Train Travel

See India using different rail journeys.

Try any of these three tours depending on your individual preferences.

Join the Royal Orient for a seven day rail tour of some of India's cities. The tour starts and ends in Delhi and includes the cities of Rajasthan and Gujarat. It also takes in visits to imposing fortifications such as the Amber Palace in Jaipur, the Gandhi Ashram in Ahmedabad and the hilltop jain temples of Shatrunjaya.

To book contact S.D. Enterprises by telephone on: 020 8903 3411. Prices start from £835 per person and includes accomodation on the train, breakfast and some meals. Flights from London can be arranged from most tour operators from about £500.

For a journey with a difference book a trip on the Darjeeling Toy Train. This is a steam train that was built in 1881. It is officially known as the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. It travels 7000 feet up into the Himalayas from Ghoom to Darjeeling. This journey is part of a package that also includes visiting Tiger Hill to watch the sun rising over Mount Everest, driving through the teak forests and the tea plantations of Darjeeling.

For more information contact Western Oriental by telephone on:020 7313 6600; or online at: www.westernoriental.com. Prices start from £1,320 per person and include the trips, accomodation at the Windamere Hotel in Darjeeling and return flights from Heathrow to Delhi and on to Bagdogra.

Or if luxury is your preference, try a sixteen day tour on the Palace on Wheels. This trip focuses on Rajasthan and includes excursions and meals in unusual settings. You will have an elephant ride to the Amber Palace, dinner in the pink city of Jaipur,lunch in the Royal Palace of the Maharajas of Jodhpur and the jewel in the crown a visit to the Taj Mahal. The first three nights are spent in Delhi followed by the train journey and onto visit the beautiful hill station of Shimla.

To discover more contact Great Rail Journeys by telephone on: 01904 521940; or online at: www.greatrail.com. Prices start from £2,900 including full-board rail travel, half board in hotels and flights from London. This tour only operates on specific dates.