Railways of the Raj - 15 days

Upon arrival in Kolkata you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the city or relax at the hotel.
Overnight: Kolkata

Cultural Kolkata is an amazing example of east meets west. Today we 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 is often called the “Taj” of the British Raj. It also overlooks the grassy Maidan, known as the Brigade Parade ground which forms part of the city’s green belt.
Overnight: Kolkata  |  Breakfast

Kolkata - New Jalpaiguri. Today is free to independently explore Kolkata. Early this evening, we board the Darjeeling Mail train (1st class A/C sleeper) and relax as the train heads north to New Jalpaiguri.
Overnight: Overnight Sleeper Train  |  Breakfast

New Jalpaiguri - Darjeeling - Varanasi. Arriving into New Jalpaiguri early on day 4, we continue our journey to Darjeeling by car. Lofty Darjeeling sits at an altitude of 2124m with a backdrop consisting of mighty snow-clad Himalayan peaks and verdant tea plantations. Owing to Darjeeling's close proximity to Tibet, the town has a Tibetan Refugee Centre which cares for the young and old and has craft workshops that produce carpets, leather work and other Tibetan curios. If you have time, it’s worth a look.

Early on the morning of day 5, we drive to Tiger Hill to watch a spectacular sunrise over the snowy peak of Kanchenjunga - the world’s third highest mountain. We continue to the Ghoom Gompa (monastery) before enjoying city sightseeing and visiting a tea estate where you can purchase some of Darjeeling’s most famous export (if travelling between Mar and Oct, we'll also see the tea being processed). Day 6, drive to New Jalpaiguri to catch the Varanasi North-East Express train (2nd class A/C sleeper) to Varanasi.
Overnight: (2) Darjeeling - (1) train  |  Breakfast x 3, Lunch x 2, Dinner x 2

Varanasi - Agra. Arriving into Mughalsarai early this morning, we drive to Varanasi. Varanasi or the city of Shiva, is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination in India and it has an abundance of temples. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the sites of Varanasi on a city tour. Early the following morning we take a boat ride on the holy Ganges River to watch 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, we board the Marudhar Express train (2nd class A/C sleeper) to Agra.
Overnight: (1) Varanasi - (1) train  |  Breakfast x 1

Agra - Kalka. An early morning arrival into Agra allows us chance to relax. In the afternoon, we visit the impressive Agra Fort and the legendary Taj Mahal. Built by Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz, who tragically died in childbirth in 1631, the Taj Mahal in Agra is described as the most extravagant monument ever built for love and remains one of India’s most enduring symbols. Day 10 is a free morning or you can opt to re-visit the Taj Mahal. This afternoon, we travel to Delhi by road, arriving in time to board the Howrah Delhi Kalka Express train (1st class A/C sleeper) to Kalka.
Overnight: (1) Agra - (1) train  |  Breakfast x 1

Kalka - Shimla. Very early today, we transfer to the famous Himalayan Toy Train (1st class, no A/C) for a unique experience to Shimla. The 96km journey sees us travel along narrow twists and turns, through scenic countryside and more than 100 tunnels. Pass through forests, over bridges and stop at old, traditional stations before arriving into Shimla late morning. Picturesque 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. Spend your time at leisure in Shimla and be sure to explore the narrow streets which fall steeply away from the ridge to the colourful local bazaars.
Overnight: Shimla  |  Breakfast x 1

Shimla - Delhi (Kalka). Leaving Shimla, we drive to Kalka to catch the afternoon, Shatabdi Express train (A/C chair car) bound for Delhi.
Overnight: Delhi  |  Breakfast

This morning we embark on a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi including the 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.
Overnight: Delhi  |  Breakfast