19 Day Northern India Rail Adventure
19 days/18 nights
Max group 12
Lifetime Deposit
A Once in a Lifetime India Rail Adventure
“The two biggest legacies of the Raj are the unification of India and the English language. Moreover, without the railways, India would not have been connected and could not have become one country.” ~ Michael Portillo
After a smashing success in March and October 2023, this trip is back and running again!
Forget the tourist trains and see Northern India as it should be done on this journey with Magnificent Rail. Retrace some of Bradshaw’s epic trips documented in his 1913 handbook: Indian, Foreign and Colonial Travel… And explore some of the country’s greatest cultural and geographically diverse regions.
With a maximum group size of just 12 people, you’ll get access to places that big tour groups simply cannot get into. Designed by Lisa & Mat, our expert insiders, this is a perfectly balanced journey. From a Rajasthani Desert Camp to a Colonial Hill station in the Himalayan foothills, you’ll see the exotic places that make India so special.
Under the gentle guidance of our tour leaders, your small group will spend time getting to know the REAL India. You’ll enjoy experiences that are simply NOT available on typical itineraries, while eating fabulous local food and staying in comfortable and interesting accommodation – including some 5-star highlights.
Come with us to India and, as Michael Portillo says in his BBC recount of Bradshaw’s journey; “ride some of the most exhilarating trains in the world!”
Trip Breakdown
Trip length
19 days, 18 nights
Dates
Start: 4 March 2024
Finish: 22 March 2024
Price
$8,207 AUD
- $1,900 AUD deposit, per person
- 2-week cooling-off period applies
- Lifetime deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips
- Double bed or twin share options – bring a partner or friend
Single Supplement:
- Two single supplements are available at $3,844 AUD. Please note that we hate overly expensive single supps, and for this reason, we have not added any margin to the single supp. This is at cost to us.
- If you’re a solo traveller and you’d like to be paired with a roommate, we can also facilitate this. The price is the same as the trip. Please get in touch.
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Meeting point
Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi International Airport)
*The trip starts and finishes here.
Group size
Maximum 12 people.
Inclusions
- Meals: 17 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 1 High Tea, 11 dinners
- Boutique accommodation
- 1 night desert camp
- 1 overnight train
- Leader/guides: 2 top-rated English-speaking tour leaders throughout
- Transport: air-conditioned small bus, 6 x trains
- Entrance/admission: fees, where applicable with included activities
*Note: flight details are needed 60 days in advance
Exclusions
- International flights
- Travel insurance (compulsory)
- Any visas required (Australian passport holders have a relatively simple online process to apply for their e-Visa. We will gladly help answer any questions you have as you pass through the process)
- Late check-out at hotels
- A single supplement is not available for the overnight train
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Drinks with included lunches and dinners
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information)
- Personal expenditure
Have a group?
Contact us and we can arrange a private departure.
Trip Highlights
Travel by rail in the Himalayan Queen to the Colonial Hillstation of Shimla.
Spend time with farming families in the Punjab countryside and learn about how they live.
Relax overnight in a Swiss tent in a desert safari camp in Rajasthan.
Witness the Beating the Retreat Ceremony of the border guards of India and Pakistan.
Visit the magnificent forts and palaces of Rajasthan.
Venture into the chaotic back streets of New Delhi aboard a pedal powered rickshaw.
Enjoy High Tea at the mansion that was once Lord Ktichener’s residence.
Experience small group travel at its finest - maximum of 6 couples, with 2 tour leaders!
What our Northern India MagRailers say
Overview
Train Journeys Included
Day 3: Delhi – Amritsar (Amritsar Shatabdi– 12029 Delhi – Amritsar – 6 hours).
Day 5: Amritsar – Chandigarh (Train: 12926 Amritsar – Chandigarh: Paschim Express 4 1⁄4 hours)
Day 6: Solan – Shimla (52455 Solan – Shimla: Himalayan Queen 3 hours)
Day 9: Patiala – Jodhpur (Train: 14887 Patiala – Jodhpur: Rishikesh Barmer Express 14 1⁄2 hours – Overnight Train)
Day 14: Jodhpur – Jaipur (Train: 22978 Jodhpur – Jaipur: Jodhpur Jaipur Express 5 1⁄4 hours)
Day 16: Jaipur – Agra (Train: 22987 Jaipur – Agra: Ajmer Agra Superfast Train 4 1⁄4 hours)
Accommodation Preview
RAJ PALACE - JAIPUR (2 NIGHTS)
TAJ SWARNA - AMRITSAR (3 NIGHTS)
TAJ THEOG - SHIMLA (3 NIGHTS)
Trip Summary
| Trip Summary | B | L | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Welcome to New Delhi | |||
| Day 2 | New Delhi city tour, mosque visit, market tour, rickshaw ride | |||
| Day 3 | Transfer to Amritsar; Amritsar local tour | |||
| Day 4 | Golden Temple, Punjab farm visit | |||
| Day 5 | Train to Chandigarh, local walking tour | |||
| Day 6 | Transfer to Solan, train to Shimla | |||
| Day 7 | Shimla colonial tour, High Tea | |||
| Day 8 | Shimla. Option 1: Relax and explore. Option 2: Day Tour. | |||
| Day 9 | Patiala lunch and relaxation, midnight train to Bikaner | |||
| Day 10 | Bikaner arrival | |||
| Day 11 | Sachiya Mata Temple, Desert Camp | |||
| Day 12 | Roll through Rajasthan countryside, arrive to Jodhpur | |||
| Day 13 | Mehrangarh Fort visit | |||
| Day 14 | Thali lunch, Train to Jaipur | |||
| Day 15 | Jaipur Red Fort | |||
| Day 16 | Train to Agra, local Agra experience | |||
| Day 17 | Taj Mahal and free time | |||
| Day 18 | Transfer to Delhi, Farewell Dinner | |||
| Day 19 | Goodbye and till another time |
Trip Map
Itinerary
Day 1: DELHI
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 the group and head out for dinner at an iconic downtown restaurant – an opulent establishment that predates India’s independence and a spectacular start to our Northern Indian rail adventure!
ACCOMMODATION: Le Meridien Hotel (or similar)
INCLUDED: Dinner
Day 2: NEW DELHI
You’ll ‘track’ 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, we’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 we compare stories of heart-pumping moments through chaotic streets on our afternoon’s Cycle Rickshaw ride.
ACCOMMODATION: Le Meridien Hotel (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: TRAIN TO AMRITSAR
All Aboard! The 12029 Express Train to Amritsar is the first time you’ll be hitting the rails on this adventure. It’s an early departure, so breakfast will be pre-packed and served on the train as we pull away from Delhi’s outer neighbourhoods, and venture northwest towards the state of Punjab. Our destination is the Sikh Holy City of Amritsar. But today is just as much about the journey, as we immerse ourselves in rail travel … local style! Don’t worry – there will be air conditioning! Later, avoiding the crowds is normally our focus. But The Golden Temple is not only an incredible building, it’s a living and breathing phenomenon inside the holiest Sikh site in the world. The best time to embrace the experience is when it’s filled with devotees.
ACCOMMODATION: Taj Swarna (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4: GOLDEN TEMPLE
We encourage you to embrace the dawn today because the view of the Golden Temple in the morning light is breathtaking! If you’re worried you’ve missed the hotel breakfast, fear not, because afterwards, it’s time to sample some of Rajasthan’s best morning eats, like potato-filled naan bread on a brunch walk around town. 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, also lots of fun. Afterwards, it’s a short drive back to Amritsar and dinner is in your own time tonight. It might be time to try the Butter Chicken. Amritsar is famous for it. Yumm!
(*Our group from March 2023 said that today was one of the special highlights of their trip.)
ACCOMMODATION: Taj Swarna (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5: AMRITSAR – CHANDIGARH
We’re already at Day 5 of the adventure, which can only mean one thing: another train trip. Today’s journey departs early again and arrives in Chandigarh for a lunchtime hotel check-in. In the afternoon we’ll explore on foot the most interesting parts of this unlikely Indian city, the only of its kind with managed urban planning. Its sweeping tree-lined avenues, lined with mid-century contemporary architecture, are like nothing else in the country. However, not before happily passing the morning on the train chatting with intrigued locals!
ACCOMMODATION: Taj Chandigarh (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast
Day 6: CHANDIGARH – SOLAN
We’ll check out of the hotel after breakfast and be on our way to Solan by road (2 hours) to meet the Himalayan Queen, the World Heritage-listed ‘toy train’ operating since 1903. The journey into the Himalayan Foothills passes by traditional rural villages and through forested, towering mountain passes. Onward and upward at a gentle pace to the British-era Colonial Hill Station of Shimla. The cooler mountain air is a drawcard for local tourists year-round here and once your group has settled into your hotel, there will be time to appreciate the impressive views of the alpine slopes from your balcony room.
ACCOMMODATION: Taj Chandigarh (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7: SHIMLA
During British rule, the Administrative Centre shifted every Summer from Delhi to Shimla to escape the oppressive heat of the plains below. Today, the group will 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 enjoy a grand High Tea at Wildflower Hall, once the residence of Lord Kitchener, then Commander in Chief of the British Army.
ACCOMMODATION: Taj Theog Shimla (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast & High Tea
Day 8: SHIMLA
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 today 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’d realise we’ve chosen your hotel for its views rather than a close-to-town location – So if you or anyone else in the group fancy a local lunch or dinner in town today, we’ve arranged a private shuttle to make that happen!
ACCOMMODATION: Taj Theog Shimla (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast
Day 9: SHIMLA – PATIALA, PATIALA – BIKANER
After breakfast, it’s a four-hour drive to the quaint Punjab town of Patiala. You’ll check into our colonial-style hotel just in time for lunch and then there’ll be time for a siesta and relaxation. Or, if you like, join your guide for a tour of the town.
Then, in the evening, the group heads off to meet the midnight train: Departure Time 1am.
The Midnight Train to Bikaner is memorable. Bring your adventurous self, as you’ll be sleeping on the train in 4 berth sleeper compartments. This isn’t a regal tourist train, by any means; rather, it’s an actual working train, just what anyone would use to travel on a long-haul journey in India. Let’s be clear: it’s very basic, but you just have to do it to have the true India rail experience. You’ll settle off to sleep to the clickety-clack rhythm of the tracks, recalling the nostalgia of travel from another time. To learn more about this train, read the information at the end.
ACCOMMODATION: Baradari Palace Hotel AND Sleeper Berth – Overnight Train
INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: BIKANER ARRIVAL
By the time you’ve rubbed the sleep from your eyes this morning, and soaked up the views from the train window, you’ll be stepping from train to platform to hotel room. Yep – we’re talking about early check-in!
After a well-earned rest and shower, you’ll be ready to explore this off-the-beaten-path ancient 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 if you think you’ve stepped into a children’s picture book filled with whimsical stories of far-off lands, magic carpets and Maharajas with gilded sceptres.
ACCOMMODATION: Narendra Bhawan Hotel (or similar)
INCLUDED: Dinner
Day 11: BIKANER – OSIAN DESERT CAMP
With Silk Road trading origins from the 8th Century, the Thar Desert is our destination this morning (4 hours by road). We’ll visit the ornamentally carved Sachiya Mata Temple, a place of worship for one of the world’s oldest practising religions and soon after, we’ll check into our Desert Safari Camp. Memorable times are planned here and not the least is a traditionally
prepared Rajasthani feast for dinner. To round off the unique desert experience, an echo of the Empire as you stay overnight in cottage-style tents with private bathrooms.
ACCOMMODATION: Reggies Camel Camp (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: OSIAN – JODHPUR
The early riser in you will soak up the magic of the dawn desert light! Then after breakfast and following a 2-hour hour, your eye will spy a wave of buildings as blue as the sea. You may think you’re driving into a mirage in the middle of the desert, but instead, welcome to Jodhpur!
Today you’ll come to know your home for the next 2 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!
ACCOMMODATION: Ajit Bhawan Hotel (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 13: JODHPUR
Mehrangarh Fort is monumental in both size and impression. Perched on a hill with 36-metre high walls, in the mid-15th century, the fort was originally the protection 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 we arrive in time to beat the crowds to start. Tonight’s dinner is another special.
ACCOMMODATION: Ajit Bhawan Hotel (or similar)
Day 14: EXPRESS TRAIN TO JAIPUR
This morning your group will make their way to the Jodhpur Junction railway station 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: Raj Palace (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 15: JAIPUR
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 day, you’ll be a bit tired of walking, so upon return, you’ll be met at our hotel doorstep 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: Raj Palace (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 16: AGRA
Today, the group leaves the pink city of Jaipur behind for Agra, home of the Taj Mahal. We’ll board the morning train for what is the last rail experience of our journey, so let’s make the most of it! You might like to take a stroll through the train and meet up with local travellers. After all, you’re probably an old hand at this by now! Check into the hotel by lunchtime and in the afternoon, we’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: Clarks Shiraz Hotel (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 17: TAJ MAHAL
After breakfast, you’ll 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 we will visit Sheroes Hangout Cafe. Run by women who have survived acid attacks, we’ll join them for some coffee and snacks as they share their stories with us. 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 shopping spree.
ACCOMMODATION: Clarks Shiraz Hotel (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 18: 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 a time to reflect on an epic trip and recall the highlights together as a group.
ACCOMMODATION: Le Meridien Hotel (or similar)
INCLUDED: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 19: FAREWELL, FRIENDS
We have no activities planned as the group disperses today. Exchange details 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 – Easy
So long as you have a general level of health and fitness, you’ll be fine. There will be days where you’ll be walking and spending a lot of time on your feet. Daily activities may include walking on uneven ground as well as getting on and off different types of transport. You should be able to ascend a flight of stairs and access a shower over a bath. From time to time you must be okay with using a squat toilet – we do our best to accommodate what you’re used to (hotel rooms have sit-down toilets) but when you’re on the move, sometimes it’s the only choice available.
All activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it, but 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.
