Indian Train Adventure 7N-8D
Asia Escapes Expert Advice
This itinerary is appealing and closely aligned with sustainable tourism trends, utilizing the high-speed rail network in Executive Class (Shatabdi and Vande Bharat) to seamlessly connect the Golden Triangle with the holy city of Varanasi.
Sustainability & Mobility: Traveling by train replaces internal flights, drastically reducing the carbon footprint while delivering an authentic cultural experience for travelers.
Experience Management: It features an excellent selection of optional activities (street food tours, Jaipur by night, textile workshops) that add value to the core product and create upselling opportunities.
Across the entire Indian Railways network, approximately 20 million to 23 million passengers travel by train every single day.
TRAIN TRAVEL: AN APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
The history of the train in India is a true epic—combining innovation, colonization, and social transformation.
The first Indian train ran on April 16, 1853, connecting Bombay (now Mumbai) with Thane over a distance of 34 km. This inaugural journey marked the beginning of a network that would become one of the most extensive in the world.
Under the British Empire, railways were primarily used to transport raw materials to ports for export. However, they quickly became a tool for national cohesion. In 1951, following independence, the 42 existing railway networks were nationalized to form Indian Railways, currently one of the world’s largest employers, with more than 1.4 million employees.
Key Facts:
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, opened in 1881, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today, the network carries more than 23 million passengers per day, connecting the most remote corners of the country.
It is much more than a simple means of transport: it is a connecting thread that links the history and diversity of India.
DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN DELHI
Arrival at Delhi International Airport. After clearing immigration and collecting your luggage, our representative will meet you in the arrivals terminal.
Transfer to your hotel and check-in to your room (rooms are available from 14:00 hrs).
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 02: DELHI
After breakfast, you will set out to explore Jama Masjid (photo stop) and Agra/Delhi Red Fort (Lal Qila, photo stop), whose imposing red sandstone walls stretch for 2 kilometers.
Next, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the picturesque alleys of Chandni Chowk (literally “Moonlit Square”). You will be captivated by its colorful stalls, lively vendors, and vibrant ambience reminiscent of Oriental bazaars. Let yourself be enchanted by the aromas of spices and freshly prepared dishes.
Optional Experience — Heritage Walk (English-speaking guide):
Duration: 4 hours | Timings: Starting at 7:00 AM or 11:00 AM
Our heritage walks offer a diverse experience of urban life like a local. Stroll through vibrant markets and medieval neighborhoods, interact with artisans, and exchange perspectives with residents. Includes visits to local temples, old city streets, spice markets, wholesale vegetable markets, bridal markets, artisan workshops, and more.
Enjoy a rickshaw ride (a typical three-wheeled vehicle) through the historic alleys of Chandni Chowk.
A must-see visit is the Sikh temple Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, where thousands of meals are served daily to everyone regardless of social class, caste, or religion. You will even have the opportunity to participate in preparing meals, including making the famous chapatis.
In the afternoon, explore modern New Delhi with its wide avenues lined with embassies and administrative buildings. Stroll along Rajpath, flanked by ornamental ponds where the annual Republic Day parade takes place every January 26th.
At the ends of Rajpath, admire the India Gate to the east (an impressive triumphal arch) and Rashtrapati Bhavan to the west (the former Viceroy’s residence, now the Presidential Residence).
Finally, end your day on a high note with a visit to Qutub Minar, an imposing 72-meter-high minaret dating back to the 12th century, a symbol of the nascent Muslim era in India.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 03: DELHI / JAIPUR (Train: Executive Class)
Early morning transfer to the railway station to board the train to Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan.
Optional Experience — Jaipur by Night:
Duration: 3 hours | Timings: 17:30 – 20:30 (Min. 2, Max. 10 pax, English-speaking guide)
Discover the Pink City illuminated at night via a combination of walking and rickshaw rides. Explore the old town, its lifestyle, markets, illuminated monuments, Hawa Mahal, Katla Market (Jaipur’s largest wedding shopping market), sample local delicacies, and enjoy rooftop view from historic havelis.
Afterward, enjoy free time to relax and explore the city at your own pace.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 04: JAIPUR
Breakfast at the hotel.
Visit Amber Fort, the ancient capital located 25 km from Jaipur, built on a hilltop set in a landscape of great beauty.
The ascent and descent of Amber Fort will be conducted in 4×4 Jeeps (6 people per jeep).
In the afternoon, city tour:
- City Palace: A major portion now houses the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum, featuring collections of royal attire, carpets, miniatures, weapons, and musical instruments.
- Jantar Mantar Astronomical Observatory: Built by Rajput King Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century, featuring sophisticated instruments to calculate eclipses and celestial positions.
- Hawa Mahal (“Palace of the Winds”): (Photo stop) A unique facade behind which royal women could observe street life unobserved.
In the evening, attend the Aarti Ceremony at Birla Temple (optional). Built in 1988 by the Birla Group of Industries.
Optional Experience — Food Tour / Street Food Tasting:
Duration: 2 hours | Timings: 09:30 to 17:30 (Min. 2, Max. 10 pax, English-speaking guide)
Experience India’s world-famous street food culture, local markets, and traditional temple visits.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 05: JAIPUR / AGRA (Train 22987 — 08:10 / 12:40 Executive Class)
Early morning transfer to the railway station to board the train to Agra.
Upon arrival at the station, you will be met by our representative or driver, followed by hotel transfer and check-in.
Explore Agra Fort, an immense fortress situated on the banks of the Yamuna River where Shah Jahan spent his final days gazing at his dream in marble.
At sunset, visit the Taj Mahal, the most famous monument in India and the world. Built in the 17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
(Note: The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays. Visits are limited to a maximum of 3 hours).
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 06: AGRA / VARANASI (Train 20176 — 06:00 / 14:05 Executive Class)
Early morning transfer to the railway station to board the train to Varanasi (Note: This train does not operate on Wednesdays).
Upon arrival at the station, you will be met by our representative or driver, followed by hotel transfer and check-in.
Varanasi, the city of Lord Shiva, is recognized as one of the holiest cities in India. Pilgrims come to cleanse their sins by bathing in the sacred Ganges River.
Optional Experience — Textiles & Banaras:
Duration: 2.5 hours | Timings: 06:30 – 09:00 or 17:30 – 20:00
Stroll through the historical weaving alleys dating back to the 17th century. Includes visits to old alleys, small weaving workshops, hands-on loom trial, and a silk stole souvenir.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 07: VARANASI
In the morning, enjoy a boat ride along the Ganges River. Observe the daily pujas (offerings) performed by priests and devotees along the ghats.
Next, explore the city: see the sadhus (ascetic holy men) along the riverbanks. Explore the old town filled with hidden temples within a maze of narrow alleys.
In the afternoon, excursion to Sarnath (10 km northeast of Varanasi), one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites, where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon on the “Middle Way” after attaining enlightenment.
In the evening, witness the Ganga Aarti Ceremony on the ghats. Thousands of lamps illuminate the riverbank as priests chant traditional Sanskrit hymns.
Rest of the day free for relaxation/yoga.
Optional Experiences in Varanasi:
- Spiritual Kashi: (2 hours) Explore famous temples and sacred ghats with an English-speaking guide.
- Alleys of Benarés: (4 hours) In-depth walking tour exploring the authentic back alleys, markets, shrines, and local culture unreachable by vehicles.
- Banarasi Bhoj — Cooking Session: Learn traditional cooking techniques with a local Brahmin family and enjoy a home-cooked vegetarian meal.
- Vedic Vigyaan — Vedic Astrology Consultation: Personalized session and horoscope reading with a traditional Vedic astrologer.
Overnight at the hotel.
DAY 08: VARANASI / DELHI / DEPARTURE
Early morning transfer to the railway station to board the Vande Bharat Express train back to Delhi.
Upon arrival in Delhi, vehicle and driver will remain at your disposal until your scheduled departure transfer to the international airport for your flight home.
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Price Includes:
07 nights accommodation in double room sharing at mentioned/similar 4-star hotels.
Daily breakfast throughout the trip (Days 2 to 8).
04 Executive Class train journeys (Chair Car):
Delhi – Jaipur (Shatabdi Express)
Jaipur – Agra (ALL AF Express)
Agra – Varanasi (Vande Bharat Express)
Varanasi – Delhi (Vande Bharat Express)
English / French-speaking local guides for full-day sightseeing in Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, and Varanasi.
Single-entry monument tickets per itinerary.
01 Rickshaw ride in Delhi.
01 Rickshaw ride in Varanasi.
01 Private boat ride on the Ganges in Varanasi.
4×4 Jeep ride for Amber Fort ascent & descent in Jaipur.
All transfers and sightseeing in private air-conditioned vehicle.
All current government taxes.
Price Excludes:
Visa fees.
Optional tours/experiences.
Domestic & International flights and airport taxes.
Wi-Fi fees (where charged by hotels).
Travel & medical insurance.
Personal expenses (tips, laundry, phone calls, camera fees at monuments, drinks, etc.).
Meals not mentioned in the inclusions.
Category | Key Highlight / Experience | Destination / Segment |
Rail & Sustainability | Executive Class Rail Journeys: Smooth, eco-friendly travel connecting imperial cities aboard the Shatabdi and Vande Bharat Express trains. | Delhi, Jaipur, Agra, and Varanasi |
Heritage & History | Taj Mahal & Agra Fort: Entry to the world’s most iconic mausoleum and exploration of the Mughal imperial fortress. | Agra |
Rajput Culture | Amber Fort in 4×4 Jeep & Hawa Mahal: Tour of the ancient hilltop fortress, City Palace, and the facade of the Palace of Winds. | Jaipur |
Delhi Immersion | Chandni Chowk by Rickshaw & Qutub Minar: Traditional three-wheeler ride through Old Delhi and a visit to the 12th-century minaret. | Delhi |
Sacred Spirituality | Aarti Ceremony & Ganges River Cruise: Private morning boat ride along the ghats and the mystical evening fire ceremony. | Varanasi |
Optional Experiences | Culinary & Local Workshops: Jaipur by night, Varanasi textile tour, traditional cooking session in a Brahmin home, and Vedic astrology consultations. | Jaipur & Varanasi |
HOTEL ACCOMMODATION (4-STAR CATEGORY B)
City | Hotel Name | Nights |
Delhi | Hotel LA | 2 |
Jaipur | Hotel Devmahal | 2 |
Agra | Hotel Regal Vista | 1 |
Varanasi | Hotel Broadway | 2 |