Rail Tours in India

It's often the case on an escorted rail tour with Great Rail Journeys that the train travel between destinations is as enjoyable and memorable an aspect of the tour as the destinations themselves. India is no exception. For many of our journeys between India's great cities we travel in air-conditioned comfort aboard the Shatabdi Express; a modern, clean and efficient service that is the pride of its operator. Frequently our India rail tour itineraries feature excursions on truly remarkable trains, such as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway which ascends almost 7,000 feet into the mountains. At the opposite end of the scale, India's Palace on Wheels is one of the country's most sumptuously-appointed trains and, for our guests, the closest experience to travelling in a luxury five-star hotel. Each of our Indian train tours is an adventure in itself, and whichever you choose you're assured of an experience that is unforgettable.

India Traveller's Guide

Home to more than a billion inhabitants, India is the world's seventh largest country and is bordered by Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Burma and Bangladesh.

India's history begins with the establishment of the Indus Valley Civilization in the Bronze Age (3300-1300 BC), and the later arrival of Indo-Aryan settlers. These two phases are known as the pre-Vedic and Vedic periods. It is in the Vedic period that Hinduism originated; India's oldest manuscripts, the Vedas, date from this period.

In the fifth century, the emperor Ashoka united large regions of India. His conversion to Buddhism led to the religions adoption in other parts of Asia. During the third-century's Maurya Dynasty the principles, belief systems and behaviours that still inform modern Hinduism were incorporated into the religion.

Islam arrived in India in the eighth century and three centuries later had established Muslim rule over Northern India. In the sixteenth century the Muslims were ousted by the invading Mughal Empire, under which India was unified again and Indian culture flourished. European traders arrived in India the following century, eventually asserting dominance over Mughal-controlled regions and ultimately deposing the empire via military action. This marked the beginning of British colonial rule in India. An initial Indian Rebellion in 1857 failed to restore Indian governance and the country formally became part of the British Empire. It was not until 1947, following the Second World War, that India regained the independence that it still enjoys today.

The majority of India is subject to a tropical climate. Summer, which lasts from April to October is very hot; temperatures in northern and western areas can exceed 40°C (104°F). Monsoon rains fall in June and October and can bring thunderstorms and flooding depending upon their severity. Except in the mountainous regions of northern India which receive snowfall, India's winters are relatively mild with temperatures averaging between 5°C-12°C (41°F-54°F).

India's cuisine has been shaped over centuries by different cultures and civilizations. Although virtually every different region of India has evolved its own distinctive cuisine the common feature that links them all is the generous use of spices. Rice, lentils and chick peas are common ingredients of Indian dishes, with chicken, pork and fish the most popular meats. The spicy heat of southern Indian dishes is often tempered by the addition of coconut milk. Meals may be accompanied by flatbreads including naan, puri, or paratha. Aloo dishes feature potatoes as their main ingredient, whilst paneer is a type of Indian cheese. Chai, a blend of rich black tea, milk and spices, is effectively India's national beverage and is found everywhere.

One of the best pieces of advice when touring India by rail is to carry a cheap pair of sandals with you. Many of India's temples will only allow visitors to enter them barefoot and having a pair of sandals that easily slip on and off saves time and effort.

Indian markets have a thriving bargaining culture. When negotiating with a street merchant never accept the first price you are offered. This could be ten or even twenty times the price they will settle for. In return, offer a much lower bid than you're actually prepared to pay for an item and enjoy a good-natured haggle until you reach a mutually agreeable price.