Day 1 : Calcutta
International flight arrivals are met at the airport where guests are transferred to the Taj Bengal hotel in Calcutta for a two night stay.
Day 2 : Calcutta
Breakfast is served in the hotel. A sightseeing tour of Calcutta is included today. Here we are able to experience the cultural capital of India, with its bustling streets and colonial architecture.
Day 3 : Calcutta
After breakfast in the hotel we transfer to Calcutta airport for a 1 hour flight to Bagdogra airport and transfer to the quintessential hill station of Darjeeling where we will stay at the Hotel Windamere, or Hotel New Elgin where we will stay for three nights. Transfer either by bus (3-4 hours) or the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) ‘Toy Train’, which takes 8 hours or more. On the way it passes the most breathtaking scenery and climbs to a height of 7,400 feet at Ghum (the highest station on Indian Railways), where snow covered Mt. Kanchenchunga, (28,000 feet/8,600 meters and the world’s third highest mountain) dominates the skyline, before dropping 600 feet to Darjeeling. The diminutive British built blue steam locomotives (the oldest built in 1879) work flat out as they climb through zigzags and loops to gain height and the cooler air of India’s most famous Hill Station. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is one of the most well known hill railways in the world and in 1999 secured "UNESCO World Heritage Status". It is one of the world’s greatest rail journey’s.
Day 4 : Darjeeling
Awake to the breath-taking scenery of Mount Kanchenchunga. After a full English breakfast in our hotel we are offering the chance to ride the DHR up to Batasia Loop and Ghum, a 5km journey that takes approx 45minutes and climbs 600 feet. It is built up all the way and the train works flat out as it leaves Darjeeling along the road crossing overloaded buses, trucks and cars and passing within inches of roadside shops, houses and monasteries. There will be a number of regular trips running today and guests can choose from a variety of times. An optional helicopter ride to Gangtok; capital of Sikkim, can also be arranged today. Dinner is served in the hotel.
Day 5 : Darjeeling
Optional early morning trip to Tiger Hill to experience the breath-taking sight of the sun rising over the Himalayas. A once in a lifetime opportunity as we are able to watch the sun light up the snow capped mountains of Kanchenchunga and Everest, situated 200 miles away. This afternoon offers a second chance to take a helicopter ride to Gangtok.
Day 6 : Darjeeling
Our final morning in this haven of tranquillity; breakfast is served in the hotel. Transfer by motorbus to Siliguri station to join the waiting Viceroy of India luxury train. Attendants will be waiting with a pre-lunch drink as we board and embark on our journey to Bombay. After lunch a leisurely afternoon to settle in and explore the train.
Day 7 : Varanasi
Early morning arrival into Varanasi, situated on the banks of the Ganges, one of the holiest places in India. Pilgrims come from afar to bathe in the waters of the Ganges; a ritual that Hindus believe washes away all sin. This morning is dedicated to a tour of Varanasi including the Ganges, the city’s famous ‘ghats’ where the intimate rituals of life and death take place and it is this most ancient religious tradition that attracts and captivates so many visitors. Lunchtime departure with free time to relax in the afternoon and watch the Indian countryside roll by. Dinner served on board.
Day 8 : New Delhi
Full day sightseeing tour of India’s capital city including the Jama Masjid, India’s largest Mosque, The Raj Ghat, the spot where Ghandi was cremated following his assassination in 1948, and the Ghandi Memorial Museum. We also have chance to visit the famous busy textile market.
Day 9 : Jaipur
The colourful capital of Rajasthan; Jaipur. Our day is spent exploring this renowned ‘Pink city’ and highlights today include the ‘Jantar Mantar’ Observatory; one of five observatories built by Sawai Jai Singh. Here a collection of complex astronomical instruments, chiselled out of stone can be viewed - most of which continue to provide accurate information to this day. We also visit ‘The Hawa Mahal’ (Palace of Winds), Jaipur’s most famous building, built in pink sandstone for the ‘ladies of the harem’ by Sawai Pratap Singh. Our tour concludes with a visit to The City Palace; the official residence of the royal family. Dinner is served in the sumptuous Rambagh Palace, where fantastic views across the immaculate lawns are to be savoured, and camels and elephants roam in front of the impressive building. Late evening departure.
Day 10 : Jaipur, Fatephur Sikri
We leave Jaipur this morning as we make our way to the magnificent ghost city of Fatephur Sikri, an oasis of calm that is at its most atmospheric when visited at sunset. Dinner is served on the train.
Day 11 : Agra
Today we spend the day touring the Agra; home to the world renowned Taj Mahal, described as the most extravagant monument ever built to love and India's most illustrious landmark. we also vist Agra Fort.
Day 12 : Chittaurgarh
We arrive in this historic city after lunch. Afternoon is spent admiring the beautiful architecture in this area, including the 7th Century Fort.
Day 13 : Bombay
Morning arrival into Bombay where guests are transferred to the Taj Mahal Hotel which is ideally located at ‘The Gateway of India’ for a two night stay. Afternoon city tour. The hotel boasts an impressive Indian Restaurant which will be the setting for dinner this evening.
Day 14 : Bombay
After breakfast in the Hotel, we travel to Neral, before embarking on the picturesque journey aboard the Matheran Light Railway into Matheran; a Hill Station situated at an altitude of 2,600 feet (800meters) boasting dense forests, and stunning views. Lunch is served in one of the traditional Matheran restaurants. Return to Bombay for the farewell dinner in the Taj Mahal Hotel.
Day 15 : Bombay
Guests are transferred to the airport for departing flights as our tour reaches its conclusion.
1. Obtain a quote by telephone
2. Calculate at once your on-line quote
0 800 279 92 94