Spirit of India by Rail
15 days from only £2,595 £2,495 per person
Last-minute savings: SAVE £100 per person
on India tours departing between January and May 2026. Offer ends 30th November 2025.
Early Booking Offers: SAVE £200 per person
on India tours departing from September 2026. Book by 30th November 2025.
Spirit of India by Rail Tour
15-day Spirit of India by Rail from £2,595pp £2,495pp
A journey rich in spirit, colour and contrast, this 15-day tour through Northern India takes us to some of the country’s most iconic destinations, including the Golden Triangle, Amritsar, and Shimla.
From a journey onboard the iconic Gatimaan Express, one of India’s fastest passenger trains, to the nostalgic charm of the UNESCO-listed Toy Train in the Himalayan foothills, witness the country’s changing landscapes and experience a diverse mix of historic landmarks, lively cities, and scenic hill stations. Along the way, we gain insight into everyday life in this fascinating region, encounter shimmering temples, grand Mughal architecture, bustling markets, and peaceful rural scenes.
Discover the golden glow of Amritsar’s sacred shrine, the pink-hued palaces of Jaipur and the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal, as each destination offers a unique perspective on India’s rich cultural heritage.
Take advantage of our Special Offers and save up to £200 per person.
Itinerary
Expand All DaysDepart UK
Depart with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow for our overnight flight to Delhi.
Alternative airlines - Emirates or Qatar
If you prefer, fly with Emirates via Dubai from Manchester, Birmingham, London Heathrow or London Gatwick; or with Qatar Airways via Doha from Manchester or London Heathrow. A supplement from £100 per person return will apply.
Included meals:
In-flight meals and drinks
Delhi, 2 nights
On arrival into Delhi, we transfer to The Leela Ambience hotel. This evening, we meet our Tour Manager and fellow travellers for a welcome drink before dinner.
Included meals:
In-flight meals, drinks and dinner
Delhi
Delhi is a city combining the very best of old and modern India. This morning, we embark on a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi, taking in sights as we ride through its streets, including the Red Fort – famed for being the palace of the Mughal Empire in the 1500’s. We also visit Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, as well as the lively old-city market, Chandni Chowk. Later, we see the imposing India Gate and Parliament House before visiting Qutub Minar, a 13th century red sandstone and white marble minaret and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Humayun’s Tomb, where the 16th century Mughal Emperor lies.
Included meals:
Breakfast and dinner
Agra, Overnight
This morning, we make our way to the railway station where we board India’s historic and first semi-high-speed train, the Gatimaan Express, to Agra. On arrival, we visit Agra Fort, a historical fort which remained the main residence of the Mughal emperors until 1638, before travelling to our hotel, the delightful Taj Agra Hotel.
Tour Highlight
This evening, as the sun sets, we venture out to see India’s most iconic attraction and testament of love, the Taj Mahal. Commissioned in 1632 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, to house the tomb of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this breath-taking complex is said to have been constructed on the banks of Agra’s Yamuna River by over 20,000 stone carvers, masons, and artists from across India, Turkey and Iraq. We witness this magnificent monument for a sunset like no other.
Included meals:
Breakfast and dinner
Ranthambore, 2 nights
For those that wish, there is an opportunity, (additional cost) to visit Mehtab Bagh. Situated on the opposite bank to the Taj Mahal, this delightful garden complex is the perfect spot to watch the sun rise over the Taj Mahal. Alternatively, you may choose to visit the mausoleum of Itimad-ud-Daulah. Often referend to as the ‘Bay Taj’ it was the first Mughal structure built entirely of white marble. Or perhaps, enjoy a morning of leisure at our hotel. Later, we depart for Agra Railway Station and board the high-speed Vande Bharat Express train to Sawai Madhopur. Upon arrival, we are transferred to the Ranthambore Bagh Palace hotel. This evening join a tiger talk with a local naturalist and learn more about Ranthambore’s most famous and imposing inhabitant.
Included meals:
Breakfast and dinner
We Recommend - Mehtab Bagh
Visit the delightful garden complex of Mehtab Bagh to witness sunrise over the Taj Mahal.
Ranthambore
An early start as we journey into Ranthambore National Park, a former private hunting ground of India’s great ruler, the Maharaja. The park is famed for its majestic and elusive tigers and celebrated for its wildlife conservation. Keep an eye out for Marsh crocodiles, Sloth bears, monkeys, leopards, Sambar deer, and over 250 bird species. We board our open shared canter vehicle for our first safari, prior to breakfast. We embark on our second safari this afternoon, to explore the park further in our search for the incredible wildlife roaming the lands and waters of this eminent park.
Included meals:
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Jaipur, 2 nights
A morning at leisure to relax in the hotel. Alternatively, you may opt to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ranthambore Fort or perhaps join a final safari in Ranthambore National Park. Following lunch, we journey to the opulent ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan. Our accommodation in Jaipur is the Hilton Jaipur. Later, we enjoy a cooking demonstration with dinner at a local family's home.
Included meals:
Breakfast, packed-lunch and dinner
Jaipur
Following breakfast, we travel a short distance to meet our waiting jeeps, which take us to yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site – the magnificent Amber Fort. Set amidst dramatic pink hills, the Amber Fort is a fabulous example of Rajput architecture. Our tour of Jaipur continues with the delightful sights of City Palace, including its complex maze of gardens, courtyards and impressive buildings. We also visit Jantar Mantar, the ancient equinoctial sundial, and travel via Hawa Mahal, Jaipur’s amazing pink sandstone palace. The rest of the day is ours to spend as we please. Why not take an optional guided walk and visit the old stables which were converted into a market?
Included meals:
Breakfast and dinner
Shimla, 3 nights
Tour Highlight
After breakfast, we transfer to Jaipur Airport for our flight to Chandigarh. On arrival, we join our awaiting vehicles to travel towards Shimla. En route, we swap our mode of transport as we board the UNESCO recognised toy train on its meandering journey through the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains towards Shimla, famed for being the summer retreat of the British colonial government in the 19th century. This distinctive train offers incomparable views of the surrounding landscapes. We spend our next three nights at the comfortable Radisson Hotel Jass.
Included meals:
Breakfast and dinner
Shimla
This morning, we enjoy a leisurely walking tour around Shimla, witnessing heritage buildings including the Gaiety Theatre, a restored Gothic construction extraordinarily adorned with papier-mâché! Our tour also visits the General Post Office, and Viceregal Lodge, the most historically significant colonial building of the region, displaying incredible architecture. The remainder of our day is at leisure to enjoy Shimla.
Included meals:
Breakfast and dinner
Shimla
A leisurely start to the day before we enjoy a second journey on the toy train. This extraordinary feat of railway engineering follows a narrow-gauge track, negotiating a series of tunnels, bridges and curves as it slowly meanders its way through the Shivalik foothills of the Himalayas. Returning to Shimla by road, we stop to visit Sankat Mochan Temple, and we have the option to join the Sleeping Beauty Trail, where more of Shimla’s history will be revealed.
Included meals:
Breakfast and dinner
Amritsar, 2 nights
Bidding farewell to magical Shimla we journey to Chandigarh in a series of smaller vehicles, which are best suited to the mountainous terrain. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to the heritage city of Amritsar, where its magnificent Golden Temple and beautiful blend of culture, history and tradition await. Our hotel for the next two nights is the Hyatt Regency. Following dinner, we enjoy the Palki Ceremony, where the Sikh Holy Book is paraded through a crowd of worshippers with accompanying drums and hymns providing the soundtrack to an unforgettable experience at Sikhism’s most significant and most-visited landmark.
Included meals:
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Amritsar
Tour Highlight
Undoubtedly our highlight today is a visit to the magnificent Golden Temple, one of the most spiritual places in India. We explore the complex, including the incredible community kitchens which produce up to 20,000 meals per day, all prepared by local volunteers. We continue to Jallianwala Bagh, a historic garden and memorial, before visiting the Partition Museum. The museum tells stories through oral histories, personal artefacts, letters, photographs, and original documents of the millions affected during the Partition of 1947. Later, we visit some of the best foodie locations in Amritsar. Enjoy mouth-watering Punjabi dishes such as Amritsari kulche, lassi, maa di daal, jalebi, samose, and more!
Included meals:
Breakfast and dinner
Delhi, Overnight
An early breakfast before we transfer to the railway station and board the Vande Bharat Express train, bound for Delhi. We stay overnight at the Novotel New Delhi City Centre.
Included meals:
Breakfast and dinner
Depart Delhi / Arrive UK
This morning, we depart for Delhi Airport and our Virgin Atlantic flight to London Heathrow. If flying with Emirates or Qatar, flights will operate via Dubai or Doha. We arrive at our chosen UK airport later today.
Included meals:
Breakfast, In-flight meals and drinks
Departure dates & prices
Save £200 per person on tours departing from September 2026 when you book by 30th November 2025, or take advantage of £100 per person savings on tours departing from January 2026 to April 2026 , when you book by 30th November 2025.
2026 Departures
| Date | Price (Per Person) | Offer | Availability |
| 29th January 2026 |
|
SAVE £100 per person | Just Launched |
| 19th February 2026 |
|
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| 12th March 2026 |
|
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| 9th April 2026 |
|
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| 20th September 2026 |
|
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| 8th October 2026 |
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| 22nd October 2026 |
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| 5th November 2026 |
|
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29th January 2026
Just Launched
SAVE £100 per person£2,695pp£2,595pp -
19th February 2026
Just Launched
SAVE £100 per person£2,695pp£2,595pp -
12th March 2026
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9th April 2026
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SAVE £100 per person£2,595pp£2,495pp -
20th September 2026
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SAVE £200 per person£2,795pp£2,595pp -
8th October 2026
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22nd October 2026
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5th November 2026
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SAVE £200 per person£2,895pp£2,695pp
2027 Departures
| Date | Price (Per Person) | Offer | Availability |
| 14th January 2027 |
|
SAVE £200 per person | Just Launched |
| 4th February 2027 |
|
SAVE £200 per person | Just Launched |
| 18th February 2027 |
|
SAVE £200 per person | Just Launched |
| 4th March 2027 |
|
SAVE £200 per person | Just Launched |
| 18th March 2027 |
|
SAVE £200 per person | Just Launched |
| 12th September 2027 |
|
SAVE £200 per person | Just Launched |
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14th January 2027
Just Launched
SAVE £200 per person£2,895pp£2,695pp -
4th February 2027
Just Launched
SAVE £200 per person£2,895pp£2,695pp -
18th February 2027
Just Launched
SAVE £200 per person£2,895pp£2,695pp -
4th March 2027
Just Launched
SAVE £200 per person£2,895pp£2,695pp -
18th March 2027
Just Launched
SAVE £200 per person£2,895pp£2,695pp -
12th September 2027
Just Launched
SAVE £200 per person£2,795pp£2,595pp
Prices
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin or double room.
Single occupancy supplement
January 2026 – September 2027: £695
Deposit
£500 per person if travelling Economy Class and £1,500 per person for Business Class.
Flight upgrades
Virgin Atlantic upgrade to Premium Economy from £995 per person return, or Business Class from £2,995 per person return.
Emirates upgrade to Premium Economy from £1,895 per person return, or Business Class from £3,395 per person return.
Qatar Airways upgrade to Business Class from £3,395 per person return.
Visa Information
You are required to obtain a Tourist Visa before travelling. For more information on applying for your visa and the associated costs, please refer to our FAQs page.
Important information
Prices and flight upgrades are subject to fuel surcharges and the availability of flights. The correct price will be confirmed before you book.
For full terms and conditions see our booking conditions page.
Please note, alternative airlines may be considered or further supplements may apply in certain periods when international flight prices are higher.
Private Touring Supplements
Should you prefer to take the tour as a Private Tour, please add the relevant supplement below to the main tour price.
Guests choosing a Private Tour may select their own departure date. Alternative airlines may be considered, or further supplements may apply in certain periods when international flight prices are higher.
| Number of Guests | Tour Supplement (pp) | ||
| All Dates | |||
| 2 guests | From £695 | ||
| 3-4 guests | From £495 | ||
| 5-6 guests | From £395 | ||
Your holiday includes
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Small group touring
Small group touring with max. 24 passengers -
Flights with leading scheduled airlines
Return economy flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow, and all domestic flights within India, inclusive of all airport charges, security charges, any applicable fuel surcharges and UK Air Passenger Duty. Alternatively, fly with Emirates from Birmingham, Manchester, London Heathrow, or London Gatwick, or Qatar Airways from London Heathrow or Manchester. A supplement from £100 per person return will apply
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Carefully selected hotels
Carefully selected hotels in great locations, with all hotel porterage and applicable taxes
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Meals worth £550 per person
Meals worth £550 per person, with daily breakfast, three lunches and dinner each evening
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Unforgettable experiences
- Sightseeing tours in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Shimla and Amritsar
- Rail journeys onboard the Gatimaan Express and the Vande Bharat Express
- Travel to Shimla onboard the UNESCO toy train
- Visit the iconic Taj Mahal
- Naturalist tiger talk and safaris in Ranthambore National Park
- Experience dinner at a local family home in Jaipur
- Jeep ride and tour of Amber Fort, Jaipur
- Admire the Golden Temple of Amritsar
- Food walking tour in Amritsar
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Experienced Tour Manager
Services of an experienced local Tour Manager and local guides
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On the ground
All overseas transfers, travel by rail or modern, air-conditioned coaches throughout
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ATOL protected
Your holiday is covered by our Price Promise and is fully ATOL protected
Hand-picked hotels
All the hotels on our tours are carefully selected by our travel experts to ensure they meet their high standards. They understand exactly what elements of a hotel work best on a touring holiday, with an emphasis on location and quality. Throughout your touring holiday, rest assured that you will be staying in the best possible accommodation, without it costing you the earth.
- The Leela Ambience, Delhi
- Taj Agra, Agra
- Ranthambore Bagh Palace, Ranthambore
- Hilton Hotel, Jaipur
- Radisson Jass, Shimla
- Hyatt Regency Amritsar, Amritsar
- Novotel City Centre, Delhi
The Leela Ambience, Delhi
Located in East Delhi, an area of the capital known for its rich culture and diversity, the Leela Ambience is a stylish, elegant hotel which combines modern facilities with Indian traditions and the unparalleled hospitality which so typifies India. At… Find out more >-
Official rating
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Distant Journeys rating
Taj Agra, Agra
The Taj Agra is a five-star hotel in Agra just a short walk away from the Eastern Gate of the majestic Taj Mahal, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It’s the perfect place from which to enjoy… Find out more >-
Official rating
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Distant Journeys rating
Ranthambore Bagh Palace, Ranthambore
Ranthambore Bagh Palace sits just minutes from the famous Ranthambore National Park. Surrounded by lush gardens, guava trees and tranquil lawns, the hotel offers a peaceful retreat with elegant, palace-like architecture. Each room includes high-speed WiFi, flat-screen TV, tea/coffee amenities,… Find out more >-
Official rating
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Distant Journeys rating
Hilton Hotel, Jaipur
The Hilton Hotel Jaipur is set in the heart of Jaipur, with spectacular views of the scenic Aravalli hills. Elegantly styled and with every modern convenience, the Hilton Hotel is a comfortable and convenient base from which to explore the… Find out more >-
Official rating
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Distant Journeys rating
Radisson Jass, Shimla
Sitting at the foot of the Himalayas, the Radisson Hotel has a stunning, elevated location among scented cedar forests and enjoys wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It has a seasonal outdoor pool for guests to enjoy an… Find out more >-
Official rating
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Distant Journeys rating
Hyatt Regency Amritsar, Amritsar
Hyatt Regency Amritsar enjoys an enviable location just minutes away from the Golden Temple and next to the Nexus Mall, a shopper’s paradise. The hotel’s ambience is one of understated luxury and calm, an oasis of tranquillity and comfort to… Find out more >-
Official rating
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Distant Journeys rating
Novotel City Centre, Delhi
Novotel New Delhi City Centre is in the heart of New Delhi’s Jhandewalan neighbourhood and centrally positioned near key business districts and cultural landmarks. The hotel blends modern comfort with urban convenience, and all rooms feature high-speed WiFi and fully… Find out more >-
Official rating
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Distant Journeys rating
Freedom days
Explore further during your free time with an optional excursion to enhance your experience. You don’t have to decide if you want to arrange anything before you go, your tour manager will happily arrange this for you while you are on tour.
Full details of each optional excursion are coming soon.
Holiday Extensions
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3 nights from £2,295pp
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4 nights from £795pp
Varanasi is India’s spiritual home. A sacred 3,000-year-old Hindu city, resting on the banks of the illustrious Ganges. A city filled with enchanting mysticism, astonishing temples and sacred waters. Most visitors agree, whilst not for the faint-hearted, Varanasi is both…
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Offers
Last-minute savings: Save £100 per person on tours departing between January and May 2026. Offer ends 30th November 2025.
Early Booking Offers: SAVE £200 per person on India tours departing from September 2026. Book by 30th November 2025.
Customer reviews 
These reviews are from Distant Journeys guests, and have been verified by the independent reviews company Feefo.
Small group touring with max. 24 passengers
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