Day 1, Calcutta

International flights are met at Calcutta airport and guests are transferred to the Taj Bengal Hotel for a two night stay. (Dinner is at own arrangements.)

Day 2, Calcutta

After breakfast in the hotel we spend the day on a sightseeing tour of Calcutta , which has long been known for its literary, artistic and revolutionary heritage. As the former capital of India , Calcutta was the birthplace of modern Indian literary and artistic thought . Our tour includes a visit to the Victoria Memorial, one of the finest and most prominent buildings in the city which houses a museum dedicated to the history of India, Dalhousie’s Square, the bustling hub of English colonial power and trade during the two centuries that the city served as the capital of British India and the atmospheric South Park Cemetery.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant and this evening we have a welcome drinks reception followed by dinner in the hotel. This gives us a great opportunity to get to know our fellow travellers who will share the next 13 days with us on our journey across India .

Day 3, Calcutta , Bagdogra, Darjeeling

This morning we have an early flight to Bagdogra and embark on the spectacular journey towards the hill station of Darjeeling . We transfer either by bus (3-4 hours) or the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) ‘Toy Train’, from the midway point of Tindaria, which takes about 61/2 hours. 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 into Darjeeling. The ancient steam locomotives (the oldest built in 1889) climb through zigzags and loops to gain height and the cooler air of India ’s most famous Hill Station. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is the most famous hill railway in the world and in 1999 secured UNESCO World Heritage Status. Lunch is served on the Darjeeling train before an early evening arrival into Darjeeling . We have dinner in the Hotel Windamere or Elgin , where we will stay for three nights.

Day 4, Darjeeling

This morning we awake to the breath-taking scenery of the Himalayas and we are offered the chance to ride the DHR up to Batasia Loop and Ghum, a 7km 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 the colonial grandeur of Darjeeling behind traveling along the road crossing overloaded buses, trucks and cars and passing within inches of roadside shops, houses and monasteries. We also have a town tour of Darjeeling which includes a visit to a Tibetan refugee centre, where we are able to purchase handicrafts and learn about some of the famous mountaineering expeditions at the Himalayan Institute.

Day 5, Darjeeling

Today we have an 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, weather permitting, we are able to watch the sun light up the snow capped mountains of Kanchenchunga and Everest, situated 200 miles away. This afternoon we visit a tea plantation, and are able to sample some of the famous local beverage .

Day 6, Siliguri

Today we make our descent from Darjeeling , arriving in Siliguri early afternoon. It is here that we join our waiting private train and have time to settle into our beautifully appointed cabins and enjoy the cozy atmosphere in the Bar Car before dining in the restaurant. With a choice of western or Indian cuisine, supplied by the world-renowned Taj Hotel Group, the food both on and off the train will be a highlight of this journey.

Day 7, Varanasi

We arrive early morning into Varanasi , situated on the banks of the Ganges . A cultural and religious centre for thousands of years, it is one of the holiest places in India . Believed to be between 3 – 5,000 years old, it is the oldest continually inhabited city in the world . Pilgrims come from afar to bathe in the waters of the Ganges ; a ritual that Hindus believe washes away all sin and cleanses them mentally, physically and spiritually. We are privileged to experience this ceremony and are able to take a private River cruise. There is then time for a guided walk through the streets of the old city.

Day 8, Delhi

We arrive mid-morning into Delhi where we embark upon a city tour. Some of the fascinating sights we see include the Jama Masjid Mosque, one of the most important and majestic mosques in Delhi . Its name literally means: "the mosque commanding a view of the world", the Raj Ghat memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, Humayuns Tomb, considered to be an important milestone in the history of Mughal architecture, and Qutab Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world at 237.8 ft (72.5m) which dates from 1368 . Tonight we enjoy dinner on board the train.

Day 9, Jaipur

Breakfast arrival in the Pink City of Jaipur, Capital of Rajasthan. Jaipur, with its rich and colourful past, resplendent with tales of valour and bravery is now one of the most important heritage cities in India . This morning we visit the Amber Fort, one of the highlights being the magnificent hall of mirrors . After lunch our tour takes in the Jantar Mantar observatory, City Palace and the beautiful Hawa Mahal ( Palace of Winds ). Constructed out of pink sandstone in 1799 it was designed to extend the chambers of the harem and allow royal ladies to observe everyday life in the street below without being seen. Finally, if time permits we visit a famous fabric market before returning to the train to freshen up. Dinner is in the elegant Rambagh Palace Hotel.

Day 10, Fathepur Sikri

After a relaxing morning we arrive into Fathepur Sikri, the World Heritage “ghost city”. Once the capital of the Mughal Empire, it was abandoned in 1585 when the water supply dried up. The city reputedly contains some of the most inspiring architecture in India and also the largest mosque in the country, Jama Masjid. Our guided tour takes in all of the highlights of this atmospheric city complex.

Day 11, Agra

Today is dedicated to exploring possibly the most famous building in the world - the Taj Mahal. Built in 1648 by Shah Jahan as a monument to his beloved wife, it is India ’s most fascinating and beautiful building. Perfectly symmetrical, it took 22 years and 20,000 workers to create this truly stunning architectural wonder of the world.

Day 12, Udaipur

This morning we arrive into Udaipur , which is known as the “City of Lakes ” or “ Venice of the East”. Surrounded by some of the most spectacular lakes in the state, it is also famous for its Rajput –era palaces. This afternoon we spend time admiring the wonderful Lake Palace , which covers a whole island in the Pichola Lake and is made entirely of marble, and the City Palace . The rooms are superbly decorated with mirror tiles and paintings and it is the most beautiful palace in the city. Back on the train we spend a leisurely afternoon watching the Indian countryside go by and we have the opportunity to listen to a talk on Indian culture and way of life.

Day 13, Bombay

Today we arrive into Bombay and say farewell to the train that has been our home for the last 7 nights and transfer to the Taj Mahal hotel. Our city tour of Bombay takes in the sights and sounds that are typical of Indian life, followed by a boat trip to Elephanta Island . This beautiful island is thickly wooded with palm, mango and tamarind trees and here we visit a fascinating cave complex, which dates back to the 3 rd - 5 th century. Designed to depict the life of Lord Shiva, one of the most auspicious Hindu gods, there are many statues and works of art to marvel at. If we are lucky we may even see some of the monkeys that live on the island.

Day 14, Bombay

Our city tour today includes a visit to the famous ‘Dhobi Ghats’ outdoor laundry. A unique feature of Bombay , the dhobi is a traditional laundryman, who will collect your dirty linen, wash it, and return it neatly pressed to your doorstep. The Ghats are the laundries where they work. The one we visit has almost two hundred dhobis and their families working together. Amazing to think the clothes come back spotlessly clean. Our tour also takes in Fort Bombay and Gandhi’s House, now turned into a fascinating museum depicting his life and beliefs. Lunch is served in a Khyber restaurant and there is time in the afternoon to explore this city or visit one of the local markets.

In the evening we say our goodbyes at our Farewell dinner.

Day 15, Bombay

Airport transfers are included for all guests.

For more detail please contact : ripan@lpti.in