Darjeeling Tours for the very best of Culture, Heritage, Wellness, Textiles and Hill Railway tours and more....! We offer a range of escorted tours and add-ons to all of our itineraries so you can visit other parts of India, such as the amazing Taj Mahal or Kerala’s backwaters. In India, April to June is unpleasantly hot (on the plains) and July to September is the monsoon season, which explains our dates for Indian tours. We also have a tour to Colorado in the States, where magical things seem to happen!
The itineraries are available on this site for perusal or download, or please let us know if you would like us to e-mail you a copy.
These tours are our holidays as well, so of course we do everything possible to ensure that we, as well as you, have a really good time! Not just railway tours! Our tours not not only serve an enthusiast's perspective but also offer a deep & rich insight into the local region! Railways have been and are part of life, so offering a holistic approach to like no other!
2025 Fall programme
17 - 30 September 2025 Best of Colorado 2025
We are running our popular tour again in 2025 after having just launched as the dates and operational route of the Big Boy 4014 has just been announced last week for September 2025. The Big Boy will be out in action and a real steam train enthusaists delight. We have confirmed information of Big Boy's operational route and make the most of it whilst it's running. Our Colorado itinerary covers fabulous scenery, wonderful main line Amtrak California Zephyr, impressive narrow gauge tourist steam lines like Durango Silverton, Cumbres Toltec, Pikes Peak Cog Rail and more...., friendly people and really good food. This is as close as you’ll get to the perfect holiday! We run this tour with a small party of 6 persons only and thus have a limited availability.
2025-2026 Indian Subcontinent winter programmes
1 - 16 October 2025 Konkan Railways & Beyond 2025
A less travelled but fascinating railway line built post-independence from about Mumbai to Trivandrum. A unique way of touring with day travels on the finest Indian Railway passenger trains including the new semi-high speed train, comfortably paced with charming hotels and resorts. Includes sunny beaches of Goa, lazy cruising in backwater lagoons in an exclusive houseboat in Kerala, a beautiful mix for a perfect holiday that includes off the beaten track, cultural sights, railfanning, lots of sunshine & much more.. Option to extend your holiday on the beaches of Kerala.
17 November - 3 December 2025 South India & Sri Lanka by rail & ferry
A Scenic Journey through Culture and History! Embark on an unforgettable railway adventure through the lush landscapes and rich heritage of South India and Sri Lanka. In the era of fast travel, there’s something profoundly meaningful about the slow, rhythmic journey by train. It allows you to savour the sights, sounds, and stories of the land you traverse. South Indian and Sri Lankan railways offer not just a mode of transport, but a gateway to discovery.
This tour blends breathtaking scenery with cultural treasures like historic temples, colonial-era stations, and vibrant local traditions. Experience the perfect harmony of adventure, history, and nature on this extraordinary journey.
14 January - 03 February 2026 Indian Magic | Jan 2026
Our Signature Tour of India is truely Magical! This exquisitely curated journey takes you through the soul of the subcontinent, beginning in Kolkata, the former colonial capital of British India. Ride the last remaining heritage 'Trams', wander through an immersive heritage walk of 'Calcutta', and soak in the city’s literary and architectural grandeur. Ascend to the cool, misty heights of Darjeeling, where a private steam charter on the legendary Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) awaits, complete with an iconic dining charter experience (unique to Darjeeling Tours only), surrounded by tea gardens and Himalayan vistas. A vintage Railbus on the Shimla-Kalka Railway offers a nostalgic ride through pine-covered hills, followed by leisurely strolls along The Mall, where colonial charm meets mountain serenity. Witness the ethereal beauty of the Taj Mahal, a timeless symbol of love and craftsmanship, old Delhi's bustling markets.
The tour extends to the lush hills of Ooty, the majestic jewel of the 'Nilgiris' (aka Blue Mountains) and ride the Rack & Pinion system metre guage. Every moment of this journey is handcrafted to perfection, offering a rich, colorful, and cultural extravaganza that celebrates the very best of India—its past, its people, and its timeless beauty.
3 - 20 February 2026 Himalayan Narrow Gauge Tour
Experience the magic of the Himalayas like never before—on all three of India’s legendary narrow-gauge mountain railways. This one-of-a-kind tour is a dream come true for heritage rail enthusiasts and nature lovers alike with a soul-stirring visit to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, offering a relaxing escape through breathtaking landscapes while staying in charming, character-rich hotels. From the chartered steam-hauled charm of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and misty tea gardens, to the scenic curves of the Kalka–Shimla Railway aboard the vintage railbus through pine-clad Shimla. The serene beauty of the Kangra Valley Railway, this journey is steeped in nostalgia and natural splendour. A personal favourite hill railway full of photogenic sights & people. Add to that a broad-gauge steam experience on the historic Delhi–Rewari mainline, and you have a tour that’s as rare as it is unforgettable. Enriched with cultural, natural, and spiritual touches, this is not just a holiday—it’s a celebration of India’s living railway heritage.
10 - 24 February 2026 Textiles and Teas of Assam | Feb 2026
A Textile and Wildlife Odyssey! Embark on an enchanting adventure through Bengal and Assam, where India's rich textile heritage intertwines with the thrill of wildlife exploration. Discover an unexplored part of Incredible India and join like-minded individuals on our distinguished journeys.
....Keep watching for more programmes soon.
Our Tours
Most of our escorted rail tours include steam charters, and on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway there’s our exclusive dining charter plus a bus that follows the train along the line, so you can get those great shots of the locomotive in action. There’s plenty for partners to enjoy on all our Indian train tours - group tours - and you’ll have time in each place to relax and explore.
In the hill stations, we stay in interesting heritage properties, oozing with character! Each rail tour is accompanied by one of our experienced Tour Managers who will make sure that your holiday runs smoothly.
We don’t just organise rail holidays in India & subcontinent but, we also specialise in Textile tours within India, and also have a great tour to Colorado.
Worth riding on the Konkan Railway line from Mumbai to Trivandrum in our Konkan Railways & Beyond tour unexploited and serene rural India! The best way to explore the beauty of untouched South-West Coast of India in the comfort of fine Indian trains! Our previously organised trips to South India and Sri Lanka have always been in demand owing to it's rich topography. There is a history in the making with us being the first tour to ride the British Colonial sea trade route reopening for public. Plus the scenic and off the beaten rail ride and experiences on our South India & Sri Lanka by rail & ferry
For a first visit to India, we have our Indian Magic 2026 tour, visiting the three famous Hill Stations of Darjeeling, Shimla and Ooty. A beautifully curated tour to cover the Himalayan Narrow Gauge tour of India loaded with cultural, historic and spiritual visits and insights of Incredible India. Textiles and Teas of Assam tour, A Textile and Wildlife Odyssey on an unbeaten path of North-East India! Into the unexplored Assam state where the dominance of diesel locos is still at large where electrification is rapidly taking over, on our newly launched Northeast Frontier Railway
For your peace of mind, we have been organising tours for over 20 years. When you contact us you’ll speak to a real person with lots of experience of travelling in India and the USA and we’ll personally make sure that you have an amazing holiday experience with us! You can book online, by phone or just fill in the booking form.
We also design Readers’ Tours for magazines and other publications or special interest groups/clubs. Readers’ Tours are a great way to get a group together with a special interest. Contact us to find out more.
Want to chat about our tours? Give us a call on +44 (0) 1777 817798
We are always happy to talk about our tours. A brief word of warning, though: if we are away with a tour, there will be an answerphone
The itineraries are available on this site for perusal or download, or please let us know if you would like us to e-mail you a copy.
These tours are our holidays as well, so of course we do everything possible to ensure that we, as well as you, have a really good time! Not just railway tours! Our tours not not only serve an enthusiast's perspective but also offer a deep & rich insight into the local region! Railways have been and are part of life, so offering a holistic approach to like no other!
2025 Fall programme
17 - 30 September 2025 Best of Colorado 2025
We are running our popular tour again in 2025 after having just launched as the dates and operational route of the Big Boy 4014 has just been announced last week for September 2025. The Big Boy will be out in action and a real steam train enthusaists delight. We have confirmed information of Big Boy's operational route and make the most of it whilst it's running. Our Colorado itinerary covers fabulous scenery, wonderful main line Amtrak California Zephyr, impressive narrow gauge tourist steam lines like Durango Silverton, Cumbres Toltec, Pikes Peak Cog Rail and more...., friendly people and really good food. This is as close as you’ll get to the perfect holiday! We run this tour with a small party of 6 persons only and thus have a limited availability.
2025-2026 Indian Subcontinent winter programmes
1 - 16 October 2025 Konkan Railways & Beyond 2025
A less travelled but fascinating railway line built post-independence from about Mumbai to Trivandrum. A unique way of touring with day travels on the finest Indian Railway passenger trains including the new semi-high speed train, comfortably paced with charming hotels and resorts. Includes sunny beaches of Goa, lazy cruising in backwater lagoons in an exclusive houseboat in Kerala, a beautiful mix for a perfect holiday that includes off the beaten track, cultural sights, railfanning, lots of sunshine & much more.. Option to extend your holiday on the beaches of Kerala.
17 November - 3 December 2025 South India & Sri Lanka by rail & ferry
A Scenic Journey through Culture and History! Embark on an unforgettable railway adventure through the lush landscapes and rich heritage of South India and Sri Lanka. In the era of fast travel, there’s something profoundly meaningful about the slow, rhythmic journey by train. It allows you to savour the sights, sounds, and stories of the land you traverse. South Indian and Sri Lankan railways offer not just a mode of transport, but a gateway to discovery.
This tour blends breathtaking scenery with cultural treasures like historic temples, colonial-era stations, and vibrant local traditions. Experience the perfect harmony of adventure, history, and nature on this extraordinary journey.
14 January - 03 February 2026 Indian Magic | Jan 2026
Our Signature Tour of India is truely Magical! This exquisitely curated journey takes you through the soul of the subcontinent, beginning in Kolkata, the former colonial capital of British India. Ride the last remaining heritage 'Trams', wander through an immersive heritage walk of 'Calcutta', and soak in the city’s literary and architectural grandeur. Ascend to the cool, misty heights of Darjeeling, where a private steam charter on the legendary Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) awaits, complete with an iconic dining charter experience (unique to Darjeeling Tours only), surrounded by tea gardens and Himalayan vistas. A vintage Railbus on the Shimla-Kalka Railway offers a nostalgic ride through pine-covered hills, followed by leisurely strolls along The Mall, where colonial charm meets mountain serenity. Witness the ethereal beauty of the Taj Mahal, a timeless symbol of love and craftsmanship, old Delhi's bustling markets.
The tour extends to the lush hills of Ooty, the majestic jewel of the 'Nilgiris' (aka Blue Mountains) and ride the Rack & Pinion system metre guage. Every moment of this journey is handcrafted to perfection, offering a rich, colorful, and cultural extravaganza that celebrates the very best of India—its past, its people, and its timeless beauty.
3 - 20 February 2026 Himalayan Narrow Gauge Tour
Experience the magic of the Himalayas like never before—on all three of India’s legendary narrow-gauge mountain railways. This one-of-a-kind tour is a dream come true for heritage rail enthusiasts and nature lovers alike with a soul-stirring visit to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, offering a relaxing escape through breathtaking landscapes while staying in charming, character-rich hotels. From the chartered steam-hauled charm of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and misty tea gardens, to the scenic curves of the Kalka–Shimla Railway aboard the vintage railbus through pine-clad Shimla. The serene beauty of the Kangra Valley Railway, this journey is steeped in nostalgia and natural splendour. A personal favourite hill railway full of photogenic sights & people. Add to that a broad-gauge steam experience on the historic Delhi–Rewari mainline, and you have a tour that’s as rare as it is unforgettable. Enriched with cultural, natural, and spiritual touches, this is not just a holiday—it’s a celebration of India’s living railway heritage.
10 - 24 February 2026 Textiles and Teas of Assam | Feb 2026
A Textile and Wildlife Odyssey! Embark on an enchanting adventure through Bengal and Assam, where India's rich textile heritage intertwines with the thrill of wildlife exploration. Discover an unexplored part of Incredible India and join like-minded individuals on our distinguished journeys.
....Keep watching for more programmes soon.
Our Tours
Most of our escorted rail tours include steam charters, and on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway there’s our exclusive dining charter plus a bus that follows the train along the line, so you can get those great shots of the locomotive in action. There’s plenty for partners to enjoy on all our Indian train tours - group tours - and you’ll have time in each place to relax and explore.
In the hill stations, we stay in interesting heritage properties, oozing with character! Each rail tour is accompanied by one of our experienced Tour Managers who will make sure that your holiday runs smoothly.
We don’t just organise rail holidays in India & subcontinent but, we also specialise in Textile tours within India, and also have a great tour to Colorado.
Worth riding on the Konkan Railway line from Mumbai to Trivandrum in our Konkan Railways & Beyond tour unexploited and serene rural India! The best way to explore the beauty of untouched South-West Coast of India in the comfort of fine Indian trains! Our previously organised trips to South India and Sri Lanka have always been in demand owing to it's rich topography. There is a history in the making with us being the first tour to ride the British Colonial sea trade route reopening for public. Plus the scenic and off the beaten rail ride and experiences on our South India & Sri Lanka by rail & ferry
For a first visit to India, we have our Indian Magic 2026 tour, visiting the three famous Hill Stations of Darjeeling, Shimla and Ooty. A beautifully curated tour to cover the Himalayan Narrow Gauge tour of India loaded with cultural, historic and spiritual visits and insights of Incredible India. Textiles and Teas of Assam tour, A Textile and Wildlife Odyssey on an unbeaten path of North-East India! Into the unexplored Assam state where the dominance of diesel locos is still at large where electrification is rapidly taking over, on our newly launched Northeast Frontier Railway
For your peace of mind, we have been organising tours for over 20 years. When you contact us you’ll speak to a real person with lots of experience of travelling in India and the USA and we’ll personally make sure that you have an amazing holiday experience with us! You can book online, by phone or just fill in the booking form.
We also design Readers’ Tours for magazines and other publications or special interest groups/clubs. Readers’ Tours are a great way to get a group together with a special interest. Contact us to find out more.
Want to chat about our tours? Give us a call on +44 (0) 1777 817798
We are always happy to talk about our tours. A brief word of warning, though: if we are away with a tour, there will be an answerphone
