Tour Duration : 10 Nights / 11 Days
Places Covered : Delhi - Agra - Gwalior - Khajuraho - Varanasi - Kolkata.

Many books have been written about the romance and fun of the railway in the Subcontinent for there are few places in the world where tyhe excitement of train travel is still so alive. Using the best available trains, you will be conveyed across the vast Indian plains via the Mughal city of Agra, the Scindia stronghold of Gwalior, the erotic temple sculptures at Khajuraho and Varanasi, India's holiest city, before finally pulling into Calcutta's bustling Howrah station.

The noise of station vendors and the frequent sound of steam engines add to the richness of one of the world's most comprehensive railway systems. This tour combines the luxury of fine hotels with the comparative simplicity of the railway carriage. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!.

Tour Itinerary:
Day 01 Arrive at New Delhi - Morning arrive at New Delhi. Transfer to your Hotel. In the afternoon time permitting, there will be brief tour of the tree-lined avenues of New delhi, visiting the Rajpath and the governement buildings designed by Lutyens and Baker in the 1920's. Birla House, where Mahatma Gandhi the Father of the Nation lived and was finally was assassinated. It now houses many belongings of Gandhiji and photographs depicting his life.Visit to the Laxmi Narayan Temple, popularly known as the Birla Mandir, is a large Hindu temple built in 1938. People of all faiths can enter and worship, but one must walk barefoot into the courtyard and further on. A visit to the Bahai Temple situated atop the Kalkaji Hill. This distinctive lotus shaped marvel, surrounded by a landscaped garden, has been dubbed the Taj Mahal of the 21st Century.

Day 02 To Agra - Early in the morning you board the Shatabdi Express to Agra, where you transfer to the Hotel for 2 nights. This morning you visit the impressive Agra Fort with its elegant sandstone and white marble palaces and the incomparable Taj Mahal, the climax of the Mughal architectural achievement and a testament to an emperor's undying love. The afternoon is at leisure for optional excursions to the tomb of Akbar at Sikandra or to Itimad-ud-Daulah across the Jamuna River.

Day 03 At Agra - Today you visit the deserted city Fatehpur Sikri, once the capital of the great Mughal emperor, akbar. The city that was larger than London in its heyday, remains in near perfect condition and allows a fascinating insight into life at the Mughal court in the 16th. century. On your return to Agra, you will have the afternoon at leisure.

Day 04 To Gwalior - Your train journey today is abroad teh Taj Express which brings you to the fort city of Gwalior, home of the famous Scindia dynasty. You stay at the Usha Kiran Palace, formerly the guest house of the royal family. After lunch there is a tour of the spectacular fort with its riot of colorful tile work and outstanding stonework.

Day 05 To Orcha and Khajuraho - The Shatabdi Express is once more your train for the journey to Jhansi. On arrival you are met and driven to the delightful village of Orcha. Making your base at the atmospheric Sheesh Mahal where simple lunch will be served, you are free to wander around exploring and absorbing the magnificence of this one-time center of the Bundela kings. During the afternoon, proceed to Khajuraho, where you will stay at the Taj Chandela Hotel for 2 nights.

Day 06 At Khajuraho - Today you will see the famous Chandela dynasty temples built in the 10th. and 11th. centuries and noted for their spectacular sculpture and erotic carving. The afternoon is at leisure with time to visit the nearby deserted Rajgarh Palace or relax by the pool at your hotel.

Day 07 To Varanasi - A midday flight brings you to Varanasi, where you stay at the Taj Ganges Hotel. The afternoon will be at leisure.Benaras - as it is also called, is one of the oldest cities of the world and a microcosm of Indian life. Since it was also an ancient centre of learning, the Banars Hindu Univesity is worth a visit as are the silver and gold brocade shops, for which Banaras is world famous.

Day 08 At Varanasi - An early morning boat tide on the Ganges allows you an opportunity to witness the 2,000 year old rites of worship unfolding in their daily ritual on the ghats or river steps. After exploring the maze of streets in the old city you will proceed to Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first sermon and a new religion was born. This evening you transfer to the Mughal Sarai railway station, some distance outside the city, to board the mail train to Kolkatta.

Day 09 Arrive at Kolkatta - Your journey across the north of India ends in the bustle of Howrah station where you are met and transferred to the Taj Bengal Hotel for a stay of 2 nights. In the afternoon you visit the imposing Victoria memorial and enjoy an orientation tour of this remarkable city.

Day 10 At Kolkatta - Today you will visit what are considered to be one of India's finest botanical gardens, set amid lakes, lawns and boasting rare trees whilst spraw3ling along the west bank of the Hooghly. You will travel to the gardens in the traditional way, by ferry. This evening enjoy farewell drinks at the renowned Tollygunge Club.

Day 11 Leave Kolkatta - Today is at leisure allowing you to explore the city's many facets either in small groups or individually. There is a life and pulse here that reveals the inner soul and strength of this extraordinary city. Alternatively you may prefer to relax in the unhurried atmosphere of your outstanding hotel or visit Mother Theresa's orphanage.

In the afternoon you will have a transfer to the airport for your homebound flight.

Note: Due to very limited capacity, it is unlikely that first class sleepers will be available on train from Varanasi to Kolkatta. Second class, air-conditioned berths will be confirmed for you. Trains in India cannot be compared with trains in the west but are an integral part of travel in the Subcontinent.

Mail us to Book This tour : mktg@discoveryfullcircle.com