India Train & Rail Journeys Tours & Trip Packages

India Train & Rail Journeys Tours & Trips

684 India trips. Tours from 197 tour companies. 2,066 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

20 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Train & Rail Journeys
Golden Triangle with Ranthambore – Trains, Tigers and the Taj Mahal
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4.8/5 Excellent
24 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Agra, Delhi, Jaipur, Taj Mahal

Highlights

  • Scenic journeys by Executive Class and Chair Class rail and car transfer
  • Delhi – Full Day sightseeing of Old & New Delhi (Optional: Musical Fountain Show at Akshardham Temple)
  • Agra – Taj Mahal & Agra Fort
  • Jaipur – Full Day sightseeing of Jaipur & Fatehpur Sikri (Optional: Customised Walking Tour of Jaipur city with an expert & Cooking Demo with Dinner at Dera Mandawa
  • Ranthambhore – Morning and Afternoon Game Drives in Ranthambhore National Park with Lunch and Dinner in Ranthambhore
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Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys

What travelers are saying

"My husband and I recently booked a holiday via Planet Rail and what a good call that turned out to be. We gave Guy and the team little time to arrange the holiday as it was a fairly last minute decision by us to travel. Planet Rail found the right balance between being very helpful and friendly but also remaining professional. The customer service offered is personal and you definitely feel that it’s important to Planet Rail that they get your holiday right - and for us they most certainly did. Our holiday exceeded our expectations, and I don’t mind admitting that I am not always easy to please. The travel arrangements went without a hitch; the hotels we stayed in were spot on. Locations - breathtakingly beautiful - attention to detail was second to none. It can sometimes be unwise to recommend something as one persons delight is another’s displeasure - but in this instance I fail to see how anyone would not be impressed by the service offered by Planet Rail - I would book with them again in a heartbeat."

Trip dates & details
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India’s Palace on Wheels – India’s Luxury Rail Holiday
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4.8/5 Excellent
24 reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Agra, Agra Fort, Delhi, Jaipur, Jama Masjid, Jodhpur, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Taj Mahal, Udaipur

Highlights

  • Scenic rail journeys on board the Palace on Wheels
  • Delhi – Orientation Tour of Delhi
  • Jaipur – Sightseeing of Jaipur
  • Sawai Madhopur & Chittorgarh – Jungle safaris by shared ‘Canter’ (open-air vehicle) in Ranthambhore National Park and a visit to Chittorgarh Fort
  • Udaipur – Sightseeing of Udaipur
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Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys

What travelers are saying

"My husband and I recently booked a holiday via Planet Rail and what a good call that turned out to be. We gave Guy and the team little time to arrange the holiday as it was a fairly last minute decision by us to travel. Planet Rail found the right balance between being very helpful and friendly but also remaining professional. The customer service offered is personal and you definitely feel that it’s important to Planet Rail that they get your holiday right - and for us they most certainly did. Our holiday exceeded our expectations, and I don’t mind admitting that I am not always easy to please. The travel arrangements went without a hitch; the hotels we stayed in were spot on. Locations - breathtakingly beautiful - attention to detail was second to none. It can sometimes be unwise to recommend something as one persons delight is another’s displeasure - but in this instance I fail to see how anyone would not be impressed by the service offered by Planet Rail - I would book with them again in a heartbeat."

Trip dates & details
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Luxury Rail: a taste of the Maharajas' Express and western Rajasthan
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Agra, Amber Fort, Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Taj Mahal, Udaipur

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys

What travelers are saying

"It's hard to describe how lucky we are to have been able to work with Stephanie in planning our honeymoon to Japan. From the very beginning, Stephanie was friendly, flexible, and an absolute wealth of knowledge. We had several meetings with her leading up to our trip to come up with the perfect itinerary. Throughout this, Stephanie was mindful of our budget, without sacrificing anything. During our trip, Audley was available at all hours to help with anything and everything which was such a relief to know we had that resource available to us. I truly cannot imagine having planned this trip without all of Stephanie's guidance and knowledge- and cannot imagine taking another big trip like this without the help of Audley. Thank you again!"

Trip dates & details
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Luxury Rail: travel through Rajasthan on the Palace on Wheels
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Delhi, Jodhpur, Rajasthan

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Train & Rail Journeys

What travelers are saying

"It's hard to describe how lucky we are to have been able to work with Stephanie in planning our honeymoon to Japan. From the very beginning, Stephanie was friendly, flexible, and an absolute wealth of knowledge. We had several meetings with her leading up to our trip to come up with the perfect itinerary. Throughout this, Stephanie was mindful of our budget, without sacrificing anything. During our trip, Audley was available at all hours to help with anything and everything which was such a relief to know we had that resource available to us. I truly cannot imagine having planned this trip without all of Stephanie's guidance and knowledge- and cannot imagine taking another big trip like this without the help of Audley. Thank you again!"

Trip dates & details
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Luxury Rail: discover central India on the Deccan Odyssey
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Kerala, Mumbai

Themes

Cultural, Train & Rail Journeys

What travelers are saying

"It's hard to describe how lucky we are to have been able to work with Stephanie in planning our honeymoon to Japan. From the very beginning, Stephanie was friendly, flexible, and an absolute wealth of knowledge. We had several meetings with her leading up to our trip to come up with the perfect itinerary. Throughout this, Stephanie was mindful of our budget, without sacrificing anything. During our trip, Audley was available at all hours to help with anything and everything which was such a relief to know we had that resource available to us. I truly cannot imagine having planned this trip without all of Stephanie's guidance and knowledge- and cannot imagine taking another big trip like this without the help of Audley. Thank you again!"

Trip dates & details
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India by Rail Photo Expedition
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3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Amber Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur, Jama Masjid, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Taj Mahal, Udaipur

Highlights

  • Capture sunrise and sunset over the Taj Mahal, and go on photo shoots at five other UNESCO World Heritage sites.
  • Photograph the fairy-tale marble palaces of Udaipur's Lake Pichola by boat, and take a sunset camel safari among the sweeping dunes of the Thar Desert.
  • Search for tigers in Ranthambhore National Park, and for rare birds and other wildlife in Keoladeo National Park.
  • Document the dazzling energy of the Jaisalmer Desert Festival, a celebration of color, music, and Rajasthani folk culture

Themes

Education / Learning, Train & Rail Journeys, Photography

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

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Rail Journey Through India
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Agra, Delhi, Fatehpur Sikri, India Gate, Jaipur, Rajasthan, Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, Taj Mahal

Highlights

  • Travel for five nights aboard the Palace on Wheels, a train designed in the style of a bygone era, evoking the splendor of the maharajas.
  • Explore six UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Fatehpur Sikri and the incomparable Taj Mahal.
  • Search for tigers in Ranthambhore National Park, and spot rare birds and other wildlife in Keoladeo Ghana National Park.
  • Take a sunset camel safari among the evocative dunes of the Thar Desert.

Themes

50 plus, Train & Rail Journeys

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

Trip dates & details
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India's Best Magical Rajasthan Tour
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5/5 Excellent
56 reviews
Private Guided
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Agra, Delhi, Udaipur

Highlights

  • • Guided tour to Chandni Chowk and the complex of Qutub Minar, Delhi • Day-trip to Amber Fort and Jantar Mantar, Jaipur • Shop for some amazing handicrafts from the local bazaar of Jaipur • Stopover at Fatehpur Sikri, en-route Agra • View the mesmerizing sunrise during early morning visit to the Taj Mahal, Agra • Enjoy a boat ride and the exciting evening Aarti at the Ghats of Ganga, Varanasi • See Wild Tigers of India with Naturalist • Explore famous Ranakpur Jain temple • Go for Udaipur day tour including Jagdish Temple, Jag Mandir, and Saheliyon-Ki-Bari • Enjoy boating on Lake Pichola • Experience of Thar of Desert with Camel Ride • Enjoy the Countryside of India with Villages

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Relaxing Retreats, Train & Rail Journeys, Photography

What travelers are saying

"We were six women and came on this india tour from Sydney and did it private option and we are happy with all services that company provided"

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20 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Train & Rail Journeys

India Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
2,066  Reviews
See all India tour reviews
Excellent
829
Great
180
Average
19
Disappointing
2
Terrible
2
D

Deborah

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

This G adventure tour was a wonderful way to visit India for the first time

This G adventure tour was a wonderful way to visit India for the first time. We were always safe, despite the traffic and the population density. The tour covered fa...

E

Evelyn

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Colourful and magical introduction to India

Colourful and magical introduction to India

C

Carol

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

We did all the tourist things but also say another side of India that's to KV

We did all the tourist things but also say another side of India that's to KV. Our trip ran smoothly despite issues beyond KVs control. He did everything to alter it...

A

Agnes

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Awesome

Awesome!

K

Karen

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Amazing

Amazing! Loved what we saw in India, such a contrast from the craziness of New Delhi and Varanasi, to the more layed back and small village feel of Jojowar, to the m...

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India Tour Selection Trips

  • Trekking in India can be an incredible experience, particularly in the Himalayan regions of the North, however, intensity levels vary. Make sure you pick a trek that is suitable to your fitness level.
  • Pack appropriately. The weather varies greatly in different regions and at different times of the year, so bring suitable clothes and invest in decent gear. If you're hiking, make sure to wear decent hiking shoes that have been fully broken in. Also, make sure that gear advertised as waterproof is actually waterproof (stuck up a mountain in monsoon rain is not the time to be figuring this out!).
  • When booking a tour, find out as much as possible about what is included. For example: Do you need to bring your own drinking water? Does renting a sleeping bag or mosquito net cost extra? Will you be picked up and/or dropped at your hotel?
  • Different operators offer different levels of comfort, so be sure to investigate the sleeping and transport conditions. It's also worth asking how many people will be on the tour, as a comfy jeep becomes a lot less so when over a dozen people are shoved inside.
  • Inform the operator about your dietary needs beforehand. Vegetarians and vegans will usually be well catered for, but some more specific requirements (allergies, etc.) may require additional planning. The food can also be far spicier than the food back home, so let the operator know if you'd like the heat dialed down a bit.
  • India can be quite the sensory overload, so take it slow to fully adjust to all the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes around you. Most tours have a good balance between organized activities and free time, but some more than others. If you predict that India will be overwhelming for you, choose a trip with an itinerary labelled as “relaxed”.
  • Get ready to walk, a lot. Most tours in India have a moderate level of physical activity because so much of the exploration requires walking. Be prepared for a lot of uneven terrain and dust while walking on the roads.
  • More days = more regions. India is incredibly large. If you decide to pick a tour that’s roughly 10 days or less, your tour will only have time to explore one region. Culture, pace of life, food, and even language vary within regions. If you have the time and want to explore all that India has to offer, choose a tour that’s 18 days or longer.

Additional details

Best time to visit India

The best time to visit India is between October and March. Winters are generally very pleasant, but keep in mind that this means the country is packed with tourists during the winter.

Summers in India can get unbearably hot, and monsoons drench the country in rain from June to September. That said, visitors to India during or right after monsoon season can experience the beautiful green countryside, many areas of which are brown and dry most months of the year. 

Currency in India

The official currency in India is the Rupee. Visitors are not allowed to bring any amount of Indian currency into India, so bring cash, checks, and/or a credit card to exchange or withdraw currency upon arrival. Many vendors in India will not accept credit or debit cards, so it will be useful to carry small amounts of cash. 

What languages are spoken in India?

India has 22 official languages, and each of the 29 states in India has an official language. Hindi is the most common language spoken, and English is the second most common. Many Indians can speak two or more languages fluently, and most people that you interact with in the hospitality industry will speak English. 

Packing list for India

What you bring on your trip to India will depend on the season and itinerary of your trip. However, there are a few items that are recommended for any India tour:

  • Modest clothing - Clothing in India tends to be modest. Women should bring long skirts and shawls to cover their shoulders, especially when visiting holy sites. 
  • A traveler’s wallet and/or passport holder - Pickpocketing and theft is common in many of the crowded cities, so keeping cash and other valuables in a traveler’s wallet (theft-safe wallet that you can keep under your clothes) may help protect your belongings.
  • Sturdy walking shoes - Public transportation in most parts of India is lacking, so you will likely do a lot of walking.
  • Prescriptions, contacts, and other necessities - Although bodegas and drugstores are common in the major cities, they may not carry the same products that you find at home. 
  • Mosquito nets - Mosquitos are common in India, especially during the monsoon season.

Make sure to leave some room in your suitcase-- India is well-known for its clothing industry, and even the street markets tend to offer high-quality items.

Popular India tour routes

Many tours will take travelers through the cities of Delhi, Varanasi, Agra, and Jaipur. New Delhi has the largest airport in India, so most tours will begin and end there. Tours using private buses or cars for transportation will likely visit smaller villages and areas in the countryside, while tours that rely on public transportation tend to stick to the major cities. 

Cruises along the Ganges River give travelers opportunities to visit small towns and villages that other tours generally do not visit. The river runs through the cities of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), Varanasi, and Kanpur, among others. Many cruises begin near New Delhi and end at Kolkata.

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