14 DAYS ~ FROM £1,989
Indian railways are a unique experience where you meet the real people of India. This tour gives you a unique flavour of the railways, from mighty express trains thundering along the plains to plucky toy trains weaving their way up mountain sides. It also encompasses some of the essential sights and sounds of this incredible country.
Kolkata • Darjeeling • Varanasi • Agra • Shimla • Delhi
 Day 1. To Kolkata
Fly Heathrow to Kolkata on British Airways direct flight.
Day 2. Kolkata
Arrive Kolkata early in the morning. Afternoon sightseeing includes the Jain Temple, Victoria Memorial, Kali Temple and Mother Teresa’s Orphanage. Overnight at Hotel Kenilworth.
Day 3. Overnight Train to New Jaipaiguri
Dawn visit to the colourful flower market. Rest of the day at leisure. Evening board the train to New Jalpaiguri. Overnight train in 1st a/c sleeper.
Day 4. To Darjeeling
Arrive New Jalpaiguri in the morning. Change for the delightful Toy Train to Darjeeling, that slowly weaves its way up the mountain sides amidst glorious scenery. Two nights stay at the Hotel Windamere.
Day 5. Darjeeling
Magical dawn excursion to Tiger Hill glimpsing mighty Mount Kanchenjunga ‘ablaze’ as the suns rays sets the snow afire! On a clear day Mount Everest can been seen. At Ghoom Buddhist Monastery see the revered Maitreya Buddha. Afternoon tour the Botanical Garden, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Tibetan Refugee Centre.
Day 6. On board Train To Varanasi
Morning drive to New Jalpaiguri station to board Rajdhani Express to Mughalsarai station. Overnight in 1st a/c sleeper on train.
Day 7. Varanasi
Arrive Mughalsarai station early in the morning. Afternoon excursion to Sarnath to see the beautiful Buddhist Stupas and the enlightening Museum. It was here that Lord Buddha preached his first sermon. Evening cycle rickshaw ride to the Ghats to see the religious ceremonies. Two nights stay at the The Gateway Hotel Ganges.
 Day 8. On board Train to Agra
Dawn boat ride on the Holy River Ganges to watch the timeless religious rituals performed by the devout. Rest of the day at leisure. Evening transfer to Mughal Sarai station to board train to Tundla. Overnight in 1st a/c sleeper to Agra.
Day 8. Agra
Arrive Tundla station in the morning. Drive to Agra. Afternoon sightseeing of the city includes the majestic Agra Fort – a World Heritage Site, created by successive Moghul Emperors, and, is a testimony of their power and majesty. Also visit the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah. Overnight stay at The Gateway Hotel Fatehabad Road.
Day 9. On board Train to Kalka
Delightful sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal: as the sun gently rises it embraces the iconic Taj in a soft rose coloured glow– leaving all watching spellbound. Afternoon transfer to the railway station. Overnight in 1st a/c sleeper to Kalka.
Day 10. To Shimla
Arrive Kalka early in the morning. Change for Toy Train to Shimla. Relax and enjoy the stunning views. Two nights stay at the Oberoi Cecil.
Day 11. Shimla
Day at leisure to explore the Hill Station with its decided British air – wander down to the Mall to the Gaiety Theatre and mock Tudor houses. Walk to the imposing Vice Regal Mansion with its pretty English garden.
Day 12. To Delhi
Morning at leisure. Afternoon drive down to Kalka station to board the Shatabdi express train to Delhi. Two nights stay at Hotel Maidens.
Day 13. Delhi
Full day Delhi sightseeing includes the Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk bazaar, India Gate, Humayum’s Tomb and the Qutab Minar.
Day 14. To Heathrow
Early morning transfer to the airport for direct British Airways flight to Heathrow.
If you wish to travel from any other country outside UK please contact us and we will give you the cost of the holiday without international flights relevant to your travel dates.
Suggested extensions: Ranthambore National Park, Udaipur, Goa, Amritsar, Maheshwar, Shimla and Nepal
(Various other extensions are available on request)
With love from India....Darjeeling Tea
The verdant hills around Darjeeling produce, what many consider, to be the ‘champagne of teas’. To maintain this quality “fine" plucking of two leaves and one bud is done.
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