Fascinating East India

Arrival in Kolkata

On your arrival at Kolkata International Airport you will be welcomed by your tour escort. You can find him easily as he will be there at the arrival lounge holding a placard of your name. After meet & greet transfer to your pre booked hotel. The rest of the day, if any, is at leisure to settle in, and recuperate from your international journey. Overnight stay in Kolkata.

Kolkata

Early breakfast and begin your city tour of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), with Mother Teresa’s Mission and Mother House. Next, visit the Jain Temple to admire its stunning architecture. A short car ride brings you to the famed University of Calcutta. Later, visit the Magen David Synagogue, one of the largest Jewish temples open for worship in the Asian Pacific. Enjoy time at Eden Gardens, the iconic cricket ground. Next make a stop at the Victoria Memorial, a museum that’s home to a vast collection of sculptures, manuscripts, paintings and other items from the time of British rule. Finally, make a stop for photos on the Howrah Bridge – the sixth largest cantilever bridge on earth—before returning to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay.

Kolkata to Darjeeling

Early breakfast and transfer to the Kolkata airport to board a direct flight to Bagdogra. Upon arrival you will depart by road to Darjeeling – once a summer resort for the British Raj elite. On arrival check-in to your hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. This evening you stroll through the city market. Here is one of the best places to get a taste of the town and its people. Overnight stay in Darjeeling.   

Darjeeling

Rising early, you will make the one-hour journey to Tiger Hill to watch the sunrise on Kanchenjunga, Mt. Everest, and other sky-touching mountains. In the afternoon take the steam toy train up to and from Ghoom and visit the monastery. This is one of the few monasteries that have an enormous statue of the Maitreya Buddha, or the future Buddha. In the evening walk in the Mall, the most happening place in Darjeeling. Glenary’s and Kevs are the most popular hangouts for a hot drink and delicious cream pastries. Overnight stay in Darjeeling.

Darjeeling

After breakfast, you will set out to explore the surrounding area, beginning with the Tibetan Refugee Center. Next you can visit the nearby zoo, housing India’s only duet of Siberian Tigers. Just below the zoo, Darjeeling also has a Snow Leopard Breeding Program, one of the few successful programs. Right near the zoo, you will also find the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Museum. The museum traces the history of the conquest of Everest and contains a collection of mountaineering equipment and samples of Himalayan flora and fauna. Overnight stay in Darjeeling.

Darjeeling to Pelling

Early breakfast and then depart by road to Pelling. On the drive you are amply rewarded by wild and untamed scenery. Thickly forested hills, terraced fields of maize or rice, and charming blue and green houses resembling dollhouses make up the scenery. In the afternoon you will visit Pemayangste monastery which has an exceptional collection of Buddhist art. You will also visit Randanste, the ruined palace of the 17th to 18th century capital of Sikkim. Overnight stay in Pelling.

Pelling to Gangtok

After breakfast depart by road to Gangtok. En-route you will visit Rumtek Monastry. Sprawling along a ridge, Gangtok is not a particularly attractive town, but has a spectacular setting and marvellous mountain views. This afternoon in Gangtok you pay a visit to the most important Buddhist monument here; Dro-Drul Chorten. Overnight stay in Gangtok.

Gangtok to Kalimpong to Siliguri

Breakfast at the hotel then drive to Kalimpong. Set in beautiful wooded mountain scenery, little visited Kalimpong was once the meeting point of the “Three Closed Lands” on the trade route to Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan. Visit the Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa monastery. You will also see the large statue of Avalokitesvara, the Buddha of Compassion, with 1000 arms, each of which has an eye in the palm. Time permitting, you may also like to visit Dr Graham’s Home. This stop makes a good break from monasteries and is an interesting place to walk around. A climb or drive to summit reveals great views of Kalimpong spread out below. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Siliguri. Overnight stay in Siliguri.

Siliguri

After breakfast visit Salugara Monastery, a breath-taking monument with scenic surroundings. Later, take a trip to the lively Hong Kong Market. A great place for a bargain! Spend the evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Siliguri.

Siliguri to Delhi and Departure

After breakfast transfer to Bagdogra airport to board a direct flight to Delhi, from where you will connect to your international flight home.