India: By Steam to the Hill Stations
November 13-29, 2006
Palace on Wheels optional post-tour:
Nov. 29-Dec. 6, 2006
Note: If you wish to arrive in India on Day 1, please depart from the U.S. on Nov. 11.
Monday, Nov. 13: Calcutta (D)
Meet your tour leader, Peter Jordan, and fellow passengers this afternoon in Calcutta. Enjoy dinner together and overnight at the Oberoi Hotel.
Tuesday, Nov. 14:Calcutta tour (B, L, D)
Today we see the "black hole of Calcutta"—where British soldiers were imprisoned during a 1756 battle—and some of the remains of the British Raj era. We’ll take a ride on a chartered streetcar to explore Calcutta’s magical system.
Wednesday, Nov. 15: River Hooghly Cruise; Darjeeling Mail train (B, D)
We cruise up the River Hooghly today, followed by visits to the Howrah Railway Station, several temples and a traditional market. In the early evening, we will transfer to Sealdah station to catch the overnight Darjeeling Mail*.
Thursday, Nov. 16:Siliguri; Chartered steam train (B, L, D)
This morning, we arrive in New Jalpaiguri, at the foot of the world-famous two-foot gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Transfer to our hotel and then tour the town of Siliguri, including the locomotive depot. Later we’ll board our chartered steam train for a ride in the jungle, enjoying dinner on board. If we are really lucky, we may spot a wild elephant!
Friday, Nov. 17: Day trip to Kalimpong (B, L, D)
A day trip by road up the steep-sided Teesta valley, then up the hill to the bazaar town known as the "Gateway to Sikkim." The views are stunning. Kalimpong is famous for the cultivation of orchids.
Saturday, Nov. 18: Chartered steam train to Tindharia (B, L, D)
Today is our first significant steam charter train day. We ride from New Jalpaiguri, over the Mahanadi River, cruise alongside the tea estates to Sukna, then climb through the jungle to arrive at Tindharia—the engineering center of the Darjeeling line. Here, we’ll have an exclusive tour of the workshop, then return by road to Siliguri.
Sunday, Nov. 19: Chartered steam train to Darjeeling (B, L, D)
We continue our steam-hauled charter train to Agony Point loop before arriving at Kurseong for a short lunch break. Then we follow the hillside up through Sonada to Ghum, the summit, before descending around the amazing Batasia Loop to Darjeeling. We should get our first glimpse of Kanchenjunga—the third highest mountain in the world at 27,000 feet—which dominates this mountain town. Spend the night at the legendary Windamere, a period hotel where the pace and style is still set in the 1930s.
Monday, Nov. 20: Darjeeling (B, L, D)
Day at leisure in Darjeeling. If you can make an early start, take the trip to Tiger Hill to watch the sunrise on Kanchenjunga—and, if it’s really clear, Everest.
Tuesday, Nov. 21: Steam charter to Batasia Loop for photography (B, L, D)
The morning is free, and this afternoon we’ll enjoy a special steam charter back up to Ghum, stopping at Batasia Loop for photography. With luck we’ll be able to get shots of the train with Kanchenjunga in the background. At Ghum, we will visit the small but fascinating Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Museum, then steam back to Darjeeling.
Wednesday, Nov. 22: Rajdhani Express to Delhi (B, L, D)
Travel by coach back down the Hill Cart Road to New Jalpaiguri, where we catch the lunchtime Rajdhani Express for the 20-hour journey across northern India*.
Thursday, Nov. 23: Delhi, National Railway Museum (B, L, D)
Morning arrival in Delhi and time to freshen up at our hotel, the Imperial (one of the best heritage hotels, right in the center of the city). Later, we’ll visit the National Railway Museum, home to the world’s oldest operating steam locomotive, the "Fairy Queen." Also of interest is the unique steam-hauled Patiala State Monorail train, dating to 1907.
Friday, Nov. 24: Shimla (B, L, D)
Early-morning departure to Kalka for the 2’6"-gauge diesel train up to Shimla at 7,200 ft., in the Himalayan foothills. In British days, the government seat of India moved here from Delhi during the heat of the Indian summer. It’s called "The Queen of the Hill Stations." Overnight at the Oberoi in Shimla.
Saturday, Nov. 25: Steam charter train to Kathleeghat (B, L, D)
We have the morning to explore Shimla, strolling along the traffic-free Mall to Christ Church, typically English in architecture. We will spend the afternoon with a steam charter train from Shimla to Kathleeghat, with a stop on one of the line’s distinctive viaducts for pictures.
Sunday, Nov. 26: Shimla (B, L, D)
Free day in Shimla. We will take the late-afternoon narrow-gauge train from Shimla down to Kalka, enjoying dinner on the train. We will catch the overnight train to Tundla.
Monday, Nov. 27: Sunset at Taj Mahal (B, L, D)
Breakfast will be served on the train. Coach transfer to the hotel, followed by a visit to the Taj Mahal for viewing sunset over this magnificent structure.
Tuesday, Nov. 28: Agra (B, L, D)
A free day to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise, visit the magnificent Red Fort and maybe watch the local artisans producing the delicate marble inlay work for which Agra is world-famous. We’ll take a late train back to Delhi and spend our last night at the Imperial Hotel.
Wednesday, Nov. 29: Return home (B)
Prepare to fly home, or extend with a week on the luxury Palace on Wheels train for a tour of regal Rajasthan.
Price for Main Tour:
$4,745 per person, double occupancy
$1,225 single occupancyPrice includes first-class India rail pass.
Click here to download our 2006 tour booking form.
Options (*)
For those who would prefer to avoid overnight rail travel on the main program, we can offer the following options for additional cost:
1. On Day 3, spend the night in Calcutta, and take a flight the following day to Bagdogra (Siliguri's airport), and rejoin the main tour at the locomotive sheds
2. On Day 10, fly direct to Delhi from Bagdogra, and stay at the Imperial. The morning of day 11 will be free to wander into Connaught Circus (only some 400 yards away) to see the shops. Rejoin the tour at the Imperial at lunchtime.
Cost of the above: Flights and hotels needed for Calcutta -Siliguri, and between Siliguri and Delhi. Pricing not yet available.
Palace on Wheels Extension
Nov. 29-Dec.6
Add this luxury train tour of Rajasthan, visiting the royal kingdoms of this ancient state. Spend a week aboard the private Palace on Wheels. Highlights include: an elephant ride in Jaipur to Amber Fort, visits to a bird sanctuary, tiger reserve and the famous Lake Palace Hotel and, of course, the train itself. The Palace on Wheels consists of 14 air-conditioned coaches including: two restaurant cars serving excellent meals, lounge car with bar and library attached, and comfortable, private compartments with ensuite sink, shower and toilet.
Palace on Wheels itinerary (tentative, subject to change; highlights only)
Wednesday, November 29 (B,L,D)
The Palace on Wheels departs from Delhi early afternoon, with dinner served on board.
Thursday, November 30 (B,L,D)
After breakfast on board, a day's sightseeing in the pink city of Jaipur, including an elephant ride up the fabulous Amber Fort. Return to the train for dinner and the overnight trip to….
Friday, December 1 (B,L,D)
…Jaisalmer. After breakfast, a sightseeing trip and lunch in this desert city precedes a return to the train for dinner, and the overnight run to….
Saturday, December 2 (B,L,D)
…Jodhpur. Again, there is an exploration of this historic Rajasthani city (with lunch at a Palace hotel) before returning to the train for dinner.
Sunday, December 3 (B,L,D)
A special morning visit to the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, before moving on to Chittaurgarh for the afternoon. Dinner on board the Palace on Wheels.
Monday, December 4 (B,L,D)
Monday is Udaipur day, with the city tour including a visit to the 'Lake Palace Hotel,' formerly home to the Maharana of Udaipur, at the top of India's royal hierarchy, made famous in the James Bond film "Octopussy." Dinner is served on train as we head back north overnight.
Tuesday, December 5 (B,L,D)
In the morning, we visit the famous bird sanctuary at Bharatpur, and visit the legendary deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri. Late afternoon takes us to Agra for a last look at the Taj Mahal. After a final dinner on board, our last overnight journey takes us back to….
Wednesday, December 6 (B,L,D)
…Delhi, where an early morning arrival concludes a breathtaking tour of the magical country that is India. Depart for home tonight; or, request post-tour independent overnight stays.
Palace on Wheels:
$2,695 per person, double occupancy
$1,050 single supplementA deposit of 20% of the cost is required upon booking.
Main tour includes:
· IndRail Pass
· Services of full-time, professional tour leader
· All gratuities for all included services
· All meals included except for lunch on Day 3
· Accommodations in either four- or five-star hotels
· Bottled water with all meals
· All train reservations and charters as noted
· Transfers to/from airport the day the main tour begins and ends
Tour does not include:
· Airfare
· Visa processing (A visa is required for entry to India.)
· Items of a personal nature
· Gratuities to your tour leader
· Transfers or gratuities on Palace on Wheels.
· Transfers to/from airport on days which are either earlier or later than the start of the tour.
A word about international air: We have access to some very good air rates. The schedules and rates for next November are not available now, but will be quite soon. Please let us know your desired gateway when you book, and we will provide a price and schedule as soon as we can.
Click here to download our 2006 tour booking form.
CLICK HERE FOR TERMS & CONDITIONS OF THIS TOUR.
The Society of International Railway Travelers
1810 Sils Ave., Louisville, KY 40205
800-478-4881 or 502-454-0277
Send us e-mail with comments or questions
