India by Rail

Boasting one of the world’s most extensive rail networks, India is ideal to explore by train. A train journey is included in many of our itineraries and provides a wonderful window into life on the subcontinent. The appeal is obvious: grab your book, strike up a conversation with your friendly fellow passengers or simply sit back and enjoy the ever changing view from your window.

Travelling by train in India is an experience in itself. While the carriages may be dated and could sometimes be cleaner, we always book the best available class with a reserved seat or berth. Intercity journeys are in air-conditioned carriages, with bedding provided on sleepers. For a taste of nostalgia, why not take a ‘toy’ train on one of India’s mountain railways?

On some routes, Intercity Express or faster trains are available offering a more efficient and premium service. Intercity Express routes have fewer stops and reclining seats with more leg room, and usually include a meal served at your seat. The most popular are the Gatimaan Express (Delhi - Agra), the Vande Bharat Express (Delhi - Varanasi) and the Tejas Express (Mumbai - Goa).

We recommend point to point trains (with pre-booked seat reservations) rather than a JR Pass. Booking point to point trains represents a more cost effective option on your chosen route. Alternatively, it may be because you are travelling during peak seasons when seat availability is likely to be extremely limited and seat reservations may not be possible upon activation of a JR pass. Whilst this does mean a loss of flexibility in your plans, we find most of our clients prefer the reassurance of having a guaranteed reservation on the train services they require.