Business Details
23 Years
experience
Your Trusted Travel Partner for Cultural and Rail Holidays
Darjeeling Tours has been crafting immersive cultural and rail holidays for over 20 years, specialising in escorted group tours to India and beyond. Our expertise lies in combining heritage railways with authentic regional experiences, from the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Led by passionate field specialists and rail enthusiasts, we design itineraries that prioritise cultural depth, comfort, and seasonal optimality.With handpicked accommodations, exclusive steam charters, and partnerships with trusted local agents, we ensure every journey reflects our commitment to detail and client satisfaction. Our team's firsthand experience in destination logistics and our status as official tour operator for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Society underscore our authority in curating unforgettable travel narratives.
Services
Escorted Rail Tours
Luxury Train Journeys
Textile Tours
Wildlife Safaris
Photography Holidays
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of expertise in escorted rail tours to India
- Our tours feature exclusive steam charter dining experiences on the DHR
- Small-group travel ensures personalised attention and cultural immersion
- Tour managers have firsthand destination experience across India and the USA
- We partner with trusted local agents for seamless on-ground logistics
Services
Escorted Rail Tours
Our escorted rail tours combine heritage railways with cultural immersion across India and the USA. Expert-led itineraries feature steam charters, local guides, and curated experiences on routes like the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. With over 20 years' experience, we ensure seamless logistics and authentic encounters, from mountain railways to luxury train journeys.
Luxury Train Journeys
Experience India's opulent luxury trains including The Maharajas' Express and The Golden Chariot. These journeys offer world-class service, fine dining, and cultural excursions through iconic landscapes. Our expertise secures premium access to India's most celebrated rail experiences, blending royal heritage with modern comforts.
Textile Tours
Led by textile expert Pat Archibald, our textile tours explore India's weaving traditions and craftsmanship. Participants engage with artisans, visit historic textile centres, and create stitched masterpieces. These cultural journeys combine hands-on workshops with market explorations, revealing centuries-old techniques in vibrant regional contexts.
Wildlife Safaris
Wildlife safaris in India's national parks feature expert naturalist guides and strategic itineraries. Explore Kaziranga's tea gardens and Assam's biodiversity with photography opportunities and conservation-focused experiences. Our partnerships ensure access to remote locations while maintaining ethical wildlife viewing practices.
Photography Holidays
Photography holidays cater to enthusiasts seeking iconic rail and cultural imagery. Specialised tours include dedicated photo charters along narrow-gauge railways and guided sessions at heritage sites. With equipment support and composition guidance, these trips maximise opportunities to capture India's vibrant landscapes and traditions.
People
Peter Jordan
Founder
Founded Darjeeling Tours in 2003 after 25 years of Indian railway exploration. A former accountant, he has led most company tours since 1999, combining deep railway knowledge with cultural expertise.
Amit 'Fixer'
Tour Leader
Tour leader with 20+ years' experience, specialising in hospitality and logistics. Graduated in tourism from Delhi University, he ensures guest satisfaction through meticulous attention to detail and local connections.
Pat Archibald
Textile Expert
Recognised textile specialist with a decade of Indian fabric research. Her tours combine academic knowledge with creative workshops, transforming traditional techniques into contemporary art quilts for participatory learning experiences.
Jagdeep 'Jag'
Tour Manager
Tour manager with 15 years' client service experience. Holds a postgraduate degree in tourism management, focusing on heritage preservation and cultural presentation for international visitors.
Questions
What destinations do Darjeeling Tours cover?
We specialise in India, the USA (Colorado), Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh with a focus on rail heritage and cultural experiences.
Are your tours suitable for solo travellers?
Yes, our small-group format welcomes solo travellers with inclusive pricing and social itinerary elements designed to foster connections.
Do you offer photography-focused tours?
Yes, we provide dedicated photography holidays with equipment support and composition guidance at key rail and cultural locations.
Can you arrange luxury train journeys?
We secure bookings on India's premier luxury trains including The Maharajas' Express and The Golden Chariot with curated itineraries.
How are local experiences incorporated?
Our partnerships with local agents ensure authentic cultural interactions, artisan workshops, and regional culinary experiences in every destination.
What is your cancellation policy?
Our flexible policy varies by tour, with specific terms provided at booking and options for travel insurance to protect your investment.
