Taj & Northeast India by Rail

Day 01: Arrival Delhi
Arrive Delhi and meet the representative at the arrival hall and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Delhi
Morning sightseeing tour of Delhi visiting the Raj Ghat – the memorial at the site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, Jama Mosque – the largest Mosque in India and the Red Fort – Once the most opulent fort and palace of the Mughal Empire.

Afternoon, sightseeing tour of New Delhi visiting the Humayun’s Tomb, the Qutab Minar, drive along the ceremonial avenue – Rajpath, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House and President’s Residence and end the tour with a drive through Diplomatic Enclave. Evening is free for individual activities or shopping. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03:  Delhi – Agra (By Train)
Today morning after early breakfast, we will board train for Agra. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel and relax for a while amidst the comforts of your room.

Later visit Agra Fort, where Shah Jehan, in the later years of his life, was imprisoned by his son to prevent him from spending the family fortunes on a black echo of the Taj Mahal. Now we will visit one of the best known wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal (Closed on Friday). Built by Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, the Taj is built of white marble, beautifully carved and inlaid with semi-precious stones. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04:  Agra – Varanasi (By Train)
Today morning sunrise visit to Taj Mahal. Rest of the day is free to explore old cities and do heritage walk.

In evening transfer to the railway station to board overnight train for Varanasi. Overnight on the board.

Day 05:  Varanasi
Early morning arrival in Varanasi and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Post breakfast proceed for a panoramic city sightseeing tour of Varanasi including tour to Sarnath, the site of Lord Buddha’s first sermon after attaining enlightenment. At Sarnath we meet many Buddhist monks and followers before visiting local homes to see in-home silk weaving and soak up some local customs, culture and hospitality. Evening witness Aarti ceremony at ghats. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06:  Varanasi – New Jalpaiguri (By Train)
Early morning boat excursion on the holy river Ganges. Rest of the day is free to explore the city or individual activities. In evening departure to railway station to board train for New Jalpaiguri. Overnight on the board.

Day 07:  New Jalpaiguri – Gangtok
Morning arrive at New Jalpaiguri railway station and drive to Gangtok (approx. 120kms / 04hours) which is capital of Sikkim, Gangtok. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is free to explore local market or relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08:  Gangtok
Today after breakfast, start sightseeing tour of city visiting the Rumtek Monastery, Banjhakri Falls, Institute of Tibetology (closed on Sunday), Do-dul-Chorten and Flower Exhibition Centre.

Evening is free to explore local market or individual activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09:  Gangtok – Kalimpong 
Morning drive to Kalimpong (approx. 80kms / 03hours). Upon arrival transfer to the hotel for check-in.  This place is full of scenic beauty and a good place to relax. Visit Delo Hill, Dr. Grahams home, Flower nursery and Durbin Dhara.

Afternoon is free for leisure walks or explore the local market. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10:  Kalimpong – Darjeeling  
Today after breakfast, drive to Darjeeling (approx. 50Kms / 02 hours), the “Queen of the hill stations”. Way to this hill area is along the Teesta River and various Tea Gardens, it is an experience of unforgettable beauty.

Upon arrival check-in at the hotel and relax amidst the comforts of your room. Afternoon is free for leisure walks or explore the local market. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11:  Darjeeling  
Today very early in the morning around 3.30am will drive to visit the Tiger hill (it is the sunrise point over Mt. Khangchendzonga), the glimpse of sunrise from here will give you a different charm. Further we will return to city and on the way back we will visit Ghoom Monastery & Batasia Loop.

Post breakfast we will go on sightseeing tour of Darjeeling which includes Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, P.N. Zoological Park (closed on Thursday), Tenzing Rock, Tibetan Refugee Centre (closed on Sunday) and various Tea estate. Late afternoon is free for leisure walks or explore the local market. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12:  Darjeeling  
Today we will visit Tea estate. It is located in the picturesque hillside with an altitude of 6,300 feet. The altitude itself is a plus point for tea estate as most of the time the valley is in remain under cover of mountain mist and it will give unique flavour to its tea.

Upon arrival enjoy walking through the tea garden on the gentle hill slope and have a glimpse of the tea processing. Visit to the factory and see the entire tea production process and get know about the different qualities of tea. Late afternoon return to Darjeeling and evening is free for leisure walks or explore the local market. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13:  Darjeeling – New Jalpaiguri – Kolkata (By Train)
Morning after breakfast drive directly to New Jalpaiguri railway station (approx. 75Kms / 04 hours) to board overnight train for Kolkata. Overnight on the board.

Day 14:  Depart Kolkata
Today morning arrival in Kolkata and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Post breakfast proceed for a panoramic city sightseeing tour of Kolkata including visit to Catholic church, National Museum, High court building, Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge.

Evening is free to explore the local market. Overnight at the hotel.

Late in the night departure to International airport to connect your flight for onward destination.