India is our most popular long-haul destination, and this vast, varied country has so many treasures to uncover for all types of traveller.
From the cooler temperatures of the Himalayas and the jaw-dropping temples of the Golden Triangle to the lush jungles and golden beaches of the south, India offers a spellbinding blend of tradition, architecture and nature.
Whether you're looking for bustling cities, iconic landmarks, majestic wildlife or spiritual retreats, we've got an Indian tour for you.
Dave Riley, CEO of Great Rail Journeys, says: "We're delighted to bring you these brand-new tours for 2026, showcasing even more of spectacular India. It's a country we love and we're looking forward to taking customers old and new on these fantastic tours.
"At Great Rail Journeys, we're constantly improving our offering and seeking exciting, new destinations. Even if you've visited India with us before, these latest holidays show a different side to this beautiful country."
We spoke to our expert Product Manager, Emma Nabbs, to introduce these wonderful new itineraries.
Emma says: "We are the experts in escorted tours to India and we wanted to show more of it. Each holiday has its own unique quality - from spectacular hotels to venturing further afield."
Exclusive India's Golden Triangle & Oberoi Hotels
"If you want to experience true Indian luxury, this is the tour for you!" says Emma. "On this incredible exploration of India's Golden Triangle, we stay in some of the world's best hotels.
"Oberoi is India's most prestigious hotel chain with a history dating back to 1934 and their first hotel in Shimla, the Oberoi Cecil - which we stay in for three nights. We also spend nights in other five-star Oberoi hotels in Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, soaking up the exquisite ambience and being treated to first-class service. The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur was even voted as the world's best hotel by Travel + Leisure in 2024.
"Our other hotel is the Six Senses Fort Barwara. Originally owned by Rajasthani royals in the 14th century, this palatial hotel has been carefully restored from a jaw-dropping hilltop fort. After dinner, you can walk along the fort walls to enjoy a stunning sunset. It's amazing!
"The experiences on this tour are elevated too. We embark on a more intimate tiger-spotting safari in Ranthambore National Park. With an expert naturalist in each Jeep, we gain a great personal insight into this wildlife-rich reserve. It's a more personal experience - like a chat rather than a guided tour.
"On the way to colonial Shimla, we travel aboard the historic Rail Motor Car - built in 1924 as the Viceroy of India's private train. With just our group onboard this single-carriage vehicle, we can enjoy the spectacular views of the Himalayan foothills.
"Of course, seeing the Taj Mahal bathed in the golden glow of a sunrise - before the crowds arrive - is an extra special moment." Experience Exclusive India's Golden Triangle & Oberoi Hotels.
Spirit of the Himalayas & Amritsar's Golden Temple
"Shimla is loved by our customers, so why not go further up into the hills and spend more time there?" says Emma.
"On this tour, we experience a different side to India. There's lots of spirituality here and you feel like you're far away from everything. When a colleague returned from here, she said it was the cleanest air she'd ever breathed in her life!
"For fans of 60s pop culture, a visit to Rishikesh is a must, with its blend of spirituality and counterculture. Close to the source of the sacred Ganges, it was here the Beatles attended the ashram of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi - and we tour this mystical site, now partly reclaimed by nature. There's even the opportunity to take part in a yoga or meditation class at our hotel.
"The small hill town of Dharamshala is a special place. Surrounded by incredible peaks, it's also home to the Dalai Lama. We visit his residence, the 16th-century Namgyal Monastery. That evening, we gather round a bonfire to enjoy a traditional Himachali dinner - the perfect way to round off a day.
"This region is also the tea capital of northern India, so a visit to this area wouldn't be complete without a tour of a tea plantation ending with a delicious cuppa!
"Finally, we visit Amritsar and its iconic Golden Temple, where we experience the cherished evening Palki ceremony in which the Sikh holy book - the Guru Granth Sahib - is carried from the main temple amid a swirl of colour and chanting."
Be one of the first to enjoy the Spirit of the Himalayas & Amritsar's Golden Temple.
Treasures of Rajasthan & Mumbai
"If you're interested in the Golden Triangle, but want to explore further, this tour is for you," says Emma.
"We see the iconic landmarks of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, but also head deeper into Rajasthan. Udaipur and Jodhpur are beautiful and historic, so we wanted to show these off too. With their palaces, they're what Rajasthan is known for.
"On the day before our Taj Mahal sunrise experience, we visit the Mehtab Bagh gardens on the other side of the Yamuna River. From here, we can enjoy unobstructed views of the Taj Mahal. It's magical.
"Jaipur is my favourite city in India. Known as the 'Pink City', it's so open and colourful. It's like somebody has taken your sunglasses off! From here, we visit sacred Pushkar Lake, an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, surrounded by hundreds of temples and bathing ghats.
"Our explorations are completed in Mumbai with a tour that has been very popular when we've done it before. Exploring Mumbai by dawn, we see the city come to life. Framed with a scenic sunrise over the Indian Ocean, we watch the fishermen bring their nets in. It's a great chance to see the traditional side of one of the world's biggest cities."
Uncover the Treasures of Rajasthan & Mumbai.
We've been operating escorted tours to India since 1989. Today, we offer holidays for all budgets and interests. From our Discoveries exploration of the Golden Triangle to a Landmark journey aboard the luxurious Maharajas' Express, and from the Himalayas in the north to Kerala in the south, there's something for everyone.
To view our full range of India holidays, visit greatrail.com/india
