North India by comfort train (Rajasthan, Taj Mahal, Varanasi)

An exclusive individual tour from Discovery Trains, this train travel in India will (perhaps) change your life.
It's a real immersion in India, its architecture, its rhythm, its traditions and its authenticity, while enjoying the comfort and reassuring reassurance of a gentle guide.
You'll move from stage to stage in complete autonomy, but local guides will accompany you and you'll rest in magnificent hotels.

DAY 1 - DELHI - arrival

Arrival in Delhi during the night (flight on request). Welcome on arrival and transfer to hotel.
Overnight at 4* hotel in Delhi.
 

DAY 2 - DELHI - Introduction to India

New Delhi is the 2nd largest city in the world. Your first day is an introduction to the city and the country. You'll discover many aspects of Indian culture and history.

. With your guide and private driver, discover Qûtb Minar, the world's 3rd tallest minaret dating from the 12th century, and the tomb of Humayun, the second Mughal emperor. This is a gentle introduction to the Mughal-Muslim period, which you will then explore in greater depth in Rajasthan.
. You'll also be introduced to Hindu culture, with a visit to the Birla Mandir temple, a classic of Hindu architecture, built in the 1930s and dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of good fortune.
. At the end of the day, you'll visit Bangla Sahib, Delhi's largest Sikh temple, to learn more about this little-known monotheistic religion, before returning to the hotel via Rajpath Boulevard and the Gateway to India, witnesses to India's British period.
Lunch and dinner at leisure.
Overnight at 4* hotel in Delhi (DDP)

DAY 3 - DELHI > AGRA (Taj Mahal)

Morning transfer to station for train to Agra (1h40). Air-conditioned 1st-class train.
Welcome at the station, transfer to hotel. Rest time.
Lunch at leisure.

Afternoon - Visit the Red Fort, a replica of the Delhi Fort and a symbol of power.
Discover the Taj Mahal funerary mausoleum, a UNESCO-listed 17th-century marvel built by the great Mughal Shah Jahan in homage to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The white marble edifice, topped by an enormous dome framed by delicate belfries, stands at the end of a splendid Mughal garden with various water features.
Overnight at 5* hotel in Agra, with swimming pool and rooftop restaurant (packed lunch).

DAY 4 - AGRA (Fatehpur Sikri)

Morning - Excursion by car to Fatehpur Sikri, 40 km from Agra.
Visit this astonishing capital, which was only used for a few decades before being abandoned for lack of water. The palace has been the setting for a number of Bollywood-style historical films, including the famous Jodhaa Akbar, about the Mughal ruler Akbar's conquest of India in the 16th century and the controversial love affair between this Muslim emperor and the Rajput princess.

Afternoon at leisure. Lunch and dinner at leisure.
Overnight at 5* hotel in Agra, with swimming pool and rooftop restaurant (DDP)

DAY 5 - AGRA > JAIPUR (train)

Early transfer to the station for the train to Jaipur (4h). First-class air-conditioned train.
Welcome on arrival at Jaipur station, transfer to hotel.

Afternoon: visit to the old city of Jaipur, nicknamed the Pink City, a true jewel of the 17th century. Visit the City Palace, part of which is still inhabited by the Maharajah and his family, and the incredible Observatory, built in the 18th century by a star-loving prince. Pass by the Palace of the Winds - Hawa Mahal - which allowed the royal women to watch the show from the streets without being seen.

Lunch and dinner at leisure.
Overnight at a 4* hotel in Jaipur, traditional haveli style - with restaurant and swimming pool (packed lunch).
Option: overnight at 5* hotel

DAY 6 - JAIPUR - Amber Fort

Morning: discovery of Amber Fort, a splendid hilltop fortress, with a jeep ride. Visit the temple of Kali, the terrifying goddess who sticks out her tongue, the Public Audience Hall in red sandstone, the private audience halls set around a Mughal garden, sumptuously decorated with colorful glass mosaics, and the women's quarters.

Afternoon at leisure or visit to the Galtaji temple, set in the heart of a mountainous gorge, this complex of pink sandstone temples houses various shrines. It is home to many monkey tribes and pilgrims who bathe in the pools in a peaceful atmosphere.

Lunch at leisure. Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at a 4* hotel in Jaipur, traditional haveli style - with restaurant and swimming pool (DDP).
Option: overnight at 5* hotel

DAY 7 - DEOGARH

Morning drive to Deogarh.
On arrival, check into hotel, former residence of local Maharaja.
Lunch at leisure.

Afternoon stroll through the village of Deogarh. Discover the charm of rural India as you meet the locals and their daily lives in the local bazaar, temples, village lanes...
Dinner included at hotel.
Overnight at 4* hotel in Deogarh, traditional haveli style - with swimming pool and restaurant (DDP, ID)

DAY 8 - UDAIPUR

Morning: Local train (1h30 - non-air-conditioned). Departure for a trip into the Aravali hills by "passenger" train on a track built by the British in the 1930s. You'll discover what it's like to travel by provincial train, with the local population and stops to feed the monkeys, representatives of the god Hanuman.
The distance covered is only 17 km, but the experience is intense!

At the next station, the driver is waiting for you. You take the road to Udaipur.
En route, stop to visit the giant statue of Shiva, Vishwas Swaroopamà Nathdwara, inaugurated in 2022. This amazing complex is more of an amusement park than a religious site.
On arrival, check into your hotel in the heart of the hills surrounding Udaipur, overlooking the lake.

Lunch at leisure in a restaurant en route - Dinner at leisure.
Overnight at 4* hotel in Udaipur (DDP)
Optional: 5* hotel in the mountains with restaurant and swimming pools

DAY 9 - UDAIPUR

Morning: visit Udaipur, nicknamed "the Venice of the East", the most romantic city in Rajasthan. You'll discover the vast and sumptuous City Palace, former main residence of the maharajas, offering a breathtaking view of the city and lake. Discover the Jagdish Temple, dedicated to Vishnu, and the magnificent Sahelion Ki Bari garden.

At the end of the day, enjoy a mini-cruise by boat on Lake Pichola to the Pleasure Island, taking in the superb reflections of the sun declining on the lake.

Lunch and dinner at your leisure.
Overnight at 4* Hotel Udaipur(DDP)
Optional: 5* hotel in the mountains with restaurant and swimming pools

DAY 10 - UDAIPUR (night train)

Free time to explore the city.
Take advantage of this free day to do some shopping, as Udaipur is rich in good-quality handicraft stores, and plan to buy some food to eat on board the train in the evening.

Transfer to Udaipur station to catch the night train to Delhi. Train departs at 6.30pm.
Settle into your Udaipur > Delhi night train and sleeper car with 4 or 2 wide berths.

Lunch and dinner at your leisure.
Overnight on the night train. Closed, air-conditioned 1st class sleeper car.

DAY 11 - DELHI

Arrival in Delhi at 7:10 am.
Welcome and transfer to hotel with early check-in. Rest time.

Afternoon: visit of Delhi's old town. You pass the walls of the Red Fort to reach Jama Masjid, India's most important mosque.
As you leave the mosque, your guide will lead you through a labyrinth of shopping streets, where you'll discover the bustling spice and bridal markets.

Free time or visit the Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated.

Lunch and dinner at your leisure.
Overnight at 4* hotel in Delhi (DDP)

DAY 12 - DELHI > VARANASI/BENARES

Morning transfer to train station to Varanasi (new name for Benares) (8h)
Optional: flight Delhi > Varanasi

Welcome on arrival. Transfer to hotel. Lunch at leisure.

End of the day departure for the ghats (steps) on the banks of the sacred Ganga river, for the traditional evening Ganga Aarti ceremony.
Dinner at leisure
Overnight at 5* hotel in Benares, with restaurant and swimming pool (packed lunch).

DAY 13 - VARANASI/BENARES

Morning: excursion to a village on the outskirts of Varanasi, on the banks of the Varuna. Talk to the villagers and discover rural life and activities. Discover how women prepare food for the markets, visit a dairy farm and learn how local people use biogas for cooking, visit the Sanskrit school and the Indian classical dance school.

Afternoon visit to Sarnath, a UNESCO-listed Buddhist holy site. Visit the Stupa, the monastery ruins and Ashoka's Column. If time permits, visit the Museum (closed on Friday).

Lunch and dinner on your own
Overnight at 5* hotel in Benares, with restaurant and swimming pool (DDP)

DAY 14 - VARANASI/BENARES

Early morning boat trip on the Ganges. Cruise along the Ghats and watch Hindus at prayer, performing their ablutions in the river. You'll see cremation pyres and wood sellers. You then pass through the lanes in the heart of the city and the bazaar, past the Aurangzeb Mosque and the Golden Temple.

Return to hotel, breakfast and rest.

Afternoon at leisure or visit to the ashrams. In ancient India, an ashram was a hermitage in an isolated spot, where a wise man sought union with God in solitude and great austerity. Today, the word refers to an institution run by a guru. Mumukshu Bhawan was founded in the 1920s, and is known as the Gate of Salvation. According to Hindu belief, dying here is supposed to break the cycle of death and rebirth and thus attain salvation. Visit the Widows' Ashram, where widows rejected by society find refuge and spiritual upliftment.
Overnight at 5* Benares hotel, with restaurant and swimming pool (DDP).

DAY 15 - Return

After breakfast, flight from Varanasi to Delhi.
Return flight.
Overnight on the plane.

DAY 16 - Return

Early arrival in France (flight on request).
End of your Rajasthan-Benares journey by train

Express Train
. Delhi > Agra - Gatimaan Express (1h30)
. Agra > Jaipur (3h15)

Car
. Jaipur > Deogarh (5h)
. Phulad> Udaipur (2h30)

Local train
. Deogarh > Phulad (1h30)

Night train
. Udaipur > Delhi (13h)

Vande Bharat Express train
. Delhi > Varanasi (8 h)
Alternative by air

• Delhi > Agra: the Gatimaan Express
  The Gatiman Express is India's first semi-speed train, introduced in 2016. It can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h. It's already an old-fashioned train, but it's air-conditioned and comfortable, with wide seats. It's a regular train frequently booked by tourists to get quickly from Delhi to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal.
  
  

• Agra > Jaipur: Express Train
  Another express, the train from Agra to Jaipur is similar: old, but comfortable and air-conditioned. Few tourists on board.

•  

  Deogarh > Phulad: Passenger
  This local "Passenger" train is truly local. It features hard-bench compartments and glassless windows. And, of course, no air-conditioning. It's a real experience. On board, the passengers are friendly. Thanks to your English-speaking guide, you'll be able to communicate. The scenery on this short 17km circuit is splendid: plunging views of valleys, rivers... Along the route, many monkeys are actually "waiting" for the train, as they know that passengers will be offering them treats. Passengers squeal with delight as they pass through the tunnels... A short journey for an unforgettable memory.

• Udaipur > Delhi: the night train
  If you've ever taken the night train in Europe, you'll find that Indian night trains are much more comfortable (in first class, at least). Wider benches, operational air conditioning (sometimes a little too operational, so be sure to bring jackets and socks!). You have your own private first-class compartment, closed by a door. But it's not certain that you'll be alone in your cabin, as these highly sought-after seats are allocated by the company a few days before departure, and the distribution between the 2-bed and 4-bed compartments is not known in advance. Please note: there are no real meals on board. A snack vendor comes by... But it is advisable to buy a small picnic before departure. Clean sheets, pillowcases and shrink-wrapped blankets are distributed before departure.
  
  
• Delhi > Benares/Varanasi: the Vande Barath Express
  The Vande Barath are new trains, 100% made in India. They are considered to be India's high-speed trains in that they considerably reduce travel times between India's major cities. You'll be able to travel from Delhi to Varanasi in 8 hours, instead of the 14 hours it took before the new trains were introduced. On this itinerary, you'll be served two meals on board, a bit like on an airplane. There are plenty of sockets, and the wifi is temperamental.

PRICES - Train Travel in India (North)

Spring 2024 Rates : in double/twin room: from €2,845 / person

PRICE INCLUDES

• 13 nights in 4* and 5* hotels according to program
• 1 night on board the Udaipur > Delhi train, air-conditioned 1st class sleeper (sleeps 4 or 2)
• 1 morning room rental in Delhi (on arrival of night train)
• 1 room available at the airport for the connecting flight to Delhi on the last day
• All breakfasts (DJ) + one dinner at the hotel in Deogarh (DI)
• Welcome and assistance on arrival and departure of all trains
• Airport transfers on arrival and departure in air-conditioned vehicle
• Delhi > Agra train, seats in air-conditioned compartment
• Train Agra > Jaipur, seats in air-conditioned compartment
• Train Delhi > Varanasi, seats in air-conditioned compartment
• Tours and excursions with English-speaking guide and air-conditioned vehicle according to program
• Entrance tickets to all monuments as per program
• Shared cruise on Lake Pichola in Udaipur
• Morning boat trip on the Ganges in Varanasi
• Excursion by rickshaw (tuk-tuk) through the streets of Varanasi
• Domestic flight Varanasi > Delhi and taxes
• Local taxes
• Telephone assistance from our local English-speaking agency throughout the tour

PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• International flight to Delhi and taxes (on request)
• Visas
• Personal expenses: dry cleaning, drinks, telephone bills, etc.
• Tips: allow 3-5 € per guide/driver per day, and small change for hotel staff, etc.
• Insurance

• Travel and medical insurance (included in your Discovery Trains quote)

• Meals not mentioned

• Early arrivals or late departures not indicated in hotels

• Supplements : 
  Optional 5* hotel in Jaipur (Samode Haveli - Deluxe Room): 250 € pp.
  Optional 5* hotel in Udaipur (Fateh Garh - Renaissance Room): 78 € pp.
  Optional flight: Delhi > Varanasi by plane instead of train: from 88 € pp.
  Room availability on last day until 8 pm instead of 6 pm: 40 € pp.

IMPORTANT TO KNOW

• No vaccinations required for India
• On domestic flights: cabin baggage: 7kg, hold baggage: 15kg (beyond this, a supplement will be charged).
• For your visa, your passport must be valid for 6 months after the date of your return.
• Electronic cigarettes are prohibited in India