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Five-Star India's Golden Triangle, Tigers & Shimla

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You are viewing the 2025 itinerary. Select your departure year
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13 days From $1,995 $1,895 per person
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Discover historic temples, breathtaking palaces and majestic wildlife on an overland adventure in kaleidoscopic India, from bustling cities to tranquil Himalayan towns.

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
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Mobility Rating 3

2025 Tour code: LTC25

About the tour

Spend 13 days exploring colorful India on this round-trip journey from Delhi. We explore the country's historic temples and palaces and visit the wild Ranthambore National Park. Our trip is enhanced by luxurious hotel accommodations and travel aboard some of the country's most impressive trains.

Begin in Delhi, where we board the Shatabdi Express to Shimla. A guided tour introduces us to the colonial past of this city and we return to Delhi to explore both the Old and New parts of town, immersing ourselves in 'real' India.

From Delhi, we board Gatimaan Express and feel the excitement come to a pinnacle as we head toward the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, a 16th-century city constructed of red sandstone. The tour wraps up as we try to spot wild Bengal Tigers in Ranthambore National Park and explore the 'pink city' of Jaipur. The contrasts of India are displayed beautifully on this tour.

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Unforgettable Experiences

Traveling on the ‘Toy Train’ through the Himalayan foothills
Traveling on the ‘Toy Train’ through the Himalayan foothills
Journey through glorious mountain scenery on the charming ‘Toy Train’ from Kalka to the hill town of Shimla. Expect breathtaking views all along the 60-mile route.
Uncovering the former British summer capital of Shimla
Uncovering the former British summer capital of Shimla
Explore the legacy of British rule in the picturesque hill town of Shimla on visits to the stately Viceregal Lodge and the historic Gaiety Theatre.
Enjoying a guided tour of India’s vibrant capital, Delhi
Enjoying a guided tour of India’s vibrant capital, Delhi
Discover a lively and cultural city buzzing with life on a rickshaw ride through the frenetic Chandni Chowk bazaars to the serene Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques.
Marveling at the Taj Mahal’s majestic beauty
Marveling at the Taj Mahal’s majestic beauty
Gaze in awe at ‘poetry in white marble’, the world-famous 17th-century mausoleum constructed by Shah Jahan to honor his beloved wife.
Embarking on game drives in Ranthambore National Park
Embarking on game drives in Ranthambore National Park
Experience two safaris in pristine wilderness with the chance to spot majestic wildlife, including regal Bengal tigers, leopards and hyenas.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 – Dazzling Delhi

Meet your group and Tour Manager at the 5-Star Taj Palace hotel in New Delhi. Delhi is one of India's most colorful and exciting metropolises, where the old and new cities exist harmoniously together. You could enjoy a dip in the outdoor swimming pool or relax in the Tea Lounge, where you will find an expansive array of coffees and exotic teas, before we regroup this evening to get to know one another better over dinner in the restaurant.

Overnight Delhi.

Includes
  • Dinner
Day 2 – A Himalayan journey on the leisurely ‘Toy Train’

This morning, we transfer to New Delhi train station for our journey to Kalka in the foothills of the Himalayas. From our seats in our AC Chair Class carriages on the Shatabdi Express, we travel through 170 miles of northern Indian scenery in a little over four hours, enjoying a picnic lunch at our seats.

From Kalka, we board the UNESCO-listed, narrow-gauge Himalayan Queen, affectionately referred to as the 'Toy Train', enjoying a picnic lunch at our seats. Over 60 miles, this vintage train chugs its way up a winding route through the Shivalik Hills, passing lush green countryside and tree-covered valleys. We cross hundreds of bridges and traverse 102 tunnels as we journey at a leisurely pace to the mountain town of Shimla. For those who would prefer, there is the opportunity to travel this route by car.

On arrival we check into our historic 5-Star hotel that has enjoyed wonderful views across the valleys and hills for more than a century. The center of Shimla's social scene during the Raj, this hotel remains popular today with our customers. This evening we enjoy dinner together in the hotel.

Overnight Shimla.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Uncovering the history of evocative Shimla

After breakfast today, we are joined by author and historian Raaja Bhasin. During his informative talk full of spellbinding stories about his hometown, he brings to life the history of Shimla. After, we put our newfound knowledge of Shimla to good use as we enjoy a guided drive around this charismatic city in private cars.

We start our sightseeing tour at the Viceregal Lodge, the most historically important building in the city. As the summer residence of the Indian Viceroy, the leader of the British Raj, many significant historical moments occurred here, including the discussions which lead to the Partition of India in 1947. An elaborate Jacobean revival stately home, this impressive palace has sat at the top of Observatory Hill since it was completed in 1888. Today, it is surrounded by manicured gardens and offers fantastic views of cedar-dappled hills.

Our exploration continues on a visit to the colorful Sankat Mochan Temple, a serene complex dedicated to Hanuman - a Hindu god and companion of Rama. We can admire the idols to deities including Rama, Shiva and Ganesha, as well as soaking up the views across the sprawling hill station of Shimla. The tour continues with a visit to the Gothic revival Gaiety Theatre. Popular with Bollywood filmmakers to this day, this hall of irrefutably British style has seen many famous people tread its boards, including Rudyard Kipling and Robert Baden-Powell. Later this evening, we enjoy dinner back at our hotel.

Overnight Shimla

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Exploring Shimla

Today is spent at leisure among the fresh mountain air and beautiful tree-covered slopes of Shimla. You could take a trip to Kufri, where the sense of entering the elemental and intimidating Himalayas really dawns. Although a resort with many amenities, visiting Kufri really feels like you are heading off the beaten track. From here, indulge in the luxury of a high-tea lunch in the opulent surroundings of Wildflower Hall. (Payable locally)

Alternatively, take a leisurely stroll down Mall Road and the Ridge, the center of Shimla's colonial town. Enjoy great views from Scandal Point - named as it was once a popular place for people to gather and share gossip - before admiring the charming Children's Library and stately Christ Church.

Once the sun sets, you could make your way to Lakkar Bazaar, a long stretch of open-air stalls selling traditional woodwork and souvenirs. We regroup at our hotel for dinner this evening.

Overnight Shimla.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – Down the mountains to Delhi

This morning we return down the mountains in private cars, navigating the twisting route amid incredible scenery of verdant valleys fading into the haze. At Chandigarh Junction railway station, we board the train in AC Chair Class for our journey back to Delhi. With a picnic lunch to enjoy at our seats, we can observe daily life in the state of Haryana, from the buzz of large towns to pastoral rural scenes that pass by our windows, spotting the occasional temple enroute. We arrive back at our 5-Star Delhi hotel in late afternoon, with time to relax or take a dip in the pool before dinner this evening.

Overnight Delhi.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Getting to know India’s bustling capital

We visit Old Delhi, taking a rickshaw ride through the narrow streets of Delhi for an incredible insight into the lives of the millions of people who live in the city. From the frenetic stalls of the Chandni Chowk bazaars we head to Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques. Made from red sandstone and white marble, this impressive 17th-century place of worship with three domes and two piercing minarets can accommodate 25,000 worshippers. At its heart remain some spectacular sights, and we view them on a sightseeing tour with a local guide.

On our coach, we first head to Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques. Made from red sandstone and white marble, this impressive 17th-century place of worship with three domes and two piercing minarets can accommodate 25,000 worshippers. After a short rickshaw ride through narrow streets, our tour comes to an end after we pass the striking Red Fort and the simple but moving Gandhi memorial, Raj Ghat.

There's time to enjoy lunch at leisure before we embark on a sightseeing tour of New Delhi's wide, leafy avenues and colonial architecture. Our tour includes India Gate war memorial, the grandiose Rashtrapati Bhavan, Humayun's Tomb and Qutab Minar, ending at the Gandhi Smriti Museum. Here we learn about the life of the man who Indians call the 'Father of the Nation' through informative artefacts and personal effects. We return to our hotel this evening in time for dinner.

Overnight Delhi.

 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 – Royal Agra and the Taj Mahal

Today is a highlight of our time in India as we leave Delhi this morning on the Gatimaan Express bound for Agra. On arrival, we head to the spectacular Taj Mahal, one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1653 in memory of his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal, this iconic white marble building is a true monument to undying love and is the world's finest example of Mughal and Persian architecture.

Later we travel across the city to visit Agra's imposing Red Fort, originating from the 15th century and considered India's most important fortification. Built on a hill above Agra, its centerpiece is a tower with a marble balcony where Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan spent his last days imprisoned.

Overnight Delhi.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Fatehpur Sikri
Day 8 – The deserted Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri

Leaving Agra after breakfast this morning, we board a comfortable coach as we travel to the perfectly preserved red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri. Remarkably, the city remains exactly as it was 400 years ago, giving us an excellent insight into how life was during the time of the Mughal Empire. After a guided tour, Continuing our journey into Rajasthan, we stop at the opulent Laxmi Palace Vilas which was built in the 1850s as a home for a prince of the Kingdom of Bharatpur. In these regal surroundings, we enjoy a traditional lunch before travelling on to Ranthambore, where we check in to our hotel for two nights, sitting down for dinner together this evening. Our hotel here is the brand-new, 5-Star Sawai Vilas, set within acres of stunning gardens, lakes, and fountains on the border of Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve.

Overnight Ranthambore.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Game drive in Ranthambore National Park

After a relaxed morning to unwind at our welcoming hotel, we begin a highlight of our adventure. A naturalist joins us at our hotel to deliver a talk on the local wildlife before we enjoy lunch and head out to see it for ourselves in Ranthambore National Park. In modern open-topped safari vehicles called 'canters' that are exclusive to Vacations By Rail, we embark on a game drive into India's most fascinating national park.

Declared a Project Tiger Reserve in 1973, it is a favorite among wildlife photographers and tourists as it can be possible to see a mighty Bengal tiger in the wild. These regal animals are elusive, but we will be keeping our eyes peeled in the hope of seeing a majestic beast basking in the sun or sauntering through the wilderness.

While Bengal tigers are the main attraction, Ranthambore National Park is also home to a whole host of incredible species. With leopards, hyenas, caracals, crocodiles, mongooses, cobras, pythons and jackals prowling the landscape, our game drive will be memorable.

Overnight Ranthambore.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 – Early morning game drive and on to Jaipur

This morning we set out on an early morning safari, increasing our chances of seeing the native wildlife, such as sloth bears, macaques, wild boar and leopards. As we're guided by local experts who are well-versed in the animals' daily movements, our chances of seeing an elusive Bengal tiger are increased.

After breakfast back at our hotel, there is time to relax before lunch. We leave the gorgeous surroundings of Ranthambore National Park this afternoon and make the journey by comfortable coach to beautiful Jaipur. Enroute, there is time to discuss this morning's wildlife sightings or unwind as rural Rajasthan passes by our windows. On arrival in Jaipur this evening, we check in to our modern 5-Star hotel on the edge of the city for two nights, where we also have dinner this evening.

Overnight Jaipur.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 – The ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur

Discovering the 'Pink City' of Jaipur on a sightseeing tour, we travel by Jeep, first visiting the City Palace. This gorgeous 17th-century palace blends decorative Mughal and Rajput architecture and is home to the current maharaja.

Our sightseeing tour begins with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Jantar Mantar, an early 18th-century astronomical observatory, before we view the City Palace, a gorgeous 17th-century palace blending decorative Mughal and Rajput architecture and home to the current maharaja. One of Jaipur's most renowned sights is the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of the Winds.

After our tour, we experience Jaipur in a unique way - riding in pink tuk tuks. This enjoyable mode of transport is part of a social enterprise project to provide the city's women with the opportunity for their own livelihoods. The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure and you can either unwind at our hotel or explore Jaipur's excellent shopping options.

Overnight Jaipur.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 – Jaipur’s Amber Fort and return to Delhi

After breakfast this morning, we travel by Jeep to the remarkable Amber Fort. A majestic and imposing structure of yellow sandstone, Amber Fort is believed to have been built for the Rajput maharajas around 1600 on the site of a 10th-century fortress. The serene UNESCO-listed palace first appears almost as a mirage on top of Aravalli Hill overlooking Maota Lake.

We have the chance to explore the ornate rooms of the palace complex and its enchanting Jaleb Chowk courtyard. With intricately decorated walls, ornamental Charbagh gardens and rugged views of surrounding mountains, it's easy to be spellbound by this majestic reminder of India and Rajasthan's glorious history.

This afternoon we close the sides of the Golden Triangle as we are transferred by coach back to Delhi. Returning to our 5-Star hotel, we gather this evening for our final dinner together to look back on our exquisite Indian adventure.

Overnight Delhi.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13 – Tour conclusion

We check out of our Delhi hotel for the final time this morning and you can transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

ITC Mughal, Agra

ITC Mughal, Agra

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Taj Palace, New Delhi

Taj Palace, New Delhi

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ITC Rajputana Sheraton, Jaipur

ITC Rajputana Sheraton, Jaipur

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Taj Sawai, Ranthambore

Taj Sawai, Ranthambore

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Oberoi Cecil, Shimla

Oberoi Cecil, Shimla

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Trains

Gatimaan Express
Shatabdi Express
Himalayan Queen Toy Train

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