Rail Journey Through India

13 days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
Additional images not provided by operator
Video not provided by operator
3.5/5 Great
30 reviews  
57%
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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
See departure dates

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.

Compare to similar trips

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

View Similar Trips

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.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip

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.

National Geographic Expeditions Reviews & Ratings

3.5/5  Great
Excellent
16
Great
0
Average
3
Disappointing
5
Terrible
6
Write a Review

Other National Geographic Expeditions Reviews

E

Engedu

Oct 2023

National Geographic Expeditions Company Reviewsby National Geographic Expeditions

Inconsistent information, No Refund

We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marke...

C

CaliforniaSlug

Jul 2023

National Geographic Expeditions Company Reviewsby National Geographic Expeditions

How to Ruin a Trip to Norway

My husband and I took the Norway "Trains and Fjords" tour because neither of wanted to drive the twisty roads to see the majestic areas and wanted to avoid a cruise ...

W

WORLDWEARY

Nov 2022

Written on

TOO MUCH TOO FAST

Firstly, it was my understanding, and confirmed in a phone conversation with the company’s representative prior to our departure, that the schedule of events would g...

Write a Review

Travelers also viewed

Tour Operator

National Geographic Expeditions

preferred
View Profile

National Geographic Expeditions span the globe and are designed to reflect our travelers' broad spectrum of interests, from small-ship expeditions and classic train journeys to photography workshops and family adventures. When you travel with us, you'll enjoy boundless opportunities to be surrounded by natural wonders and exotic wildlife, to explore celebrated archaeological sites, to learn about different cultures and share in local traditions. A National Geographic expert or expert team accompanies each expedition, sharing their knowledge and passion for a region and making each experience enriching and unforgettable.

An Extraordinary Legacy of Exploration

National Geographic Expeditions, the travel program of the National Geographic Society, was founded on the same belief in the importance of exploration that distinguishes the Society's 125-year history. Launched in 1999, National Geographic Expeditions now operates hundreds of trips each year, spanning all seven continents and more than 60 destinations.

Since its founding in 1888, the Society has developed incredible resources—from its network of experts, contacts, and Society-sponsored researchers all over the globe, to the top-tier editorial staff of National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines, and the books, maps, and film and television divisions. National Geographic Expeditions taps these resources to create unique and authentic expeditions to fascinating parts of the world.

As part of the National Geographic Travel group, National Geographic Expeditions aims to fulfill the Society's mission to inspire people to care about the planet by providing meaningful opportunities to explore it. Proceeds from all travel programs support the Society’s efforts to increase global understanding through exploration, education and scientific research.

National Geographic Adventures

National Geographic Adventures are unique, active itineraries for intrepid travelers that feature spectacular places, cultural interaction, and physical challenge: the perfect mix for an unforgettable adventure. Trek through some of the world's most legendary mountain ranges and veer far off the beaten path, discovering wild landscapes by foot, kayak, horseback, or camel. Each adventure has a designated activity level—from Easy to Ultimate Challenge, and you'll have the option to take it easy or push your limits on a harder hike throughout most trips. Your group will never be larger than 16 travelers, and you'll explore in the company of top guides, enjoying adventures that are both physically active and culturally rewarding.

National Geographic Student Expeditions

National Geographic Student Expeditions offer active summer travel experiences for high school students in some of the world's most amazing places. With the guidance of dynamic trip leaders and top National Geographic experts, students explore their interests, build new skills, and experience new landscapes and cultures firsthand. Each type of program—expedition, field workshop, community service trip, and photo workshop—is designed to educate and inspire, combining adventure, discovery, and cultural immersion. Photo workshops are led by a National Geographic photographer and include instruction and daily photo shoots. Students in our community service programs live in a village and work with community members on a variety of service projects. On each expedition and field workshop, students get involved in a unique, hands-on project that allows them to delve deeper into a specific topic—such as photography, wildlife and conservation, filmmaking, or archaeology—and further engage with the places they visit.

National Geographic Difference

Travel that’s tailored to your interests: Whether you're a budding photographer, a natural history enthusiast, a parent looking for a great family trip, or a traveler seeking an active adventure, you'll find an array of opportunities that fit your passions and interests.

The beauty of happenstance: Some of the best moments in travel occur when you least expect them. So that you can savor these instances and enjoy each place in a way that’s meaningful to you, we offer options and build free time into our itineraries wherever we can.

Travel in good company: Lasting friendships often begin on National Geographic Expeditions. Your traveling companions are Society members like you: active, engaged, and curious about the world.

Explore the world in comfort and style: Whether you're relaxing in the arcaded courtyard of a 15th-century monastery in Peru or speeding through Siberia on a private luxury train, our accommodations are carefully selected for their exceptional quality, location, and character.

We'll take care of the details: Leave the legwork to us. We take care of the logistics and details so you can relax, enjoy, and immerse yourself in the places you are exploring.

Exceptional resources at your fingertips: To help prepare for your trip, we’ll send you detailed information specific to your trip, including National Geographic books, articles, or maps relating to your destination. You’ll also receive a 20-percent discount on your next purchase* from our gift catalog or online store—shopng.com—as well as a free one-year subscription to a National Geographic magazine of your choice.

We’ve explored the world for 125 years. Now, let us take you with us!

What they’re known for
Adventurous trips with an educational or experiential touch and themed tours for travelers with special interests like photography or birdwatching.

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip

An epic selection of pre-planned trips on every continent, for every style. Thousands of itineraries from over 1,000 trusted travel companies.

Save time

Use simple search and comparison tools to easily find the best trip. Don't sweat the logistics — travel providers plan for you.

Save money

Book directly with the operator. See inclusive packages for the best values, and get access to amazing deals.

Travel confidently

Read unbiased user reviews, pick the operator that suits your needs, and connect with them directly.

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
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 .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities

Khajuraho and Varanasi - Post-Trip Extension, 5 Days

Trip ID
nation-raijounat

Become a member

(it's free)
  • Save up to $700 per person
  • Access members-only specials
  • Personalize trip recommendations
Sign up and save
Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >