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Join six train journeys, stay in Himalayan foothills, go on safari to look for tigers, visit the Golden Temple of Amritsar and jump in a jeep to the deserted city of Amber – all of this is possible on Saga’s NEW The Great Indian Rail Journey escorted tour.

It was a sight that moved actress Miriam Margolyes to tears – the great Indian monument to love that is the Taj Mahal.

And after her adventures, with dancer Wayne Sleep and other celebrities in the TV series The Real Marigold Hotel, all eyes are on the latest series with stars including actresses Stephanie Beacham and Susan George.

For viewers inspired by the programme, Saga’s tour The Great Indian Rail Journey features a sunrise vision of the Taj Mahal, visits to the Golden Temple of Amritsar and the ‘Golden Triangle’ cities plus a safari in search of tigers.

Saga guests also travel in air-conditioned, high-speed comfort during six memorable rail journeys.

A tour of Shimla, in the Himalayan foothills, with two nights to enjoy mountain views at Clarkes Hotel, built in 1898 in the style of a colonial bungalow is also on the15-night itinerary.

Further extraordinary experiences include tours of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Amritsar and Chandigarh, staying in four-star hotels, most with pools and spas.

The six memorable rail journeys include ‘superfast’ Shatabdi expresses and riding a steam ‘toy train’ on one of India’s UNESCO World Heritage Mountain Railways, where the 2ft 6in wide Himalayan Queen crosses 800 bridges and passes through forest-clad mountains, beautiful valleys and 100 tunnels.

More history and cultural heritage is explored on fascinating road journeys and visits to markets and bazaars, while time in Delhi features a visit to the resting place of Mahatma Gandhi as well as seeing the presidential palace of Rashtrapati Bhavan and the impressive India Gate memorial.

Jaipur is home to the deserted city of Amber, Mughal-influenced halls and gardens, and the dazzling Shish Mahal palace of mirrors which is reached by a ride in an open jeep.

Ranthambore is the base for an open-topped bus safari in a national park which is home to sambar deer, crocodiles, a wealth of birds and elusive tigers, while Amritsar offers not only the Golden Temple of Sikhism, but a trip to Wagah on the Pakistan border, to see the demonstrative changing of the guard by soldiers on each side.

For details call free on 0800 056 0464 or visit saga.co.uk/india

 15 nights+ from £2,099 per person, based on Apr 22, 2019 departure with flights from Heathrow to Delhi with the scheduled services of Virgin Atlantic. Regional flights from Birmingham, Manchester or Glasgow are also available, subject to availability. +Includes 1 night aboard aircraft. New dates are being added due to popular demand.

Price includes VIP door-to-door travel service, return flights, airport taxes, half-board accommodation, porterage, tour manager, optional travel insurance (or a reduction of £65 if not required) and additional cancellation rights.

Editors:

Saga has created four ‘Time to’ holiday styles: Go for it, Stay & Explore, Discover and Unwind. Each style helps guests decide on a holiday that feels right for them. The Great Indian Rail Journey is Discover (Pace 2).