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Kolkata to Goa by Rail
24 days, Calcutta to Goa
Itinerary Notes
Want to experience the sights and sounds of Holi? Make sure you’re in India on March 10, 2020 or March 29, 2021 for the nation’s most colourful festival.
Itinerary
Day 1Calcutta
Arrive at any time.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Calcutta/Jalpāiguri
Visit the Victoria Memorial and explore Mother Teresa's House. Enjoy free time later and opt to explore the Indian Museum. In the evening, board an overnight New Jalpaiguri Kamrup Express train to New Jalpaiguri.
Victoria Memorial Visit
Enjoy a visit to this palatial white marble building, built in the beginning of the 20th century. It is dedicated to Queen Victoria and has a lush green "maidan" (lawn) in front of it. The Victoria Memorial is architecturally impressive; it combines British and Mughal design, along with elements of Venetian, Egyptian, Islamic, and other architecture.
Mother Teresa's House Visit
Visit Mother Teresa's house, now often referred to as "Motherhouse." See the local chapel, the tomb of Mother Teresa, and the modest room she called home for almost 50 years.
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Indian Museum
500INR per personGain a deeper understanding of the history of this country with a walk back in time at the Indian Museum. The largest and oldest museum in India, explore the rare collections ranging from six different sections: art, archaeology, anthropology, geology, zoology and economic botany.
Day 3Jalpāiguri/Darjeeling
Arrive at New Jalpaiguri and continue onwards by van to Darjeeling. Take an orientation tour of the town before enjoying free time with the rest of the evening.
Famous for the black tea grown amongst the tea plantations, enjoy the scenic views of Darjeeling. Set upon the foothills of the Himalayas, expect the climate to be much different from the plains.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Free Time
Relax with a free evening in this picturesque hill station.
Day 4Darjeeling
Watch the sunrise at Tiger Hill, visit a tea estate and explore the Mahakal Temple. Later, travel the World Heritage-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway on a vintage steam engine train. Continue with a visit to the Peace Pagoda.
Please note that occasionally the cooking demonstration may be moved to Varanasi to better suit the day's schedule.
Tiger Hill Sunrise Visit
Wake up early for a drive up to the top of Tiger Hill. The early start will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Mt Everest and Mt Kangchenjunga, the first and third highest mountains in the world. Make it there in time for sunrise to see the mountains bathed in pink light.
Tea Estate Visit
Visit the Tukvar Tea Estate, first planted by the British in 1852. This is the oldest tea estate and produces the world-famous Darjeeling tea, known as the champagne of tea. Enjoy a cup!
Mahakal Temple Visit
Enjoy a visit to this charming temple is situated on top of a hill. Inside, you'll find a cave designated as a holy site for worshippers of Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction. Previously the location of a Buddhist Monastery, it continues to be an important site for pilgrims.
Peace Pagoda Visit
Visit this beautiful pagoda built with guidance from a Buddhist monk from Japan. As with other Peace Pagodas around the world, its aim is to unite peace seekers to create the calm they hope for.
Toy Train
Climb aboard and grab a seat aboard this charming narrow-gauge train.
Day 5Darjeeling/Gangtok
Continue by private van to Gangtok and take an orientation tour of the town. Take in the stunning scenery of the Himalayas surrounding this quaint town.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Day 6Gangtok
Start the day with an orientation walk, then enjoy a free day to explore this scenic town.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Free Time
Enjoy a full day to explore the stunning town of Gangtok.
Day 7Gangtok/Kalimpong
Continue by private vehicle to Kalimpong. Stop along the way at Rumtek Monastery. Embark on an orientation walk of the town of Kalimpong then enjoy the rest of the day to explore at leisure.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Free Time
Take the afternoon to explore the scenic views throughout Kalimpong.
Day 8Kalimpong to New Jalpaiguri
Drive to New Jalpaiguri Station with a stop en route at Deolo Hills to take in views of the mountainous scenery. Catch the overnight train to Varanasi.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Deolo Hill Visit
Visit Deolo Hills, home to the highest point in Kalimpong, and enjoy views of the mountain scenery.
Overnight Train (beds)
Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.
Day 9Mughal Sarāi/Varanasi
Arrive to Mughal Sarai in the morning and continue by van to Varanasi. Enjoy an evening visit to the ghats and watch the prayer sessions.
Ghats Visit
Walk along the ghats (waterfront steps) leading into the sacred River Ganges in Varanasi. The ghats are all used for different purposes -- some for bathing, some for puja (prayer) ceremonies, and others for cremation.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 10Varanasi
Take a sunrise boat trip on the Ganges. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Sarnath and the city of Varanasi.
Morning Ganges Boat Tour
Catch the sunrise from a boat cruising the sacred Ganges River, where Hindu pilgrims from all over the world come to wash away their sins and cremate their loved ones. Witness locals participating in dawn rituals of bathing and burning at the river.
Free Time
Enjoy some more time in this holy city.
Day 11Varanasi/Lucknow
Take a morning Varanasi-Lucknow Intercity train. In the afternoon, visit the Bara Imambara.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Bara Imambara Visit
Visit the famous Shia Muslim shrine located in Lucknow. With ornate Mughal architecture, this massive shrine is a striking sight to behold.
Day 12Lucknow/Delhi
Spend most of the day exploring Lucknow. Opt to explore The Residency and be immersed in colonial era history. In the afternoon, board the Swarna Shatabdi Express train to Delhi, with dinner provided on board. Enjoy the night in the bustle of Delhi.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Get out and explore.
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
The Residency
200INR per personAlso known as the British Residency, this colonial era Residence has been in numerous battles. Find the bullet marks still scarring the walls or walk the gardens and observe the ruins.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 13Delhi
Enjoy a free day in Delhi.
Free Time
Head out and explore this lively capital city.
Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow
Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos
You may be a seasoned pro at group travel by now, but there will likely be some new travellers joining the group. Sit in on the welcome meeting to meet the newest members of your group and learn about the next leg of your tour.
Day 14Delhi/Āgra
Take the Shatabdi Express train to Agra, with breakfast served on board. Enjoy a guided tour of the impressive Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. Time permitting, opt to visit the Baby Taj.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Taj Mahal Guided Tour
Here's one to cross off your bucket list: a visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Take a guided tour of India's most famous landmark and an icon of Mughal architecture. Built by the emperor Shah Jahan as a testament of his love to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this stunning white marble structure draws visitors from all over the world.
Agra Fort Guided Tour
Enjoy a guided tour of this palatial Mughal fort made of red sandstone and white marble. One of the most important battles of the Indian rebellion of 1857 happened at this fort, which caused the end of the British East India Company's rule in India.
Optional Activities - Day 14 HideShow
Baby Taj Visit
310INR per personVisit this mausoleum that looks like a jewel box, built before the Taj Mahal by Queen Nur Jahan for her father. Enjoy the intricate details of the structure; it was the first Mughal building faced with white marble and where "pietra dura" (precious stones inlaid into marble) was first used.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 15Āgra/Jaipur
Hop on a Shatabdi Express train in the evening to Jaipur.
Free Time
Get out and see more of this historic city filled with architectural marvels.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Day 16Jaipur
Take an orientation walk around town. Take a photo of the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) and visit the Amber Fort. Walk around the Old City and markets and opt to visit the City Palace. With free time, wander the Jantar Mantar or check out a Bollywood film at the spectacular Art Deco film house, the Raj Mandir.
Orientation Walk
Head to the markets of this "Pink City," the capital of Rajasthan, and one of the most important heritage cities in India on this CEO-led orientation walk.
Amber Fort Visit
Take in the Hindu and Muslim architecture of the beautiful Amber Fort. Wander through the halls and courtyards and admire the intricate details.
Optional Activities - Day 16 HideShow
Movie at Raj Mandir
200-400INR per personVisit this spectacular cinema and watch a song-and-dance Bollywood film.
Jantar Mantar Visit
202INR per personVisit the Jantar Mantar observatory for a guided tour and explore the collection of astronomical instruments housed there, some dating back to 1727.
Jaipur Balloon Ride
Begin your day at dawn, just as the sun starts to rise. As you drift into the sky, enjoy the silence and serenity of the morning, watching as the day starts for the colourfully dressed inhabitants below. From high in the sky, you may float over rolling hills, villages teeming with life, and a small monastery. You may even spot elephants—if luck is on your side.
Available September 1 - April 30.
Day 17Jaipur/Udaipur
In the morning board a train and soak in the passing scenery en route to Udaipur. Arrive in the evening with free time to explore the city.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Stretch your legs and explore Udaipur with a free evening.
Day 18Udaipur
Enjoy an orientation walk, including a visit to the Jagdish Temple and the City Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in India. Attend a Rajasthani cultural show on Gangaur Ghat.
Discover the early morning serenity of the city by pre-booking the Udaipur Sunrise Cycle tour extra, or opt to sharpen your culinary skills by pre-booking the Udaipur Cooking School extra.
Udaipur Orientation Walk
Go on a guided orientation walk and get to know local markets and key places.
Jagdish Temple Visit
Visit the intricately-carved Jagdish Temple, which pays homage to Vishnu, the Hindu god of preservation. Make sure to take a peek at the black stoned image of Vishnu that's housed inside the shrine.
City Palace Visit
Visit Rajasthan's largest palace to get a sense of how royalty lived. Take in the view from one of its many intricately-decorated balconies, with one side facing the stunning Lake Palace.
Rajasthani Cultural Show
Enjoy an evening cultural show that includes traditional music and dancing from the state of Rajasthan.
Optional Activities - Day 18 HideShow
Monsoon Palace Visit
505INR per personHop in an auto rickshaw and head outside of Udaipur to the stunning Monsoon Palace, perched high above town. Enjoy sweeping views of the city and surrounding lakes and countryside. Consider visiting at sunset for an unforgettable view.
Udaipur Sunrise Cycle Tour
Discover the early morning serenity of Udaipur with a ride along the city's picturesque lakes as the sun rises. Embark in the village of Kalarohu, travelling towards Fateh Sagar Lake to observe the lake's three islands as the birds flock to the tranquil waters. Cycle past agricultural workers in action in the lush farming communities of Badi and Hawala before making a loop around the hilltop palatial residence, Monsoon Palace. Travel on through more villages to reach Tiger Lake, this morning's setting for a picnic breakfast. The tour offers ample opportunities for photographs and to learn more about Indian history so don't forget your camera! The journey concludes with a downhill ride towards our finishing point.
Udaipur Cooking School
This your chance to learn from the locals how to make authentic Rajasthani dishes. Start the class with a warming cup of masala chai as your hosts introduce you to the range of ingredients and spices that will formulate your lunch menu. Watch as they demonstrate how to make rice, curries, and chapatis or opt to get hands-on and join them in cooking up these tasty dishes. Tuck in and enjoy your creations for lunch.
Day 19Udaipur/Būndi
Take a train to Bundi to explore the fort and stepwells.
Opt for a sunrise bicycle tour of Udaipur before the train to Bundi this afternoon.
There is no shortage of notable architecture in Bundi. From palaces to baoris, otherwise known as stepwell reservoirs, explore the many man-made marvels of Bundi.
Bundi Fort and Stepwells Visit
Bundi is well-known for its ornate forts and stepwells. The fort was constructed in AD 1354 and overlooks the city, making it a popular lookout point for visitors. The stepwell here is intricately carved and over 45m (148ft) deep. Built in 1699, it is one of the largest stepwells in Rajasthan.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Activities - Day 19 HideShow
Udaipur Sunrise Cycle Tour
Discover the early morning serenity of Udaipur with a ride along the city's picturesque lakes as the sun rises. Embark in the village of Kalarohu, travelling towards Fateh Sagar Lake to observe the lake's three islands as the birds flock to the tranquil waters. Cycle past agricultural workers in action in the lush farming communities of Badi and Hawala before making a loop around the hilltop palatial residence, Monsoon Palace. Travel on through more villages to reach Tiger Lake, this morning's setting for a picnic breakfast. The tour offers ample opportunities for photographs and to learn more about Indian history so don't forget your camera! The journey concludes with a downhill ride towards our finishing point.
Day 20Būndi/Mumbai
Explore Bundi with some free time before an overnight trip on the Mumbai Rajdhani Express train, with dinner on board.
Free Time
Get outside and discover more of Bundi.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 21Mumbai
Arrive in the morning in bustling Mumbai, home to 20 million people. Take a walking tour of the Colaba area and see the Gateway of India.
Free Time
Explore the cafes and charming colonial architecture in this sprawling city.
Colaba Walking Tour
Walk through the charming Colaba neighbourhood of Mumbai, visiting some highlights along the way. Enjoy the architecturally splendid Gateway of India, magnificent colonial buildings, charming cafes, and high-end boutiques.
Gateway of India Visit
Enjoy a visit architecturally splendid arch, popular with tourists from India and around the world, was built during the British rule and offers amazing views of the Arabian Sea, with boats bobbing in the water close to it.
Day 22Mumbai/Goa
Catch a morning flight to beautiful Goa. Spend free time relaxing on the beach or exploring the city's monuments.
Opt to visit the many Portuguese-built monuments, wander around the churches of Old Goa (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), or discover Panjim, the capital of the state. Don't forget to indulge in Goan cuisine.
Free Time
Don't waste a minute -- start exploring this charming piece of paradise.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Optional Activities - Day 22 HideShow
Goa Beach Visit
FreeRelax on some soft, white sand -- Goa's beaches are famous the world over for good reason. Hydrate with a smoothie or fresh coconut water.
Old Goa Visit
1600INR per groupExplore the rich history and impressive architecture of Old Goa, the former colonial capital of the state. The convents and churches are stunning, and the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which contains the relics of St Francis Xavier.
Panjim Visit
Walk through the Latin Quarter or by the river of this charming capital city. Take a short boat ride, visit a casino, or just relax and take in the chilled out vibe. Don't forget to eat some delicious Goan food, but watch out -- it can be spicy.
Day 23Goa
Enjoy a free day in Goa.
With free time in Goa, opt to explore the city and learn about it's ancient Portuguese colony, visit a market, or relax on the beach.
Free Time
See more of the lakes and palaces in this beautiful city.
Optional Activities - Day 23 HideShow
Goa Beach Visit
FreeRelax on some soft, white sand -- Goa's beaches are famous the world over for good reason. Hydrate with a smoothie or fresh coconut water.
Old Goa Visit
1600INR per groupExplore the rich history and impressive architecture of Old Goa, the former colonial capital of the state. The convents and churches are stunning, and the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which contains the relics of St Francis Xavier.
Panjim Visit
Walk through the Latin Quarter or by the river of this charming capital city. Take a short boat ride, visit a casino, or just relax and take in the chilled out vibe. Don't forget to eat some delicious Goan food, but watch out -- it can be spicy.
Day 24Goa
Depart at any time.