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 $2,530.00 per person based on 2 people sharing a roomBest time to go
The best time to visit India is during winter when the monsoons are over, and temperatures are bearable.
Day 1: UK Departure
Depart this afternoon on a flight to Kolkata
Day 2: The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata (BB)
Arrive this afternoon in Kolkata and be met and transferred from the airport to the Oberoi Grand where you will be staying for the next 3 nights. The rest of your day is at leisure so refresh at the hotel ahead of a busy day spent exploring the wonders of Kolkata tomorrow.
Day 3: The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata (BB)
Today you will enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Kolkata, proceeding after breakfast to the Flower Market. Later you will 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’. From here you will visit St Paul’s Cathedral, an Anglican Cathedral of the Church of North India, and end the day’s sightseeing tour with a visit to Victoria Memorial, a treasure trove of Raj relics.
Day 4: The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata (BB)
After breakfast begin your day with a drive alongside the riverfront until you reach 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 you will visit the Kali Temple of Dakshineswar, before later proceeding to Belur Math. Finish your day with a sunset cruise from Belhur-Math to Sova Bazaar Ghat.
Day 5: Silver Oaks, Kalimpong (HB)
This morning after breakfast you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Bagdogra, where upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Kalimpong enjoying a scenic route on a winding road up the Himalayas to reach Silver Oaks hotel where you will be staying for the next 2 nights.
Day 6: Silver Oaks, Kalimpong (HB)
After breakfast your day will begin with a visit to the Haat Bazaar of Kalimpong followed by the Zang Dog Palri Fo Brang Monastery where you can view a three-dimensional Mandala, Tharpa Choling, Thongsa Gumpa - a monastery of Bhutanese origin, and Flower Nurseries which export exotic flowers like Amaryllis, lilies, Anthuriums, Roses, Gerberas, Dahlias, Gladiolas as well as Orchids and Cacti.
Day 7: Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino, Gangtok (HB)
This morning you will leave Kalimpong and transfer to the beautiful down Gangtok. Upon arrival you will have the chance to enjoy a half-day sightseeing of Gangtok, visiting Rumtek Monastery, The Enchey Monastery, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts. Following your sightseeing head to the Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino where you will be staying for the night.
Day 8: The Elgin Hotel, Darjeeling (HB)
This morning you will enjoy an excursion to Phodong Monastery, one of the most beautiful monasteries in the region located in North Sikkim 28 km's from Gangtok. In the afternoon you will be transferred to Darjeeling and the Elgin Hotel where you will be staying for the next few nights.
Day 9: The Elgin Hotel, Darjeeling (HB)
Today will begin with a visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Insitute, started in Darjeeling when Tenzing Norgay climbed Mt. Everest, here you can see the equipment used and find out other information on climbing Everest. Following on from this visit the Himalayan Zoological Park where you can see Himalayan animals such as Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Yak and more. There is also the chance to visit the Tibetan Self Help Centre or Regue Centre which is run by refugees to preserve their handicrafts.
In the afternoon proceed for a Heritage Walk in Darjeeling, covering St. Andrew’s Church, Gymkhana Club, Planters’ Club, Capital Hall, Municipal Office, Post Office, etc.
Day 10: The Elgin Hotel, Darjeeling (HB)
This morning rise early to visit Tiger Hill and Ghoom Monastery before returning to the hotel for breakfast followed by a visit to a Nepali School. Next today you will enjoy a ride on the toy train Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
Day 11: The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata (BB)
After breakfast proceed to the airport for your flight to Kolkata, where upon arrival you will be transferred to the Oberoi for an overnight stay.
Day 12: Departure
Today be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
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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.
Cleveland Collection tailor makes all itineraries to include highlights of your choice. Speak to one of our travel experts to create your perfect holiday based on your travel requirements
*We try to keep our 'from prices' as accurate as possible, but please do be aware that when travelling at peak times such as Christmas and school holidays, prices shown will vary considerably.