They say, If yo haven’t traveled in Indian Railways, you haven’t seen India! Yes, the Incredible India is not complete without it’s fascinating bit of the great Railways. The British built narrow guage lines to beat the heat in the plains and traveled to the cool hill stations during the British rule in India. This tour covers the North and the North East Frontier Railway giving the flavour of the old charm and modern Railway system in India. Covering the most scenic Kalka – Shimla narrow guage line with a diesel loco to overnight enchanting and cosy ride in the cross country Kalka Howrah Mail, then onto Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) on the fabulous B class steam loco and last but not the least, a chance to ride the infamous Patiala Steam Monorail loco.
08 Nights / 09 Days
to Delhi - Shimla - Agra - Darjeeling - Delhi
Day1 - Arrive Delhi
Arrive Indira Gandhi international airport at 2120 hrs and transferred to city hotel for overnight stay.
Day2 - Delhi - Kalka - Shimla
Early morning check out from the hotel to transfer to New Delhi railway station to board 2011Kalka Shatabdi Express at 0740/1200 hrs. Upon arrival in Kalka, shift from broad guage line platform to the narrow guage line platform to board in 255 Himalyan Queen hill express toy train departing at 1210 hrs for Shimla (connecting train to the Shatabdi Express). Enjoy the fascinating, full of scenic beauty ride on this historical Kalka-Shimla line with 105 tunnels and single and double arch bridges. Arrive Shimla at 1730 hours. Click photos of the old KC 520 steam loco parked on the side of the Shimla Station at display which only runs for Travel Pals’ special charters for our railway enthusiasts groups. Upon arrival, assisted & transferred to hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day3 - Shimla
Breakfast at hotel. Enjoy day free for own activities and to stroll on the Shimla mall. Overnight at hotel.
Day4 - Shimla - Kalka - Tundla: (overnight train)
Breakfast at hotel. Day free to relax in the hotel and enjoy the sunshine of the cool hill station. Evening transfer to the railway station to catch 242 Shivalik Dlx Express at 1730 hrs arriving Kalka at 2215 hrs to connect to 2312 Kalka Howrah Mail at 2345 hrs for Tundla Junction via Delhi. Overnight in 2 tier aircon coach.
Day5 - Tundla – Agra - Delhi
Arrive Tundla Junction at 1110 hrs and assisted and transferred to Agra hotel for wash ‘n’ change. Later, proceed for a guided city tour of Agra, visiting Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-daulah (baby Taj). Evening transferred to Agra Cantontment railway station to board the Taj Express at 1855 hrs arriving Hazrat Nizamuddin (Delhi) railway station at 2205 hrs. Met & Assisted and transferred to hotel for overnight stay.
Day6 - Delhi - Bagdogra - Silliguri
After breakfast, assisted and transferred to Delhi domestic airport to board flight 9W 602 at 1010/1205 hrs for Bagdogra airport. Upon arrival in Bagdogra, transfer to hotel in Silliguri. After lunch, visit to a tea estate and a factory followed by a short visit to the Silliguri loco shed and station to view the fascinating B class engines being maintained and wamed up for their next shift. Overnight at hotel.
Day7 - Silliguri - Tindharia - Darjeeling
After breakfast half day free at leisure, then transfer to Tindharia railway station (1.5 hrs by road) to enjoy the toy train with B class steam engine uptill Darjeeling. Tindharia station is a world heritage site, standing at the highest level. Upon arrival at Darjeeling railway station, assisted and transferred to hotel for overnight stay.
Day8 - Darjeeling
Breakfast at hotel. Day free on own or optional half day guided city tour covering Mountaineering institute. Zoological park, mall road. Overnight at hotel.
Day9 - Darjeeling - Delhi
Early morning visit to the Tiger Hill to view the sunrise and the Kanchenjunga peak along with a chance to view the Mt. Everest. On the way back visit the Batasia Loop, Ghoom Monastery, Relaxed breakfast at the hotel. Then transferred to Bagdogra airport to board flight 9W 601 at 1430 hrs, arriving Delhi at 1635 hrs. On arrival, transferred to airport hotel for wash ‘n’ change. Later, transfer to international airport to board flight for onward destination. Optional : Patiala Steam Monorail loco operational every Saturday at the National Rail Museum.
