Indian Hill Railways

Day 1 – Fly London to Amritsar

Morning flight from London to Amritsar.

Day 2 – Arrive in India

Early morning arrival in the Sikh holy city of Amritsar for a 2-night stay. Day free to relax or wander around this Sikh city, also known for its great shopping.

Day 3 – Sightseeing in Amritsar

Today begins with a sightseeing tour of Amritsar including the stunning Golden Temple. Afternoon visit to the Atari-Wagah frontier post, a thoroughly unusual and unexpected experience.

Day 4 – Across the Punjab

Morning train across the Punjab to Ambala. We continue by road to Chandigarh and visit the Chandigarh Capitol Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before an overnight B&B stay. Lunch today is included.

Day 5 – Kalka Shimla Railway

By road to Kalka where we visit the extensive 2ft 6in gauge workshops of the Kalka Shimla Railway. Later we travel by privately chartered carriage over this astonishing line to Shimla, the former summer capital of British India. We remain here for 2 nights on full board. Lunch included.

Day 6 – Shimla Sightseeing

This morning we have a guided sightseeing tour and include a visit to the Viceregal Lodge, the former residence of the British Viceroy of India. After lunch (included) there is free time to enjoy some independent sightseeing.

Day 7 – Kalka to Delhi

Depart on the morning train from Shimla to Kalka, continuing to Delhi on the Shatabdi Express. Evening arrival in Delhi and transfer to the Vasant Hotel for 3 nights on B&B basis. Lunch & dinner included today.

Day 8 – Delhi Railway Museum

We visit some of the many famous sights of Delhi including the India Gate, Rajpath, Qutab Minar and Humayun’s Tomb. Afternoon visit to the famous Delhi Railway Museum. Lunch included.

Day 9 – The Taj Mahal

Morning train from Delhi to Agra. Visit the sublime Taj Mahal and Red Fort before returning to Delhi by train. Lunch stop at a local restaurant included.

Day 10 – Fly Delhi to Bagdogra & DHR Depot

Late morning flight from Delhi to Bagdogra arriving after lunch. Transfer to our hotel in Siliguri. There will be an optional afternoon visit to the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s depot. Overnight stay on full board.

Day 11 – Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR)

Depart from Siliguri Junction on our charter train made up of two very comfortable First Class carriages, hauled by a B Class 0-4-0. Proceed to Tindharia where we will visit the DHR's Workshop before continuing on our charter train to Kurseong. There will be many stops and vehicles running parallel for photography opportunities. This magnificent line climbs to over 7,000ft using zig-zags and loops with fabulous views. Overnight in Kurseong on full board basis.

Day 12 – Another Day on the DHR

Second day of the charter continues from Kurseong to Darjeeling. The train winds its way straight up the main street of Kurseong and other villages before reaching the summit at Ghoom and descending into Darjeeling. A 3-night stay on full board at the wonderful Mayfair Hotel.

Days 13 & 14 – Magical Darjeeling

Two full days in Darjeeling for general sightseeing or further travel on the DHR. Optional full day excursion available to the Teesta Valley and Kalimpong. On the last day we have a farewell trip on the DHR by travelling on the Joy Train from Darjeeling, round the Batasia Loop, to the summit at Ghoom where we visit the DHR Museum.

Day 15 – Fly to Coimbatore

Return to Bagdogra by road and then fly to Coimbatore via Bengaluru. Overnight in Coimbatore with dinner included.

Day 16 – Nilgiri Railway

Early morning departure on the metre gauge Nilgiri Rack Railway, steam hauled from Mettupalayam to Coonoor. The train will be hauled (or rather pushed) by one of the huge SLM built rack tanks up the astonishing escarpment into the Blue Mountains. Coonoor to Ooty will be diesel hauled. A 2-night stay on full board.

Day 17 – The Cool Blue Mountains

A whole day’s sightseeing, including the Doddabetta Peak, the Botanical Gardens, a tea garden and Coonoor station and shed. Return to the hotel for a farewell BBQ.

Day 18 – Journey Home

Morning departure by road to Coimbatore airport for flight to Delhi. Overnight at a Delhi Airport hotel.

Day 19 – Fly to London

Mid-morning flight to London arriving same day.