Experience India’s golden triangle by rail

Great Rail Journeys – the UK’s market leader for escorted holidays by rail - has extended its India programme for 2009 with the introduction of a new 13-day India’s Golden Triangle tour visiting Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and Shimla.

Highlights of the holiday include journeys on the Shatabdi Express - in air-conditioned Executive Chair Class - and the narrow gauge Toy Train (recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status after being recognised as “one of the most authentic mountain railways in the world), which travels through the stunning scenery of the Shivalik Mountains for a three-night stay in the colonial town of Shimla together with a sightseeing tour by jeep.

There are also visits to the Taj Mahal and Red Fort – originating from the 15th century – at Agra; the ancient red sandstone city of Fatehpur Sikri which was built in the 16th century as India’s political capital but subsequently abandoned, and the Pink City of Jaipur where the Palace of the Winds and some of the country’s best bazaars are to be found.

In addition, there’s the possibility of reaching the Amber Fort by elephant before continuing to Jaigarh Fort - for superb views of the foothills of the Aravalli range of mountains - as well as enjoying a sightseeing tour of Old and New Delhi which takes in India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan – official residence of the Indian president – and the country’s largest mosque, Jama Masjib.

Accomodation on the tour is in five-star hotels all of which offer a blend of classic, colonial and contemporary styles and includes the Jai Mahal Palace in Jaipur - once the residence of the Prime Minister of the state of Jaipur.

Available on selected dates in April, September and October 2009, prices start from £1995 per person, twin-share, inclusive of return scheduled London/Delhi flights, rail travel, 11 nights’ five-star hotel accommodation with breakfast and dinner each day, four lunches, all excursions as per the itinerary, transfers and luggage handling in India, plus the services of a Tour Manager throughout.

For more information and reservations, log on to GreatRail.com.