RAILWAYS OF THE RAJ
RAILWAYS OF THE RAJ
Duration: 13 Nights / 14 DaysDestination Covered: Kolkata - Varanasi - Shimla - Darjeeling - Agra - Delhi
Overview
Six scenic train journeys, Kolkata to the majestic hill stations of Darjeeling and Shimla, holy Varanasi on the Ganges, the Taj Mahal in Agra and more!PICTURE GALLERY
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Kolkatta (Arrival)
Welcome to India and the start of your holiday! Arrive Kolkata, included transfer to hotel. Overnight - Kolkata
Welcome to India and the start of your holiday! Arrive Kolkata, included transfer to hotel. Overnight - Kolkata
Day 2: Kolkatta City Sightseen
This cultural city is an amazing example of East meets West. Enjoy a sightseeing tour which includes a visit to the Victoria Memorial. Opened by the Prince of Wales in 1921, this imposing vision in marble often called the “Taj” of the British Raj overlooks the grassy Maidan, the city’s green belt. Overnight - Kolkata
This cultural city is an amazing example of East meets West. Enjoy a sightseeing tour which includes a visit to the Victoria Memorial. Opened by the Prince of Wales in 1921, this imposing vision in marble often called the “Taj” of the British Raj overlooks the grassy Maidan, the city’s green belt. Overnight - Kolkata
Day 3: Kolkatta
Kolkata - New Jalpaiguri. Enjoy the day to independently explore Kolkata. Early this evening, you’ll board the Darjeeling Mail train. In air conditioned 1st class sleeper accommodation, relax as the train heads north to New Jalpaiguri. Overnight - Train
Kolkata - New Jalpaiguri. Enjoy the day to independently explore Kolkata. Early this evening, you’ll board the Darjeeling Mail train. In air conditioned 1st class sleeper accommodation, relax as the train heads north to New Jalpaiguri. Overnight - Train
Day 4 - 6: Darjelling
New Jalpaiguri - Darjeeling - Varanasi. Early this morning, you’ll continue the journey to Darjeeling by car. Sitting at a spectacular altitude of 2124m with a backdrop consisting of mighty snow-clad Himalayan peaks and surrounded by verdant tea plantations. Owing to Darjeeling’s proximity to Tibet, the town has a Tibetan Refugee Centre comprising care for the young and old and craft workshops that produce carpets, leather work and other Tibetan curios. If you have time, it’s worth a look. Early morning of day 5, we enjoy a drive to Tiger Hill to catch sunrise over the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga - the world’s third highest mountain. Continuing to the Ghoom Gompa (monastery) followed by city sightseeing and a visit to a tea estate. Day 6, drive to New Jalpaiguri to catch the Varanasi North-East Express train (2nd class A/C sleeper) to Varanasi.
New Jalpaiguri - Darjeeling - Varanasi. Early this morning, you’ll continue the journey to Darjeeling by car. Sitting at a spectacular altitude of 2124m with a backdrop consisting of mighty snow-clad Himalayan peaks and surrounded by verdant tea plantations. Owing to Darjeeling’s proximity to Tibet, the town has a Tibetan Refugee Centre comprising care for the young and old and craft workshops that produce carpets, leather work and other Tibetan curios. If you have time, it’s worth a look. Early morning of day 5, we enjoy a drive to Tiger Hill to catch sunrise over the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga - the world’s third highest mountain. Continuing to the Ghoom Gompa (monastery) followed by city sightseeing and a visit to a tea estate. Day 6, drive to New Jalpaiguri to catch the Varanasi North-East Express train (2nd class A/C sleeper) to Varanasi.
Day 7 - 8: Varnasi
Arriving early this morning to Mughalsarai, we drive to Varanasi. Varanasi or the city of Shiva, is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination in India. Abundant with temples and streets that resemble a mass of tangled shoe laces, Varanasi is one of India’s most colourful cities, later we enjoy a city sightseeing tour. Early morning, day 8, we boat ride on the holy Ganges to witness the sunrise and the ancient religious tradition of ritual cleansing that takes place on the famous riverside ghats (steps) that line the banks. Late afternoon board the Marudhar Express train (1st A/C class sleeper) to Agra.
Arriving early this morning to Mughalsarai, we drive to Varanasi. Varanasi or the city of Shiva, is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination in India. Abundant with temples and streets that resemble a mass of tangled shoe laces, Varanasi is one of India’s most colourful cities, later we enjoy a city sightseeing tour. Early morning, day 8, we boat ride on the holy Ganges to witness the sunrise and the ancient religious tradition of ritual cleansing that takes place on the famous riverside ghats (steps) that line the banks. Late afternoon board the Marudhar Express train (1st A/C class sleeper) to Agra.
Day 9 - 10: Shimla
An early morning arrival in Agra allows you the chance to relax. Visits to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and marble craft shop later this afternoon. Day 10, free morning or re-visit the Taj Mahal. Afternoon vehicle transfer to Delhi in time to board the Howrah Delhi Kalka Express train (air-conditioned 1st class sleeper) to Kalka.
An early morning arrival in Agra allows you the chance to relax. Visits to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and marble craft shop later this afternoon. Day 10, free morning or re-visit the Taj Mahal. Afternoon vehicle transfer to Delhi in time to board the Howrah Delhi Kalka Express train (air-conditioned 1st class sleeper) to Kalka.
Day 11 - 12: Kalka - Shimla
Kalka - Shimla - (breakfast day 12 only). Very early today, we board the Kalka-Shimla Express (non a/c 1st class), arriving Shimla late morning. Shimla, the ‘old summer capital’ of British India sprawls along a crescent-shaped ridge at an altitude of 2100m. The famous ‘Mall’ lined with stately English houses, Christ Church, Gorton Castle and the fortress-like former Viceregal Lodge reinforces Shimla’s English flavour. It’s worth exploring the narrow streets which fall steeply away from the ridge to colourful local bazaars.
Kalka - Shimla - (breakfast day 12 only). Very early today, we board the Kalka-Shimla Express (non a/c 1st class), arriving Shimla late morning. Shimla, the ‘old summer capital’ of British India sprawls along a crescent-shaped ridge at an altitude of 2100m. The famous ‘Mall’ lined with stately English houses, Christ Church, Gorton Castle and the fortress-like former Viceregal Lodge reinforces Shimla’s English flavour. It’s worth exploring the narrow streets which fall steeply away from the ridge to colourful local bazaars.
Day 13: Shimla
Shimla - Delhi (Kalka). Leaving Shimla, drive to Kalka to catch the afternoon, Shatabdi Express train (airconditioned chair car) bound for Delhi. Overnight - New Delhi
Shimla - Delhi (Kalka). Leaving Shimla, drive to Kalka to catch the afternoon, Shatabdi Express train (airconditioned chair car) bound for Delhi. Overnight - New Delhi
Day 14: New Delhi
This morning embark on a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi including the Red Fort, Jama Masjid mosque and the bazaars of Chandni Chowk. This afternoon, enjoy the sights of New Delhi including the majestic India Gate, Rajpath and Connaught Place. A visit is also made to Qutab Minar, a massive tower built to proclaim the arrival of Islam in India in the 11th century and a carpet emporium. Late this evening, enjoy an included onward transfer to the airport.
This morning embark on a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi including the Red Fort, Jama Masjid mosque and the bazaars of Chandni Chowk. This afternoon, enjoy the sights of New Delhi including the majestic India Gate, Rajpath and Connaught Place. A visit is also made to Qutab Minar, a massive tower built to proclaim the arrival of Islam in India in the 11th century and a carpet emporium. Late this evening, enjoy an included onward transfer to the airport.
COST INCLUDES
- 6 different train journeys
- 9 nights 4 star hotels and 4 nights overnight train journeys
- Visit to Tea Estate - Darjeeling
- Airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 14
- Local English speaking specialist guides at local sights
- Chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicle (non air conditioned in Darjeeling)
- 10 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners - Darjeeling
- Drive to Tiger Hill - Darjeeling
- Sunrise boat cruise on the holy Ganges - Varanasi
- Touring and excursions as per itinerary
- Entrance fees to all relevant sights
COST EXCLUDES
- International flights and visas
- Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
- Laundry, drinks, items of a personal nature
