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Northern India & Rajasthan to Goa by Rail

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

Asia
Northern India & Rajasthan to Goa by Rail

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  • Duration: 20 Days
  • Guaranteed Departure: Yes
  • For lovers of:
  • Physical rating: Average
  • Accommodation standard:   Budget%
  • Traveller Tour Rating: 0%  
  • Your Guide: English speaking
  • Supplier Tour ID: AHRR/145312
  • Starts: Delhi, India
  • Finishes: Goa, India
You will Visit
  • Delhi
  • Amritsar
  • Dharamshala
  • Shimla
  • Āgra
  • Jaipur
  • Udaipur
  • Būndi
  • Mumbai
  • Goa

Itinerary

01

Day 1: Delhi

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included through the G Adventures-supported Women on Wheels project.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

02

Day 2: Delhi/Amritsar

Enjoy a youth-led walk through Delhi with G Adventures-supported project, City Walk. Continue on, travelling to Amritsar by the Shatabdi Express train, with dinner served on board.
Embark on a youth-led city tour of Delhi with G Adventures-supported project, City Walk. Get a unique perspective of the city while supporting at-risk youth and learning about the work of local nonprofit Salaam Baalak Trust. In the afternoon catch the Shatabdi Express to Amritsar.

03

Day 3: Amritsar

Visit the Golden Temple before witnessing the formal India-Pakistan Wagah border ceremony in the evening. Sit in the grandstands and cheer for India as the bystanders wave flags and soldiers march back and forth.
Amritsar, meaning "Pool of the Nectar of Immortality," is the spiritual and cultural centre of the Sikh Religion. Learn more about Sikhs on our visit to Harimandir Sahib, also known as the Golden Temple, the most sacred shrine in Sikhism.

As Amritsar sits right on the Pakistan-India border, we offer an optional trip to the border post to watch the formal flag ceremony, which is sure to be one of the highlights of the trip.

04

Day 4: Amritsar/Dharamshala

Take an orientation walk around McLeod Ganj, the famous seat of the Tibetan government in exile and current home to the Dalai Lama. Opt for a tour of the Norbulingka Institute, set amongst beautiful gardens, dedicated to preserving Tibetan culture.
Travel along Himalayan mountain roads to the famous seat of the Tibetan government in exile, Dharamsala (literally "Rest House").

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.

05

Day 5: Dharamshala

Enjoy free time to explore Dharamsala.
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.

06

Day 6: Dharamshala/Shimla

Enjoy a long drive to the charming town of Shimla, high in the beautiful Himalayas.

07

Day 7: Shimla

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.

08

Day 8: Shimla/Delhi

Take the World Heritage-listed toy train from Shimla to Kalka. Switch to the Shatabdi Express for the rest of the journey back to Delhi, with dinner included on board.
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.

09

Day 9: Delhi

Enjoy a free day in Delhi.

10

Day 10: Delhi/Āgra

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.

11

Day 11: Āgra/Jaipur

Hop on a Shatabdi Express train in the evening to Jaipur.

12

Day 12: Jaipur

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, choose to visit local artisans in a nearby village, wander the Jantar Mantar, or check out a Bollywood film at the spectacular Art Deco film house, the Raj Mandir.

13

Day 13: Jaipur

Enjoy free time to explore Jaipur before boarding an overnight train to Udaipur.

14

Day 14: Udaipur

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.

15

Day 15: Udaipur

Enjoy a free day in Udaipur.
With free time in Udaipur, opt to check out the many beautiful lakes, take a boat ride, visit the Monsoon Palace for some excellent views, or take an Indian cooking class.

16

Day 16: Udaipur/Būndi

Take a train to Bundi to explore the fort and stepwells.

17

Day 17: Būndi

Explore Bundi with some free time before an overnight trip on the Mumbai Rajdhani Express train, with dinner on board.

18

Day 18: 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.

19

Day 19: Mumbai/Goa

Catch a morning flight to beautiful Goa. Spend free time relaxing on the beach or exploring the city's monuments.
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.

20

Day 20: Goa

Depart at any time.

Inclusions:
    Activities
    • G Adventures for Good: Women on Wheels Transfer, Indira Gandhi International Airport G Adventures for Good: City Walk, Delhi
    • Golden Temple visit and evening Wagah border ceremony (Amritsar)
    • McLeod Ganj orientation walk
    • Bhagsunag visit
    • Taj Mahal visit (Agra)
    • Agra Fort visit
    • Jaipur orientation walk
    • Amber Fort visit
    • Udaipur orientation walk
    • Jagdish Temple and City Palace visit
    • Rajasthani cultural show
    • Bundi Fort and stepwells visit
    • Colaba area walking tour (Mumbai)
    • Gateway of India visit
    • Beach time in Goa
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
    Accommodation
    • Hotels/guesthouses (17 nts), sleeper train (2 nts)
    • 1 breakfast, 3 dinners
    Transport
    • Train (seats), train (beds), Shatabdi Express train, toy train, private van, walking, plane
    Group Leader
    • Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides
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Tour Highlights:
  • Witness the famous India-Pakistan border ceremony
  • See a different side of Delhi with a walking tour by a former at-risk youth
  • Wander the Rajasthani streets of Jaipur and Udaipur
  • Indulge in laid back beach time in Goa.