Toy Train's & Hill Stations

Overview

Your first toy train experience takes you up to the ‘summer capital' of British India sprawling along a crescent-shaped ridge at an altitude of over 2100m in southern Himachal Pradesh. This was the most important hill station in India before Independence. The famous main street, The Mall, still runs along the crest of the ridge and is lined with stately English-looking houses. Christ Church, Gorton Castle and the fortress-like former Viceroyal Lodge reinforce the English flavour.

Your next destination is Kolkata (Calcutta) which served as the capital of India during the British Raj until 1911. People of Calcutta are very passionate about arts and sports, especially football and cricket. It is also known as the city of joy, where people are always full of enthusiasm and excitement.

From here your overnight train will take you from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri where you will join the toy train up to Darjeeling. The Darjeeling Himalayan railway is a marvel of what could be said in a non-engineering way. It uses neither rack mechanism nor cable as other mountain railways do, but moves only on adhesion. It was the genius and vision of Franklin Prestage, which conceived of such a mechanism and executed it to perfection. 

Outlined Itinerary

Day 01 - Delhi

Arrive Delhi, meet and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is then at leisure to relax after your flight. Extra sightseeing can be arranged if you would like to explore this afternoon.

Day 02 - Delhi

After breakfast you will be taken on a private guided tour of Delhi. You will visit the most important sights of the city. Qutub Minar - the 239ft sandstone tower - Humayun’s Tomb; India Gate; Parliament House [exterior] and the President’s Palace. Jama Masjid - The mosque of Friday was built from 1644 to 1658. Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi – The Father of Nation, was cremated; drive past the Red Fort and a chance to wander through Chandni Chowk. Later Evening will be leisure.

Day 03 - Delhi

After breakfast you are taken to the National Rail Museum, then the afternoon is free. Check out time at the Hotel is 1200 Hrs; Later in the evening, you will take your overnight train to Kalka 2115-0430.

Day 04 - Shimla (Simla)

Upon arrival in Kalka at 0430 hrs, you will be assisted to board the Toy Train up to Shimla 0530-1015. Shimla is often referred to as the "Queen of Hills," a term coined by the British. Located in the north-west Himalayas, at an average altitude of 2,205 metres (7,234 ft), the city of Shimla is draped in forests of pine, rhododendron, and oak, experiences pleasant summers and cold, snowy winters. Evening is free to relax and explore on own. FULL BOARD at Dak Bungalow - Breakfast at Oberoi Cecil.

Day 05 - Shimla (Simla)

After breakfast, you will take a private guided tour visiting Viceregal Lodge and Hindu Temple. Evening is at leisure. FULL BOARD at Dak Bungalow - Breakfast at Oberoi Cecil.

Day 06 - Shimla (Simla)

After breakfast, day is at leisure to explore on your own. We can arrange trekking in this region, ask staff for details. FULL BOARD at Dak Bungalow - Breakfast at Oberoi Cecil.

Day 07 - Kolkata

After breakfast, you will be met and transferred to Shimla airport to connect with your flight to Delhi 1050-1150. Transfer to an airport hotel for lunch, then later check in for your flight for Kolkata 1700-1855. Arrive Kolkata and check in at the hotel.

Day 08 - Kolkata

After breakfast, you will take a private guided tour of Kolkata visiting Kalighat Kali Temple, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Victoria Memorial and Mother Teresa’s House. Later in the evening transfer to Kolkata railway station to board your overnight train for New Jalpaiguri 2205-0800.

Day 09 - Darjeeling

Arrive New Jalpaiguri at 0800 hrs and drive to Kurseong [1.5 Hrs]. Arrive Kurseong and transfer to railway station to board your Toy train to Darjeeling 1500-1750. Arrive Darjeeling & transfer to your hotel. FULL BOARD

Day 10 - Darjeeling

Early morning, visit Tiger Hill, Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop. After breakfast, enjoy sightseeing of the town visiting Padmaja Naidu Himalayan, Zoological Park (Closed on Thursday), Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday), Tenzing - Gombu Rock and Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center (Closed on Sunday) FULL BOARD

Day 11 - Glenburn

After breakfast, you will drive to Glenburn (01 Hr). Arrive Glenburn and check in at the hotel. Evening is at leisure to relax and explore on your own. FULL BOARD

Day 12 - Glenburn

After breakfast, today, you will be at leisure to pursue the many independent activities available at Glenburn Tea Estate. You can take a guided tour of the tea factory and the plantation. See the hotel description for more information. FULL BOARD

Day 13 - Glenburn

After breakfast, today, you will be at leisure to pursue independent activities. FULL BOARD

Day 14 - Delhi

After breakfast, you will drive to Bagdogra airport to connect with your flight to Delhi 1355-1545. Arrive Delhi and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is then at leisure.

Day 15 - Delhi

Breakfast is at the Hotel. Today at an appropriate time, you will be met and transferred to Delhi International airport to connect with your homebound or onwards flight... or travel to your next destination if you would like to add to this tour.

All our tours and holidays are tailor made so can be amended to suite your budget. Click on our from prices below to see what hotels you can expect based on the cheapest time to travel in High Season per person based on two people sharing a room. We can design this tour for you at a lower or higher price, basically to suite your budget, style and comfort. Contact a specialist to discuss your requirements. International flights are not included.