Northern India by Train

“Namaste”, welcome to India! Your private driver meets you at the airport and takes you to the south of Delhi. You can take your time getting to know New Delhi for the first time, with all its hustle and bustle. Or, relax at your hotel after this long flight.

Today, you discover the “Old Delhi” neighborhood. Built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who also commissioned the Taj Mahal, you explore on foot or by rickshaw the lively lanes of this vibrant district, as well as the Great Jama Masjid Mosque. Then, enjoy a 4-hour food tour, still in Old Delhi, with an English-speaking guide. You’ll be greeted by the scents of spices and street food that is mainly vegetarian.

This morning, you’re transferred to Delhi station for a 6-hour train ride to Amritsar. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. You visit the Golden Temple, the most sacred place for the Sikhs, and discover the Assembly Hall and the Guru Ram Das Langar. Then, take part in a cooking class to prepare a traditional Punjabi meal, which you enjoy on site.

Today, you discover the Durgiana Temple, inspired by the Golden Temple, honoring the goddess Durga with Lakshmi and Vishnu. Then, you head to Jallianwala Bagh, the site of the terrible 1919 massacre. You also visit the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum and attend the ceremony of the beating retreat at Wagah, the border post between India and Pakistan, on the Grand Trunk Road. In the evening, you’re driven to Amritsar station to catch the overnight train to Haridwar for a journey of about 9 hours.

On arrival, you’ll be met at Haridwar station and taken to your hotel. Haridwar, steeped in religiosity, immerses you in the roots of Hinduism with its unique atmosphere. You explore the city and stroll through its colorful market. Late in the day, experience the Ganga Aarti—a captivating religious ceremony held every evening at Har Ki Pauri in honor of the goddess Ganga.

After breakfast, you set off with your driver to Rajaji National Park, located in the Siwalik foothills. It’s during a 3-hour safari in an open jeep that you set out to spot the park’s 300 bird species. Next, you travel to Rishikesh, the world capital of yoga, where you visit Lakshman Jhula, the Trimbakeshwar Temple, and the Parmarth Niketan Ashram. End your day with the Ganga aarti ceremony at Triveni Ghat.

Today is a day that’s yours. You can visit the city at your own pace, go shopping, visit the Beatles ashram, relax, or do yoga. In the evening, your driver takes you to Rishikesh station for your overnight train to Lucknow. The journey lasts about 11 hours.

This morning, you’re greeted at Lucknow station and transferred to your hotel. Discover the capital of Uttar Pradesh, famous for its refined cultural heritage and monuments, including the Bara Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, and the Residency. Don’t miss the Chhota Imambara and the Collège de la Martinière.

In the morning, you take the train from Lucknow to Varanasi. After about 5 hours, you arrive in Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world and a major religious center on the banks of the Ganges. You explore the city of Lord Shiva and attend the lively ceremony on the city’s ghats, where the spiritual atmosphere is truly striking.

In the morning, from a boat, you admire the spectacle of the ghats at sunrise, where the peaceful ambiance of the Ganges prevails. Next, head to Sarnath, where Buddha delivered his first sermon. You visit mythical Buddhist sites such as the Dhamekh Stupa and its museum. Back in Varanasi, you take a tour of the Gola Dinanath spice market and admire the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Late in the day, transfer to the station for about 8 hours on the overnight train to Khajuraho.

Your new driver welcomes you at Khajuraho station. Then, you discover the Khajuraho temples, built between the 9th and 10th centuries under the Chandela, rediscovered in 1838 after 700 years of obscurity. Next, visit the Hindu and Jain temples spread across three groups, including the Kandariya, famous for its erotic sculptures. You explore the village and its traditional crafts, then admire the Raneh waterfalls, created by the Ken River. Overnight at the hotel.

Very early in the morning, you take the train to Agra. After 8 hours, you arrive in Agra. Home of the magnificent Taj Mahal, the city, jewel of the Mughal golden age. This mausoleum, built by Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, is a symbol of eternal love. You also explore the Agra Fort and other architectural treasures of this ancient imperial capital.

Today, you visit the Red Fort, a former military fortress of Akbar transformed into a palace by Shah Jahan, with its massive walls and the pearl mosque. You discover the Mehtab Bagh gardens, offering a splendid view of the Taj Mahal from the other bank of the Yamuna, and you admire the Itmad-Ud-Daulah mausoleum, also known as the Baby Taj. In the afternoon, your driver takes you back to Delhi for a final night in India.

Depending on the schedule, your driver will take you to the airport for your return flight. We hope you enjoyed your trip to India and discovering this country by train. Safe travels back, and see you soon on Asia’s routes.