The
Darjeeling Mail
Explore
India aboard the private Viceroy of India
April 9-23; Sept. 17-Oct. 1, 2007
Eastbound itinerary
Day 1: Bombay
(Mumbai)
Transfer from Bombay airport to the Taj Mahal Hotel for a two-night stay.
Day 2: Bombay (Mumbai)
City tour including the famous "Dhobi Ghats" outdoor laundry, Fort
Bombay and India Gate. Lunch in a traditional Khyber restaurant. Afternoon
visit to Crawford Market followed by free time to stroll through the markets
and bazaar. Welcome reception and dinner at the beautiful Tower restaurant
overlooking the city. (B,L,D)
Day
3: Bombay (Mumbai)
Morning transfer to the Viceroy of India train. Enjoy a welcome reception
in the bar car and breakfast. Settle into the beautifully appointed cabins,
watching the beautiful scenery as we depart Bombay. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Jaipur
Morning arrival into Jaipur where we visit the Amber Fort. Afternoon dedicated
to the Jantar Mantar observatory, City Palace and Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds).
Dinner in the elegant Rambagh Palace Hotel, with a "Royal Procession."
Evening train departure. (B,L,D)
Day
5: Fatehpur Sikri
Early morning arrival in Bharatpur to visit the Keoladao Ghana Bird Sanctuary.
Lunch on the train. Afternoon visit of "ghost city" Fatehpur Sikri,
now a World Heritage site (B,L,D)
Day 6: Agra, Taj Mahal
City tour of Agra including the Taj Mahal and the magnificent Agra Fort, which
dominates the skyline. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Rewari Delhi
Morning visit to the Heritage Locomotive depot at Rewari. Late morning arrival
into Delhi. Transfer to the National Railway Museum by horse-drawn carriages.
Afternoon city tour of Jama Masjid Mosque, The Raj Ghat, Humayuns Tomb and
Qutab Minar. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Delhi
Visit the busy textile markets this morning. Our train leaves Delhi hauled
by two steam locomotives. Afternoon and evening on board. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Varanasi
Early morning arrival into Varanasi, situated on the banks of the Ganges and
believed to be one of the holiest places in India. Hindus believe bathing
in the Ganges washes away all sin. Private river cruise on the Ganges to view
the Pilgrims bathing ritual followed by a walk along the ghats. (B,L,D)
Day
10: Darjeeling
Mid-morning arrival into Siliguri and bid farewell to the Viceroy of India
train. Embark on the spectacular journey towards the quintessential hill station
of Darjeeling. Transfer either by bus (3-4 hours) or the Darjeeling Himalayan
Railway (DHR) "Toy Train," which takes 8 hours or more. 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 and the world’s third highest mountain) dominates the skyline,
before dropping 600 feet to Darjeeling. The ancient 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 one of the most well-known hill railways in the world and in 1999 secured
UNESCO World Heritage Status. Lunch served on the Darjeeling train before
arrival into Darjeeling. Dinner served Darjeeling hotel. (B,L,D)
Day
11: Darjeeling
Awaken to the breath-taking scenery of Mount Kanchenchunga. Ride the DHR up
to Batasia Loop and Ghum, a three-mile journey that climbs 600 feet. The train
leaves Darjeeling along the road crossing overloaded buses, trucks and cars
and passing within inches of roadside shops, houses and monasteries. Optional
helicopter ride to Gangtok, capital of Sikkim, can be arranged. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Darjeeling
Optional early morning trip to Tiger Hill to experience the breathtaking sight
of the sun rising over the Himalayas—a once in a lifetime opportunity
to watch the sun light up the snow-capped peaks of Kanchenchunga and Everest,
situated 200 miles away. Afternoon at leisure. (B,L,D)
Day
13: Darjeeling, Calcutta
Final morning in Darjeeling. Private transfer to Bagdogra airport for one-hour
flight to Calcutta. Transfer to Hotel Taj Bengal for two-night stay. (B,L,D)
Day 14: Calcutta
Full day sightseeing Calcutta, the cultural capital of India, including the
"Black Hole," Victoria Memorial, Dalhousie’s Square and South
Park Cemetery. Farewell dinner in local restaurant. (B,L,D)
Day 15: Calcutta
Transfers to airport included. (B)
Optional Extensions:
Bhutan (3 nights) and Nepal (6 nights). Inquire for details.
TOUR RATES:
$9,995 per
person, twin share
$14,995 single occupancy
$14,995 per
person, twin share SUITE
$22,995 single occupancy SUITE
About the Viceroy of India:
The Viceroy of India is the perfect fusion of luxury with the charm of train travel. An all inclusive luxury rail cruise with an opportunity to view India's unique landscapes and visit some of the world's outstanding attractions along the way. Carriages are extremely well appointed, spacious and comfortably furnished, making this an ideal setting to enjoy the many wonders that this varied country has to offer. Guests are accommodated in fully air conditioned deluxe carriages, which feature 4 twin bedded cabins, with modern en-suite facilities including a shower and toilet, plus an audio and CD player in each room. Presidential suites for those looking for extra comfort and style are available at a supplement.
LOUNGE/BAR CARS
A lounge/Bar Car provides an ideal setting for a leisurely drink after a day's
sightseeing, or a comfortable place to relax and meet fellow passengers. There
are telephones located in each carriage, plus a state of the art plasma TV
screen in the lounge car. On board the guests can also take advantage of traditional
Ayurvedic massage, in the 'spa car'; set aside for relaxation and rejuvenation.
RESTAURANTS
The Viceroy of India features two restaurant cars, supplying an array of Indian,
Continental and International cuisine as the train passes through Maharashtra,
Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar pradesh, Bihart and Western Bengal.
Please note while we cater for certain diets, we remind you that gluten-free
and other such speciality diets are difficult to cater for, as products for
these diets may not be available in India.
Click here to download our tour
booking form.
CLICK HERE FOR TERMS & CONDITIONS OF THIS
TOUR.
The Society of International Railway Travelers
2010 Edgeland Ave., Louisville, KY 40204
800-478-4881 or 502-454-0277
Click
here to send us an e-mail.
|
|
|
