Riding The Rails Of India

Tom Holland, Assistant Manager of our Christchurch travel agents, took an unforgettable journey through India via rail. As well as the major sights, he also got to see some areas that are not typically part of most itineraries. Here are Tom’s thoughts on this escorted tour.

Destination: India
Operator/Host: Great Rail Journeys
Airline: Virgin
Accommodation
(Hotel names/Ship name): ITC MUGAL, Taj Palace, Sawia Villas, ITC Rajputana Jaipur
Duration: 8 days

Flight

Virgin is one of my favourite airlines as they have the best service, entertainment and food. We flew direct to Delhi with no delays.

We also had a representative travelling with us and she was able to get us access into the Virgin Club Lounge. This was great because I had never been in any lounge before so it was good for me to experience that.

Accommodation

All of the hotels were absolutely stunning and the staff were so attentive. Most had a lot of facilities we weren’t able to experience due to lack of free time available.All rooms in every hotel were very large with large bathrooms, several choices of restaurants, spas etc. All the staff were very attentive, especially in Sawii Vilas in Ranthanbore. We were given a special welcome and, when we checked out, they made us a goodbye cake.

What Was Included?

This was an escorted tour with Great Rail Journeys so we had a lot included. We had a least two excursions every day and we were able to have extra stops during long coach journeys. We got to experience key attractions like the Amber Fort, Taj Mahal and Ranthanbore National Park, as well as a variety of mosques, palaces etc.

Trip Highlights

I enjoyed experiencing everything in India, as it is somewhere I have always wanted to travel. We were able to see some of the areas by rail which was great I had recently found out that my great grandad actually used to live in India and built the railways out there.

Recommendations

Of course, I would recommend this trip. I have booked it before and I also had a customer who was doing the same trip just after me, so it was nice to share our experiences. I think it is important for everyone to see the contrasting style of living out there. It was a truly unforgettable trip in an amazing country with some amazing people.

Must see? The Taj Mahal, of course
Must do? A Rickshaw ride around Delhi old town
Must try? Aloo Paratha - spicy Indian breakfast

If you would like to experience a rail holiday like this, talk to the team in your local branch. We have travel agents in Colchester, Ipswich, Norwich, Felixstowe, Bury St. Edmunds and along the south coast.