Shimla Calling

We will no longer be offering this add-on in 2023. Please contact our team to discuss alternative options.

This add-on is a 4-day tour of Shimla that departs on Wednesdays all year round. It can be booked in conjunction with any of our India group tours, city breaks, private and Tailor-made holidays.

Ride the narrow gauge railway aboard the Himalayan Queen Toy Train to Dharmpura before continuing to Shimla. Nestled between lofty peaks and breathtaking scenery, the charming getaway was once the summer capital of British India. The natural beauty of Shimla will enchant you, being famous for its colorful bazaars, soaring temples and verdant woods, contrasted with the quintessential English pomp and style.

Day 1: New Delhi
Wednesday. Welcome to India, Shimla beckons! Arriving to Delhi International Airport, you'll be met by our representative and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day offers free time for you to relax or explore the city your own way. Our welcome meeting takes place at 8pm this evening.

Day 2: All aboard! Toy Train to Shimla
Delhi - Kalka - Shimla. Bright and early this morning we board the Shatabdi Express bound for Kalka. Here, travelers will transfer (independently) to the narrow gauge Himalayan Queen Toy Train travelling to Dharmpura.

The Guinness Book of 'Rail Facts and Feats' records the Kalka to Shimla railway as 'the greatest narrow gauge engineering feat in India’. The scenic 57 kilometer journey has numerous curves, passes through old railway stations and clatters across level crossings. The train navigates through tunnels and multi-arched bridges (similar to ancient Roman aqueducts), where we'll be treated to spectacular landscapes of rolling hills, lush valleys and panoramic vistas.

Upon arrival into Dharmpura, we meet our representative on the station platform and transfer to our hotel in Shimla for an evening at leisure.

Day 3: Shimla - Summer capital of the British Raj
Shimla sprawls along a crescent-shaped ridge at an altitude of over 2100m. The famous main street, ‘The Mall’ is lined with stately English homes and the fortress-like former Viceregal Lodge reinforces Shimla’s quintessential English look. Today we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the lofty settlement and venture into the narrow streets. These fall steeply away from the ridge, giving way to colorful bazaars and fine views of the surrounding valley and snow-capped peaks.

Day 4: Explore Shimla, train journey to Delhi
Saturday. Shimla - Kalka - Delhi. Today offers free time for you to independently explore. Perhaps drop by the colorful Lakkar Bazaar or hike to the summit of Jakhoo Hill, Shimla’s highest point. The reward is panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains, set as a backdrop to sleepy Shimla below.

Hotel check out is at 12 noon, opt for some lunch and pack an evening picnic meal before boarding the Kalka Shatabdi Express at sunset. We arrive into Delhi at 21:55.

If you're commencing another tour with us today (such as our Passage to India, Shere Khan or Golden Triangle & Goa tours) a transfer will be provided to the start hotel of your new tour. Also, if booking post tour accommodation or tailor-made arrangements with us for this evening, a transfer will be provided. For all other travelers there is an onward departure transfer to the airport.