Day 01: Arrive Mumbai

Our voyage of discovery begins at Mumbai airport, where we will be met and transferred to the iconic five-star Taj Mahal Palace Hotel for a luxurious two-night stay. Check in time starts from 15:00 hrs. This flagship Taj hotel offers splendid views of the Arabian Sea and Gateway of India, alongside refined, century-old hospitality. This legendary luxury hotel has played host to kings, dignitaries and eminent personalities from across the globe. All meals today are at your own arrangements.

Overnight: Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai (2 nights)

Day 02: Mumbai

This morning, we take a short cruise, weather permitting, to Elephanta Island, a lush island densely wooded with palm, mango and tamarind trees. The atmospheric and fascinating cave complex, which dates back to the 3rd to 5th centuries, was designed to honour the life of Lord Shiva, one of the most auspicious Hindu gods. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We return to the city for lunch at the famous seafood Trishna restaurant. In the afternoon, we are free to explore Mumbai independently or visit one of the colourful local markets.

In the evening, a welcome drinks reception is followed by dinner at our hotel, where we can get to know our fellow travellers who will share this remarkable Indian odyssey. (B, L, D)

Day 03: Mumbai

The compelling city of Mumbai is rich in culture and history.  Today we visit the ‘Dhobi Ghats’, an intriguing outdoor laundry. The dhobi is a traditional laundryman who collects dirty linen, washes it and returns it neatly pressed.  The Ghats are the laundries where they practice this historic tradition.  Our tour then takes in Fort Bombay and Gandhi’s House, now turned in to a fascinating museum depicting his inspirational life. Lunch is served in a local restaurant.

Mid-afternoon sees us boarding our private train, the Deccan Odyssey, a perfect way to experience the colour, character and amazing diversity of India. Settle into our beautifully appointed private en-suite cabin and enjoy the hospitable atmosphere of the stylish Bar Lounge Car before experiencing fine Indian or western cuisine prepared by our on board chefs.

Overnight: On train (B, L, D)

Day 04: Mumbai/Udaipur (Train)

We spend a leisurely morning on board as the landscape and spirit of India unfolds before us.  We then have the opportunity to listen to a talk on Indian culture before arriving at Udaipur, known as the ‘City of Lakes’ or ‘Venice of the East’. A beguiling tapestry of breathtaking lakes and opulently majestic palaces from the Rajput era await our discovery.

The afternoon is spent admiring the awe-inspiring beauty of the Lake Palace, constructed entirely of marble, which sits on its own island in the shimmering waters of Pichola Lake. We also visit the medieval grandeur of City Palace.

Overnight: On train (B, L, D)

Day 05: Udaipur/Jaipur (Train)

With a breakfast arrival into the capital of Rajasthan, the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur overwhelms the senses as we embrace its rich and colourful past. This morning, we visit the Amber Fort and explore its breathtaking and ornate majesty, including the magnificent Hall of Mirrors.

After lunch in a local restaurant, we continue our exploration with a tour of the Jantar Mantar Observatory, the imposing and vast City Palace and the beautiful Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds.  This delicately stunning, yet enduring monument is constructed entirely of pink sandstone and was built in 1799 to allow royal ladies to discreetly observe everyday life.  Finally, if time permits, we explore a famous fabric market before returning to our train to refresh ourselves.

This evening, we dine in the elegant Rambagh Palace Hotel, originally built in 1835 and once the residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur. The palace retains its elaborate splendour, extravagantly decorated with hand-carved marble ‘jalis’ or latticework, sandstone balustrades, cupolas and ‘chattris’ or cenotaphs, and elaborate Mughal Gardens. Ladies in Rajasthani costumes perform the traditional garlanding 'aarti' and 'tikka' ceremonies while the music of the “Shenai” welcomes us. A delightful display of fireworks is followed by a barbeque with the illuminated palace as a stunning backdrop. The dinner will be served outdoor on one of lawns of the palace. A truly memorable end to a fantastic day in the Pink City.

Overnight: On train (B, L, D)

Day 06: Jaipur/Delhi (Train)

One of the oldest cities in the world, Delhi is bustling and vibrant, famous for its traditional bazaars and street markets. Our fascinating city tour in this pulsating metropolis takes in the Raj Ghat memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, the World Heritage Site of Humayun’s Tomb, the first example of Moghul architecture in India, and the towering Indo-Islamic Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world at 238 feet (73 meters), which dates from 1368. Tonight, we enjoy a sumptuous dinner on board our private train as we continue our journey across India.

Overnight: On train (B, L, D)

Day 07: Delhi/Fatehpur Sikri (Train)

After breakfast, we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fatehpur Sikri. Known as a ‘ghost city’, this red sandstone town was abandoned in 1585, only shortly after being built, due to lack of water. This afternoon, our journey takes us to Agra Fort, a magnificent structure that dominates the skyline and acted as the main residence for emperors of the Moghul Dynasty until 1638.  Its red sandstone walls contain many fairytale palaces and two beautifully preserved mosques.

Overnight: On train (B, L, D)

Day 08: Fatehpur Sikri/Agra (Train)

Today is devoted to visiting the impossibly beautiful Taj Mahal, built entirely of white marble on the south bank of the Yamuna river and indisputably the most famous building in the world. Completed in 1648 by Moghul Emperor, Shah Jahan, the Taj Mahal is a mausoleum for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It took 22 years and 20,000 artisan workers to complete.

Overnight: On train (B, L, D)

Day 09: Agra/Varanasi (Train)

Varanasi, one of India’s most sacred and spiritual places, simply has to be experienced to be understood. Our early morning arrival offers us the opportunity to discover what is believed to be the oldest continually inhabited city in the world.  Situated on the banks of the River Ganges, this cultural and religious centre, known as the City of Light, was established between three and five thousand years ago. It is a focus for Hindu pilgrims, who bathe in the sacred waters of the Ganges and perform funeral rites.  We are privileged to witness these time-honoured ceremonies before departing for a private river cruise. Our exploration of Varanasi is completed with a guided walk through the winding ancient streets, home to some 2,000 temples.

Overnight: On train (B, L, D)

Day 10: Varanasi/Darjeeling (Train)

Today we leave the Deccan Odyssey and embark on a spectacular journey to the hill station of Darjeeling.  Choose to travel either by bus (3 to 4 hours) or embark on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which takes about 6 hours from Tindharia. Also known as the 'Toy Train', it is a 2 foot (610 mm) narrow-gauge railway.

Travelling through awe-inspiring scenery, our locomotive zigzags and loops, gaining height to reach the cooler air of India’s most famous hill station. We climb to Ghum, which, situated at 7,407 feet (2,258 metres), is the highest railway station in India. Here snow-covered Mount Kanchenchunga (third highest in the world) dominates the skyline. We then drop into Darjeeling itself, first crossing the graceful loop at Batasia. A packed lunch is served on board the train before our arrival into colonial Darjeeling.

Travelling through awe-inspiring scenery, our locomotive zigzags and loops, gaining height to reach the cooler air of India’s most famous hill station. We climb to Ghum, which, situated at 7,407 feet (2,258 metres), is the highest railway station in India. Here snow-covered Mount Kanchenchunga (third highest in the world) dominates the skyline. We then drop into Darjeeling itself, first crossing the graceful loop at Batasia. A packed lunch is served on board the train before our arrival into colonial Darjeeling.

Overnight: Hotel Mayfair, Darjeeling (3 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 11: Darjeeling

We awaken to the breathtaking scenery of Mount Kanchenchunga. This morning, we can ride the DHR up to Batasia Loop and Ghum, climbing over 600 feet during the 8-kilometer journey. The senses reel as we experience the chaotic nature of roadside life, passing within inches of colourful shops, houses and enthralling monasteries. Our afternoon tour of Darjeeling provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the elegant grandeur of colonial life, as well as the contrasting culture of a Tibetan refugee centre and an absorbing visit to the Himalayan Institute, where we learn about some of the famous mountaineering expeditions. (B, L, D)

Day 12: Darjeeling

This morning, weather permitting, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch the sun rising over the snow-capped Himalayas, with Mount Everest rising majestically 200 miles away on the horizon. Our early morning trip to Tiger Hill is a quintessential experience that captures the very character of one of our planet’s most overwhelming natural sights. This afternoon, we visit a local tea plantation and sample the freshest cup of tea most of us are ever likely to taste! (B, L, D)

Day 13: Darjeeling/Kolkata (Flight)

After an English breakfast, we leave this tranquil haven to embark on a private transfer from Darjeeling to Bagdogra airport for a short commercial flight to Kolkata.  On the way, we will enjoy panoramic views of the extensive tea plantations that unfurl around us.

On arrival, we transfer to the Taj Bengal hotel, a landmark five-star hotel in downtown Kolkata, for a two-night stay. Prominent landmarks, including Victoria Memorial, Royal Calcutta Race Course, Horticultural Gardens, National Library, Eden Gardens and the Alipore Zoological Gardens, are all within walking distance.

Overnight: Taj Bengal Hotel, Kolkata (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 14: Kolkata

Kolkata is a sensory delight and cultural extravaganza that is constantly evolving.  After breakfast, we spend the day exploring and absorbing the many sights that comprise this enthralling city that was once India’s capital. Our tour includes a visit to the Victoria Memorial, one of the finest and most prominent buildings in Kolkata, which houses a museum dedicated to the history of India. We then move on to Dalhousie Square, the bustling hub of English colonial power and trade during the two centuries of British rule.  Our final stop is South Park Cemetery, an atmospheric and still space within the clamour of modern day Kolkata. In the evening, we say goodbye to our fellow travelling companions who have shared this remarkable journey with us at our Farewell Dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 15: Depart Kolkata

We will be transferred to Kolkata airport to begin our journey home.  Check out time is by 1100 hrs. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum group size of 70 participants.
Please note that this tour is NOT part of our small group journeys.

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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