Northern India & Rajasthan to Goa by Rail image
Operated by G Adventures

Northern India & Rajasthan to Goa by Rail

From
Price on request
Duration
20 days
Countries
India
Activity
moderate

The adventure

Hop aboard for a different look at this dynamic country’s northern region before turning south and ending up at the ever-popular coastal town of Goa. Explore temples, shrines, and tombs — including the Taj Mahal — while absorbing the rich culture and vibrant daily life of this exciting country. Experience the India-Pakistan Wagah border ceremony and Dalai Lama sights in Dharamsala. The colours of Rajasthan, bustle of Mumbai, and beaches of Goa will stay with you long after you catch that flight home.

At a glance

Duration
20 days
Route
Delhi → Goa
Countries
India
Activity level
moderate
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Rail Journeys, Trekking & Hiking
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

Northern India & Rajasthan to Goa by Rail image

Day by day

Vibrant lush green rural landscape with dense trees and houses in Mudbidri, India.
Your journey through

India

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project.
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included through the G Adventures-supported Women With Wheels project.
Day 2Take the morning Shatabdi Express to Amritsar…Amritsar which literally translates as "his pool of nectar", is a flourishing city and religious centre in the state of Punjab. Important from a religious point of view to the Sikh religion, with many pilgrims coming to have a divine bath in the pool of nectar at the Golden Temple. Also an important political city where in 1947 the separation of India and Pakistan created a long white line known as the Wagah Border between the two neighbours.
Amritsar which literally translates as "his pool of nectar", is a flourishing city and religious centre in the state of Punjab. Important from a religious point of view to the Sikh religion, with many pilgrims coming to have a divine bath in the pool of nectar at the Golden Temple. Also an important political city where in 1947 the separation of India and Pakistan created a long white line known as the Wagah Border between the two neighbours.
Day 3In the morning visit and explore the Golden…Travel along Himalayan mountain roads to the famous seat of the home of the Dalai Lama. "Dharamshala" translates to "a spiritual dwelling" or loosely, shelter or rest house for pilgrims and travellers. It is a beautiful former British hill station situated in the snow-capped mountains of Himachal Pradesh, in the foothills of the Dhauladar ranges. The city is divided into lower and upper Dharamshala according to the altitude. A popular pilgrimage site, the town is filled with temples, markets, galleries and gathering places.
Travel along Himalayan mountain roads to the famous seat of the home of the Dalai Lama. "Dharamshala" translates to "a spiritual dwelling" or loosely, shelter or rest house for pilgrims and travellers. It is a beautiful former British hill station situated in the snow-capped mountains of Himachal Pradesh, in the foothills of the Dhauladar ranges. The city is divided into lower and upper Dharamshala according to the altitude. A popular pilgrimage site, the town is filled with temples, markets, galleries and gathering places.
Day 4Enjoy free time to explore DharamsalaThere are lots of ways to spend free time in this charming place. Visit the Kangra Art Museum in the Kotwali bazaar, or take in a performance of the Tibetan folk opera 'Lhamo' at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. Opt to visit Norbulingka. Set amidst beautiful gardens, surrounded by the green fields of the Kangra Valley, the Norbulingka Institute stands against a backdrop of the towering Dhauladhar mountains of the outer Himalayan range.
There are lots of ways to spend free time in this charming place. Visit the Kangra Art Museum in the Kotwali bazaar, or take in a performance of the Tibetan folk opera 'Lhamo' at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts. Opt to visit Norbulingka. Set amidst beautiful gardens, surrounded by the green fields of the Kangra Valley, the Norbulingka Institute stands against a backdrop of the towering Dhauladhar mountains of the outer Himalayan range.
Day 5Explore the town of Mandi
Explore the town of Mandi. Walk around Rewalsar Lake, a sacred spot for Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists. Renowned for its ancient stone temples with fine carvings, Mandi is also known as the "Varanasi of the Hills".
Day 6Embark onto the next destination
Embark onto the next destination, Shimla, the capital of Himachal province. This was once the British summer capital during the Raj Era. View the colonial era architecture still prominent throughout this city.
Day 7Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk on The Ridge…
Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk on The Ridge and The Mall (local hangouts) and explore this summer capital of British India. Opt to visit the Viceregal Lodge or admire the neo-Gothic or Tudorbethan architecture of the heritage buildings.
Day 8Take the World Heritage-listed toy train from Shimla…Delhi
A stunning view of Jama Masjid in Delhi at dusk, showcasing Mughal architecture and vibrant evening sky.Delhi
Take the World Heritage-listed toy train from Shimla to Kalka. Over the course of 3 hrs, the train winds through tunnels as you head out of the mountains of Shimla.
Map showing Delhi
Day 9Enjoy a free day in Delhi
Beautiful view of Safdarjung's Tomb and garden, showcasing Mughal architecture under a clear blue sky.Delhi
Enjoy a free day in Delhi.
Map showing Delhi
Day 10Take the Shatabdi Express train to AgraTaj Mahal
Beautiful view of the Taj Mahal with clear skies, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Agra, India.Taj Mahal
Take the Shatabdi Express train to Agra, with breakfast served on board. Enjoy a guided tour of the impressive Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Time permitting, opt to visit the Baby Taj.
Map showing Taj Mahal
Day 11Hop on a Shatabdi Express train in the evening to Jaipur
Hop on a Shatabdi Express train in the evening to Jaipur.
Day 12Take an orientation walk around town
Take an orientation walk around town. Take a photo of the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and visit the Amber Fort. Walk around the Old City and markets and opt to visit the City Palace. With free time, wander the Jantar Mantar or check out a Bollywood film at the spectacular Art Deco film house, the Raj Mandir.
Day 13In the morning board a train and soak…
In the morning board a train and soak in the passing scenery en route to Udaipur. Arrive in the evening with free time to explore the city.
Day 14Enjoy an orientation walk
Enjoy an orientation walk, including a visit to the Jagdish Temple and the City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India. Attend a Rajasthani cultural show on Gangaur Ghat.
Day 15Take a train to Bundi to explore the fort and stepwellsOpt for a sunrise bicycle tour of Udaipur before the train to Bundi this afternoon. There is no shortage of notable architecture in Bundi. From palaces to baoris, otherwise known as stepwell reservoirs, explore the many man-made marvels of Bundi.
Opt for a sunrise bicycle tour of Udaipur before the train to Bundi this afternoon. There is no shortage of notable architecture in Bundi. From palaces to baoris, otherwise known as stepwell reservoirs, explore the many man-made marvels of Bundi.
Day 16Explore Bundi with some free time before…
Explore Bundi with some free time before an overnight trip on the Mumbai Rajdhani Express train, with dinner on board.
Day 17Arrive in the morning in bustling Mumbai
Arrive in the morning in bustling Mumbai, home to 20 million people. Take a walking tour of the Colaba area and see the Gateway of India.
Day 18Catch a morning flight to beautiful GoaOpt to visit the many Portuguese-built monuments, wander around the churches of Old Goa (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), or discover Panjim, the capital of the state. Don't forget to indulge in Goan cuisine.
A picturesque view of Mandrem Beach with lush greenery and blue sky in Goa, India.Goa
Opt to visit the many Portuguese-built monuments, wander around the churches of Old Goa (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), or discover Panjim, the capital of the state. Don't forget to indulge in Goan cuisine.
Map showing Goa
Day 19Enjoy a free day in GoaWith free time in Goa, opt to explore the city and learn about it's ancient Portuguese colony, visit a market, or relax on the beach.
Bustling Baga Beach in Goa, India, with people enjoying a sunny day by the sea.Goa
With free time in Goa, opt to explore the city and learn about it's ancient Portuguese colony, visit a market, or relax on the beach.
Map showing Goa
Day 20Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.

Discover India

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Charming Indian village nestled in lush mountains with scenic views.
Beautiful mountain landscape with river in Manali, Himachal Pradesh.
A lone tree stands amidst a vast arid landscape under a bright blue sky in Nashik, India.
Golden sunset over trees and mountains in Krishnankovil, India.
A breathtaking aerial view of a verdant valley and village amidst rolling hills in Kerala, India.
Operated by G Adventures

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