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South Park Street Cemetery, Kolkata - Kipling's India: Art, Architecture and Wildlife with John Zubrzycki, India
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Victoria Memorial, Kolkata - Kipling's India: Art, Architecture and Wildlife with John Zubrzycki, India
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Kipling's India: Art, Architecture and Wildlifewith John Zubrzycki

Walk through the world of Rudyard Kipling - colonial cities, Himalayan hill stations, and the jungle that inspired The Jungle Book.

India
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 3 reviews

17 Days from

$8990 USD

Trip Code: JZRK
View dates to Book
Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single supplement
$2580 USD
Duration
  • 17 Days
Activities
  • Cultural and history
  • Art and architecture
  • Literary tour
  • Wildlife safari
Style
  • Premium Adventures  
Accommodation
  • 13 nights in 4 & 5 star and heritage hotels
  • 3 nights jungle cottages
Meals
  • 8 Dinners
  • 5 Lunches
  • 16 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
1 / 10

Discovery and Cruising

Trip highlights

  • Travel with author and historian John Zubrzycki, whose acclaimed book The Mysterious Mr Jacob evokes many of the same locations and characters that defined Kipling’s India
  • Follow in the footsteps of Rudyard Kipling, visiting the cities, hill stations and jungles that shaped his life and literature
  • Stay at Kipling Camp in Kanha National Park, the real-life inspiration for The Jungle Book, with four jeep safaris led by expert naturalists
  • Wander through Shimla’s pine forests and heritage architecture, the hill station that inspired key scenes in many of Kipling's stories
  • Explore colonial Bombay, where Kipling was born, and discover the artistic legacy of his father in some of the city’s most iconic buildings
  • Enjoy High Tea with a view at Wildflower Hall at the five star Oberoi Resort in Shimla
  • Travel on the UNESCO Heritage Listed Kalka to Shimla railway in the First Class Vista Dome

Overview

India shaped Rudyard Kipling’s imagination, inspiring the stories and poetry that earned him worldwide acclaim. Born in Bombay in 1865, Kipling’s work offers a vivid portrait of the subcontinent at a pivotal moment in its colonial history. This exclusive 17-day small group journey traces Kipling’s path through vibrant cities, colonial hill stations and the jungles that inspired The Jungle Book, blending literature, history, architecture and wildlife.

We begin in Mumbai, exploring the Fort precinct and landmark buildings linked to Kipling’s father, John Lockwood Kipling, a key figure in Indo-Saracenic architecture. From there we travel north to Chandigarh to discover Le Corbusier’s UNESCO-recognised modernist vision, before continuing to Shimla, the former summer capital of the British Raj and a setting for many of Kipling's works including Kim. In Delhi, we explore World Heritage monuments, medieval ruins and the layered energy of Old Delhi’s bazaars. We then journey to Kanha National Park for three nights at Kipling Camp, where morning and afternoon safaris reveal the landscapes and wildlife that brought his jungle tales to life. Our journey concludes in Kolkata, once the colonial capital, a city of fading grandeur and enduring cultural vitality.

Whether you are drawn by Kipling’s writing or by India’s rich history and extraordinary landscapes, this journey offers the rare chance to step into stories both imagined and real.

Itinerary

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On arrival in Mumbai, you will be met and transferred to the group hotel, with an unbeatable location in the heart of the city's historic centre. Many will be arriving on late flights and so today is at leisure to rest after your travels. Tomorrow we begin our exploration of the city and the first chapter of Kipling’s India. Overnight: Abode, Mumbai (or similar)

Meals: Nil

Mumbai offers a direct connection to Rudyard Kipling’s early life. Accompanied by John and a specialist local guide, we explore the architectural and artistic influences that shaped both Kipling and his father, John Lockwood Kipling. At the Sir J.J. School of Art, where Lockwood served as the first dean, we visit the former Kipling residence. Lockwood’s legacy continues at Crawford Market and the UNESCO-listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, one of Mumbai’s finest Victorian Gothic landmarks. After lunch at the historic Britannia & Company, we walk through Ballard Estate and the Fort precinct, visiting the Asiatic Society and St Thomas Cathedral, where Kipling was baptised, before ending at the Gateway of India overlooking the Arabian Sea. Overnight: Abode, Mumbai

Meals: B,D

Mumbai’s architectural story continues with an exploration of its remarkable Art Deco city which holds the largest concentration of such buildings outside Miami. These elegant facades reflect a period of confidence and cosmopolitan ambition in the early twentieth century. We visit the recently restored Royal Opera House, a 1911 landmark returned to its former grandeur, before continuing to Khareghat Colony, a quiet Parsi enclave. Here, the Framji Dadabhoy Alpaiwalla Museum presents the history and traditions of India’s Parsi community and their Zoroastrian roots, offering valuable context to a community that played a significant role in the city’s development. After lunch at Chetana, known for its Gujarati vegetarian cuisine, the afternoon is spent in the Kala Ghoda arts precinct. Galleries, cafés and a historic synagogue sit alongside institutions such as the Prince of Wales Museum, the National Gallery of Modern Art and the David Sassoon Library, each contributing to Mumbai’s rich cultural landscape. Overnight: Abode, Mumbai

Meals: B

A morning transfer to the airport for our flight north to Chandigarh. Designed in the 1950s by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier, Chandigarh represents a bold vision of modern India, the city is renowned for its orderly sectors, wide boulevards and striking civic buildings, now recognised by UNESCO for their architectural significance. Our expert guide will introduce us to Le Corbusier's architectural legacy including some of his most iconic buildings such as the Capitol Complex. Overnight: Taj, Chandigarh

Meals: B

We travel into the Himalayan foothills en route to Shimla, by First Class Him Darshan Express. The large windows and glass roof allow you take in the hillsides and forests on the comfortable five hour journey. The Kalka-Shimla rail is recognised by UNESCO for it's engineering achievements and the breathtaking views including 100 tunnels and 800 bridges. Shimla was once the summer capital of the British Raj, its steep streets, timbered houses and neo-Gothic public buildings reflect this period. Overnight: Woodville Palace, Shimla

Meals: B,D

Rudyard Kipling first visited Shimla in 1883 and returned regularly between 1885 and 1888 during his annual leave. Shimla featured prominently in the stories he wrote for the Civil & Military Gazette and later in Plain Tales from the Hills. Its society, gossip and politics provided rich material for his early fiction. Over the course of our explorations, we visit Christ Church, whose stained glass windows were designed by Kipling’s father, John Lockwood Kipling, and walk along the Mall, where scenes from Kim unfold. The Viceregal Lodge, once the residence of the Viceroy, later became the setting where discussions leading to Partition were held, a reminder of the profound historical shifts that followed the era Kipling wrote about. We also visit the Gaiety Theatre, long associated with the social and cultural life of the Raj. Today's guide, Raaja Bhasin is the leading authority on Shimla's history and Kipling's time in the hill station. Overnight: Woodville Palace, Shimla

Meals: B,D

Today we take a gentle walk along the Wild Strawberry Trail, weaving through cedar forest in Mashobra. Named for the Indian wild strawberries that grow along the path, the trail passes through part of the forest surrounding Wildflower Hall. Our walk concludes at the elegant Oberoi resort, where we pause for high tea with sweeping views across the Himalayan foothills. Overnight: Woodville Palace, Shimla

Meals: B,D

Enjoy a morning to stroll around Shimla’s steep lanes and bazaars that cascade down the hillsides in what Kipling once described as a “crowded rabbit warren”, a phrase that captures both the energy and complexity of the town. Later we travel by road to Kalka before boarding the train to New Delhi. Over the coming days, we explore the landscapes that stirred his imagination and found their way into his writing. India’s capital since 1911, Delhi presents a striking contrast between old and new. Overnight: The Imperial, Delhi

Meals: B

Old Delhi captures much of the atmosphere that so engaged Kipling. We walk through Chandni Chowk, the mile-long artery of the old city, where traders, pilgrims and residents move through narrow lanes lined with shops and bazaars. Nearby stands the Jama Masjid. As the largest mosque in Old Delhi, it can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers and remains a centre of daily religious life. Enjoy an e-rickshaw ride to the old city bazaar lanes. Today, we will have lunch at Haveli Dharampura before walking through Lodhi Gardens to view the Sayyid and Lodhi-period tombs. Later visit the UNESCO listed Qutub Minar complex, the tallest brick minaret in the world and a striking example of early Indo-Islamic architecture. Surrounding it are the remains of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, one of the earliest mosques built in northern India. Overnight: The Imperial, Delhi

Meals: B,L

The focus shifts to the art and architecture of the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal periods, beginning at the UNESCO listed Humayun’s Tomb. Built in the sixteenth century and set within a restored Mughal garden, this elegant mausoleum is widely regarded as the architectural precursor to the Taj Mahal. And to Nizamuddin, one of Delhi’s oldest urban quarters, to visit the shrine of the revered Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya. Lunch at Lota Café, followed by a short visit to the adjacent Crafts Museum, which showcases traditional Indian textiles and artisanal practices from across the country. Later transfer to Nizamuddin Train Station for the overnight train to Jabalpur, departing at 17:45. Overnight train to Jabalpur.

Meals: B,L

From Jabalpur we drive through rural Madhya Pradesh to Kanha National Park. Often cited as the landscape that inspired The Jungle Book, Kanha is one of India’s largest and most celebrated wildlife reserves, covering nearly 2,000 square kilometres of forest, meadows and undulating hills. We settle into Kipling Camp, located in the buffer zone of the park. Established in 1982 as India’s first private wildlife camp, it was founded by the Wright family - long-standing advocates for conservation in the subcontinent. The camp continues to reflect that commitment under the leadership of Belinda Wright, founder of the Wildlife Protection Society of India, whose work has been instrumental in strengthening anti-poaching efforts nationwide. Overnight: Kipling Camp

Meals: B,L,D

Kanha’s forests and grasslands support tiger, leopard, jackal, hyena, wolf and the rare barasingha, or swamp deer, along with more than 200 recorded bird species. These varied habitats provide the ecological setting that helped shape Kipling’s imagined jungle world. Early morning and late afternoon safaris take us into the park’s core zones, when wildlife is most active. Between drives, there is time to rest at camp or join guided nature walks in the surrounding forests and along the Banjar River, where birdlife is particularly rich. Overnight: Kipling Camp

Meals: B,L,D

A further day at Kipling Camp. Between excursions, the camp itself offers a quiet setting in which to relax. Shaded verandas overlook gardens and woodland, and the nearby Banjar River provides a peaceful backdrop. This unhurried day deepens our understanding of the landscape that inspired Kipling’s jungle world. Overnight: Kipling Camp

Meals: B,L,D

A morning drive to Raipur airport for our flight east to Kolkata. Our exploration focuses on sites closely associated with the period that shaped Kipling’s career, including Dalhousie Square and the Victoria Memorial, as well as the historic British Cemetery on Park Street. These landmarks reflect the imperial setting in which much of his early journalism and fiction took form. Often regarded as India’s intellectual capital, Kolkata has long been home to writers, artists and filmmakers whose influence extends well beyond Bengal. Its markets, riverfront and stately but weathered mansions speak to its former prominence as the commercial heart of eastern India. Overnight: Fairlawn, Kolkata

Meals: B

Kolkata reveals itself early at the Flower Market beside Mallick Ghat on the Hooghly River. From here, we begin a walking exploration of central Kolkata, visiting the Great Eastern Hotel, where Kipling once stayed, and continuing past Raj Bhavan, the Writers’ Building, the High Court and St John’s Church. After lunch, we travel into north Kolkata to visit the Marble Palace, its interiors house an eclectic and often unexpected collection of European paintings, sculptures and decorative arts alongside Indian artefacts. Named for the many varieties of patterned marble used throughout, the house remains one of the city’s most distinctive private residences. Later, we explore Chitpur Road, among the oldest thoroughfares in Kolkata, where generations of diverse communities - Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Parsi, Jewish, Chinese and Anglo-Indian - have lived and traded. Overnight: Fairlawn, Kolkata

Meals: B

Our final day begins at the Victoria Memorial. Constructed from the same Makrana marble used for the Taj Mahal, the building stands as a monumental reminder of the imperial era. We then visit the South Park Street Cemetery. Within its grounds stand weathered colonnades, obelisks and domed mausoleums - memorials to civil servants, traders and families who lived and died during the early years of British presence in India. After lunch, we visit SHE (Self Help Enterprise), a not-for-profit organisation supporting women’s livelihoods in rural Bengal. By reviving the traditional kantha quilting stitch, SHE provides artisans with training and access to international markets, preserving a regional craft while creating sustainable income. Overnight: Fairlawn, Kolkata

Meals: B,D

As the journey comes to an end, we depart with a deeper understanding of the India that shaped Kipling’s imagination.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

1 scheduled departure between 12 Feb 2027 and 12 Feb 2027.

  • Departs 12 Feb 2027 – ends 28 Feb 2027 (17 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • Led by historian and author John Zubrzycki
  • 13 nights 4 & 5 star and heritage hotels on a twin share basis
  • 3 nights jungle cottages at Kipling Camp
  • 16 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 8 dinners including an exquisite final meal in Kolkata
  • Local English speaking World Expeditions guide throughout
  • Specialist local guides and city guides
  • High Tea in Shimla
  • UNESCO Kalka to Shimla railway journey on scenic Vista Dome in First Class on day 5
  • 4 jeep safari excursions in Kanha National Park
  • Internal flights: Mumbai to Chandigarh and Raipur to Kolkata (valued at approx USD350)
  • Overnight train First Class sleeper cabin Delhi to Jabalpur on day 10
  • Day train First Class Kalka to Delhi on day 8
  • Airport transfers on days 1 & 17 only
  • All entrance fees as per itinerary
  • All sightseeing and transfers as outlined in the itinerary
  • Bottled water during sightseeing and transport

Not included

  • Travel to Mumbai/from Kolkata
  • Travel Insurance - compulsory
  • Visa
  • Single supplement. Trip price is based on twin share.
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Tips

About your guide

Your host is writer and historian John Zubrzycki. A graduate in South Asian history and Hindi from the Australian National University, John wrote his PhD on Indian traditional magic at the University of NSW and has spent more than four decades exploring India’s layered history and cultural life. He has worked in India as a diplomat and foreign correspondent, and is the best-selling author of six books including The Last Nizam, The Shortest History of India, Dethroned, Empire of Enchantment, and The Mysterious Mr Jacob, which explores the extraordinary world of illusion and intrigue in colonial India.

John brings rare insight into the world that shaped Rudyard Kipling - the architecture, politics, princely states and shifting identities of late 19th century India. This journey is the third in a series of exclusive small group tours with World Expeditions, designed to uncover lesser-known sides of the subcontinent through its history, art and literature.

Kipling's India with John Zubrzycki: Jungles, Cities & Colonial History | World Expeditions

Reviews (3)

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This trip was an amazing! Not simply the hotels, meals and sights, but because our guide, John Z knew so much about the area, and was known to so many people, it was like a free pass into homes, palaces and experiences money alone could not have bought! John brought knowledge and passion to this trip. The tour manager Chandra, was 110% efficient, competent and charming. They made a formidable team! This tour was full of opportunities to learn, hands on, about a part of India’s history, the Maharajas, the diamonds, the over the top palaces, that is probably still the most usual image of India, and how these ‘images’ relate to the politics of India in 2026. Brilliant. I loved every moment, and would willing sign up for a repeat!

Maryanne|Australia
2 Feb 2026
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India is an inspiring place to visit, and John, our tour leader went out of his way to give us unforgettable experiences. Flexibility is the key in India, as unexpected opportunities arise enhancing the memories of a great two weeks in lesser known parts of the Indian sub-continent.

Christine|Australia
27 Jan 2026
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This was a unique experience in a fascinating part of India. John, Margie and Nawang were excellent leaders through days of history, magic and the natural wonders of the Sundarbans. Highly recommended!

Janet|Australia
10 Feb 2025

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