Comprehensive 17-Day North India Train Tour from Kolkata

Day 1: Kolkata Exploration

Kolkata, India on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Flurys

Enjoy traditional Anglo-Indian breakfast with pastries and coffee at iconic Flurys on Park Street, open from 7:30am to 10:30pm.
INR500, 1h0m

9:30am

Victoria Memorial Visit

Explore this grand marble monument and museum exhibiting colonial history and art; open from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
INR30, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Oh! Calcutta

Savor authentic Bengali cuisine in a traditional setting, located close to historical sites, open 12:00pm-3:30pm.
INR700, 1h0m

2:00pm

Kumartuli Pottery and Sculpture Tour

Visit the famed potters’ quarter specializing in idol making, offering cultural insight and artisan meetups.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Evening stroll at Howrah Bridge

Experience the iconic bustling Howrah Bridge and riverside views as the sun sets.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Peter Cat

Relish famous Chelo Kebab and continental dishes in a vibrant ambiance; open till 11:00pm.
INR900, 1h0m
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Day 2: Kolkata to Varanasi Travel

Kolkata to Varanasi, India on June 14, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast to start the day before train journey. Options typically available from 6:00am.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Train from Kolkata to Varanasi

Board the Shramjeevi Express or similar train for an approx 12-14 hour journey northwest towards Varanasi.
INR600-1000, 13h0m

9:00pm

Check-in and Dinner at Hotel in Varanasi

Arrive Varanasi and settle in with a modest dinner featuring local flavors, places like Aum Cafe are open till 10pm.
INR500, 1h0m
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Day 3: Varanasi Spiritual Tour

Varanasi, India on June 15, 2025

6:00am

Ganga Aarti Ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat

Witness the spectacular early morning river ritual with priests performing prayers and lamp offerings.
Free, 1h0m

8:00am

Breakfast at The Palate

Enjoy fresh Indian breakfast dishes with serene views of the ghats, open from 7:30am.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Boat Ride on the Ganges

Take a boat ride along the Ganges to see ancient temples and river life, operating till late afternoon.
INR200, 2h0m

12:00pm

Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Explore one of the most famous Shiva temples, allowing cultural and spiritual immersion.
Free, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Baati Chokha

Taste local Banarasi cuisine including litti chokha, open from 12:00pm-3:00pm.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Sarnath Excursion

Visit the nearby Buddhist site where Buddha gave his first sermon; open 9:00am-5:00pm.
INR50, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Keshari Restaurant

Enjoy traditional thali meals in a local favorite dining spot open till 10pm.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 4: Varanasi to Agra

Varanasi to Agra, India on June 16, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast before boarding the train; light and convenient.
Included, 1h0m

7:00am

Train from Varanasi to Agra Cantt

Take train route westbound for approx 10-12 hours towards Agra, featuring scenic transition from eastern to northern plains.
INR800-1200, 11h0m

6:30pm

Check-in and Dinner in Agra

Settle into hotel and enjoy dinner at Pinch of Spice, known for Mughlai cuisine, open until 11:00pm.
INR1000, 1h0m
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Day 5: Agra Sightseeing

Agra, India on June 17, 2025

6:00am

Sunrise Visit to Taj Mahal

Beat the crowds and explore the majestic Taj Mahal during sunrise, gate opens 6:00am-6:30pm.
INR1300, 2h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at Esphahan

Fine dining at the Oberoi Amarvilas hotel, serving exquisite breakfast until 11am.
INR1200, 1h0m

11:00am

Agra Fort Tour

Explore the red sandstone fortification overlooking the Yamuna river, open 6:00am-6:00pm.
INR650, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Joney's Place

Popular casual eatery with North Indian and tandoori specialties, open 10:00am-9:00pm.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb

Often called the Baby Taj, a beautiful marble mausoleum; open 6:00am-6:00pm.
INR200, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Peshawri

Experience traditional North Indian flavors and kebabs in an elegant setting, open till 11:00pm.
INR1500, 1h0m
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Day 6: Agra to Jaipur via Train

Agra to Jaipur, India on June 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for train journey to Jaipur.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Train from Agra to Jaipur

Board the Shatabdi Express or other direct trains taking about 4-5 hours west to Jaipur.
INR600-900, 5h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at LMB Restaurant

Sample authentic Rajasthani cuisine in a popular local spot open 12:00pm-4:00pm.
INR500, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit City Palace

Tour the royal residence and museums that depict Jaipur's princely history; open 9:30am-5:00pm.
INR700, 2h0m

6:00pm

Sunset at Nahargarh Fort

View panoramic cityscape and sunset from this historic fort; open till 8:00pm.
INR200, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at 1135 AD

Dine inside Amber Fort complex specializing in royal Rajasthani dishes, open 7:00pm-10:30pm.
INR1200, 1h0m
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Day 7: Jaipur Cultural Day

Jaipur, India on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tapri Tea House

Enjoy local tea blends and snacks with views of Jaipur’s hills, open from 8:00am.
INR250, 1h0m

9:30am

Amber Fort Visit

Explore majestic hilltop fort with ornate palaces and courtyards; open 8:00am-5:30pm.
INR650, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Handi Restaurant

Taste flavorful Rajasthani and Mughlai dishes, open 12:00pm-3:30pm.
INR600, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Jantar Mantar

See the largest stone astronomical observatory in India; open 9:00am-5:00pm.
INR200, 1h0m

4:00pm

Shopping at Johari Bazaar

Explore famous market for jewelry and textiles, open until 8:00pm.
Varies, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Suvarna Mahal

Fine dining in the Rambagh Palace serving Rajasthani royal cuisine; reservations recommended.
INR2000, 1h0m
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Day 8: Jaipur to Delhi Train

Jaipur to Delhi, India on June 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before travel to Delhi.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Train to Delhi

Take high-speed train to Delhi, approximately 4-5 hours journey.
INR700, 5h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Karim’s

Famous for Mughlai cuisine near Jama Masjid, open till 11:00pm.
INR500, 1h0m

3:30pm

Red Fort Visit

Historic Mughal fortress with museums, open 9:30am-4:30pm.
INR600, 2h0m

6:00pm

Evening Walk at Chandni Chowk

Experience vibrant markets and street foods, perfect for exploration until late evening.
Free, 2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Paranthe Wali Gali

Try various stuffed paranthas in this famous alley, open till late night.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 9: Delhi Heritage Tour

Delhi, India on June 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wenger’s Deli

Famous bakery and cafe with wide breakfast options, open from 7:00am.
INR350, 1h0m

9:00am

Humayun’s Tomb

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a precursor to the Taj Mahal; open 6:00am-6:00pm.
INR500, 2h0m

12:00pm

Qutub Minar Complex

Explore the tallest brick minaret and surrounding monuments; open 7:00am-5:00pm.
INR600, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Sagar Ratna

South Indian restaurant offering hearty meals, open 12:00pm-10:30pm.
INR400, 1h0m

4:00pm

Lotus Temple

Visit the Bahá'í House of Worship known for its lotus shape, open 9:00am-7:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan drive-by

Evening drive past landmarks to see beautiful illumination, open anytime.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Bukhara

Award-winning North-West Frontier cuisine at ITC Maurya, open till 11pm.
INR2500, 1h0m
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Day 10: Delhi to Amritsar by Train

Delhi to Amritsar, India on June 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare for journey with breakfast at hotel.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Train to Amritsar

Board Shatabdi Express or similar for 6-7 hour ride to Amritsar.
INR800-1000, 6h30m

3:00pm

Check-in and Lunch in Amritsar

Lunch at Kesar Da Dhaba, famous for Punjabi cuisine and open till evening.
INR300, 1h0m

4:30pm

Jallianwala Bagh Visit

Historic memorial park open until 6:00pm commemorating 1919 massacre.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Golden Temple Evening Visit

Experience spiritual evening prayers and stunning illumination, open 24 hours.
Free, 2h0m

8:30pm

Dinner at Langar Hall

Enjoy the free community meal served to thousands daily at the Golden Temple.
Donation, 1h0m
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Day 11: Amritsar to Shimla

Amritsar to Shimla, India on June 23, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before a long travel day.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Train to Kalka

Take a train from Amritsar to Kalka, approximately 8-9 hours journey.
INR700-900, 9h0m

5:00pm

Check-in at Kalka

Overnight stop before continuing to Shimla.
Varies, Overnight
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Day 12: Kalka to Shimla Train and Exploration

Shimla, India on June 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Kalka Hotel

Breakfast before taking the scenic toy train.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Kalka-Shimla Toy Train Ride

Enjoy a picturesque narrow gauge train journey through the hills lasting about 5-6 hours.
INR400-700, 5h30m

3:30pm

Check-in at Shimla Hotel

Relax after train journey and prepare for local sightseeing.
Varies, Ongoing

5:00pm

Mall Road Walk

Explore Shimla’s popular Mall Road with shops, cafes, and colonial architecture, open generally till late evening.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Wake & Bake Cafe

Casual dining with continental and Indian dishes, open till 10:00pm.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 13: Shimla Sightseeing

Shimla, India on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Simla Times

Offers hearty breakfast with local specialties, open from 7:30am.
INR400, 1h0m

9:30am

Christ Church and Ridge Walk

Visit historic Christ Church and walk the Ridge to enjoy mountain views and colonial style.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ashiana & Goofa

Experience local Himachali and north Indian cuisine in historic setting, open 12:00pm-3:00pm.
INR700, 1h0m

2:00pm

Jakhoo Temple Visit

Hike or taxi up to the hilltop temple dedicated to Hanuman, open throughout daylight.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Evening Leisure

Relax at hotel or explore local markets.
Free, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Indian Coffee House

Historic cafe offering simple meals with old-world charm.
INR300, 1h0m
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Day 14: Shimla to Chandigarh

Shimla to Chandigarh, India on June 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

Breakfast before scenic drive or train journey to Chandigarh.
Included, 1h0m

10:00am

Travel to Chandigarh

Either taxi or bus for approximately 3-4 hours journey into this planned city.
INR1000-1500, 4h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Black Lotus

Enjoy fine Chinese dining inside Taj Hotel, open until 10pm.
INR1200, 1h0m

3:30pm

Rock Garden Visit

Famous sculpture garden built from industrial and urban waste, open 9:00am-7:00pm.
INR30, 2h0m

6:00pm

Sukhna Lake Stroll

Enjoy lakeside natural beauty and boating (if interested), open till sunset.
Boating INR100-300, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Pal Dhaba

Sample Punjabi cuisine in casual setting, open till 11:00pm.
INR400, 1h0m
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Day 15: Chandigarh to Lucknow

Chandigarh to Lucknow, India on June 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before travel day.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Train from Chandigarh to Lucknow

Long distance train heading southeast approximately 10-12 hours.
INR800-1200, 11h0m

7:30pm

Check-in and Dinner at Lucknow

Dinner at Rahim’s Lucknowi, famous for kebabs, open until 10pm.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 16: Lucknow City Tour

Lucknow, India on June 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Tunday Kababi

Start day with the legendary Tunday Kababi mutton dish, open from 8:00am.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Bara Imambara Visit

Visit iconic historical monument with Bhool Bhulaiya maze, open 7:00am-5:00pm.
INR50, 2h0m

12:00pm

Chota Imambara Tour

Explore the beautifully decorated mosque and tomb complex, open 7:00am-5:00pm.
INR50, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Royal Cafe

Popular spot for local Awadhi dishes, open 12:00pm-3:00pm.
INR400, 1h0m

3:00pm

Residency Museum

See the British-era ruins and museum telling Lucknow’s colonial history; open till 5:00pm.
INR50, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Dastarkhwan

Sample traditional Awadhi kebabs and curries at this popular venue.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 17: Lucknow to Kolkata Return

Lucknow to Kolkata, India on June 29, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Final breakfast in Lucknow before long return train journey.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Train to Kolkata

Board the Bundelkhand Express or similar train for approx 16-18 hours journey back to Kolkata.
INR900-1300, 17h0m
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