India by Rail

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India by Rail

14 DAYS / 13 NIGHTS EASY-PACED DEPARTS DAILY

DELUXE FROM AU $4,183 PP LUXURY FROM AU $4,945 PP

From old steam engines to modern diesel and electric locomotives, this tour by rail covers four Indian states in 14 days unfolding the scenic topography, culture, cuisine and must-see monuments of India.

2

Shimla

1

Delhi

Agra

1

1

1 Varanasi

1

Darjeeling

3

1

Kolkata

2

Day 1: Arrive Kolkata

On arrival at the airport meet your Tour Executive who will assist you to transfer to the hotel for two nights stay in Kolkata.

Day 2: Kolkata

B D

After breakfast, we start our sightseeing tour of this sprawling metropolis home of five Nobel laureates. Visit Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, drive past Eden Garden and explore the first capital city during British rule.

Day 3: Kolkata – Darjeeling B

Relax at the hotel or prearrange a visit to Mother Teresa’s Ashram. Board the overnight train to New Jalpaiguri in an air-conditioned sleeper class. Overnight onboard a train.

Day 4: Darjeeling B D

Arrive in the morning and if weather permits, enjoy the narrow gauge toy train pulled by a small steam locomotive, or transfer by car to Darjeeling. Experience an unforgettable scenic ride through the hills and stay three nights at Darjeeling.

Day 5: Darjeeling B D

Go for a long walk. Enjoy low clouds touching your feet and view the famous lush green Darjeeling tea gardens.

Day 6: Darjeeling B D

Go on an early morning excursion to witness the sunrise over Tiger Hill and visit the famous Ghoom Monastery and institute. In the afternoon visit the bazaar and experience the daily life of the locals.

Day 7: Darjeeling – Varanasi B

Travel to the railway station to board the overnight train to Varanasi. Enjoy a scenic journey in an air-conditioned sleeper class and stay overnight onboard a train.

Day 8: Varanasi

B D

Transfer on arrival and in the afternoon explore the spiritual capital of India and witness grand prayer at the temple. Stay overnight at Varanasi.

Day 9: Varanasi – Agra B

An early start to experience a sunrise boat ride on the river Ganges and an excursion to Sarnath. In the afternoon board the overnight train to Agra and enjoy your journey in an airconditioned sleeper class. Overnight onboard a train.

Day 10: Agra

B D

Transfer on arrival. In the afternoon visit Agra Fort built by Emperor Akbar, Itimadud- Daulah; known as the mini Taj Mahal and finish your sightseeing tour at the Taj Mahal, the most perfect marble building in the world. Stay overnight at Agra.

Day 11: Agra – Delhi B D

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before travelling to Delhi. Evening free to relax or explore the local bazaar and stay overnight at Delhi.

Day 12 & 13: Delhi – Shimla B D

Early morning transfer to board the express train to Kalka where you will board the Toy Train to Shimla. As the journey begins, one is taken by the change in vegetation, and the majestic glory of the railway stations and Gothic-style bridges en-route. Enjoy the charm of the former summer capital of British, The Mall area. Stay two nights at Shimla.

Day 14: Shimla – Delhi Departure B

After a leisurely breakfast tour finishes with a direct transfer to Shimla airport where you board a flight to Delhi which connect to your onward flight.

What’s included: 10 Nights hotel accommodation 3 Nights Onboard Train Travel and Sightseeing by Private airconditioned vehicle Local Tour Guide Assistance and transfers Sightseeing as specified Meals as specified Monument entrance fees Boat ride in Varanasi Toy Train Ride in Darjeeling Delhi - Shimla Train tickets in air-conditioned class Bottled water while travelling and all current collectable taxes.

Tiger & Taj by Rail

9 DAYS / 8 NIGHTS EASY-PACED DEPARTS DAILY BETWEEN 1 Oct – 30 June

DELUXE FROM AU $2,573 PP LUXURY FROM AU $2,768 PP

Come aboard and enjoy the picturesque landscapes, the magnificent forts and adventurous train journeys. India is a blend of culture. This short tour provides a taste of Indian heritage, fauna and people. You will cover most of your overland journey by Indian Rail which is one of the largest railway networks in the world.

2 Jaipur

1 Delhi

Agra

1

Ranthambhore NP

2

2 Mumbai

Day 1: Arrive Mumbai

On arrival at the airport meet your Tour Executive who will assist with transfer and check-in at the hotel. Stay two nights in Mumbai.

Day 2: Mumbai B D

After breakfast explore and experience the Bollywood buzz while visiting the Prince of Wales Museum, Gateway of India, the Hanging Garden and Dhobhi Ghat. Evening free to relax or go shopping.

Day 3: Mumbai – Jaipur B P D

After leisurely breakfast on time checkout and afternoon transfer to board the overnight train to Jaipur. Travel in an air-conditioned sleeper class and watch rural India passing by. Overnight onboard train.

Day 4: Jaipur B D

Meet and assistance on arrival followed by transfer. Rest of the day is free to explore the colourful and chaotic streets, shopping for souvenirs like silver jewellery, embroidered clothing and quilts. Besides shopping, one can also watch the skilful artisans at work. While walking down the lanes you will also witness the cultural heritage of the city unfolding a legacy of the royal past. Stay tow nights in Jaipur.

Day 5: Jaipur B D

Start the day’s sightseeing with a visit to Amber Fort. Later continue to City Palace and the Observatory and take a photo stop at Hawa Mahal, the Palace of the Winds, built in the 17th Century. Jaipur is famous for colourful markets filled with textile, jewellery and fantastic souvenirs so you’ll enjoy exploring the local bazaar in the evening.

Day 6: Jaipur –Ranthambhore NP

B D

Transfer to board the morning train and enjoy a short journey to Sawai Madhopur and then by car to Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. In the afternoon relax at the resort or go for walk in the village. Stay two nights at Ranthambhore.

Day 7: Wildlife Safari B L D

Enjoy a morning and afternoon canter safari around the game reserve with an estimated area of 400sq km. Spot various wildlife species of animals, birds and reptiles and if lucky, see a Royal Bengal Tiger.

Day 8: Ranthambhore – Agra B D

An early morning transfer to board the train to Bharatpur and then a drive to Agra. Afternoon visit the impressive 16th century Agra Fort a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Itmad-UdDaulah a mausoleum for its ‘Pietra Dura’ inlay and lattice marble screens. Conclude the day with a visit to a marble inlay workshop. Stay overnight in Agra.

Day 9: Agra - Delhi Departure B

An early morning visit to the most impressive Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jahan for his beloved wife, then to the Agra Fort, a priceless example of craftsmanship from the Mughal period. Late afternoon transfer to the station to board the evening Gatiman Express train to Delhi. Meet and assistance on arrival in Delhi and the tour finishes with a direct transfer to the Delhi international airport.

What’s included: 7 nights hotel accommodation 1 Night onboard train Sightseeing and transfers by a private airconditioned car Local tour guide Assistance Sightseeing as specified Meals as specified Monument entrance fees 02 wildlife safari at Ranthambore Train tickets in air-conditioned sleeper class & chair car Bottled water while travelling and all current collectable taxes.