Indian railways are a unique experience. They are the lifeblood of the land. From mighty express trains thundering along the plains to delightful toy trains weaving their way up mountain sides this tour gives a real flavor of the excitement of an Indian train ride! It also encompasses some of the essential sights and sounds of this incredible country.
Kolkata – Darjeeling – Varanasi – Agra – Shimla – Delhi

ARRIVAL CITY Kolkata
DEPARTURE CITYDelhi
INCLUDED
Air Conditioned TransportHotel Accommodations
Local GuideEntrance Fee
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare
Expenses of Personal Nature
Summary of Unique Experiences
• Cooking class in Kolkata.
• Artisan community visit in Kolkata.
• Local market exploration in Kolkata.
• Participation in Durga Puja festival.
• Tea garden visit in Darjeeling.
• Tea-picking experience in Darjeeling.
• Traditional music performance in Darjeeling.
• Organic farm visit in Darjeeling.
• Photography workshop in Darjeeling.
• Traditional lunch with a local family in Darjeeling.
• Local cultural festival participation in Darjeeling.
• Guided trek to a nearby village in Darjeeling.
• Meditation session in Darjeeling.
• Ganga Aarti participation in Varanasi.
• Banarasi weaving workshop in Varanasi.
• Guided heritage walk in Varanasi.
• Cooking class in Varanasi.
• Sunset visit to Taj Mahal in Agra.
• Mughal-inspired dining experience in Agra.
• Local NGO visit in Agra.
• Photography tour of the Taj Mahal.
• Tea and snack tasting on the Toy Train to Shimla.
• Artisan’s workshop visit in Shimla.
• Live music or cultural performance in Shimla.
• Guided nature walk in Shimla.
• Yoga or wellness session in Shimla.
• Heritage walk in Old Delhi.
• Art gallery visit in Delhi.
• NGO workshop or talk in Delhi.
• Bicycle tour of Delhi’s back alleys.
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Day 1. To Kolkata

Begin your adventure as you depart from your home country to Kolkata, India’s vibrant cultural hub, filled with history, art, and traditions.
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Day 2. Kolkata

Arrive in Kolkata early morning and dive into its historical and spiritual essence with visits to the Jain Temple, Victoria Memorial, Kali Temple, and Mother Teresa’s Orphanage. In the evening, immerse yourself in a Bengali cooking class, focusing on traditional recipes made with locally sourced ingredients. Visit a local artisan community to witness traditional crafts, explore a local market with a guide to learn about Bengali spices, and, if visiting during the Durga Puja season, enjoy the grandeur of this festival through rituals and celebrations. To promote sustainability, visit a community initiative advocating for eco-friendly practices. End your day at the comfortable Hotel Kenilworth.
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Day 3. On board Train to New Jaipaiguri

Wake up early and enjoy a vibrant start to the day at Kolkata’s colorful flower market. The rest of the day is at leisure, allowing you to relax and explore the city at your own pace. In the evening, board the overnight train to New Jalpaiguri, traveling in a 1st A/C sleeper.
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Day 4. To Darjeeling

Arrive in New Jalpaiguri in the morning and transfer to the charming Toy Train that winds its way through the scenic mountain landscapes to Darjeeling. Visit a local tea garden for a guided tour and tasting session, learning about sustainable tea farming practices, and participate in tea-picking with local workers. Enjoy a traditional Darjeeling music performance and explore an organic farm to understand sustainable farming. A photography workshop led by a professional helps you capture the stunning views and cultural essence of the region. Stay overnight at the elegant Hotel Windamere for two nights.
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Day 5. Darjeeling

Begin the day with a dawn visit to Tiger Hill for breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga and Everest. Visit Ghoom Monastery, the Botanical Garden, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, and the Tibetan Refugee Centre. Savor a traditional Himalayan lunch with a local family, participate in a cultural festival if it coincides with your visit, take a guided trek to a nearby village, and experience mindfulness in a meditation session led by a local expert.
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Day 6. On board Train To Varanasi

After breakfast, drive to New Jalpaiguri station and board the Rajdhani Express train to Mughalsarai station, enjoying the overnight journey in a 1st A/C sleeper.
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Day 7. Varanasi

Arrive early morning in Mughalsarai and enjoy a relaxed morning before heading to Sarnath for an exploration of Buddhist Stupas and the museum. In the evening, experience the magical Ganga Aarti ceremony by the riverbank, followed by a cycle rickshaw ride along the Ghats. Deepen your cultural understanding by attending a Banarasi weaving workshop, a guided heritage walk through the old city, and a cooking class focusing on local Varanasi cuisine, culminating in dinner with a local family. Conclude the day with an evening food walk through the city’s narrow lanes, sampling its iconic street food. Stay at Taj Gateway Ganges for two nights.
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Day 8. On board Train to Agra

Begin the day with a serene dawn boat ride on the Holy River Ganges, followed by leisure time to explore or relax. In the evening, transfer to Mughal Sarai station to board the train to Tundla, resting comfortably in a 1st A/C sleeper.
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Day 9. Agra

Arrive in Tundla and drive to Agra, where you’ll explore the Agra Fort and the Tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah. As the day ends, visit the Taj Mahal at sunset to admire its stunning beauty, enjoy a Mughal-inspired dining experience with cultural performances, engage with an NGO focusing on heritage preservation, and participate in a photography tour capturing the Taj Mahal at different times of the day. Stay overnight at Taj Gateway.
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Day 10. On board Train to Kalka

Start your morning with an unforgettable sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal. In the afternoon, transfer to the railway station and board the train to Kalka, spending the night in a 1st A/C sleeper.
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Day 11. To Shimla

Arrive in Kalka and board the Toy Train to Shimla, enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Onboard, indulge in a tea and snack tasting session featuring local specialties. Check in to The Oberoi Cecil for a two-night stay.
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Day 12. Shimla

Discover Shimla’s colonial history with visits to the Viceroy’s Lodge, Gaiety Theatre, and Christ Church on the Mall. In the afternoon, explore at your leisure or engage in unique activities such as visiting a local artisan’s workshop to witness traditional handicrafts, attending an evening cultural performance, enjoying a guided nature walk, or participating in a yoga or wellness session to rejuvenate.
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Day 13. To Delhi

After a leisurely morning, drive to Kalka station and board the Shatabdi Express train to Delhi. Upon arrival, check in at the luxurious Shangri-La Eros Hotel for a two-night stay.
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Day 14. Delhi

Experience a full day of sightseeing in Delhi, covering iconic landmarks such as Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, India Gate, Humayun’s Tomb, and Qutub Minar. Enrich the day with special activities like a guided heritage walk through Old Delhi, an art gallery visit to engage with contemporary Indian art, a workshop hosted by an NGO on community development, or a bicycle tour to explore the back alleys and local markets of Delhi.
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Day 15. To your home country

Conclude your journey by transferring to the airport for your flight back to your home country, carrying unforgettable memories of your incredible trip.

Suggested extensions: Consider adding unique experiences to your itinerary with extensions to Ranthambore National Park for a tiger safari, Udaipur for its lakes and arts, Goa for beaches and cuisine, Amritsar for the Golden Temple and Wagah Border ceremony, Maheshwar for its weaving workshops, Shimla for colonial charm, or Nepal for its cultural and natural splendor.(Various other extensions are available on request)

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