 Amit Chopra and Pat Archibald The heart and soul behind every Darjeeling Tours journey.
When you join a Darjeeling Tours adventure, you’re not just signing up for a rail journey or a cultural escape — you’re stepping into the world of two passionate guides who bring India’s landscapes, people, and traditions vividly to life. Meet Amit Chopra and Pat Archibald — two very different travellers with one shared goal: to create experiences that linger long after the journey ends.
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 Assam, the emerald heart of India’s tea country, is where the story of Indian tea truly began. Set along the fertile banks of the Brahmaputra River, its humid monsoon climate and rich alluvial soil make it one of the world’s most productive tea-growing regions.
The first wild tea plants were discovered here in the early 19th century, and soon the British East India Company began cultivating Assam’s native variety, Camellia sinensis var. assamica. This hardy, large-leaved plant produces a rich, malty tea that became the backbone of breakfast blends around the world.  Darjeeling Toy Train at Batasia Loop There are few journeys in the world that capture the romance of travel quite like the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. Its tiny steam engines, winding through the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, have been delighting travellers since 1881. Known affectionately as the ‘Toy Train’, this narrow-gauge line is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of the most remarkable feats of railway engineering ever built.
Our Himalayan Narrow Gauge Tour includes a private steam‐charter on this legendary railway, giving guests the rare chance to experience the line as it was in its heyday.  Why Escorted Tours Offer the Perfect Balance of Adventure and Ease for Solo Women Travellers in IndiaThere comes a time in life when you start thinking, “If not now, when?” Maybe the children are grown, work is more flexible, or you simply feel ready to do something for yourself. And then the idea takes hold: What about India?
India captures the imagination like nowhere else. The colour, the warmth, the endless layers of history and tradition make it a country that’s as humbling as it is exhilarating. But it can also feel a little daunting to take on alone, especially if it’s your first time. That’s why so many women in their 40s, 50s and beyond are discovering that an escorted cultural or rail tour is the perfect way to experience India safely, comfortably, and with like-minded company. At Darjeeling Tours, we’ve been running small group tours to India for over twenty years, and more and more of our guests are women travelling solo for the first time. An escorted small group tour offers the ideal balance for women who want to experience the real India – safely, sociably, and without the stress of planning every detail. Small Group Tours, Big Memories: Why Travelling with Darjeeling Tours Makes All the Difference30/9/2025  When it comes to cultural and heritage travel, there’s something very special about being part of a small group. Unlike large coach tours where you’re one of fifty, small group tours allow you to experience the destination in depth, with more personal attention, flexibility, and genuine connection. At Darjeeling Tours, we believe that small groups create the biggest memories – whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with a friend.
 India is a country that demands to be experienced rather than simply visited. The colours, the sounds, the flavours – they all come together in a sensory feast that lingers long after your journey ends. For travellers who love trains, history, and authentic cultural encounters, a small group cultural rail tour of India offers one of the most rewarding ways to discover the country.
At Darjeeling Tours, our Indian Magic tour is the signature journey that combines legendary heritage railways with India’s most iconic cultural sights. It’s not just about travelling from A to B – it’s about seeing India through its railways, historic cities, and timeless monuments. Here are the top five cultural highlights you’ll experience on this remarkable adventure. |
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