Indian Rail Adventure

On arrival at Kolkata airport you will be meet by your driver and taken to the iconic Oberoi Grand where you will stay for two nights. Your hotel is in Chowranghee , a very central Kolkata location. Most flights arrive in the morning and the rest of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities of your first class hotel.

Accommodation: The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata

Today your full days excursion will introduce you to Kolkata, also known as ‘the City of Joy’. Located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, Kolkata (or Calcutta) is one of India’s largest cities and is the commercial and cultural centre of East India. Its teeming streets and constant hum of activity leaves visitors astonished and amazed.

Your day will start with an early morning boat ride on Hooghly River and a chance to witness the colourful flower market. This is followed by a visit to the Victoria Memorial which is an iconic symbol of Kolkata. This imposing marble edifice contains memorabilia of the British Empire. Then it’s a chance to see the Marble Palace, one of the well-preserved and most elegant houses in Kolkata.

The tour continues in the afternoon, with a visit to the Indian Museum which houses an excellent art gallery and treasures of ancient civilizations. Followed by the Asiatic Society, a research academy founded by Sir William Jones in 1784 concluding with the neo Gothic St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Accommodation: The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata

Meals included: Breakfast

This is a full day at leisure before boarding the train to Darjeeling. You can enjoy the hotel facilities which includes a swimming pool and wellness centre or maybe go for a leisurely walk on Park Street to visit the South Park Street Cemetery. The new market, the heart of shopping in Kolkata, is also only a short walk away offering bargains form one of its many stalls.

In the evening your Indian rail experience begins with a private transfer to the busy Sealdah Station to board the Darjeeling Mail.

Train Travel and Accommodation: Air-conditioned First Class Sleeper Coach, Darjeeling Mail

Journey: Sealdah Station, Delhi  to New Jalpaiguri

Time: Depart 2200 hrs – Arrive 0800 hrs

Duration: 10 hour overnight journey

Distance: 570 kms

In the morning you will arrive at New Jalpaiguri where you will disembark and join the narrow gauge “Toy Train” which is operated by steam. This scenic ride will take you through the hills to Darjeeling. If the “Toy Train” is not operating up to the foothills, as is often the case, the transfer will be by car and a day ride on the train will be arranged on day 6 from Darjeeling to Ghoom or Kurseong.

On arrival you will be meet and transferred to the elegant Hotel Windamere or Mayfair for next three nights.

Accommodation: Hotel Windamere or Mayfair, Darjeeling

Meals included: Full Board

Train Travel from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling in a First Class Coach

Time: Depart 1000 hrs – Arrive 1720 hrs

Duration: 7 hours 20 minutes

Distance: 88 kms

After leisurely breakfast, you will be taken to Darjeeling Railway station to board the Toy Train to Ghoom. You will be meet at Ghoom station and taken to visit Ghoom Monastery and before driving back to Darjeeling. In the afternoon a visit to the Tibetan market, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and a zoo has been arranged.

Accommodation: Hotel Windamere or Mayfair, Darjeeling

Meals included: Full Board

It’s an early morning start for an excursion to Tiger Hills to see the sunrise over the mighty Himalayan peaks of Mt Kanchenjunga and Mt Everest (subject to weather and visibility conditions).

Later in the day is a visit to the Puttabong Tea Estate, formerly known as Tuvkar Tea Estate which is an opportunity to appreciate one of the oldest and largest tea estates in the area (tea plucking season is from March to November).  The beautiful tea garden located in the northern most district of the Darjeeling hills produces some of the best quality Darjeeling tea. The famous, musky sweet flavoured Darjeeling tea is sometimes referred to as the ‘champagne of teas’.  It is situated in a prime location with the river Rangeet flowing through the land and contributing to the rich diversity to the estate.

We then continue with a trip to the Observatory Hill. As the name suggests, this vantage point is one of the best spots in Darjeeling to observe the panoramic views of the mountains and is also home to the Mahakal Temple.

Accommodation: Hotel Windamere or Mayfair, Darjeeling

Meals included: Full Board

After being taken to the train station, your rail adventure continues with the Rajdhani Express to Varanasi. The highly regarded Rajdhani Express, offers high quality amenities, complimentary meals and a punctual service. Simply sit back and enjoy the views of typical India life form the comfort of your first class air conditioned carriage.

Meals included: Breakfast

Train Travel and Accommodation: Air-conditioned First Class Sleeper Coach, Rajdhani Express

Journey: New Jalpaiguri – Varanasi

Time: Depart 1220 hrs – Arrive 0130 hrs

Duration: 13 hours overnight journey

Distance: 770 kms

It’s a late, just past midnight, arrival into Mughal sarai station where you will be meet and transferred to your hotel, the Taj Ganges for 2 nights. The morning is at leisure.

Then in the afternoon you will be taken on a sightseeing tour of Sarnath, the site of Buddha’s first public sermon and now home to many magnificent stupas and monasteries.

In the evening, you will witness the spectacular Ganga Aarti, (the ceremonial worship with oil lamps), a ceremonial worship of River Ganges which encompasses a magical mix of sounds, sights and smells to engage all your senses.

Accommodation: Taj Ganges, Varanasi

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning it’s an early start for a peaceful boat ride on the Ganges where you will see devotees offering prayers at the water’s edge. There will also be time to visit some of the ancient temples by the river bank and explore some of the narrow alleys.

After a relaxed afternoon, you will be transferred to the station to board the Poorva Express for Agra. This is an overnight journey in air-conditioned first class sleeper.

Train Travel and Accommodation: Air-conditioned First Class Sleeper Coach, Poorva Express

Journey: Varanasi to Tundla

Time: Departure 1855 hrs – Arrive 0250 hrs

Duration: 8 hours  overnight journey

Distance: 560 kms

Upon a morning arrival at Tundla (for Agra) you will be meet and taken to the ITC Mughal for one night.

In the afternoon you can enjoy a guided tour of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the impressive red sandstone battlements of Agra Fort followed by the white marble masterpiece of the Taj Mahal at sunset. When arranging your dates please be aware that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.

Accommodation: ITC Mughal, Agra

Meals included: Breakfast

Included this morning is an excursion to the deserted mughal city of Fatehpur Sikri which dates back to the 16th century and is another world heritage site.

Then in the afternoon, you will be taken to Tundla, to board the Kalka Mail for Shimla

Train Travel and Accommodation: Air-conditioned First Class Sleeper Coach, Kalka Mail

Journey: Tundla – Kalka

Time: Depart 1710 hrs – Arrive 0300 hrs

Duration: 10 hours overnight journey

Distance: 475 kms

You will arrive early in the morning at Kalka where you catch the Shivalik Express – a charming mountain train to Shimla. The train journey takes about 4 hours giving you plenty of time to appreciate the dramatic views en route.

You’ll be met on arrival at Shimla Station and transferred to the impressive Clarkes Hotel for a two nights stay.

Accommodation: Clarkes Hotel, Shimla

Meals included: Breakfast

Train Travel: First Class Coach on ‘Toy Train’ Narrow-Gauge Railway

Journey: Kalka – Shimla

Time: Depart 0545 hrs – Arrive 1025 hrs

Duration: 4 hours 40  mins

Distance: 100 kms

Until the British arrived, there was nothing at Shimla but a sleepy forest glade known as Shyamala (a local name for the Goddess Kali). By the mid-1860s, owing to the cooler climate and crisp, fresh air, Shimla had developed into the summer capital of the Raj. Every summer until 1939, the entire government of India fled here from the sweltering heat of the plains, with servants, families and all their clerks’ books and forms filled out in triplicate. When the Kalka to Shimla railway line was constructed in 1903, Shimla’s status as India’s premier hill station was assured.

This morning’s tour, includes a visit to the mock Tudor Library, the famous Gaiety Theatre, and the Viceregal Lodge. You will also have time to explore the Mall with its breath taking views.

The afternoon is free to explore the hill station at your leisure.

Accommodation: Clarkes Hotel, Shimla

Meals included: Breakfast

After a leisurely morning to soak in the charm of Shimla, it’s time to enjoy the scenic drive to Kalka Station for the Shatabdi Express train to Delhi. You will be traveling in an air conditioned chair car.

At Delhi Station, you’ll be met by your driver for a private car transfer to your hotel, the Claridges Hotel for next two nights

Train Travel: Kalka to Delhi on the Shatabdi Express in Air-Conditioned Executive Chair Car

Time: Depart 1745 hrs – Arrive 2150 hrs

Duration: 4 hours

Distance: 305 kms

Accommodation: The Claridges Hotel, Delhi

Meals included: Breakfast

Today is an opportunity to explore the historical city of Delhi with a full day sightseeing tour. You will begin in the by discovering the bustling and vibrant streets of Old Delhi with a visit to the busy markets of Chandni Chowk as well the impressive Jama Masjid, one of India’s largest mosques and Raj Ghat the resting place (Samadhi) of Mahatma Gandhi.

In the afternoon it’s time for the wide avenues of New Delhi where you will see amongst other sites the Lutyen’s buildings and the India gate memorial.

A visit to the National Railway Museum is also included.

Accommodation: The Claridges Hotel, Delhi

Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning you will be collected by your driver and transferred to Delhi Airport in plenty of time for your flight back to London, where you will arrive in the evening.

Meals included: Breakfast

Pricing and Inclusions

Price guide for this 16 day Indian Rail Adventure is:

• From £2,990 per person

Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.

This is a private tour and can be tailor-made to meet your exact requirements. Prices will vary depending on the number of people, length of tour, accommodation & season. Reductions are normally available for groups of three or more. Some hotels operate an additional peak pricing rate during busy times which is normally from mid December to mid January.

Please get in touch with your dates and we will be pleased to provide you with your personal itinerary and accurate quote.

Included with this tour are the following:

• Authentic India Tours Meet & Greet assistance at all airports and railway stations
• All sightseeing and transfers using an air-conditioned car with a private chauffeur
• Accommodation for 12 nights on twin-sharing basis
• Meal Plan: Full board in Darjeeling; Bed & breakfast elsewhere (Meals on trains are not included but are available from the kitchen car).
• Three nights on board the sleeper carriage trains
• English speaking private guide for all sightseeing
• All train tickets in the best available classes
• Entrance fees at the all monuments and museums
• Mineral water on all journeys and sightseeing

Cost does not include:

• Travel Insurance and Visa
• Meals not included in meal plan
• Expenses of personal nature like laundry, tips, room service, drinks etc
• Camera fees at the monuments

Prices mentioned above are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. The prices which were valid at the time of publication may be subject to change, based on your date of travel and local market fluctuations. You will be informed of any price differences prior to booking.

For a quote based on your dates of travel, any alternative accommodation or changes to this itinerary, please call us on 01792 315499 or email us at info@aitholidays.com

Please remember all our private tours are designed to meet your exact requirements, and this Rail Adventure tour is just an example to help inspire you.

For more information please email info@aitholidays.com or call our India specialists on 01792 315499.

ABTA and ATOL Protected Tour Package

Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.