15 Days - Classic East India

Welcome to India! You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Kolkata, located on the east bank of the Hooghly River, is the capital of the state of West Bengal and India’s second-largest city. It is the principal commercial, cultural, and educational centre of East India.  A religiously and ethnically diverse centre of culture, Kolkata has established local traditions in drama, art, film, theatre, and literature that have gained wide audiences. It was, for example, home to the Nobel Prize laureate, Rabindranath Tagore and Oscar award-winning film director, Satyajit Ray.

Spend today sightseeing with a local guide, exploring some of the most fascinating sights and experiences Kolkata has to offer. One highlight is the Victoria Memorial, an impressive marble building commissioned for Queen Victoria’s 1901 diamond jubilee and completed two decades later. Another stop is the Park Street Cemetery, a maze of grand mausoleums nestled among dense undergrowth, offering a glimpse into Kolkata’s colonial past. You can also visit the Marble Palace, a grand structure that somehow makes many of Kolkata's other monumental buildings seem understated in comparison.

If you're interested in religious landmarks, the Jain Temples in North Kolkata are worth exploring. These temples are renowned for their intricate marble inlay work, mirrored hallways, statues, and a constant flow of devotees, creating a spiritually rich atmosphere. Additionally, visit the temples dedicated to Kali, Kolkata's patron goddess, situated on the banks of the Hooghly River. These temples are vibrant and active, and your guide will be able to inform you if goat sacrifices are taking place during your visit. If you wish, you can decide whether to witness this act of devotion, making for a truly unique and personal experience. The choice of how to engage with these spiritual rituals is entirely up to you!

Early this morning, you’ll be transferred to Sonakhali Jetty, a 2-hour drive through picturesque countryside and vibrant rural bazaars, with stops at a local teashop and nearby fishermen’s villages along the way. Upon arrival, you’ll board a boat, where a local guide and naturalist will welcome you with a drink and provide an informative briefing before embarking on a spectacular 2-hour cruise through the rivers Hogol, Gomor, Durgaduani, and Gumdi.

If you’d like, you can make an optional stop at Gosaba, one of the first human settlements in the Sunderbans, to visit the house of Sir Daniel Hamilton, a Scottish banker who introduced agricultural practices and initiated the first cooperative movement in India.

You’ll then continue your journey to Bali Island, where you’ll check into the jungle camp and enjoy a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a 3-hour birding and game cruise through the creeks and canals, heading towards the Sudhanyakhali watchtower - known for offering some of the best opportunities for tiger sightings in the region. After your wildlife adventure, you’ll return to the camp in the early evening, where you can unwind and relax in the tranquil surroundings.

Sundarbans National Park is home to an impressive variety of flora and fauna. After an early breakfast, embark on a full-day game cruise and birdwatching tour, visiting the Netidhopani and Dobanki watchtowers. At Netidhopani, the main attractions are the tiger watchtower and the ruins of a 400-year-old temple. If you're fortunate, you may even catch a glimpse of the elusive Bengal tigers from this elevated spot.

Next, head to the Dobanki Watchtower, renowned for its Canopy Walk. This walkway, which stretches over half a kilometre at a height of 6 metres, is covered with a strong net and grill to keep you safe from the surrounding wildlife. As you venture deeper into the forest, you might find yourself walking alongside a variety of mammals, including tigers - a truly exhilarating experience.

Lunch will be served on board your boat as you continue your adventure. After an exciting day of wildlife sightings and birdwatching, you’ll return to the camp in the early evening.

After breakfast, embark on a guided walk through a local village, where you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the villagers and explore their traditional crafts and cuisines. You’ll also learn about their farming methods and daily life. Later, enjoy a peaceful cruise on a manually oared country boat before returning to the camp for lunch.

In the afternoon, depart for Sonakhali Jetty, where you’ll meet your driver for the 2-hour transfer to Kolkata by car. After arriving in Kolkata, you’ll have some time to relax before boarding an overnight train to New Jalpaiguri.

Arrive at New Jalpaiguri this morning and transfer to the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the ‘Toy Train,’ for the scenic all-day journey to Darjeeling. The railway, which was built between 1879 and 1881, spans approximately 78 kilometres. The elevation rises from around 100 metres at New Jalpaiguri to 2,200 metres at Darjeeling, offering stunning views as you ascend.

Darjeeling, a popular tourist destination, was established by the British in the mid-19th century with the creation of a sanatorium and military depot. It later became Bengal’s summer capital. Much of its colonial-era charm is still visible today, with its Raj-era architecture standing in contrast to the rich Tibetan, Nepali, and Bengali influences that define the town's unique character. The journey aboard the Toy Train offers a glimpse into the city’s history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

Take a sightseeing tour this morning to explore the many attractions of Darjeeling. Start with a visit to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, where you can view a detailed contour model of the Himalayan peaks, offering a fascinating look at the region's towering mountains. Next, head to the Zoological Gardens, which house an extensive collection of Himalayan flora, including hundreds of orchid species, creating a vibrant and colourful display of plant life.

Continue your exploration at the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre, where you can visit the craft workshops. Here, local artisans produce beautiful handcrafted items such as carpets, wood carvings, leatherwork, and woollen goods, all showcasing the intricate skills passed down through generations.

As Darjeeling is renowned worldwide for its tea, no visit would be complete without taking a walk through one of its scenic tea plantations. These lush, terraced estates are not only a visual treat but also offer the chance to learn about the tea production process and, of course, sample some of the world-famous Darjeeling tea.

In the afternoon, spend some time exploring the town at your own pace. The Mall and Chowrasta, located in upper Darjeeling, are perfect spots for a leisurely stroll. Enjoy a cup of tea at one of the charming cafés, or browse through the local markets for souvenirs such as handcrafted goods and traditional textiles.

Depart Darjeeling this morning for a scenic 3-hour drive to Gangtok, the vibrant capital of the Himalayan state of Sikkim. Known for its friendly atmosphere, Gangtok is a bustling hill station with a diverse population that includes indigenous Sikkimese people as well as those of Nepalese and Tibetan descent. The town is famed for its spectacular mountain vistas, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including the mighty Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Gangtok's main street, MG Marg, is a pedestrianised area and a perfect place to explore on foot. Lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants, it provides a relaxed atmosphere for a leisurely stroll. Alongside MG Marg, the winding side alleys of the town often reveal unexpected gems, from quaint local shops selling handmade crafts to small temples and vibrant markets filled with colourful textiles and spices.

Gangtok is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills. While the town itself provides lovely vistas, the most spectacular views are from Ganesh Tok, a hilltop point high above the town, where you can enjoy an unobstructed view of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain. Rise early this morning to witness a magnificent sunrise over the Kanchenjunga range, with the first light casting a golden glow on the snow-capped peaks. It’s a truly awe-inspiring sight that will stay with you long after you’ve left.

After returning to your hotel for breakfast, spend the rest of the day exploring some of Gangtok’s cultural and historical highlights. Start with a visit to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, which houses an impressive collection of Tibetan, Sanskrit, and Lepcha manuscripts. The institute also showcases a wide array of Buddhist artefacts, including masks, musical instruments, jewellery, and thangkas (painted or embroidered tapestry wall hangings), offering a fascinating insight into the region's rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

Next, head to the serene and revered Rumtek Monastery, one of the top attractions in the region. The monastery’s design is said to replicate the original Kagyu headquarters in Tibet, and it is regarded as the richest Buddhist monastic centre in India. Inside, you’ll find several rare and unique religious artefacts, each with its own deep spiritual significance. The peaceful surroundings and intricate architecture of Rumtek make it a perfect place for quiet reflection and to experience the profound spiritual energy of the area.

Leaving the scenic landscapes of Sikkim behind, embark on a 2-hour journey to Kalimpong, a town renowned for its stunning views and exceptional horticulture, particularly its vast collection of orchids and gladioli. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax before heading out to explore the town’s charming attractions.

Begin your exploration with a visit to Dello Hill, located just 6 kilometres from Kalimpong at an elevation of 1,914 metres. The drive to the hill is a pleasant one, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, and once you reach the top, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain. It’s a peaceful spot, perfect for taking in the fresh mountain air and capturing stunning photographs.

Next, visit Dr Graham’s Home, an impressive institution spread over 200 hectares. Originally established in 1900 by Dr John Anderson Graham, this self-sufficient campus is a miniature town in itself, offering housing, education, healthcare, and vocational training to over 1,500 students. The campus includes cottages, a school, hospital, workshops, a farm, and even a bakery, all working together to meet the needs of the community. As you explore, you’ll gain insight into the history and philosophy of this unique and thriving educational establishment.

In the afternoon, take a stroll through the town to visit local flower nurseries, where you can admire Kalimpong’s famous horticultural offerings, and stop by a small factory where paper is still made using traditional methods. The factory offers a fascinating glimpse into the process of paper-making, showcasing the craftsmanship and dedication involved in producing this handmade product.

Depart Kalimpong this morning for a scenic 2-hour drive to Bagdogra, where you’ll catch a flight to Guwahati. Upon arrival in Guwahati, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to Kaziranga, a journey that takes approximately 5 hours by road.

Kaziranga National Park, established in 1908 by Lord Curzon, the Viceroy of India, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s most iconic wildlife reserves. Spanning an impressive 430 square kilometres, Kaziranga is a vast landscape of tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense tropical broadleaf forests. The park is crisscrossed by four major rivers, including the mighty Brahmaputra, and is dotted with numerous small water bodies, creating a rich and diverse ecosystem. Known for its incredible biodiversity, Kaziranga is especially famous for its population of one-horned rhinoceroses, making it a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts. As you approach the park, you’ll begin to appreciate its natural beauty, with its pristine habitats teeming with a variety of wildlife, offering the perfect introduction to your adventure in Assam.

Kaziranga National Park is home to the vast majority of the world’s population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, making it an essential conservation area for this iconic species. In addition to the rhinoceros, the park is teeming with a diverse range of wildlife, including large populations of elephants, water buffalo, swamp deer, hog deer, sambar, wild boar, and the endangered Hoolock gibbons. The park is also home to a variety of reptiles, including pythons, and is a birdwatcher's paradise, with around 300 species of birds, including the rare Bengal florican, calling the park home. Notably, Kaziranga also has the highest density of tigers in India, though the dense vegetation and tall grasses can make these majestic creatures difficult to spot.

This morning, embark on a guided jeep safari into the heart of the park, where your expert guide will help you spot wildlife and share fascinating insights into the diverse ecosystems that make up Kaziranga. As you traverse through the park’s expansive grasslands, forests, and wetlands, you’ll have the chance to observe not only the iconic one-horned rhino but also encounter other fascinating species, while learning about the ongoing conservation efforts to protect this incredible biodiversity. Along the way, you may also meet the local communities who live in and around the park, gaining a deeper understanding of the relationship between the people and the wildlife that inhabit this stunning region.

You have the option to embark on another safari this morning, allowing you to explore more of Kaziranga’s rich wildlife and diverse landscapes. With a second chance to spot the park’s incredible creatures, including the elusive Bengal tiger and the majestic one-horned rhinoceros, this morning safari offers a unique opportunity to deepen your experience of this remarkable reserve.

After your safari, you’ll depart Kaziranga for a scenic 6-hour drive to Dibrugarh. Upon arrival, check into the charming Mancotta Chang Bungalow, which was originally built in 1849 by British tea planters. Located on the serene banks of the mighty River Brahmaputra, the bungalow is nestled within a working tea estate, offering a truly authentic and picturesque setting. The peaceful atmosphere of this historical property provides the perfect place to unwind.

Once you’ve settled in, take some time to relax on the bungalow’s veranda, where you can enjoy beautiful views across the manicured lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and winding gravel paths. In the distance, you’ll catch sight of Assam’s lush, rolling tea plantations.

Today, you have the entire day free to enjoy the many activities available on the plantation. One of the most popular options is to take a guided tour of the tea gardens, where you’ll learn about the fascinating history of tea cultivation in the region. You'll also visit the tea worker colonies and the tea processing factory to see how the leaves are transformed into the fine Assam tea enjoyed worldwide. After the tour, indulge in a tea tasting session, where you’ll have the opportunity to sample a variety of teas and appreciate the distinct flavours that define this renowned tea-producing region.

If you're feeling more adventurous, you can opt for a kayaking session on the river, offering a peaceful way to explore the surrounding natural beauty. Alternatively, if you enjoy horseback riding, the owners of the bungalow have a stable with over a dozen superb thoroughbreds. Riding through the tea estates or along scenic trails in the area can be a memorable experience, allowing you to see the plantation from a different perspective.

For those interested in history, you may choose to visit the historical Ahom monuments in Sibsagar, which showcase the region’s rich cultural past, or pay a visit to the World War II cemetery in Digboi, a poignant site that commemorates the soldiers who lost their lives during the war.

All good things must come to an end. Today, we transfer you to the airport for your flight to Kolkata.