Viceroy of India

Introduction :

India is one of the most diverse countries in the world and is often thought of as more of a continent than a country. The subcontinent of India is located in South Asia, between China, Nepal, and Pakistan. It covers 3,166,414 square kilometres from the snow-capped Himalayas, the world's highest mountain range, in the north, to the tropical beaches of the India Ocean in the south.

It is the 7th largest country in the world with the 2nd largest population - over 1 billion. With a history dating back 5,000 years, India is home to an amazing array of sacred monuments, ancient ruins, Jain Temples and Buddhist stupas. For thousands of years India has undergone many social and religious invasions and yet is has managed to withstand them all. It is a land where modern technologies coexist harmoniously with the cultures and traditions of the past. This vast country is an extremely rewarding land to explore and offers something for all types of travellers.

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.

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.

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.

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

Day 6: Agra, Taj Mahal
City tour of Agra including the Taj Mahal and the magnificent Agra Fort, which dominates the skyline.

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.

Day 8: Delhi
Visit the busy textile markets this morning. Our train leaves Delhi hauled by two steam locomotives. Afternoon and evening on board.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Day 15: Calcutta
Transfers to airport included.