Ffestiniog Travel – Indian Hill Railways

Train travel… as seen on TV – Indian Hill Railways with Ffestiniog Travel

If the BBC’s short documentary series on The World’s Busiest Railway left you with a fascination for Indian train travel – tinged, perhaps, with a slight fear of the frenetic pace of Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus – then be assured that there are far more relaxing ways by which to experience the country and its unforgettable charms by rail…

Heading far from the hustle and bustle of the city, Indian Hill Railways travels on the three most exceptional railways that served the former British Hill Stations, taking clients to a region where engineering excellence and breath-taking gradients compete for attention alongside equally impressive and simply stunning scenery.

Departing 21 February 2016, highlights of this 21-day escorted tour include a private steam charter from Shimla (setting for Channel 4’s recent Indian Summers TV series) to Kathleeghat. Clients will also travel by privately chartered carriage or railbus on the Kalka Shimla Railway, by private steam charter on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and by scheduled service on the Nilgiri Railway – thereby visiting the three hill stations that featured in another popular BBC series, also entitled Indian Hill Railways.

And, as if that wasn’t enough, rail travel connoisseurs will also revel at workshop visits and a journey on the ‘Joy Train’ – from Darjeeling to the spectacular summit at Ghoom – with sightseeing in Amritsar, Delhi and Ooty topping off this varied and interesting itinerary.

Departing 21 February 2016, Indian Hill Railways costs from £4,595 pp (two sharing) including flights (London), accommodation in good quality hotels on a bed & breakfast basis, 16 lunches, 12 dinners, all rail journeys, transfers, excursions and admission charges as per the itinerary, and the services of a tour leader from London and throughout the tour.

Note: Ffestiniog Travel is owned by a Charitable Trust and profits go to support the world-famous Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways. Offering a portfolio of escorted tours and tailor-made itineraries across the UK, Europe and worldwide, the company celebrated its 40th anniversary last year‎.