Explore Toy Trains, Darjeeling & Shimla

Overview

This beautifully curated journey through India’s Himalayan foothills combines heritage rail travel, colonial hill stations and immersive luxury experiences, offering a unique perspective on one of the country’s most scenic regions.

From the cool mountain air of Darjeeling to the timeless charm of Shimla, you will travel on two of India’s most iconic UNESCO-listed toy trains, winding through breathtaking landscapes of tea plantations, forests and mountain villages. Along the way, discover the rich history and character of these former British hill stations with expert guiding and carefully paced sightseeing.

A highlight of the journey is an exclusive stay at the renowned Glenburn Tea Estate, where you will experience life on a working plantation, enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking the Himalayas and unwind in a truly tranquil setting.

Throughout your holiday, enjoy a handpicked collection of luxury hotels including The Oberoi New Delhi, Mayfair Darjeeling, Glenburn Tea Estate and The Oberoi Cecil in Shimla, ensuring exceptional comfort, service and authenticity at every stage.

Designed for discerning travellers seeking something different, this journey blends iconic experiences, natural beauty and refined luxury into an unforgettable exploration of India’s Himalayan landscapes.

Places You’ll See

Toy Trains

Shimla City

Glenburn Tea Estate

Highlights

Ride the Iconic Toy Trains – Experience the nostalgic journeys on the Shimla and Darjeeling Himalayan Railways.
Explore Colonial Hill Charm – Wander through Shimla’s Mall Road, Christ Church, and the Ridge, echoing British-era elegance.
Witness Majestic Himalayan Views – Enjoy breathtaking sunrise vistas over Mt. Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill.

Includes

Business Class Return flights from UK
VIP meet & greet
Handpicked Luxury Hotels & Palaces
Special welcome gifts
Private Chauffeur
Private Sightseeing with Guide
Signature Experiences
ATOL protection
24/7 Support

itinerary

Day 01 – Depart For Delhi

Your holiday begins with your Business Class flight from the UK to Delhi, travelling in comfort with premium airport services, spacious seating and fine dining onboard.

OVERNIGHT: In flight

Alternative carriers and UK departure points also available.

Day 02 – Arrive Delhi – The Oberoi

On arrival in Delhi, you will be met by our local representative and transferred privately to The Oberoi New Delhi, one of India’s finest city hotels. Perfectly located and beautifully designed, this elegant hotel offers exceptional service, luxurious rooms and panoramic views across the capital.

The remainder of the day is at leisure to recover from your journey. You may wish to relax by the pool, enjoy the hotel’s spa or dine in one of its acclaimed restaurants.

OVERNIGHT: The Oberoi New Delhi

Day 03 – Delhi to Bagdogra – Darjeeling, The Mayfair Darjeeling

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bagdogra. On arrival, travel by private vehicle through scenic mountain roads to Darjeeling.

Check in to the iconic Mayfair Darjeeling, a charming colonial-style luxury hotel set amidst landscaped gardens.

The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the cool mountain air.

OVERNIGHT: Mayfair Darjeeling

Day 04 – Darjeeling – Himalayan Views & Toy Train

Early this morning, enjoy your first signature experience – a visit to Tiger Hill at sunrise, where on clear days you will witness spectacular views over the Himalayas and Mount Kanchenjunga.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE: Visit Tiger Hill at sunrise for a spectacular view over the Mountains.

Later, explore Darjeeling including the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Ghoom Monastery, and a scenic ride on the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Toy Train (UNESCO World Heritage).

Return to your hotel in the afternoon.

OVERNIGHT: Mayfair Darjeeling

Day 05 – Glenburn Tea Estate Experience

Today you will travel to the beautiful Glenburn Tea Estate, one of Darjeeling’s most exclusive and scenic tea plantations, set on a hillside overlooking the Himalayas.

This immersive signature experience offers a glimpse into life on a working tea estate. Enjoy a guided walk through the plantation, learn about the tea-making process and take in the peaceful surroundings.

After lunch, check in and spend the afternoon at leisure, enjoying the tranquillity, nature walks or simply relaxing in this unique and intimate setting.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE: Lunch at the estate, served in a stunning setting with panoramic views.

Overnight: Glenburn Tea Estate

Day 06 – Glenburn to Bagdogra – Delhi, The Oberoi

After a relaxed morning at Glenburn, transfer to Bagdogra for your flight back to Delhi.

On arrival, transfer to The Oberoi New Delhi, where you can unwind and enjoy the hotel’s excellent facilities.

OVERNIGHT: The Oberoi New Delhi

Day 07 – Delhi to Kalka – Toy Train to Shimla, The Oberoi Cecil

This morning, transfer to the railway station to board your train to Kalka (or short flight alternative if preferred).

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE: Kalka to Shimla Toy Train experience. A UNESCO-listed rail journey winding through mountain scenery, tunnels and bridges.

Arrive in Shimla and transfer to your hotel, the legendary Oberoi Cecil, a beautifully restored colonial residence.

OVERNIGHT: The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla

Day 08 – Shimla – Colonial Heritage

Explore Shimla, once the summer capital of British India.

Visit Viceregal Lodge, stroll along The Mall Road, and enjoy the charming colonial atmosphere of this historic hill station.

Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

OVERNIGHT: The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla

Day 09 – Shimla At Leisure

Today is at leisure to enjoy Shimla and your luxurious surroundings.

You may choose to relax at the hotel, enjoy the spa, or take gentle walks through the surrounding hills.

OVERNIGHT: The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla

Day 10 – Shimla To Delhi, The Oberoi

Drive back to Delhi via Kalka (or optional flight).

On arrival, check in once again to The Oberoi New Delhi for your final night in India.

This evening, enjoy your third signature experience – a private farewell dining experience, celebrating your journey in elegant surroundings.

OVERNIGHT: The Oberoi New Delhi

Day 11 – Depart For UK

Today India bids you farewell.

Destination Photos

Why Book This Tour

Discover India’s legendary hill stations in exceptional style, combining heritage toy train journeys, Himalayan scenery, colonial charm and immersive luxury stays from Darjeeling to Shimla.

Two UNESCO Toy Train Journeys

Experience two of India’s most iconic rail adventures with included journeys on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and the Kalka to Shimla Toy Train, both celebrated for their mountain scenery and heritage charm.

Stay in Exceptional Luxury Hotels

Enjoy a carefully selected collection of luxury hotels including The Oberoi New Delhi, Mayfair Darjeeling, Glenburn Tea Estate and The Oberoi Cecil, each chosen for character, comfort and outstanding service.

Glenburn Tea Estate Signature Experience

One of the highlights of the journey is an immersive visit and overnight stay at Glenburn Tea Estate, including lunch, plantation insights and the rare opportunity to enjoy life on a working Himalayan tea estate.

Private Touring Throughout

Travel with private transfers, expert local guides and seamless arrangements throughout, allowing you to enjoy India’s mountain landscapes and heritage towns in complete comfort.

Colonial Heritage & Himalayan Scenery

From the panoramic views of Tiger Hill and the tea gardens of Darjeeling to the elegant colonial architecture of Shimla, this journey combines natural beauty with fascinating heritage.

Business Class Comfort from the UK

With Business Class flights included from the UK, this holiday is designed for comfort from beginning to end, offering a relaxed and refined way to discover India’s most enchanting hill stations.