees and tonight you’ll be joining several thousand of them for dinner! Don’t worry – it may sound overwhelming, but in reality it is a calm, well-organised and inclusive experience.
ACCOMMODATION: Ramada Amritsar Hotel or similar
INCLUDED: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 18: The Golden Temple
The Golden Temple is too mesmerising to only see it once, so (weather permitting) you’ll see it at sunrise this morning too! It’s this quiet time of day that the devout chanting rolls out across the city – expect those harmonious tones to sing happily in your ears, long after your trip is over.
In the late afternoon, you’ll drive to the Attari Outpost at the border to witness the famous Beating the Retreat Ceremony performed daily between India’s Border Security Force and Pakistan’s Rangers. Touristy? Yes! But in an oh-so-local way, which makes it lots of fun. Afterwards, it’s a short drive back to Amritsar and dinner is on your own time. It might be time to try the butter chicken. Amritsar is famous for it. Yumm!
ACCOMMODATION: Ramada Amritsar Hotel or similar
INCLUDED: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 19: Delhi
All things must come to an end and today you return to Delhi by train. You’ll check into the hotel with an afternoon to spend as you please. In the evening the farewell dinner is at a Delhi fine dining institution that’s been around since pre-independence days. It’s time to reflect on an epic trip and recall the highlights together as a group.
ACCOMMODATION: The Suryaa or similar
INCLUDED: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 20: Farewell Friends
Your India adventure has come to an end. What a time it has been! Exchange details with your MagRail family and share photos, or head out for one final chai.
We’ve arranged a timely transfer for your onward travel plans.
INCLUDED: Breakfast
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:INR exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD: 54.23 INR.
A deposit of $1,900 is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made 110 days in advance.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 95 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Australian travellers will need to apply for an eVisa online. This is something that needs to be organised independently.
Your trip has been designed by Mat & Lisa, the two cultural adventure experts behind Magnificent Rail.
Magnificent Rail is brought to you by the same team who built Patch Adventures, a boutique women-only adventure company.
Lisa is a guidebook author who has travelled extensively all over Asia. Mat’s first rail journey in India was at the tender age of 17; he has since organised highly successful tours to places such as India, Myanmar, and Iran. Between them, they have put together this well-balanced adventure for you.
The preparation of this trip has taken months and months of work, on top of multiple visits to India over the years by our team!
Your trip will be led by a local expert: an experienced Indian trip leader who speaks the language and knows their rotis from their chapatis. They will be assisted by a second leader, meaning we can flexibly allow the group to split and explore different aspects of India, depending on the mood of the day.
Level 1
So long as you have a general level of health and fitness, you’ll be fine. However, to enjoy this trip, you’ll need to be able to spend time on your feet and regularly walk for 3-4 hours. Daily activities might include walking on uneven and hilly ground, getting on and off various forms of transportation and occasionally climbing some stairs. You may also encounter over-the-bath showers in some of the accommodations.
It will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon. Unfortunately, this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
Will we be picked up at the airport?
Yes! One of our friendly team will be waiting for you in the public arrivals area of the airport. You’ll transfer directly to the hotel. The transfer is free and in a private and air-conditioned vehicle, which you will only share if there is anyone else on your flight joining the tour.
When should we arrive?
Try to arrive before midday on the start day, although earlier would be recommendable. If possible, come one day early to settle in. We can organise additional hotel nights for you at cost.
Being tour operators (not travel agents), we are not licensed to sell flights. We recommend contacting your trusted local travel agent to book flights, if you’re in need of assistance.
Return flights to New Delhi typically cost in the range of $1,200-$1,600.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.
For your Indian adventure, we ask your contribution be: 4,500 Indian Rupee (equivalent to $85 AUD) which is given to your guide on Day 1. The kitty will be managed by your guide and distributed along the way at restaurants for included meals, hotel staff, drivers and regional guides.
What is not covered is a customary tip at the end of the trip for your guides. If they’ve ensured that your trip is memorable, we recommend the following guidelines:
- 7,000 to 8,000 per person, per guide (equivalent to $123 – $150) (Exchange Rate used – $1AUD : 52.7 Rupee)
Food is everything in India. From street food to fine dining, you can find it all. Service in restaurants can be a bit slow, but the wait is worth it. North India is a vegetarian and vegan paradise. Most meals are included in this trip, but when they’re not, your Tour Leaders will be on hand to point you towards restaurants with better hygiene.
That being said… Delhi Belly is a real thing. It is common for tourists to get sick in India, as food tends to be on the heavy side. If you enjoy Indian food, you’re going to LOVE this trip. You’re going to discover all kinds of foods that you never even thought existed.
Our best piece of advice is – avoid western food at all costs if you don’t want to get sick.
YES! We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets no problems, or any variation of the above. Just let us know in advance. Note: this food is often very simple and may get repetitive. We cannot cater for those with severe nut allergies. Any other medical conditions, get in touch.
Whether you are a couple, or a couple of friends, or travelling solo, our Magnificent Rail journeys will appeal to anyone who is inspired by the charm of scenic rail travel and wants to see the best of a country.
Our adventures are designed to appeal to those in their 50s, and 60s and early 70s (but of course, everyone is welcome!) Our clients are curious and active, and want to find the magic of travel again, but with some modern comforts in unique and interesting places along the way. They’ve often avoided tours in the past because they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
They prefer insider perspectives and lingering longer in the right places for a deeper experience.
Send us an email at contact@magnificentrail.com.au or give us a call at+61 482 095 648; A deposit is required to reserve your spot.
