Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Arrive at Delhi Airport and you shall be transferred to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 2: Delhi

After breakfast take sightseeing tour of historic city visiting Old Delhi visiting the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India, both built by emperor Shah Jahan of Taj Mahal fame, Later sightseeing continues to visit New Delhi include Rashtrapati Bhawan, one-time imperial residence of the British viceroys; the India Gate, a memorial raised in honour of the Indian soldiers martyred during the Afghan war; Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty;

Day 3: Delhi – Amritsar

Day is for leisure or explore it in your way. In the afternoon catch the train for Amritsar. Amritsar, a city at the holy heart of the Sikh religion, its glorious Golden Temple providing a serene attraction to this most holy of cities. This evening you may desire to take the chance to visit the temple itself, to watch the reflective light of the moon playing across the calm waters that surround the main shrine, the Harmandir.The temple is home to the revered texts of the Sikh Holy Scriptures, the Guru Granth Sahib, and its gold-plated dome is covered in over 700kg of pure gold.

Day 4: Amritsar

Today we shall pay a visit to the Jalianwala Bagh, site of the tarnished slaughter under General Dyer in 1919, which headed to 379 Sikhs being shot from point blank range by British troops. This entirely motiveless attack on a peaceful demonstration led to Gandhi’s programme of civil rebellion and helped to spur India’s burgeoning independence movement. Also, visit the Golden Temple, where we make sure to remove our shoes, cover heads and wash-down our feet before entering Golden Temple. The temple itself is a unpredictably small building encircled almost wholly by tanks of holy water in which the Sikh pilgrims bathe (the name of the town itself comes from the Amrit Sarovar – the Pool of Nectar).

The ambiance is one of incredible calm, with disciples taking their turn to pass through the main shrine, where there is a continuous and melodic recital (known as the Akhand Path) from the Guru Granth Sahib. This afternoon there will be an excursion to Wagah Border to see the ‘Flag Down’ ceremony.Night stay is in Amritsar.

Day 5: Amritsar – Dharamshala (6 – 7 Hours Drive)

Morning check out and drive to Dharamshala. On arrival check in at your hotel.

Opt for an orientation walk around McLeod Ganj, the famed seat of the Tibetan government in exile and present home of Dalai Lama. Choosea tour of the Norbulingka Institute, located among beautiful gardens, devoted to preserving Tibetan culture.

Night stay is in Dharamshala.

Day 6: In Dharamshala

Enjoy free time to explore Dharamsala on your own.

There are lots of ways to spend free time in this charming place. Visit the Kangra Art Museum in the Kotwali bazaar, or take in a performance of the Tibetan folk opera ‘Lhamo’ at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. Night stay is in Dharamshala

Day 7: Dharamshala – Shimla (6 Hours Drive)

Enjoy a long drive to the amiable town of Shimla, high in the beautiful Himalayas. 

Day 8: Shimla

Experience an orientation walk on The Ridge and The Mall (local retreats) and discover this summer capital of British India. Choose to visit the Viceregal Lodge or admire the neo-Gothic or Tudorbethan design of the heritage buildings. Night stay is in Shimla

Day 9: Shimla – Delhi

Opt for the World Heritage-listed toy train from Shimla to Kalka.Over the passage of 3 hours, the train gusts within tunnels as you head out of the mountains of Shimla.  On arrival at Kalka Shift to the Shatabdi Express for the rest of the journey back to Delhi, with dinner included on board. 

On arrival at Delhi you will be transferred to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 10: Delhi – Agra

Morning board the fastest train of India as Gatiman Express Enjoy a guided tour of the impressive Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Time permitting, opt to visit the Baby Taj.

Built by the emperor Shah Jahan to honour the memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, it is built of marble and decorated with the most delicate inlay work, the Taj Mahal needed the labours of 20,000 men and is assessed to have cost something in the region of 3 million rupees (at today’s prices that equates to around $70 million).

We then pay a break to the splendor of Agra Fort. Built by Emperor Akbar and then elaborated by his grandson, Shah Jahan, the fort was once a great city, with palaces, mosques and halls all lying behind the protective clinch of 20m high walls.

Day 11: Agra – Jaipur

After breakfast, there will be some leisure time to wander the city, possibly taking in the rich classiness of the beautiful Itimad-ud-Daulah, a 17th century tomb constructed for the Emperor Jehangir’s chief minister that reflects the marble majesty of the more famous Taj Mahal (hence its rather apt title of ‘Baby Taj).

In the evening board your train for Jaipur. Night stay is in Jaipur

Day 12: Jaipur

Today explore the pleasures of this royal city which highlights India’s most important cultural treasures. We will start by viewing the facade of the Hawa Mahal, the famous ‘ Palace of the Winds’, whose astonishing frontage of red and pink sandstone towers some 5 storeys over the city streets. Constructed at the end of the 18th century its 935 windows were planned to allow the women of the harem to stare out on the city scene below without themselves being seen, the openings offering the added bonus of generating a refreshing breeze (hawa), which kept the palace cool even in the hot summer months.

Carry on to visit the mighty Rajput capital of Amber and its outstanding fortress. Overseeing Maotha Lake, the fort is a spectacular creation of white marble and red sandstone that contains a dazzling mix of Hindu and Muslim embellishment, embracing the magnificent mirrored halls of the Sheesh Mahal. It was from these lofty walls that the Kachchawahas ruled over their kingdom for around 7 centuries, until its prominence was eclipsed by nearby Jaipur.

This afternoon visit the amazing observatory of Jantar Mantar. Our added visit is to the luxurious grandeur of the City Palace, a stunning complex of gardens and courtyards that presents a rich blend of Mughal and Rajasthani design and houses an armory and a museum that is home to a stunning array of costumes, manuscripts and inlaid splendor.

Spend your night in Jaipur

Day 13: Jaipur – Udaipur

Full day is for leisure and rest. If you want then you can enjoy the day on your own. See more of Rajasthan city. Opt for Bollywood Movie at Raj Mandir. Visit this impressive cinema and watch a song-and-dance Bollywood film.

Overnight is on board (The train is basic with overnight beds)

Day 14: In Udaipur

Arrive and transfer to your hotel.

Later discover Jagdish Temple and the City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India. Attend a Rajasthani cultural show on Gangaur Ghat.  Night stay is in Udaipur

Day 15: Udaipur – Free Day – Evening train for Bundi

Enjoy a free day in Udaipur. 

There’s loads to explore and do in Udaipur, and we sought to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to rest or try optional happeningssuch asdiscovering the Monsoon Palace, understanding Rajasthani cuisine with a cooking class, and visiting the Saheliyon-ki-Bari Garden. In the evening board your train for Bundi. On arrival at Bundi check in at your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 16: Bundi – Mumbai

One of the unexplored cities with a rich historical wealth. Bundi is surrounded by the Aravalli hills on the three sides and is circumscribed by a massive wall with four gateways. Interesting monuments including impressive medieval forts, palaces, havelis, temples with beautiful stone idols and chattris with carved pillars, along with a picturesque lake in the heart of the town, add to its charm. Bundi is very famous for its intricate carvings and murals.

Visit

Step-wells of Bundi: For anyone who wants to see the beauty of different types of stepwells, a visit to the township of Bundi is recommended. A number of stepwells have been made over a period of three centuries by members of the royal families as well as the people of Bundi who took interest in a worthwhile cause. Out of around 20 stepwells in the area, those worth a mention are Naval Sagar, Sisodiaji ki Baori, Purushottam ki Baori, Sukhi Baori, Manoharji ki Baori and RAmi ki Baori.

Taragarh Fort: The serpentine Taragarh Fort and its palace is what immediately strike visitors on arrival in Bundi. Rudyard Kipling who visited here a century ago wrote, “No human hand can create such a splendour; for only angels have that skill”. Taragarh is Bundi’s pride. This imposing fort was raised at a height of 500 meters atop a hill by Rao Bar Singh in the 13th century. 

In time get transferred to Kota and board your overnight train for Mumbai. Night is on board.

Day 17: Mumbai

Made up of seven islands on the eastern periphery of the Arabian Sea, Mumbai attracts people from all over the country to its prosperous streets. Mumbai is also the abode of ‘Bollywood’, an industry that creates more films per year than any other city in the world. After freshen up we will be exploring city this morning, watching the honey-coloured Gateway of India arch and the macabre Towers of Silence. Built by the Parsis escaping persecution in Persia during the 17th century, the Towers were a mortuary for the dead. Being Zoroastrians the Parsis were not allowed to bury or cremate their dead, so in its place they were left in these towers to allow nature to dispose of them. We also visit the municipal dhobi ghats and the Prince of Wales Museum, which has an outstanding compilation of Indian miniatures from the Moghal and Rajasthan schools, whilst at the Mahatma Gandhi Museum we’ll learn a slight of the great man’s life and ideas, because of an notable collection of books, photographs and letters.

Day 18: Mumbai– Goa

Leaving the city timely this morning we travel by train to Goa, following the Konkan Railway to the station at Thivim. Travelling along this line offers us an occasion to rightly realize some of the most stunning scenery tendered by any of the Indian rail networks as we surpass through the amazing scenery of the Western Ghats. The palmfringed shores of Goa were colonised by the Portuguese in the 16th century, who seized the original Arab trade settlement and began building a city on the Arabian Sea sprinkled with houses, gardens monasteries and churches, lots of which unluckily no longer remain.

Goa ultimately became the commercial centre for East and West, where traders could purchase pearls, coral, rubies, golden jewellery, silks, China porcelain, lacquered furniture, ambergris and exotic spices. The Portuguese influence is still very much apparent – the main religion is still Roman Catholic and siestas are still widely applied in the hot afternoons. Like most parts in India, Goa also has its own food specialities, the most well-liked is pork vindaloo! You may also want to sample the locally prepared spirit feni – a spine-tingling drink made from coconut or cashew apples.

Day 19: Goa

We have a comfortable start to the day with the morning free before we meet in the afternoon and take a walk around the city of Panjim. While Goa is mainly known for the beaches that lure tourists during the year, the wide streets of Panjim are worth discovering. The buildings are noticeably European in style with shutters, balconies and red tiled roofs though they are assorted with more traditional temples to form a rather unusual style. If you wish to spend some time on the beach it is just a short taxi ride away. 

Day 20: Goa

This morning we will go to a local spice plantation, to learn a little of the spices and plants that grow between these fertile landscapes. This part of India has long been famous for its plentiful array of spices; indeed Christopher Columbus was en route to the spice rich Malabar Coast when he bounced into America by mistake.

A journey of the gardens with a local guide will disclose the massive wealth of Goa’s aromatic treasures, containing pepper and nutmeg, vanilla and cinnamon. This afternoon we will transfer to the station for the overnight train to Bangalore, travelling transversely the historically rich area of Karnataka to its south-eastern border with Tamil Nadu. Founded in the early years of the 16th century Bangalore went on to become a governmental centre under the British during the 1830s and nowadays can boast one of India’s most vibrant economies, having taken on the title of the country’s science and technological centre.

Day 21: Goa – Hampi

Morning board your train for Hubli / Hospet and then by car to reach Hampi, in the heart of Karnataka. Night stay is in Hampi

Day 22: Hampi – Mysore

Enjoy a on foot tour and discover the stunning ruins of Hampi Palaces, Hazararama Temple, and the boulders on the river. In the evening you will be transferred to Hubli to board your overnight train for Mysore

Night is on board.

Day 23: Mysore

Today we visit the splendid magnificence of the Maharajah’s Palace and the gigantic monolithic sculpture of the sacred bull, Nandi. Formerly built in the 14th century, the palace has undergone two ensuing re-buildings, the most current being in 1912 when the palace was reformed by the English architect Henry Irwin, and is today an opulent mixture of Hindu and British architecture. Filled with stained glass, mirrored halls and an extensive array of ornate furnishings and vibrant colours, the palace’s interiors are a fascinating mix of the elegant and the gaudy, with exquisitely carved doors and mosaic floors sharing space with intensely painted pillars and overly ornate furniture.

The Chamundi Hills overseeing the city are home to the rising Sri Chamundeswari Temple and the 5m high representation of Shiva’s sacred bull, Nandi, which was engraved from a single piece of rock in the 17th century and is one of the biggest in the country. The afternoon is free for own exploration.

Day 24: Mysore – Madikeri

Morning drive to Bylakuppe and discover the Namdroling Monastery – home to nearly 5,000 Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns. Home to closely 5,000 Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns, Namdroling Monastery is recognized as a base for teachings of the Buddha and the Nyingma belief – the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Carry on to Madikeri for your overnight stay

Day 25: Madikeri

Discover Madikeri (the coffee hub of India) and experience a tour of a coffee plantation. Understand the production procedure and have a sample or two of the locally-grown coffee while taking in the beautiful scenery.

Later visit the Madikeri Fort and the famous Raja’s Seat for its spectacular views.

Day 26: Madikeri – Kochi

Morning hop for a morning drive to the coastal town of Kannur. From there Hookfor the Ernakulam Express to Kochi in the afternoon. On arrival at Kochi get transferred to your hotel.

Day 27: Kochi

Stop at Fort Kochi with a local guide this morning we get a better view of some of the city’s rich mixture of different styles. Fort Kochi is the oldest European settlement in India (1500), with a mix of English, Dutch and Portuguese architecture. In our outing, we will visit the Jewish Quarter and its surviving synagogue, the church of St. Francis where Vasco do Gama was buried for a while and the Basilica of Santa Cruz. The Mattancherry Palace was erected by the Portuguese in the 16th century, but wide facelifts by the Dutch some hundred years later earned it the name ‘the Dutch Palace’ and today it houses some of the best murals in India, portraying scenes from the Ramayana and other great legends.

There will also be time to stroll through the fish market and see the interesting cantilevered Chinese Fishing nets before the chance to continue exploring on your own. There is the choice of getting a ferry across to nearby Ernakulam, or possibly visiting the sumptuous magnificence of the Tripunithura Hill Palace, the striking former residence of the Maharajahs of Kochi. As well as being the aged European town in India, Kochi is also home to the famed Kathakali dance, believed by some to be the spirit of the culture of Kerala, revealing as it does events from the great Indian epics of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Its origins may have come from traditional temple rituals and from an art form known as Koodiyattam. It is the face make up which makes this dancing so unique and dancers can take up to three hours painting their faces – the facets are heavily stressed as it is the facemask expressions and co-ordinated eye movements which are important in the dance. This evening there may be an occasion to view one of these remarkable shows for ourselves (optional).

Day 28: Kochi – Alleppey

After breakfast, we drive to Alleppey, to board a houseboat to enjoy some time discovering the maze of canals and channels that make up this enchanting region, the impeccable way to witness the everyday life of the villages of the backwaters. Boat styles are very much reformed to their environment here and on the more open canals you can frequently see boats with large sails, their bows carved into the shape of stylized dragons. Boats are a lively lifeline for the villages and a vital part of the social structure of the region. They perform as taxis and school buses, deliver the mail, and even collect the harvest. You might see great pyramids of coconuts or even the odd buffalo being carried along in this time-honored fashion!

In days gone by these waterways were once the scene of post-harvest water wars, which have now changed into great water carnivals that take place on Lake Vembanad each year. A festivity of Kerala’s seafaring traditions, these ‘snake boats’, which reach over 30 meters in length, are crewed by up to 100 rowers, involving teams made up solely of women. Along the narrow channels the hardworking villagers survive on narrow spits of land, keeping cows, pigs, and chickens and nurturing vegetable gardens. Even the shells from the fresh water mussels are burnt to make building lime, and coir is used for just about all it seems.

Day 29: Alleppey – Kanyakumari

Relishfor some more period in Kerala before boarding an evening train to Kanyakumari. On arrival at Kanyakumari (Nagercoil) you will be transferrd to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 30: Kanyakumari – Madurai

Devoteyour day in Kanyakumari.

Drive to the southernmost tip of India and get a ferry crossways to Vivekananda Rock and the Ramkrishna Ashram. Vivekananda Rock, a small island about 100m from the mainland. Blended with many pilgrims going to visit this holy site—it respects the Hindu poet and philosopher, Swami Vivekananda. Thereafter learn about Hinduism at the quiet Ramakrishna Ashram, an ashram maintained by the Ramakrishna Mission, which is a Hindu effort called after the late philosopher, Swami Ramakrishna. 

In the evening you will be taken to railway station to board train for Madurai. On arrival get transferred to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 31: Madurai

Morning discover the Meenakshi Templemeasured to be the best in South Indian sacred architecture. This massive temple complex is dedicated to Shiva and his wife Parvati, or Meenakshi. Even before you pass through the massive stone walls of the temple, the nine striking gopurams (monumental gateways covered with stucco figures of deities, mythical animals, and monsters all painted in vivid colours) emerge high above.

In the afternoon you have free time exploring the bustling markets and gorgeous temples of this holy city. If time permits then visit what remains of the 17th century palace of the ruler Thirumalai Nayak — he backed extensively to the gorgeous Meenakshi Temple, which is located less than 2km away.

Day 32: Madurai – Chengalpattu – Māmallapuram

Take the morning train to Chengalpattu before going by van to Mamallapuram. Rest of the day is for leisure and rest. Night stay is in Mamallapuram

Day 33: Māmallapuram

Cycle throughout and discover the rock-cut Shore Temple and Mamallapuram Beach. Discover this inspiring group of monuments that were shaped during the 7th and 8th century, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of these, the Shore Temple sets out for its a marvelous view of the Bay of Bengal’s shore. Made of granite, it’s actually a twin-temple devoted to the Hindu gods, Vishnu and Shiva.

Mamallapuram Beach Visit

Day 34: Mamallapuram – Chennai

Drive to Chennai and visit Marina Beach and San Thome Basilica. Thereafter, board an overnight train to Hyderabad.

Day 35: Hyderabad

Get knowledge about the district’s history with a visit to the iconic Charminar and historic Golconda Fort and a visit to Charminar. Also, stopover at most iconic structure, sometimes called the “Arc de Triomphe of the East”, and take in the energetic atmosphere. Also pay visit to nearby Laad Bazaar and browse the stalls.

Day 36: Hyderabad –  Bhubaneshwar – Puri

Have a free morning to explore this state capital. Opt for the Salar Jung Museum or the scenic Qutb Shahi Tombs before seizing an evening flight to Bhubaneshwar. On arrival at Bhubaneshwar you will be directly driven away to Puri.

Day 37: Puri

Drive to Raghuraj Pur Village to explore its heritage and craft. Also see Gotipua dance troupes, palm leaf paintings, stone and wood artifacts, wood toys etc. Also explore beautiful Puri Beaches.

Day 38: Puri – Kolkata

Board morning train for Kolkata, with lunch provided on board. Arrive in the afternoon and sightsee Mother Teresa’s house in the evening.

Day 39: Kolkata

Explore the vintage monuments and streets of this former capital of the British Era. Experience a visit to Victoria Memorial. this grand white marble building, erected in the commencing of the 20th century is devoted to Queen Victoria and has a lush green “maidan” (lawn) in its frontage. The Victoria Memorial is architecturally striking; it combines British and Mughal design, along with essentials of Venetian, Egyptian, Islamic, and other architecture. Next opt for a visit to the New Market zone and learn about the history of this shopping mecca. Legitimately constructed in the 1870s, it once housed the most vital vendors of the British era. Feel free to pick up a few things, too!

Later decide for a ferry ride across the Hooghly River.

In the evening board your overnight train for New Jalpaiguri

Overnight is on board.

Day 40: New Jalpāiguri – Kalimpong

On arrival at New Jalpaiguri Railway station you shall be assisted and will be transferred directly to Kalimpong. On the way snap some views of the mountainous scenery with a stopover at Deolo Hill. Arrive at Kalimpong and check in at your hotel for leisure and rest.

Day 41: Kalimpong – Gangtok

Carry on your drive to Gangtok. On arrival check in at your hotel. Full day is for your own activities.

Night stay is in Gangtok

Day 42: Gangtok

Today have an excursion of Rumtek Monastery which is one of the largest monastery in Sikkim

Make sure that you see the golden stupa containing relics of the 16th Karmapa. Return back to Gangtok for your overnight stay.

Day 43: Gangtok – Darjeeling

Proceed towards Darjeeling, situated in lesser Himalayas at an height of 6700 Ft, it is famous for its world famous tea industry, the stunning views of the world’s third – highest mountain “Kanchaenjunga” and also famed for its Toy Train which is listed in UNESCO World Heritage site. On arrival at check in at your hotel and then explore its lively markets on your own. Night stay is in Darjeeling

Day 44: Explore Darjeeling

Full day is devoted for Darjeeling – watch the stunning sunrise at Tiger Hill, which is famous for its panoramic view of Mt. Everest & Mt. Kanchenjunga (Depends on weather conditions). Reach there to see the sunrise where the mountains bathed in pink light. Carry on your visit to Tea Estate which was first planted by the British in 1952. Make sure that you enjoy a cup of tea there.

Next hop on charming narrow gauge train (Toy Train) from Darjeeling to Kurseong.

Evening is free for leisure and rest.

Day 45: Darjeeling – Varanasi

Drive to New Jalipaiguri and board your train for Varanasi. Night is on board.

Day 46: Arrive Varanasi

Arrive at Varanasi and check in at your hotel. Later have outing to Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha after enlightenment gave his first sermon speech to the world. Return back to Varanasi and then enjoy Aarti by the river Ganges. Spend your night in Varanasi.

Day 47: Varanasi – Lucknow

Early Morning: We commence the daytime with a short cruise down the Ganges River. The boat stops at the Bathing Ghat observatory, the Nepalese Temple of Love, the Cremation Ghats.  Later you will be transferred to Varanasi Railway station for Lucknow. On arrival check in and then visit famous Imam Bara amiddecorative Mughal architecture, this gigantic shrine is a striking sight to observe. Night stay is in Lucknow

Day 48: Lucknow – Delhi

Spend most of the day discovering Lucknow. In the afternoon, board your train for Delhi, with dinner provided on board. Enjoy the night in the bustle of Delhi.

Day 49: Delhi Depart

Day is at leisure.  In time, you shall be transferred to Delhi Airport to board your flight for onwards journey. Tour Ends.