18 Days of Eastern Wonders

On arrival at Kolkata International Airport receive a warm welcome from our representative who will help you with transfers and smooth hotel check in. Complete the check-in formalities and spend rest of the day at leisurely. (Standard Check in time for every hotel is 02:00PM. Early check in is subject to availability)

Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is the capital of India's West Bengal state. Founded as an East India Company trading post, it was India's capital under the British Raj from 1773–1911. Today it’s known for its grand colonial architecture, art galleries and cultural festivals. It’s also home to Mother House, headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa, whose tomb is on site.

Overnight at Kolkata.

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of Kolkata which includes Victoria Memorial (Closed on Monday) The delightful marble building of Victoria Memorial exhibits some of the finest collections of paintings from the colonial era. From images of famous people to paintings of Indian princes and rulers, the collection displays a range of collection.

Later, we will also visit the St. Paul’s Cathedral, known as the first Episcopal Church of the eastern world. Besides, being a religious site, the cathedral is also an architectural delight. St. Paul‘s Cathedral is 247 feet in length, 81 feet in width and 114 feet at transept.

Visit Kalighat Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Sthals of India, is one of the most visited Kali temples in India. The spot is where the toes of Sati's right foot fell during Shiva's Rudra Taandav naach.

Indian Museum, Kolkata (Closed on Monday):- The ninth oldest museum of the world and largest in India, the Indian Museum is located in the old city of Kolkata. The foundation stone of the Indian Museum was laid down in the year 1814 and has been a centre of multidisciplinary activities ever since. Popularly known as 'Jadughar', it exhibits some of the finest collection of historical importance ranging from contemporary paintings and a sacred relic of Buddha to Egyptian mummies and ancient sculptures. In addition to these, the Indian Museum boasts of some of the most exquisite collections of ornaments, fossils, skeletons, antiques, armours, and stunning Mughal paintings.

Visit Mother House (Closed on Thursday):- The Mother House in Kolkata is the Missionaries of Charity’s main House. It is a holy place of pilgrimage and reverence to the selfless Mother. The blessed Mother Teresa founded the house in 1950 with the purpose of selfless service to mankind. She dedicated her entire life to help the plagued humanity. She loved the unwanted and showed the society the path to salvation.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Kolkata.

This morning, following breakfast, we will proceed on a special tour of Kolkata that will highlight the cultural mix of this city that is lovingly known as “City of Joy”.

We will start our tour with a visit to the Dalhousie Square where we will witness various colonial buildings including the General Post Office from where once the British ruled India. The red building reminds us of a time of colonial days. We will then visit the Memorial of Job Charnock situated in St. John’s Church where you will have an insight into the life & times of this Englishman. Job Charnock was well known as the founder of Kolkata.

Our next visit would be to the Flower Market, under the Howrah Bridge; this is eastern India's largest flower market with hundreds of stalls and people sitting on the ground. Howrah Bridge: Built over river Hooghly the bridge is considered to be a marvellous engineering work by the British. The Howrah Bridge is amongst the busiest hanging bridge in the World. It took nearly about 7 long years to construct the Howrah Bridge. The bridge of Howrah was completed in 1943.

The Pareshnath Jain temple of Kolkata is one of the most worshiped temples of the Jains in Kolkata. The temple is known not only for its beauty but also for its spiritual atmosphere that attracts a lot of faithful devotees. Along with the interiors, the temple complex is also very scenic with a beautiful garden decorated with blocks of glass and silver European-styled statues. The garden is surrounded with a huge variety of flowers. There are also many fountains that look brilliant.

Later, we will travel to the North part of the city and visit Kumartuli. This unique artist village going back 400 years. This is perhaps the oldest of its craft village in the world. With more than a thousand artists, Kumartuli is a heritage industry.

Marble Palace: Located in the northern part houses an old art gallery owned by the Mallick family of Chorbagan. Built in 1855 with Italian marbles by one of Bengal's richest landlord Raja Rajendra Mallick Bahadur, this art gallery is an example of the earliest effort at collecting art by a private individual. Photography not allowed inside. Guests have to remove shoes to enter main building. ( Closed on Monday, Thursday & National Holidays).

We will then visit the College Street Book Market, Kolkatans are well-known for their passion for books and this area is a treasure for the book lovers of the city - you can find of them every day spending hours reading new books or bargaining for buying an old book. Some of the Kolkata‘s most famous academic institutions like Kolkata University, Presidency College, Kolkata Medical College and Sanskrit College are also located in this street. Closed on Sunday & National Holidays.

Our next stop is at the Indian Coffee house and get engaged in an informal chat with university students. Also known as "Albert Hall", this is the most favourite gathering place for the writers, thinkers, artists and students for many decades. Casual chatting for hours about any issue is the most favourite social activity of any Bengali and here in this large historical and legendary coffee house you can find hundreds of Kolkatan's discussing about their favourite issue over a cup of coffee.

Meal Includes: Breakfast

Overnight at Kolkata.

After breakfast, check out from hotel and proceed for Kolkata airport to fly to Guwahati. On Arrival at Guwahati Airport, meet Our representative and proceed for hotel.

Guwahati is the largest city in Assam and also in the entire North East of India. With a population of a million, Guwahati is the gateway to the North East. Dispur, The capital of Assam, is a part of Guwahati City. Situated on the bank of River Brahmaputra, Guwahati is the centre of socio-cultural, political and economic activity of the entire region. Guwahati is situated in the Kamrup district of Assam.

On Arrival, check in at hotel and spend the day at leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Guwahati.

After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing tour of the city with your guide.

Visit Kamakhya Temple: Flocked by thousands of devotees everyday, Kamakhya Temple is one of the most sacred and oldest of the Shakti Peeths on the earth. The devoted shrine of Maa Kamakhya or Goddess of Desire has an aesthetic and historical significance for the devotees. In case you didn’t know, it is the centerpiece of Tantrik Shaktism Cult in India. Even if you are not a believer, the exhilarating views from the top of Nilachal Hills, where the temple is located, will blow your mind away.

Umananda Island - Beyond the temple visit, engage in a leisurely stroll through the island, encountering unique flora and fauna, making it a nature lover's paradise.

Navagraha Temple: The Navagraha Temple, or the temple of the nine celestial bodies, is situated on a hill named Chitrachal in the south eastern part of the city of Guwahati. It is also known as the abode of one of the most important celestial bodies, the sun. In the temple there are 9 phallic emblems of Lord Shiva, each clad in a different coloured cloth representing Surya, Chandra, Mangala, Budha, Brihaspati, Shukra, Shani, Rahu and Ketu. At the same time, the temple is also a research center of both astrology and astronomy.

Visit Assam state Museum (Closed on Monday): Assam State Museum, also known as Assam Rajyik State Museum, is located in the heart of Guwahati city in Dighali Pukhuri tank. It is one of the most famous museums of North- East India that gives insights into the rich culture of ancient history and as well as the modern history of North-East India. The Museum offers an extensive collection of artefacts and sculptures dating back to the 5th-12th century to the new artefacts from World War II. This museum is a great place to visit if you want a sneak-peak of the history of North-east India.

Later in the evening, proceed for cruise on Brahmaputra River. Enjoy the calm waters of the Brahmaputra River and the blazing orange sun aboard a 1-hour-long cruise in Guwahati. (Sharing Basis Cruise)

Meals Included:Breakfast

Overnight at Guwahati.

After breakfast, check out from hotel and travel to Kaziranga.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and famed to the home of One Horned Rhino also considered as hotspot for many birds such as the Kalij Pheasant, Grey Peacock Pheasant, Fulvous Whistling-duck, Lesser Whistling- Duck, Greater White-fronted Goose, Bar-headed Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Common Shelduck, Cotton Pygmy-goose, Gadwall Anas, Falcated Duck, Spot-billed Duck, Northern Shoveler.

On Arrival, Check in at Hotel and spend your day at leisure.

Meal Includes: Breakfast

Overnight at Kaziranga.

Morning go for Jeep Safari in Kaziranga National Park.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Later go for Afternoon Jeep Safari in Kaziranga National Park.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Kaziranga.

Morning go for Jeep Safari in Kaziranga National Park.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Later go for Afternoon Jeep Safari in Kaziranga National Park.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Kaziranga.

After breakfast, check out from hotel and travel to Shillong.

The Scotland of the East, Shillong offers scenic views with lakes, waterfalls and mountain peaks that make it one of the prettiest hill stations in the region. Overnight Stay in Shillong.

On Arrival, Check in at hotel and leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Shillong.

Morning visit some of the Mawphlang Sacred Forest; these forests are the where the Khasi customs and traditions have been woven into the land and the forests.

Visit Laitlum Perched in the East Khasi Hills of Shillong; Laitlum Canyons is a little-explored haunt of the mountainous state of Meghalaya. Witness the Archery Field to witness the famous Traditional Archery Game of Meghalaya (Sunday closed and starts around 4 PM)

If time permits you may enjoy a Stroll or a Nature Hike for 1 to 2 Hours with your Guide.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Shillong.

After Breakfast, check out from hotel and travel to Cherrapunji.

Cherrapunji currently the historical name Sohra is more commonly used, it is credited as being once the wettest place on Earth. Though, it still holds the world record for the most rainfall in a calendar month and in a year. It received 9,300 mm (366 in) in July 1861 and 26,461 mm (1,041.75 in) between 1 August 1860 and 31 July 1861.It is the traditional capital of a hima (Khasi tribal chieftainship constituting a petty state) known as Sohra or Churra.

Enroute visit following attractions:

Visit Elephant falls; The waterfall is the result of a mountain stream that drops over multiple levels, scything through the forested slope. Elephant Falls is a captivating waterfall that forms an essential part of the tourism in Shillong. Elephant falls situated at around 12 km from the city Shillong. The lucid water and the luxuriant greenery gives you a mesmerizing view making the elephant falls a must visit place.

Visit Seven Sisters Waterfalls; it has seven different waterfalls that are strategically arranged side by side on a high, rugged cliff, and looks very significant even from a distance.

Visit Nahkhalikai Falls; Plunging from a height of 1115 feet amidst evergreen rainforests is one of the finest examples of nature’s splendour. The waterfall, which is famed for being the world’s fourth-tallest plunge waterfall.

Mausmai Caves; Mawsmai Cave is one of the most spectacular and well-lit caves in Meghalaya. It has a length of about 150 meters and a height of about 10 meters. The cave has two entrances, one at the lower level and one at the upper level. You can enter from either side and exit from the other.

Arwah Caves; Arwah Caves, is situated just outside the town of Cherrapunjee (Sohra), before entering the town. Most tourist doesn’t know about this cave because of the hype around the more popular other cave in Cherrapunjee which is Mawsmai Caves. Also visit Eco Park and other adjoining places.

Later, proceed for Cherrapunjee. On Arrival, Check in and leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Cherapunjee.

At around 6 AM early start Trek to Tyrna Village (20 kms away from Cherrapunjee) to the only Double Decker Living Root bridge in the world, Nongriat, Nongthmmai. One has to cover 3800 concrete steps, village & jungle trail, 2 stream crossing by iron strings. Trek takes about 1.5 hrs. approx. After spending an hour around the double decker root bridge (Nongriate, Nongthymmai) go for lunch, you will go further upwards towards the Rainbow Falls. After about 1 hour of ascents and descents some steep and a few gentle ones you will reach Rainbow Falls. It was a beautiful sight from the top of the hill, the turquoise blue pool of water was soothing to the eye. The waterfall thundered down into the pool wearing the natural rainbow sashay with pride. (local guide mandatory)

Later travel to Shillong. Check in to hotel, leisure and overnight at hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Shillong.

After breakfast, check out from hotel and proceed for Shillong airport (Distance 80 Km, travel time of 2 to 3 hours by Car) to fly to Kolkata.

On Arrival, check in at hotel and spend rest of the day at leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Kolkata.

After breakfast, check out from hotel and travel to Kolkata airport to fly to Bagdogra.

On Arrival at Bagdogra airport, meet our representative and travel to Darjeeling. (Distance of 70 Km, travel time of 2 to 3 hours by Car)

Standing high in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2134m, ‘Dorje Ling’, or place of the Thunderbolt, offers breath-taking views of snow-capped mountain peaks, with the Kanchendzonga rising higher than all the others. Often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills”, it remains just as alluring with its tiny waterfalls, little villages and a narrow gauge railway track. Surrounded by World Famous Tea Gardens and snow-capped mountains, Darjeeling remains one of the most exotic destinations. Graeme Westlake in his book ‘An introduction to hill stations on India’ refers to Darjeeling as having “A view Scarcely Unrivalled on Earth”.

Upon arrival check in at the hotel and rest of day free for leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Darjeeling.

After breakfast, proceed for Toy Train Ride.

The spectacular landscape unfolds as the 2-foot gauge Darjeeling Himalayan railway, opened in 1881, labors at about 10 mph criss-crossing the road. It has tiny 4-wheel locomotives (some over 100 years old) like living legends. One can experience the sound, smell and romance of a bygone era. DHR is a work of genius and technological achievement of 1881. It has social and cultural importance. It is beautiful and has outstanding universal appeal. Based on its unique features, it is considered to be of lasting significance to mankind.

After the train ride, go for sightseeing tour of Darjeeling.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute/Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: (closed on Thursday) The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was started in Darjeeling when Tenzing Norgay climbed Everest to give training to learn Mountaineering and other adventure sports related to mountaineering and in that Institute one can see equipment etc. used by Mr. Tenzing Norgay and Everest Museum having complete details on Everest attached to institute one can visit Himalayan Zoological Park. Where one can see Himalayan animals like Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Yak, Himalayan Black Bear and several varieties of birds.

Also visit Botanical Garden.

Evening, we walk along the Observatory Hill that offers nice views of the mountains and the town below. The walk climaxes at the Chowrasta where 4 paths meet. It would be lovely to amble along the bazaars and restaurants. A favourite spot would be the 1st floor of the Keventers Restaurant that serves typical English food. Also great views of the downtown are to be had from here.

Bhutia Basti; An unusual blend of Tibetan-Nepalese architecture, Bhutia Basti Gompa is a storehouse of rare artefacts that include the ancient Buddha texts. The oldest monastery in Darjeeling, it was earlier built on Observatory Hill in 1765. The Nepalese sacked it in 1815 and then this revered structure found a place near St. Andrews Church in 1861. Finally, it was moved to Bhutia Basti which is its present location in 1879.

Visit Tibetan Refugee Centre (closed on Sunday); Established in 1959, this refugee centre includes a Tibetan Buddhist temple, workshops producing carpets, woodcarvings, wool and woollen items, plus a home for the aged, a kindergarten and a clinic. Visitors are welcome to wander through the workshops.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Darjeeling.

Early morning visit Tiger Hill.

You will be picked and driven to Tiger hill at 4am It will take about an hour to reach Tiger hill.

Tiger hill is the highest point in Darjeeling hills at an altitude of 8482 feet (or 2590 meters) and 11km (6.8 miles) away from Darjeeling town. The view of Kanchenjunga pick from Tiger hill is very clearly seen if the weather is clear with blue sky and the scenery is breath-taking.

Enjoy a breath-taking view from tiger hill. Later drive back to hotel.

Note: Only 600 vehicles per day will be allowed to go to Tiger Hill for sunrise. The coupons for the same will need to be obtained one day in advance from Sadar Police Station after submitting the vehicle documents and details of the passengers. During normal season period over 2000 vehicles visit Tiger Hill. As such with this limitation in number it will not be possible to guarantee the visit to Tiger Hill in advance and the same will be subject to availability of coupons which we will get to know one day prior to the date of travel only. Hope you understand the constraint (Hike Duration: 03 hours approx.)

After breakfast, check out from hotel & visit Japanese Temple & Peace Pagoda; The temple is also known as the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple. The two storied white building was built in a traditional Japanese style in the year 1972. Close to the temple is the Peace Pagoda that showcases four avatars of Lord Buddha.

Dali Monastery: Dali people believe that Dali Monastery is one of the most sacred and holiest places in Darjeeling because Dalali Lama once visited the monastery and stayed there for three days, constant to spread love and Buddhism among the people and disciples. Ever since 1993, the Dali Monastery has become more famous than it was.

After sightseeing, travel to Kalimpong by air-Conditioned Vehicle.

KALIMPONG: At an altitude of 1250m, Kalimpong’s location is ideal for a pleasant, relaxed getaway. Its clement weather has made Kalimpong’s orchids and gladiole well renowned. Up to the early 1700s, the Kalimpong area was part of the Sikkim raja’s domain. In the early 18th century, the Bhutan king also took it over. In 1865, after the Anglo-Bhutan War, it was annexed to Darjeeling. Scottish Missionaries came here in the late 1800s. The town thrived as a wool trading center with Tibet till 1950s. Today it’s a quiet hill station and a heaven for retired people.

On arrival, complete the check in procedure and enjoy rest of the day at leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Kalimpong.

After Breakfast, check out from hotel & proceed for Hike to Chibu Busty & back.

Kalimpong Altitude 1250 m Chibu Busty Altitude 800 m Hike to Chibu Busty & back. Drive to Durpin Hill. Durpin Dara: This is an observatory point about 3 kms from town from where an awe – inspiring view of the mighty Himalayan ranges can be seen. The lush green valleys intersected by the ice cold mountain ranges of Kanchendzonga rivers such as the Teesta, Relli, Riang on one side and the sight of the plains on the other provide a breath taking view. Visit Zang Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery which is nearby of Durpin Dara Zang Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery – This is a fairly new monastery located in Durpin Dara, from here one can get an exclusive panoramic view of the town and surroundings. The prayer room inside the monastery is adorned with wall paintings and there is a rare three-dimensional mandala upstairs. From here begin walk to Chebu Basti seeing Teesta River flowing down the Valley on one side and Darjeeling on the other side. Chebu Village is surrounded by Cardamom Plantations, Seasonal Vegetable cultivation, Rice fields and Flower Nurseries. Hike is approx. 2 hour.

Flower Nurseries: The climate of Kalimpong is ideal for the cultivation of flowers and plants. Kalimpong is famous for its nurseries which export exotice flowers like Amaryllis lilies, Anthuriums, Roses gerberas, Dahilias, Gladiolias as well as Orchids and Cactus.(Closed on Saturday)

Tharpa Choling Monastery at Tirpai hill on route to Dr.Graham’s Home belongs to the Yellow Hat sect of Lamas to which the present Dalai Lama belongs.

Thongsa Gumpa this monastery is of Bhutanese origin and built around 1692. It is the oldest in Kalimpong.The original structure was destroyed in the inter- clan wars before the British arrived.

After sightseeing, get transferred to Siliguri. Check in to hotel, leisure and overnight at hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Overnight at Siliguri.

After breakfast, check out from hotel and proceed for Bagdogra International Airport to board flight to your native place. (Reach 3 hours prior to your international flight)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tour Ends with Sweet Memories !!