Himalayan Toy Train to Shimla

Himalayan Toy Train to Shimla Overview

Experience the sights and sounds and colours of railway travel in India as you take the express from Delhi to Kalka. Board the Toy Train and witness timeless, magical scenes as the narrow gauge line winds 100km along precipitous mountain ledges, up through tunnels and over fairy-tale bridges to the hill station.

Himalayan Toy Train to Shimla

Experience the sights and sounds and colours of railway travel in India as you take the express from Delhi to Kalka. Board the iconic and celebrated Toy Train in the heat of the plain and feel the air cool wonderfully while you witness timeless, magical scenes of pine forest and river valley, apple orchard and maize terrace as the narrow gauge line winds 100km along precipitous mountain ledges, up through tunnels and over fairy-tale bridges to the hill station.

Touring style: Private touring with English speaking guide and driver

Best time to visit Shimla - October to November and February to March are ideal times to visit. December and January can be very cold with occasional snowfall. July.to September is the monsoon season.

• Explore Northern India on the Toy train from Kalka to Shimla
• See temples, churches and colonial buildings in India's former summer capital
• Experience the unique Wagah Border Ceremony in Amritsar

Day 1: Arrival New Delhi

On arrival at Delhi, our representative will assist you at the airport and transfer to hotel.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Delhi touring

Today you will enjoy a private tour of Old & New Delhi.

Drive past the Red Fort, built in red sandstone before visiting Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. Take a rickshaw ride around CHANDNI CHOWK or "Silver Square" the most famous and historic street of Delhi. Visit Rajghat crimination place of Mahatma Gandhi and Gandhi Smriti Bhawan (Birla House) The residence of industrialist BD Birla has been converted into a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, where he used to stay during his visits to Delhi. There is a large collection of photographs with a few personal belongings and a series of small dolls houses and terracotta dolls illustrating Gandhi's life. After visiting the Old Delhi monuments, you will proceed to New Delhi to visit India Gate built in memory of the soldiers who laid down their lives in the 1st World War. You will also visit Humanyu Tomb & Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world.

Overnight in New Delhi

Day 3: Delhi - Kalka - Toy Train – Shimla

Transfer to the railway station to board the express train to Kalka. At Kalka, you will connect to the Himalayan Toy train to Shimla. This journey takes 5 hrs 10 minutes and passes through 102 tunnels through scenic valleys and pine trees.

Arrive in Shimla and transfer to your hotel.

Day 4: Shimla touring

Today you will have a private tour of the Viceregal Lodge, summer seat of the viceroys until the 1940s & Christ Church. This afternoon, there will be time to stroll in the famous Mall & The Ridge.

Overnight in Shimla.

Day 5: Shimla touring

Visit Wildflower Hall, a former residence of Lord Kitchener showcasing incredible views of the Himalayan peaks.

Overnight in Shimla.

Day 6: Shimla to Chandigarh

Today you will depart by road to Chandigarh. In the afternoon, visit Sukhna Lake and the rock garden. It is hard not to be awed by this massive park of sculptures, which is just one man’s labour of love. Government official Nek Chand painstakingly and in secret, created over two thousand figures of dancing girls, animals and musicians from recyclables. The entire collection was put together and declared a public park in 1976.

Overnight in Chandigarh

Distance and journey times: 113 km, 4 hrs

Day 7: Chandigarh to Amritsar

Today you will depart by road to Amritsar. In the evening visit Wagah Border to witness the unique border closing ceremony. Indian and Pakistani troops meet each other at the border just before sunset and perform a military drill that is both theatrical and respectful. After the drill, the border gates are opened on both sides, flags lowered and gates closed again. An experience not to be missed.

Overnight in Amritsar.

Distance and journey time:227 km, 5 hrs

Day 8: Amritsar

Visit the glorious Golden Temple and the Jallianwala Bagh Gardens.

This evening, you will experience the incredible Palki Ceremony at the Golden Temple when the Guru Granth Sahib, or Sikh holy book, is paraded through a crowd of worshippers and 'put to bed'.

Overnight in Amritsar.

Day 9: Departure

You will be transferred to the airport for departure or to the train station for your journey to Delhi to continue with your Indian adventure.

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