The Award Winning Leader in Escorted Worldwide Rail Holidays
Shimla takes its name from its patron goddess, called Shamla Devi. The town was 'discovered' by British surveyors in 1817. The gleaming reports of its beauty and favourable climate soon spread, and by the 1830s Shimla was - for most of the British people living there - the most fashionable summer resort in India. In 1864, it came as little surprise when the Government of India declared Shimla as their official headquarters during the hot season.
Shimla is still a very popular tourist destination today. This is due in part to some of the fantastic sights that can be seen in the town, from the wonderful views of the surrounding Himalayas to some of the man-made marvels. These include the Viceregal Lodge, the single most impressive colonial monument in the town. It was built to house the government - which it did until the end of British rule in the 1940s. The ornate building is the only one to occupy a hill of its own.
Other popular attractions in the town include Scandal Point, so-called because it was where people would meet traditionally to gossip, and the famous Gaiety Theatre.
The kaleidoscopic sights of this colourful country take your breath away. Our Indian rail tour takes in the Red and Amber Forts, historic temples, beautiful palaces and ornate gardens, as we visit Delhi, the 'Pink City' of Jaipur and Agra with its white marble icon, the Taj Mahal.
… see more13 days from £1,895 pp
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Magnificent palaces and forts are waiting to be discovered on this Indian rail adventure aboard the Palace on Wheels train. Experience the lifestyle of the Maharajahs as we visit walled cities, marvel at the astonishing Taj Mahal and enjoy tiger spotting in Ranthambore National Park.
… see more15 days from £4,995 pp
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Venture into the spectacular Himalayan Mountains on this tour which celebrates the best that this stunning mountain range, and the country of India have to offer. Discover ancient mountains, Tibetan mysticism and colourful cities.
… see more11 days from £2,345 pp
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Wonderful experience from start to finish. Thoroughly enjoyed our adventure through India
By Lorna Heatley
7 June 2018
India has to be one of the most colourful countries in the world. From the vibrant celebration clothes worn by both men and women, decorated in extraordinary amounts of beadwork and mirrors.
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By Sukie Chapman
18 January 2018
You love rail travel but also want to explore further afield than Europe; this is a conundrum many of our customers call us about.
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By Lorna Heatley
16 August 2017
70 years ago, on the 15th of August 1947 India became the country that we know and love today. Following the departure of the British after nearly 200 years of what is known as the ‘British Raj’ (or ‘British Rule’), India suffered a period of turmoil, with Pakistan off from India, but it has since risen to become one of the main superpowers of the modern world.
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By Peter Liney
25 April 2017
A firm handshake and a broad smile; his name was David (a member of Kerala’s Christian community who make up 20% of the population here), and with this and this alone, he welcomed me aboard his giant Chinese fishing net. Here a team of six lowered the netting over 250 times a day into the estuary below, which just a few short metres away transformed into the Arabian Sea.
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Absolutely brilliant. A holiday to remember. Everything so well organised. Lovely hotels. Very knowledgeable tour manager and guide. Can highly recommend Great Rail Journeys and have already done so to several people.