Ffestiniog Travel

Sunday 12 February to Saturday 3 March 2012

As featured in the BBC series ‘Indian Hill Railways’, this magical tour of India recaptures the nostalgia of rail travel in the days of the Raj, as we travel on three extraordinary railways to the former British Hill Stations of Shimla, Darjeeling and Ooty. Experience the engineering excellence, synonymous of India’s railways, as this amazing tour takes us across India from the northern plains of the Punjab, to the cool blue mountains of the south. Along the way we encompass glorious sightseeing from the Golden Temple in Amritsar to the Taj Mahal and the Moghul splendours of Delhi.

Day 1   Fly London to Amritsar

Overnight scheduled service from London to Amritsar via Delhi arriving the following morning.

Day 2   Arrive in India

Our tour starts in the Punjab capital Amritsar with a stay of two nights. Spend the afternoon relaxing in this mesmerizing and colourful city.

Day 3   Full day in and around Amritsar

This morning we visit the sights of Amritsar, including the spectacular and spiritual Golden Temple. Afternoon visit to the Atari-Wagah frontier post, a thoroughly unusual and unexpected experience

Day 4   By rail and road across the Punjab

This morning we take the first of our Indian train journeys as we travel across the Punjab to Jallundar. Continuing by road we experience the changing rural landscapes. We overnight at the romantic Nalagarh Palace Hotel.

Day 5   Kalka Shimla Railway

We depart this morning by road to Kalka to visit the extensive 2ft 6in gauge workshops of the Kalka Shimla Railway. Later we travel by chartered vintage rail cars over this astonishing line to Shimla where nestled in the Himalayas, the British in India once came to escape the summer heat of the plains. 2 nights on full board.

Day 6   By Steam Train to Kathleeghat

A unique excursion is arranged today on our own special steam train to Kathleeghat using one of the original KC class engines built for the line. Please note that this is subject to completion of repairs which the railway has occasionally failed to do. An alternative excursion of historic and individual Shimla, with its unique ambience, will be provided if the repairs are not finished.

Day 7   Free Day in Shimla

Enjoy a leisurely day in Shimla before an evening train departure to Kalka with a simple dinner served on board, perhaps the only 2ft 6in gauge railway in the world to offer this facility. We travel onward by night train in air-conditioned, 2-tier sleepers on the Kalka Howrah Mail.

Day 8   Sightseeing in Agra

Breakfast will be served before we arrive at Tundla (Agra) for a stay of one night. We visit the ‘Baby Taj’ and the wonderful Mogul Red Fort, from where you can get magical views across the Jamuna river to the Taj Mahal.

Day 9   Visit the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal needs no introduction as at dawn we visit this dedication to love, a truly unforgettable experience. Later we visit Akbar’s Mausoleum at Sikandra before continuing by road to Delhi for 2 nights.

Day 10   Sightseeing in Delhi

This morning we take a sightseeing tour of the evocative sights of Delhi, visiting the splendours of the Moghul past and reminders of the British Raj, when Delhi was the capital of the British in India. Our sightseeing includes the India Gate, Rajpath, Qutab Minar, and Humayun’s Tomb. During the afternoon we visit the famous Delhi Railway Museum.

Day 11   Fly to Bagdogra

Our tour continues with a morning flight to Bagdogra in West Bengal. Here we spend an afternoon at the depot of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway at Siliguri Junction. Overnight on full board.

Day 12   Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Today we depart from Siliguri Junction on our charter train made up of two very comfortable 1st Class carriages, hauled by a B Class 0-4-0. Proceed to Kurseong, stopping for a visit to the running shed and works at Tindharia. This memorable and scenic journey, as the train climbs up through tea plantations and green countryside, is a perfect opportunity for photographs and there will be many stops and buses running in parallel for photography. This magnificent line climbs to over 7,000 feet using zig-zags and loops with breathtakingly stunning views. We overnight on full board in Kurseong.

Day 13   Another Day on the DHR

Another wonderful day’s journey on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, as we continue on our charter train from Kurseong to Darjeeling. The train winds its way straight up the main street of Kurseong and other villages before reaching the summit at Ghoom and descending into Darjeeling. 3 nights on full board.

Days 14 and 15   Magical Darjeeling

Darjeeling was once the summer destination for British in eastern India and this glorious hill station still retains a nostalgic and peaceful atmosphere. Two days to relax and explore this hospitable area, perhaps visiting a tea plantation or further travel on the railway. On the last day we have a farewell trip on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway by travelling on the ‘Joy Train’ from Darjeeling, round the Batasia loop, to the summit at Ghoom where we visit the fascinating DHR museum.

Day 16   Fly to Chennai

Return to Bagdogra by road and then fly to Chennai via Calcutta. Overnight in Chennai.

Day 17   Train to Coimbatore

We take a late morning train across the lush and changing countryside of Southern India from Chennai to Coimbatore arriving in the early evening. One night with dinner included.

Day 18   Steam Charter on the Nilgiri Railway

Another classic Indian rail journey, as we depart on the metre gauge Nilgiri Rack Railway, steam hauled from Mettupalayam to Coonoor. The train will be hauled (or rather pushed) by one of the huge SLM built rack tanks up the astonishing escarpment into the Blue Mountains. As we climb to the hill station of Ooty nestled high in the Blue Mountains, we will pass through spice plantations and villages full of bright colour. We will have a range of photostops and false starts (subject to the approval of Indian Railways). Coonoor to Ooty will be diesel hauled. 2 nights in Ooty.

Day 19   The Cool Blue Mountains

Today we take a whole day sightseeing in this charming hill station. We visit the Dodabetta Peak, the Botanical Gardens, a tea garden and Coonoor station and shed. Return to hotel for a Farewell Dinner.

Day 20   Final Steam Charter and journey home

Return journey on the Nilgiri Rack Railway with a private steam charter from Coonoor to Mettupalayam. Continue by road to Coimbatore where we take a flight to Mumbai.

Day 21   Fly to London

Early morning flight to London arriving same day.