Itinerary:
Day 1 - Kolkata (Calcutta)
Welcome to India and the start of your holiday! Arrive Kolkata, included transfer to hotel.
Overnight - Kolkata
Day 2 - Kolkata - breakfast
This cultural city is an amazing example of East meets West. Enjoy a sight tour which includes a visit to the Victoria Memorial. Opened by the Prince of Wales in 1921, this imposing vision in marble often called the “Taj” of the British Raj overlooks the grassy Maidan, the city’s green belt.
Overnight - Kolkata
Day 3 - Kolkata - New Jalpaiguri - breakfast
Enjoy the Day to independently explore Kolkata. Early this evening, you’ll board the Darjeeling Mail train. In air conditioned sleeper accommodation, relax as the train heads north to New Jalpaiguri.
Overnight - Train
Day 4 - New Jalpaiguri - Darjeeling
Early this morning, you’ll continue the journey to Darjeeling aboard the famous toy train. Relax and take in the scenery as the little train wends its way through the hills to Darjeeling. This popular hill station sits at a spectacular altitude with a panoramic backdrop of the mighty snow-clad Himalayan peaks and surrounded by verdant tea plantations. Draw cards include a number of Buddhist monasteries and trekking possibilities in the surrounding area. Owing to Darjeeling’s proximity to Tibet, the town has a Tibetan craft workshops that produce carpets, leather work and other Tibetan curios. If you have time, it’s worth a look.
Overnight - Darjeeling
Day 5 - Darjeeling - breakfast
Early this morning, enjoy a drive to Tiger Hill to catch sunrise over the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga - the world’s third highest mountain. Continuing, enjoy a visit to the Ghoom Gompa (monastery) followed by city sightseeing and a visit to a tea estate. If wanting to purchase Darjeeling’s most famous export, consider First Flush Super Fine Tippy Golden Flower Orange Pekoe 1. It’s Darjeeling’s best.
Overnight - Darjeeling
Day 6 - Darjeeling - Mughalsarai (via New Jalpaigur) - breakfast
Driving to New Jalpaiguri, you’ll catch the Mughal Sarai express to Mughalsarai. Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned sleeper.
Overnight - Train
Day 7 - Mughalsarai - Varanasi
Arriving early this morning at Mughalsarai, it’s a short drive to Varanasi. Varanasi, also known as the Benares, is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination in India. Abundant with temples and streets that resemble a mass of tangled shoe laces, Varanasi is one of India’s most colourful and exciting cities. This afternoon, enjoy a city sightseeing tour.
Overnight – Varanasi
Day 8 - Varanasi - breakfast
This morning, enjoy a boat ride on the holy Ganges to witness sunrise and the ancient religious tradition of ritual cleansing that takes place on the famous riverside ghats (steps) that line the banks. This afternoon, consider an optional excursion to Sarnath - the site of Buddha’s first sermon. This evening, board the fast air-conditioned train to Agra.
Overnight - Train
Day 9 - Agra
An early morning arrival in Agra allows you the chance to relax until early this afternoon. Enjoy a visit to the Taj Mahal. Built entirely of white marble it has no peers. Continuing, enjoy an exploration of the Agra fort. Some of India’s finest Mughal buildings sit behind it’s fortified walls.
Overnight - Agra
Day 10 - Agra - Kalka - breakfast
With the morning free to do as you wish, why not visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise - a wonderful and peaceful time to appreciate the beauty of this monument. Later this afternoon you’ll take the super fast overnight air-conditioned sleeper train to Kalka.
Overnight - Train
Days 11 & 12 - Kalka - Shimla
Very early toDay, you’ll arrive in Shimla mid-morning. Shimla, the old summer capital’ of British India. The famous ‘Mall’ lined with stately English houses, Christ Church, Gorton Castle and the fortress-like former Viceregal Lodge reinforces Shimla’s English flavour. Close by is the ski resort of Kufri with slopes suitable for beginners. Snow is most likely during January & February. Breakfast - Day 12.
Overnight (2) - Shimla
Day 13 - Shimla - Delhi (via Chandigarh) - breakfast
Enjoying a scenic drive from Shimla this morning, there’s opportunity to explore Chandigarh for a few hours. Conceived and born in the 1950’s, Chandigarh was Swiss modernist architect Le Corbusier’s vision for a planned city. This afternoon, you’ll board the Shatabdi Express bound for Delhi, travelling in the comfort of an air-conditioned chair car.
Overnight - Delhi
Day 14 - Delhi
Arriving Delhi, enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi including the Red Fort, 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 Minor, a massive tower built in India in the 11th century. Late this evening, enjoy an included onward transfer to the airport.