Rail Journey Through India

13 days
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3.5/5 Great
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Small Group Tour
Step aboard the Palace on Wheels and set off on an unforgettable rail journey to the fabled cities of Rajasthan. Venture into majestic forts and palaces, and immerse yourself in the colors and rhythms of India's captivating culture. Visit the immense Amber Fort high above Jaipur, and watch the sunset light up the Taj Mahal. Experience one of India's celebrate...
From$11,995
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Overview

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

Highlights

    • Travel for five nights aboard the Palace on Wheels, a train designed in the style of a bygone era, evoking the splendor of the maharajas.
    • Explore six UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Fatehpur Sikri and the incomparable Taj Mahal.
    • Search for tigers in Ranthambhore National Park, and spot rare birds and other wildlife in Keoladeo Ghana National Park.
    • Take a sunset camel safari among the evocative dunes of the Thar Desert.

What's this trip about?

    Step aboard the Palace on Wheels and set off on an unforgettable rail journey to the fabled cities of Rajasthan. Venture into majestic forts and palaces, and immerse yourself in the colors and rhythms of India's captivating culture. Visit the immense Amber Fort high above Jaipur, and watch the sunset light up the Taj Mahal. Experience one of India's celebrated festivals or fairs on each departure.

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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 CityAgra

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Train & Rail Journeys

Destinations

  • Asia
  • India

Attractions

  • Agra
  • Delhi
  • Fatehpur Sikri
  • India Gate
  • Jaipur
  • Rajasthan
  • Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
  • Taj Mahal

Activities

  • Bird watching
  • Festivals & Special Events
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Wildlife viewing

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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. Upon arrival on November 9th, transfer and check into our hotel.

The Taj Mahal Hotel

Day 3: Delhi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: The Taj Mahal Hotel

Set out on a tour of New Delhi, the capital established by the British in 1911, and see the India Gate and Parliament buildings. Then delve into Old Delhi, a patchwork of eight differe...

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. Stroll through a local ba...

Day 5: Jaipur

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Begin the day with a guided tour of the City Palace, a vast complex with a museum housing rare manuscripts, paintings, and an armory. Visit the 18th-century royal observatory known as the Jantar Mantar, and examine a variety o...

Day 6: Ranthambhore National Park/Chittaurgarh

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Set out on a morning game drive in Ranthambhore National Park in search of the elusive tiger as well as hyenas, jackals, and foxes. After lunch back on the train, arrive in the city of Chittaurgarh. Trace a turbulent history of siege, valor, and sacrifice at Chittaurgarh Fort, one of the largest forts in India.

Day 7: Udaipur

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Known as the City of Lakes, Udaipur is most celebrated for its fairy-tale marble palaces, which appear to emerge from the waters of Lake Pichola. Venture into a spectacular labyrinth of courtyards within the City Palace, a soa...

Day 8: Jaisalmer

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today the train carries us into the heart of the Thar Desert to magical Jaisalmer. Rising above the city, the imposing turrets and bastions of the golden sandstone fort conceal a lively town within. Discover the havelis, once ...

Day 9: Jodhpur

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Jodhpur's blue-hued old city lies at the foot of massive Mehrangarh Fort, perched on a rocky outcrop some 120 meters high. Visit the 15th-century fort and learn about its colorful history. Explore the narrow streets and shops in the old city and enjoy lunch at Hanumant Palace before returning to the Palace on Wheels for the final leg of our rail journey.

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. Search for egrets, flamingos, and many other bir...

Day 11: Agra

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: ITC Mughal

Rise early this morning to see the Taj Mahal’s marble sparkle in the dawn's light. Constructed by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite wife, the Taj Mahal is often described as the most...

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

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: The Taj Mahal Hotel (day rooms)

After breakfast, those who are interested can make a special visit to a local orphanage. Then drive to Delhi and relax in day rooms at the Taj Mahal Hotel. Later, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight, arriving home the next day.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $11,995
Price per day$923
Last Updated: 8/27/2018

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

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
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities

Khajuraho and Varanasi - Post-Trip Extension, 5 Days

Additional Information
Trip ID
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