Essential East India
Summary
Discover all the delights of East India on this itinerary which includes visits to the lively and colourful Kolkata, Kalimpong, Gangtok and Darjeeling. Along the way you will have the chance to take in the sights on guided tours and excursions, visiting monasteries and other significant buildings, as well as enjoy experiences such as a sunset cruise. Ideal for those want to discover all that East India has to offer, this itinerary is a great way to really get to grips with this beautiful part of India and its unique culture. Whether you are a first time visitor who has a particular interest in East India, or perhaps a returning traveller who wants to become more familiar with this area, this tour will be perfectly suited.
Duration |
12 Days
Price
From $4,735.00 per person based on two people sharing*Best time to go
The best time to visit India is during winter when the monsoons are over, and temperatures are bearable.
Day 1: Depart UK
Depart London Heathrow on an overnight flight to Kolkata
Day 2: Kolkata
Transfer by private vehicle to the hotel for a three-night stay. The afternoon is at leisure.
Overnight: Taj Bengal
Day 3: Kolkata
Enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Kolkata, proceeding after breakfast to the Flower Market. Later drive by the vibrant neighbourhood of Burrabazar, the commercial nucleus of Kolkata and one of the largest wholesale markets in India. Next pay a visit to the Marble Palace, one of the best preserved and most elegant houses of 19th-century Calcutta. Also visit St Paul’s Cathedral, an Anglican Cathedral of the Church of North India, and end the day with a visit to Victoria Memorial, a treasure trove of Raj relics.
Overnight: Taj Bengal
Day 4: Kolkata
Begin the day with a drive alongside the riverfront to Dalhousie Square (now called BBD Bagh) and proceed for a heritage walk in this area. As Kolkata’s central business district, many famous buildings are found here, including the Writer’s Building, Royal Exchange, General Post Office of Kolkata, Telephone Bhawan, and St John’s Church.
This afternoon visit the Kali Temple of Dakshineswar, before later proceeding to Belur Math, finishing the day with a sunset cruise from Belhur-Math to Sova Bazaar Ghat.
Overnight: Taj Bengal
Day 5: Kalimpong
Travel to Kolkata airport and fly to Bagdogra.
Transfer by private vehicle to Kalimpong enjoying a scenic route on a winding road up the Himalayas to reach the hotel for a two-night stay.
Overnight: The Elgin Silver Oaks
Day 6: Kalimpong
Enjoy full-day of sightseeing beginning with a visit to the Haat Bazaar of Kalimpong followed by the Zang Dog Palri Fo Brang Monastery to view a three-dimensional Mandala, and also Tharpa Choling, Thongsa Gumpa Monastery, and various Flower Nurseries which export exotic flowers like amaryllis, lilies, roses, gladiolas and orchids.
Overnight: The Elgin Silver Oaks
Day 7: Ganagtok
Transfer by private vehicle to the beautiful hilltop city of Ganagtok for an overnight stay.
Join half-day sightseeing of Gangtok, visiting the Rumtek Monastery & the Enchey Monastery, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and the directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts.
Overnight: Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino
Day 8: Darjeeling
Transfer by private vehicle to enjoy an excursion to Phodong Monastery, one of the most beautiful monasteries, before continuing onward to Darjeeling for a three-night stay.
Overnight: The Elgin Hotel
Day 9: Darjeeling
Begin today with a visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, started in Darjeeling when Tenzing Norgay climbed Mount Everest, where the equipment used can be viewed.
Continue to visit the Himalayan Zoological Park, where Himalayan animals such as the Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf & Yak can be viewed, and the Tibetan Self Help Centre which is run by refugees to preserve their handicrafts. In the afternoon proceed for a Heritage Walk covering St. Andrew’s Church, Gymkhana Club, Planters’ Club, Capital Hall and Post Office.
Overnight: The Elgin Hotel
Day 10: Darjeeling
Rise early to visit Tiger Hill and the Ghoom Monastery before returning for breakfast and then visiting a Nepali School, and taking a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway toy train.
Overnight: The Elgin Hotel
Day 11: Kolkata
Travel to Bagdogra airport and fly to Kolkata.
Transfer by private vehicle to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Overnight: Taj Bengal
Day 12: Departure
Transfer to Kolkata Airport for your onward daytime flight to the UK
From £3,495.00 per person based on two people sharing*
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Inclusions
All flights, transfers, accommodation, meals and activities as specified.
Exclusions
Transfers, meals and activities not specified, visas, insurance, gratuities and items of a personal nature.
*Costs are based on travel in low season