India by Rail Photo Expedition

13 days
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3.5/5 Great
30 reviews  
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Group Tour
In India, everyday life plays out in bright colors, a vivid juxtaposition of ancient and modern against a backdrop of intricate architecture. Traveling aboard the Palace on Wheels train, document this enchanting land on photo shoots in rural villages, at the Taj Mahal, and amid evocative dunes. Focus on birdlife at a wildlife sanctuary, and snap action shots ...
From$11,595
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Capture sunrise and sunset over the Taj Mahal, and go on photo shoots at five other UNESCO World Heritage sites.
    • Photograph the fairy-tale marble palaces of Udaipur's Lake Pichola by boat, and take a sunset camel safari among the sweeping dunes of the Thar Desert.
    • Search for tigers in Ranthambhore National Park, and for rare birds and other wildlife in Keoladeo National Park.
    • Document the dazzling energy of the Jaisalmer Desert Festival, a celebration of color, music, and Rajasthani folk culture

What's this trip about?

    In India, everyday life plays out in bright colors, a vivid juxtaposition of ancient and modern against a backdrop of intricate architecture. Traveling aboard the Palace on Wheels train, document this enchanting land on photo shoots in rural villages, at the Taj Mahal, and amid evocative dunes. Focus on birdlife at a wildlife sanctuary, and snap action shots of dancers at a private performance. Then revel in the visual feast of Jaisalmer's Desert Festival, where snake charmers, puppeteers, and gymnasts vie with dancing camels for your attention.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityDelhi
End CityDelhi

Travel Themes

  • Education / Learning
  • Train & Rail Journeys
  • Photography

Destinations

  • Asia
  • India

Attractions

  • Agra
  • Amber Fort
  • Fatehpur Sikri
  • Jaipur
  • Jama Masjid
  • Jodhpur
  • Rajasthan
  • Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
  • Taj Mahal
  • Udaipur

Activities

  • Historic sightseeing
  • Photography
  • Trains & Rail
  • Wildlife viewing

Trip includes

    • Accommodations and meals as indicated in the itinerary
    • pre-departure information
    • Entrance fees, excursions, and sightseeing noted as included in the itinerary
    • All gratuities except those for train or ship's crew, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary page
    • Services of National Geographic experts and/or local guides, lecturers, expedition leaders, and any other staff
    • Taxes, port charges, baggage handling, and service charge

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Days 1 & 2: U.S./Delhi, India

Accommodation: The Taj Mahal Hotel

Depart on an overnight flight to Delhi, arriving the next day. Check into our hotel upon arrival.

Day 3: Delhi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: The Taj Mahal Hotel

Set out on a photo tour of New Delhi, the capital established by the British in 1911, and fill your viewfinder with architectural details of the India Gate and Parliament buildings. Th...

Day 4: Jaipur

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Jai Mahal Palace

Travel from Delhi to Jaipur in Rajasthan. Known as the "Pink City" for its rose-colored buildings, Jaipur is protected by high fortifications and multiple gates. The afternoon is free to ...

Day 5: Jaipur

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Palace on Wheels

Begin the day with a morning photo shoot at Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, a stunning five-story sandstone building designed to allow ladies of the court to watch life on the streets bel...

Day 6: Ranthambhore National Park/Chittaurgarh

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Palace on Wheels

With your camera in hand, set out on a morning game drive in Ranthambhore National Park in search of the elusive tiger, as well as hyenas, wild boar, spotted deer, and sambar. After lunch...

Day 7: Udaipur

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Palace on Wheels

Known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur is most celebrated for the fairy-tale marble palaces that appear to rise from the waters of Lake Pichola. Venture into a spectacular labyrinth of court...

Day 8: Jaisalmer

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Palace on Wheels

Today the train carries us into the heart of the Thar Desert to magical Jaisalmer, founded by Rawal Jaisal in A.D. 1156. Rising above the city, the imposing turrets and bastions of the go...

Day 9: Jodhpur

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Palace on Wheels

Jodhpur's blue-hued old city lies at the foot of the massive Mehrangarh Fort, perched on a rocky outcrop some 120 meters high. Visit the 15th-century fort and learn about its colorful his...

Day 10: Keoladeo Ghana National Park/Agra

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: ITC Mughal

Disembark the train in Bharatpur after an early breakfast and head into the wetlands of Keoladeo Ghana National Park, a renowned bird sanctuary. Keep your camera ready while searching for egret...

Day 11: Agra

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: ITC Mughal

Rise early this morning to photograph the Taj Mahal as it sparkles in the dawn's light. Constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, the Taj Mahal is often described as the...

Days 12 & 13: Agra/Delhi/U.S

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: The Taj Mahal Hotel (Day rooms)

Rise early and cross the Yamuna River to photograph the Taj Mahal at sunrise from the beautiful Mehtab Bagh gardens. At a specially arranged photo shoot, capture the Taj's...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $11,595
Price per day$892
Last Updated: 5/15/2023

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with National Geographic Expeditions.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Air transportation and related fees (except as indicated in the itinerary)
    • Activities noted as optional in the itinerary
    • Passport, visa, and permit expenses
    • Medical expenses and immunizations
    • Baggage, accident, cancellation insurance
    • Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls, and alcoholic beverages
    • Any other items not specifically noted as included
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

10 Breakfasts, 10 Lunches and 10 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities

Khajuraho and Varanasi - Post-Trip Extension, 5 Days

Additional Information
Trip ID
nation-indrainat

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