Indian rail journey

The Great Indian Rail Journey

Experience the magic of India via it’s iconic rail network

All aboard! Ride the rails of India’s iconic rail network on this independent Indian rail journey through Rajasthan’s hidden corners and some of its most well-known sights. Begin in Kolkata on this journey that will take you all the way to bustling Delhi and beyond. Walk the pink streets of Jaipur, explore the blue city of Jodhpur and discover the lake town of Udaipur. Wonder at the Taj Mahal in Agra and explore the local markets of the city of Bikaner, a place which is often missed by many western travellers. Sail along the Ganges in the holy city of Varanasi and wander the forts of Jaisalmer – this is an itinerary that really does have it all.

As an independent journey you’ll be free to explore at your own pace, or select from many optional activities provided by our local representatives in each destination. This trip offers more flexibility in that it can depart on any day of the week and runs as confirmed for as little as two people.

THE GREAT INDIAN RAIL JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Enjoy watching India pass by and mingle with the local people as you experience India’s iconic rail network.
  • Keep your own schedule and explore independently or choose from a range of optional excursions offered in destination – your trip, your choice!
  • Explore India’s most famous sites such as the Taj Mahal (optional) and the pink city of Jaipur.
  • Discover some of the regions hidden gems such as the desert city of Bikaner, a place where few travellers venture.
  • Visit the holy city of Varanasi, take a boat ride down the Ganges at sunset to watch an Aarti ceremony and take a side trip to Sarnath the site at which Buddha preached his first sermon (activities listed are optional).
  • Peace of mind knowing all trip logistics and accommodation are taken care of by us, leaving you free to explore and enjoy yourself.

The Basics

Start: Kolkata

Finish: Delhi

Trip style: Independent

Max group size: 15

17 Days

KOLKATA – DELHI

$3686 AUD*

Departure date: All dates

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Trip code: GJKD*from

ITINERARY

Arrive in bustling Kolkata make your own way to the hotel. You will meet our local representative this evening. If you would prefer to be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel, airport transfers are available at an additional cost..

Today you have a full day to experience the city of Kolkata. Formerly known as Calcutta, the city was established as a British trading post in 1690 and became the capital of British India in 1772. The city played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence and is known for its rich cultural heritage and intellectual contributions. Today, Kolkata remains a vibrant cultural hub and a major economic centre in eastern India.

Explore the city at your own pace or join an optional city tour which includes Victoria Memorial, Mother House, Dakshineswar Kali Temple and the Indian Museum.

This evening you will take the overnight train to the holy city of Varanasi.

Welcome to Varanasi. You will arrive in the morning and be transferred to your hotel to freshen up.

Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, is a major spiritual and cultural centre in India, revered as a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus. It is renowned for its ghats along the Ganges River, where rituals and ceremonies are performed. The city also holds a rich tradition of learning, art, and music, making it a focal point of Indian heritage.

There are many options to explore this amazing city, wander the alleys of the old city, sit on the ghats and watch the river or take an optional trip to the site of Sarnath, the place at which Buddha preached his first sermon. This evening you could also take an optional boat ride along the Ganges to view the crematoriums serving the city and to view the evening Aarti ceremony – a must when visiting Varanasi.

Today is yours to do as you please. If you’re an early riser you might like to take an optional boat ride followed by a visit to the temples on the river.

This evening discover Varanasi’s connection to death and reincarnation with an optional death and rebirth walk through the city led by a local guide.

This evening you will board the overnight train to Agra.

Pull into Agra station in the early morning and transfer to your hotel.

Freshen up and take an organised optional guided tour of Agra fort and take a walk through the Kuchupudi village. This guided walk to see how the local people of Agra live, supports the village and local initiatives.

If you would like to explore Agra on your own you have a full day to see as much as you can. The choice is yours.

Start the day with an optional visit to the Taj Mahal for sunrise, then enjoy India’s premiere attraction with a local guide. The Taj Mahal was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate craftsmanship, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of eternal love.

In the late afternoon, catch the train to the pink city of Jaipur, arriving in the late evening you will be transferred to your hotel on arrival.

Jaipur, the “Pink City” of India, dazzles with its resplendent palaces and vibrant bazaars, all imbued with a royal charm. This enchanting city, adorned in rosy-hued buildings, is a treasure trove of Rajasthani heritage and regal splendour. From the majestic Amer Fort to the bustling Johari Bazaar, Jaipur is a kaleidoscope of history, culture, and opulence.

Explore Jaipur with an optional city tour that includes the Amer Fort, observatory, city palace and Bapu market.

Today you have a full day at leisure to check out Jaipur. Why not get some colourful photos at the Patrika gate or explore places a little further away like the Monkey Temple built among the cliff face just outside the city. If you prefer you can spend today café hopping and enjoying Jaipur’s food scene with a good dose of shopping thrown in.

In the late evening you will be transferred to the station to catch the overnight train to Udaipur.


Arrive in Udaipur in the early morning and transfer to your hotel to freshen up. 

Udaipur, the “City of Lakes,” glistens with ethereal beauty, where palatial marvels rise from serene waters and ancient temples whisper tales of bygone eras. Nestled amidst lush hills and shimmering lakes, it exudes a regal charm and romantic allure that captivates every visitor.

Today, you may wish to take an optional tour of the city including the city palace, vintage car museum and the Jagdish temple or just explore at your own pace.

Today is yours to explore Udaipur at your own pace. Why not explore the lively market or take a boat ride on one of the city’s many lakes. It’s up to you today, so see where the road takes you.

This evening we will take a local overnight bus to the blue city of Jodhpur.

Arrive in Jodhpur in the early morning and transfer to your hotel to freshen up.

Jodhpur, the “Blue City,” enchants with its labyrinth of azure-hued homes set against the backdrop of the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. This desert jewel sparkles with vibrant markets, bustling with spices and textiles, and a timeless charm that echoes the grandeur of its royal past. Bathed in golden sunlight, Jodhpur offers a kaleidoscope of Rajasthani heritage, rich culture, and architectural splendour.

Enjoy a free day of exploring Jodhpurs maze like streets, poking in and out of shops and savouring its rich cuisine or take an optional half day tour to visit the Mehrangarh fort, Jaswant Thada and be guided through the city.

Depart Jodhpur in the early morning and board the train to the desert city of Jaisalmer. The day train is a great opportunity to see some more of Rajasthan out the window and to mingle with other travellers.

You will arrive in Jaisalmer in the mid-afternoon and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Jaisalmer. This evening join other travellers for an optional “dinner on the dunes” and a cultural performance in the desert.

Jaisalmer, the “Golden City,” rises like a desert mirage with its sun-kissed sandstone architecture that shimmers like gold under the vast Thar Desert sky. Its stunning fort, a sprawling golden fortress, and intricately carved havelis weave tales of ancient desert life and royal splendour. Jaisalmer’s enchanting ambiance and vibrant bazaars create a mesmerizing blend of history, culture, and desert beauty.

Today is yours to explore Jaisalmer on your own, or you may wish to take an optional tour of Jaisalmer fort and Patwon Ki Haveli.

** note train to Bikaner leaves at approx. 12.30am

Depart for Bikaner in the early hours of the morning (12.30am) on this day arriving as the sun is rising.

Bikaner, a captivating oasis in the Thar Desert, dazzles with its vibrant red sandstone forts and regal havelis, casting a warm, rosy glow under the sun-drenched sky.

Explore the city at your own pace today or take an optional trip to Junagarh Fort, the Imperial Art Gallery and Karni Mata Temple; India’s infamous “rat temple.”

Today is a free day to explore Bikaner at your own pace. Tonight catch the overnight train to Delhi, India’s capital.

Your last train will pull into Delhi station in the early hours of the morning and you will be met and transfer to your hotel.

Delhi, a mesmerizing mosaic of old and new, pulses with life as ancient forts and bustling bazaars blend seamlessly with modern skyscrapers and sprawling gardens. This vibrant capital city, where the grandeur of historical monuments like the Red Fort and Qutub Minar meets the contemporary buzz of Connaught Place and Lajpat Nagar, is a dynamic tapestry of culture, history, and innovation. Delhi’s streets, alive with the aroma of street food and the hum of diverse languages, offer an ever-changing kaleidoscope of experiences.

You can choose to explore Delhi on your own or take an optional guided tour of both old and new Delhi.

Services conclude after breakfast. Inverted Atlas can assist you with additional accommodation arrangements before or after the trip as well as provide an airport transfer.

The Great Indian Rail Journey
Trip Map – The Great Indian Rail Journey

Details – The Great Indian Rail Journey

Duration: 17 Days

Trip style: Independent

Group size: Minimum 2 / Maximum 15

Trip code: GJKD

Cost: 3686.00 AUD twin share

Single supplement: from $1107.00 AUD

Inclusions

  • 16-nights accommodation in locally owned and traditional-inspired hotels & camps
  • Meals as specified in itinerary (B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner)
  • Transport as stated in the itinerary including public trains and buses
  • Transfers to/from local train and bus stations to accommodation
  • Services of local representative in each destination 

Trip price does not include

  • International & domestic airfares
  • Visa for India
  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • Meals not included as per trip itinerary including drinks and mini bar
  • All excursions listed in this itinerary are optional and at an additional expense to the traveller.
  • Additional accommodation before or after the tour
  • Items of a personal nature including but not limited to laundry, souvenirs, porterage etc.
  • Travel insurance – please note comprehensive travel insurance is a condition of travel with Inverted Atlas

Journey Rating – Journey

This independent Indian rail journey takes place in a part of India that is relatively well travelled. If you are from a western country, the local people in these areas will be curious about you and where you come from. They will often want to take photos with you to show their friends and family.

To explore India at an independent level, you will need a reasonable level of fitness and a strong sense of adventure. This trip uses public overnight trains and an overnight bus. Sightseeing if not booked with our local representative (additional cost) is at your own pace and cost and you will need to be able to figure out the logistics of getting from A to B, although our local representative is available to help if you need information.

Women are strongly advised to either wear a floor length dress or pants. While not mandatory, this will avoid causing offense culturally and prevent a lot of unwanted attention. To be culturally sensitive, men should wear trousers.

Good quality hospitals, pharmacies and other public amenities will be limited to big cities but should never be too far away. Facilities such as public toilets will not be of the same standard that you are used to at home.

A note about fitness

The Great Indian Rail Journey a good level of physical fitness. You should be able to walk up to 4km at times and manage uneven surfaces during sightseeing, which will sometimes be at an incline. In addition, you should be able to climb up to 200 stairs unassisted and use an eastern style squat toilet (beware if you have knee issues). Traveling on overnight trains can be a little uncomfortable and tains are in a 4-berth two up, two down bunk configuration. You must be able to climb into the top bunk on the train and bottom bunks can not be guaranteed.

You will need to be able to carry your own luggage to and from the transfer vehicle and get it on and off the train. We strongly recommend bringing a soft backpack and not a hard suitcase with wheels as there is nowhere to store this kind of luggage on Indian trains.

In addition, you should be in good health, with no major chronic conditions requiring frequent medical attention. This trip often travels through remote locations where the availability of a hospital or even phone reception to call an ambulance is limited. For more information please see our booking conditions.

Single supplement

Traveling by yourself? No problem, we love single travellers and don’t believe in penalising them by charging half the trip price again for our single supplement. With us you are only paying the actual cost to have a room all to yourself. If you’re up for making a new friend, you can elect to share with another single traveller of the same sex (if available) and only pay the twin-share price. The choice is yours!

Because this trip is semi-independent and can run on any day, if you are a solo traveller, please reach out to us for costs.

Itinerary disclaimer

This itinerary for the Great Indian Rail Journey, is correct at the time of upload to our website and we have composed it in good faith. From time to time we may elect to make changes before departure, if we are making a big change we will of course notify you, however if it is a small change this will be reflected in the final trip notes. So, make sure you download these prior to departure. Small changes prior to departure are usually made with the groups best interests in mind and come about due to liaising with our best resources – our past travelers and of course our trip leaders! The ability to change and evolve depending on what our travelers enjoy is what makes us such a great trip operator.

While we strive to operate our trips exactly to the letter of the itinerary, sometimes we may need to make changes on the ground while the group is on the road. This is all part of the adventure of traveling and we would ask that you come on your trip with an open mind and a good sense of humour because as much as we want it to, everything doesn’t always go to plan. In fact, these impromptu situations often make the best stories that you can have a laugh with your friends about later.

Age requirements

Minimum Age: 16 years

Due to the remote nature of the destinations visited on this trip and shared nature of the accommodation of the trains and bus, we are happy to welcome everyone over the age of 16.

There is no upper age limit for this trip, but you should consider the above fitness requirements prior to booking. If you are 65 years or over, you will be asked to complete our Health Check Form and have your medical practitioner sign it to confirm you are in good health and able to participate safely on this trip.

If you’re interested in the festivals of India why not take a look at this helpful calendar?

Travel insurance

Please note that comprehensive travel insurance is a condition of travel with Inverted Atlas. Insurance must include provision for medical situations, emergency medical repatriation to your home country and personal liability at a minimum. Proof of valid travel insurance will be requested by your trip leader on arrival at the pre-departure meeting. Please have this paperwork available for them. If you are unable to provide proof of comprehensive travel insurance, you may not be allowed to join the trip and no refund will be payable.

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