Himalayan Railway Adventure

Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Kolkata as we begin our day with a fascinating walking tour. This tour will give you a unique insight into the confluence of cultures that the city has experienced, making it one of the most diverse cities in the world. We will explore the origins and remains of the varied communities that once called Kolkata home.

After lunch in a local restaurant, we’ll board a privately chartered heritage tram and traverse the narrow streets, experiencing some of the most picturesque parts of the city. Did you know that the Kolkata trams were once slated to be closed down by the government? Fortunately, due to the efforts of Australian tram conductor Mr. Roberto D’Andrea, the trams were saved, and a strong bond between Australia and India was forged.

In the evening, we will indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savour the unique flavours of Kolkata’s cuisine.

Overnight: The LaLit Great Eastern, Kolkata (B, L, D)

Start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast at the hotel before we embark on a guided tour of Kolkata. We’ll visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, a magnificent showcase of Indo-Gothic architecture, and the iconic Victoria Memorial Museum, which details the history and culture of Kolkata.

Next, we’ll visit the Indian Museum, which houses an impressive collection of rare artifacts, including the world-famous Ashoka Pillar. We’ll then head to the famous Kalighat Temple, where followers of various faiths gather each day to pray to the Mother Goddess Kali. This is a spiritual experience you won’t forget.

Afterward, we’ll explore the Hooghly River, which is integral to the very identity of Bengal. We’ll immerse ourselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of this bustling river, from the wrestlers who exercise on its soft clay, to the boatmen who ferry people across. We’ll also meet flower sellers and boys who throw magnets and retrieve coin offerings from its bed, and we’ll marvel at the majestic Howrah Bridge and the cremation Ghats.

Tonight is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Overnight: The LaLit Great Eastern, Kolkata (B, L)

This morning, enjoy some free time at your leisure before we head to Kolkata airport for our midday flight to Bagdogra. Upon arrival, we’ll be transferred to our hotel in Siliguri, a town located at the foothills of the majestic Himalayan Mountains. Take some time to relax and soak in the surroundings as we prepare to embark on the next leg of our adventure.

In the evening, we’ll gather together to enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Courtyard by Marriott, Siliguri (B, D)

After breakfast, get ready for an unforgettable journey as we board our private chartered train on the World Heritage-listed Himalayan Mountain Railway, parts of which are planned to be steam-hauled, however subject to Indian Railway’s confirmation. At Tindharia, we’ll have the chance to visit the loco shed and explore the fascinating histories of this region and its amazing railway.

We’ll then take a short coach ride from Tindharia to our final destination Kurseong, which is known as the Land of the White Orchids for its picturesque countryside. In the afternoon, we’ll arrive at Cochrane Place, a charming boutique hotel that was once a restored colonial home and is dripping with the essence of the Raj. The rooms have been inspired by the railways and named after famous railway sectors and spices native to the Indian subcontinent.

Overnight: Cochrane Place, Kurseong (B, L, D)

Get ready for a thrilling ride as we embark on our chartered train after breakfast, travelling from Kurseong to Darjeeling and employing steam locomotives again, where possible. This incredible railway rightly deserves its UNESCO listing. Zigzagging, looping and even starting its journey travelling backwards, this amazing little train moves straight through a crowded bazaar and past many hill stations on its climb to world-famous Darjeeling.

Upon arrival in Darjeeling, we’ll transfer to the tranquil and sedate colonial opulence of the Windamere Hotel, where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing in your new surroundings. Established in the 19th century as a cosy boarding house for English and Scottish tea planters, the Windamere Hotel is now well known to sophisticated travellers the world over for its unique ambiance and charm. Enjoy a cup of tea as you take in the breathtaking vista and catch sight of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world.

Overnight: The Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling (B, D)

This morning, weather dependent, we rise for an early start, to witness the magnificent sunrise over the majestic mountains at Tiger Hill, where the dawn light hits the peak of Kangchenjunga, India’s highest peak. This awe-inspiring view is unforgettable, and well worth the early wake up.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Zoological Park, and the Tibetan Refugee Centre, where beautiful Tibetan handicrafts are made. You can also learn about the story of the Dalai Lama and other refugees who have taken shelter in this beautiful sanctuary. Later, we’ll take a walk-through Observatory Hill or do some shopping in the famous Mall Road.

Overnight: Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling (B, D)

Today, we’ll bid farewell to the majestic mountains and head back down to the foothills. We’ll make our way to the city of Bagdogra, where we’ll board our flight to Delhi arriving in the early evening. Delhi is a treasure trove of ancient culture and history with remnants of lost empires and the impressive monuments of New Delhi remind us that this city is India’s political and cultural capital. We check into the luxurious Imperial Hotel built in 1931 by F.B. Bromfield, an associate of Sir Edwin Lutyens, and inaugurated in 1936 by Lord Willingdon. The Imperial is the perfect blend of Victorian décor and Art Deco, allowing guests to travel back in time to the days of the British Raj.

In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner at the hotel and relax in the opulent surroundings.

Overnight: The Imperial Hotel, Delhi (B, D)

This morning it’s another early start as we transfer to the New Delhi railway terminal to board our express train to Chandigarh, arriving in the late morning. Take in the open plains of the rich farming country from the window of your train and enjoy some tea and a snack on board as you prepare for the next leg of our adventure.

This afternoon, we have plenty of time to explore the beautiful city of Chandigarh, one of India’s first planned cities internationally known for its architecture and urban design laid out by the Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier. You can visit the famous Rock Garden, the beautiful Rose Garden, and explore the bustling local markets. Alternatively, you can relax at our opulent accommodation before enjoying a delicious dinner in the hotel’s restaurant.

Overnight: Taj, Chandigarh (B, D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to Kalka for the iconic train journey on the Himalayan Queen in our own private carriages attached to the main train. This scenic journey features all the character of a local train, calling at stations along the way and taking goods and passengers on their journeys over the five hours of the steady climb up the mountains. It’s a journey acclaimed by UNESCO in its World Heritage Status, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to marvel at spectacular scenery on a line that winds its way up the mountains, crossing more than 800 bridges and diving through over 100 tunnels.

Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel to settle in for the next three nights. Dinner will be hosted at the hotel.

Overnight: Oberoi Cecil, Shimla (B, L, D)

A century ago, the British selected Shimla as their summer capital, using it as a retreat from

the blistering heat of the plains. Immerse yourself in the rich history of the city, situated at over 2,000m named ‘the abode of the high and mighty’. With picturesque promenades, elegant colonial buildings, lush, wooded ravines, evergreen forests, and the majestic snow-capped Himalayas as a backdrop, this city exudes charm and tranquillity.

Embark on a fascinating walking tour that delves into the British heritage of the city. Begin with a visit to the Viceregal Lodge, the former official summer residence of the British viceroys. Completed in 1888, the entire Indian subcontinent was ruled from this magnificent building for just over half of every year right up until WWII.

Next, explore the Gaiety Theatre, a splendidly restored Victorian theatre that has been a social hub in Shimla since its opening in 1877. Walk the Burmese teak boards that once carried the footsteps of renowned figures like Rudyard Kipling and viceroys of the British Empire. In the evening, you have leisure time to explore the charming surroundings at your own pace and soak up the atmosphere.

Overnight: Oberoi Cecil, Shimla (B, L)

Today, you have the option to enjoy a day at leisure to head out on your own adventure or join us on a guided tour to the Shimla Water Catchment Sanctuary for birdwatching. You may be lucky enough to spot partridges, peacocks, orioles, or jungle fowl. We’ll also visit the famous Jakhoo Temple, where a 108 ft statue of the monkey-god Hanuman can be seen above the treetops on Shimla’s highest hilltop. Hundreds of rhesus macaques loiter around here hoping for gifts of food from visitors. You’ll have time to wander the streets or cap off the day with some fine mountain tea at the Indian Coffee House.

In the late afternoon, we’ll transfer back to the hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Oberoi Cecil, Shimla (B, L, D)

This morning, we bid adieu to the hills and transfer to the station to board our private carriages on the train back down the mountain. As we wind our way through pine forests and charming Victorian-style railway stations, we’ll enjoy a different perspective of the landscape before arriving in Kalka and connecting to our early evening fast ‘Shatabdi’ train to Delhi.  On the way in, we’ll stop at the exquisite Sikh Temple, called the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, where more than 10,000 people are fed each day. We’ll then check into The Imperial Hotel, the most iconic hotel in New Delhi, which provides a grand finish to our adventure.

Overnight: The Imperial Hotel, Delhi (B, L, D)

Today you will explore the intricate, bustling streets of Old Delhi. We will start by exploring the lively and colourful streets of Old Delhi, with a visit to the magnificent Jama Masjid Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Asia. Experience the thrill of a rickshaw ride through the narrow alleys of this captivating city-within-a-city. We will drive past the Red Fort, a stunning example of Mughal architecture, and visit Gandhi Smriti, a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi’s life and his works.

Later, we will head to the National Rail Museum, which houses a fascinating collection of royal carriages, locomotives, and antique trains from a bygone era. You will have the opportunity to see the Vice Regal Dining Car, the luxurious Prince of Wales Saloon, the Maharaja of Baroda’s Saloon, and the Maharaja of Mysore’s Saloon.

Tonight, we will come together for a grand farewell dinner at the hotel, where we can reflect on our amazing journey through India and share memories with our fellow travellers and tour leader.

Overnight: The Imperial Hotel, Delhi (B, D)

Today marks the final day of our memorable journey through India’s mountain railways. After breakfast at the hotel, we have arranged day use of our rooms to give you ample time to unwind and relax before your flight back home. You can also explore Delhi on your own, visiting any last-minute sights you might have missed.

Later in the evening, we will be transferred to Delhi International airport for our flight back home, bidding farewell to the incredible sights and sounds of India. Alternatively, you can join us for our optional extension to Jaipur and Agra.

We hope this journey has left you with unforgettable memories and a desire to return soon. (B)