Transindus · Tailor Made Tour

India by Rail

India by Rail, a rail journey with Transindus

An epic journey of North, Central & Eastern India using the network of railways.

Day by day

  1. Day 1

    UK

    Fly to Kolkata via Dubai with Emirates.

  2. Day 2overnight: Fairlawn Hotel, Kolkata (or Oberoi Grand for a supplement)

    Kolkata

    Upon arrival transfer to the colonial and quirky Fairlawn Hotel (or the deluxe Oberoi Grand for a supplement) for two nights.

  3. Day 3overnight: Fairlawn Hotel, Kolkata

    Kolkata

    A relaxed morning boat ride on the Hooghly River allows for a different and intriguing perspective of the city. Later visit the Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, St Paul's Church and Mother Theresa's centre.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Aboard the Darjeeling Mail (air-conditioned first class sleeper)

    Darjeeling Mail

    The day is free to explore the city. In the evening begin your Indian railway experience at the busy Sealdah Station, travelling north towards the Himalaya on the Darjeeling Mail, in an air-conditioned first class sleeper carriage. The night is spent on board the train.

  5. Day 5railovernight: The Elgin Hotel, Darjeeling (or Windamere Hotel for a supplement)

    New Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling

    Arriving in New Jalpaiguri in the morning you change to the narrow gauge toy train bound for Darjeeling. Transfer to The Elgin Hotel for two nights (or the period Windamere Hotel for a supplement). If the toy train is not operating, as is sometimes the case, the transfer to Darjeeling is provided by car.

  6. Day 6overnight: The Elgin Hotel, Darjeeling

    Darjeeling

    Wake early for a spectacular sunrise vista over the Himalaya from Tiger Hill. Return to Darjeeling, stopping off at the quaint Ghoom Monastery. Explore the bustling town and visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Ganges View Hotel, Varanasi (or Suryauday Hotel for a supplement)

    Darjeeling, Varanasi

    Just after midday board the Rajdhani Express from New Jalpaiguri in an air-conditioned first class carriage. The ride crosses the alluvial plain of several Himalayan-born rivers including the Ganges towards the holy city of Varanasi. Stay three nights at the Ganges View Hotel (or upgrade to the Suryauday hotel for a supplement).

  8. Day 8railovernight: Ganges View Hotel, Varanasi

    Varanasi

    The morning is spent relaxing after the previous day's long train journey. In the afternoon take an excursion to Sarnath, the site of the Buddha's first public discourse.

  9. Day 9overnight: Ganges View Hotel, Varanasi

    Varanasi

    An early morning boat ride to see devotees at prayer along the ghats. The rest of the day is at leisure before witnessing the evening Ganga aarti (ceremonial worship).

  10. Day 10railovernight: Gateway or Trident Hotel, Agra

    Varanasi, Agra

    Take another day train to Agra. Upon arrival transfer to either the Gateway or Trident Hotels for a two-night stay.

  11. Day 11overnight: Gateway or Trident Hotel, Agra

    Agra

    Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Later take in the Red Fort, set on the banks of the Yamuna River, and the tomb of Itamud-ud-daula, an architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal. Possibility of returning to the Taj at sunset.

  12. Day 12railovernight: Aboard the Kalka Mail (air-conditioned first class sleeper)

    Agra, Kalka Mail

    Morning at leisure. This afternoon board the Kalka Mail, in an air-conditioned first class sleeper carriage, heading north towards India's Western Himalayan range. The night is spent on board the train.

  13. Day 13railovernight: Clarks Hotel, Shimla (or The Oberoi Cecil for a supplement)

    Kalka, Shimla

    Arrive at Kalka early and change to the heritage Shivalik Express (toy) train for a four-hour ride up into the hills to the 'hill-station' of Shimla. Transfer to the Clarks Hotel (or upgrade to The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla for a supplement) for two nights.

  14. Day 14overnight: Clarks Hotel, Shimla

    Shimla

    Day at leisure exploring the town; the mock Tudor Library, Christ Church, Gaiety Theatre and the Vice Regal Lodge are all within easy reach.

  15. Day 15railovernight: Maidens Hotel, Delhi (or Imperial Hotel for a supplement)

    Shimla, Delhi

    Drive to Kalka and board the Shatabdi Express bound for Delhi. Stay two nights at the colonial Maidens Hotel (or the deluxe Imperial hotel for a supplement).

  16. Day 16railovernight: Maidens Hotel, Delhi

    Delhi

    A sightseeing tour of Delhi is arranged this morning, taking in the Jama Masjid, Lutyens' buildings and the Railway Museum. The afternoon is free to relax or do some final shopping.

  17. Day 17

    Delhi, London

    Fly back to the UK via Dubai.

Included

  • International flights from UK
  • 15 nights accommodation
  • All internal transportation and transfers using private, chauffeur-driven vehicles
  • Private English-speaking guides
  • Breakfast daily, full board in Darjeeling
  • Entrance fees to sites and monuments listed in tour itinerary

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