Grand Colonial & Royal India Experience

Daywise Tour Plan

• day1

  Arrival at Delhi & Transfer to Hotel.
  
  A representative will receive you at the airport and help you transfer to the hotel.

  Delhi, India's capital has seen the great empires rise and fall around it for millennia, with each new batch of rulers building over the works of their predecessors. As a result, the city abounds in monuments and ruins of stunning diversity. The seat of the world's largest democracy, it also boasts of magnificent symbols of government that pay architectural tribute to the ideals of self-rule and democracy. These co-exist side by side with wide multi-lane motorways, shopping malls, fast cars and ultramodern steel-glass office complexes that characterize any large 21st century metropolis.

  Overnight stay at the hotel. 

• day2
  Delhi Sightseeing
  

  After breakfast at the hotel, start a guided tour of Old Delhi.

  The tour will begin with a visit to Raj Ghat, a simple memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, also famously known as the “Father of the Nation.”

  Drive past the magnificent Red Fort, built between 1638-48 when the Mughal Empire was at its peak. In 1638, Shah Jahan transferred his capital from Agra to Delhi and laid the foundations of Shahjahanabad, the seventh city of Delhi. It is enclosed by a rubble stone wall, with bastions, gates, and wickets at intervals.

  Enter the old city and start your heritage walk from Jama Masjid, the main mosque of Delhi. It is one of Asia’s largest mosques with outstanding architecture.

  Enjoy the walk through the narrow bylanes of Chandni Chowk, visiting important milestones in the history of Delhi, the spice market, traditional wholesale bazaars, food markets, and colorful metal markets.

  Continue your tour to Jama Masjid by bicycle rickshaw. People stream in and out of the mosque continuously, and the presence of a nearby bazaar means that the area is rarely quiet.

  Proceed to a Sikh Temple to experience the community kitchen and service. Gurudwara Shish Ganj  is a beautiful religious shrine and one of the nine historical Gurdwaras in Delhi. It was first constructed in 1783 by Baghel Singh to commemorate the martyrdom site of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur.

  Your guide will take you around the temple complex and explain how the rituals are performed. At the end, you will visit the kitchen and dining hall called the Langar (community kitchen). The kitchen is a voluntary service by the followers and serves over 5,000 meals daily. The massive drill of feeding so many people every day is an awe-inspiring process. It is a blessing to the volunteers who prepare and serve the food. It is also an example of the Sikh principle of sharing and equality; everyone sits together for the meals as equals. You can take part in the service too.

  After lunch, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Akshardham Temple.

  Akshardham means the eternal and divine abode of the supreme God. It is the abode of eternal values and virtues of “Akshar” as defined in the Vedas and Upanishads, where divine bhakti, purity, and peace forever pervade. Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi epitomizes 10,000 years of Indian culture in all its breathtaking grandeur, beauty, wisdom, and bliss. This amazing structure comprises 20,000 statues, floral motifs, and exquisite carved pillars made of stone and is one of the finest examples of modern architecture. It was built by devotees from all around the world with their own money and labor.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day3
  Delhi - Amritsar (By Train)
  

  Breakfast will be at the hotel.

  We will transfer you to New Delhi railway station to board the train for Amritsar. Meet and assist upon arrival at Amritsar railway station and transfer to the hotel. Check-in and relax.

  Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple, is one of the most ancient and fascinating cities of India. It is an important seat of Sikh history and culture. Being the gateway for travelers coming to India on the overland route from Central Asia, it soon became the center of various commercial activities. The most famous site in Amritsar is the Golden Temple, founded by the fourth Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Ramdas, and completed by his successor, Guru Arjan Dev. There are a number of cotton, woolen, and art silk textile factories, along with other industries dealing with electric goods, sewing machines, auto parts, and carpets. The milk processing plant at Verka, about 6 km from the city center, is the second biggest project of its kind in the country. Amritsar is India’s leading exporter of goods to the Middle East and a leading distribution center for dry fruits, tea, and condiments. It is also a shopper's paradise and a gourmet's delight. Amritsar is the world's leading center of Punjabi publications.

  Visit Wagah Border: The international border between India and Pakistan. The pomp and pageantry of the Beating Retreat and the Change of Guard, within handshaking distance of the Indian and Pakistani forces, makes for a most charming spectacle.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day4
  Amritsar Sightseeing
  

  After breakfast, proceed for city sightseeing.

  Golden Temple: The holiest shrine of the Sikh religion, also known as Shri Darbar Sahib, is located in the center of the old part of Amritsar. The Golden Temple sits on a rectangular platform surrounded by the Amrit Sarovar, from which the city derives its name. The entrance to the complex is through an ornate archway with intricate inlay work and verses from the Granth Sahib inscribed on the doorway. The temple is a two-story marble structure, with the lower story in white marble decorated with inlaid flower and animal motifs. The temple architecture blends Hindu and Muslim styles and has four entrances, symbolizing the openness of Sikhism. The Adi Granth, compiled by Guru Arjan Dev, rests on a throne beneath a jewel-encrusted canopy, with priests conducting continuous recitation of verses in 3-hour shifts. The Akal Takht, next to the Golden Temple, is the seat of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee, the religious governing body of the Sikhs.

  Jallianwala Bagh: Located 400 meters north of the Golden Temple, this site is infamous for the massacre under British rule. On 13 April 1919, General Dyer ordered his troops to open fire on a gathering of unarmed people, resulting in the death of 379 and injuring more than 1200. The site has been converted into a park with a memorial plaque recounting the history, preserved bullet holes, and a large memorial at the east end.

  Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh: Situated in the middle of Ram Bagh, this palace is now a museum displaying oil paintings, miniatures, coins, and weapons from the Sikh period. The garden is laid out in the pattern of Shalimar Bagh in Lahore.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day5
  Amritsar - Delhi - Udaipur (By Flight)
  

  Breakfast will be at the hotel.

  Transfer to the airport to take a flight to Udaipur via Delhi. Upon arrival, check into the hotel.

  Udaipur: Known as the "City of Dawn," Udaipur is a picturesque city nestled around an azure lake and surrounded by the lush hills of the Aravallis. A vision in white, Udaipur is drenched in romance and beauty, offering a fascinating blend of sights, sounds, and experiences that inspire poets, painters, and writers.

  The city is a kaleidoscope of fairy-tale palaces, serene lakes, temples, gardens, and narrow lanes filled with stalls. These elements capture the essence of a heroic past, epitomizing valor and chivalry. The reflection of Udaipur's majestic structures in the placid waters of Lake Pichola is an enticing sight.

  Udaipur is the jewel of Mewar, a kingdom ruled by the Sisodia dynasty for 1200 years.

  In the evening, enjoy a motor launch cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat, you can admire the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake. Also, visit the Jag Mandir Palace, an island palace in the middle of the lake. Spend some time exploring the Jag Mandir Palace.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day6
  Udaipur Sightseeing
  

  Proceed for a sightseeing tour of Udaipur, stopping first at City Palace.

  City Palace: Standing on the east bank of Lake Pichola, City Palace is a massive series of palaces built at different times from 1559 A.D. The balconies of the palace provide panoramic views of Jag Niwas (the world-famous Lake Palace Hotel), Jag Mandir on one side, and the city of Udaipur on the other.

  The main entrance is through the triple-arched gate, the Tripolia, built in 1725. The way leads to a series of courtyards, overlapping parations, terraces, corridors, and gardens—a harmonic profusion hard to describe. There is a Suraj Gokhda, where the Maharanas of Mewar presented themselves to the people in times of trouble to restore confidence. The Mor Chowk (Peacock Courtyard) gets its name from the vivid mosaics in glass decorating its walls. The Chinichitrashala is noteworthy, while a series of wall paintings of Krishna are on display in Bhim Vilas. Other notable palaces include Dilkhush Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Moti Mahal, and Krishna Villas, the latter named in memory of a princess of striking beauty who poisoned herself to avert a bloody battle for her hand. The palace contains many antique articles, paintings, decorative furniture, and utensils and attracts thousands of visitors every day.

  Here, you will marvel at rooms with mirrored walls and ivory doors, colored glass windows, inlaid marble balconies, and the Peacock Courtyard.

  Saheliyon Ki Bari: Maharana Sangram Singh built this in the mid-18th century. The 'Garden of the Maidens' reflects the lifestyle of the ladies of the court. The delightful gardens are discreet and in impeccable taste. There are four pools with dainty kiosks, surrounded by flowerbeds, lawns, pools, and fountains protected by walls and shady trees. The foundation of Saheliyon Ki Bari functions solely by water pressure, with no pumps used. The garden features a lotus pool, a sitting room decorated with paintings and glass mosaics. The ambiance evokes nostalgia for the beautiful maidens enjoying themselves in a lavish setting.

  Jagdish Temple: Located in the middle of the city, the temple of Jagannath Rai (now called Jagdish-ji) is a major monument and should be seen carefully. Raised on a tall terrace and completed in 1651, it is a tribute to the tenacity of its builders and the resilience of the art tradition it represents. The temple features a double-storied Mandapa (hall) attached to a double-storied sanctum with a covered ambulatory. The Mandapa has another storey tucked within its pyramidal samavarna (bell-roof), while the hollow clustered spire over the sanctum contains two more non-functional stories. Lanes leading from the city walls converge on the Jagdish Temple, allowing a leisurely walk through Udaipur's cultural layers. It was built by Maharana Jagat Singh I in 1651 A.D.

  Proceed for an evening motor launch cruise on the placid waters of Lake Pichola. From the boat, you will be able to view the city of Udaipur as it rises majestically above the lake in the middle of the Rajasthan desert. Also visit Jag Mandir Palace, the other island palace in the lake. Spend some time at Jag Mandir Palace.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day7
  Udaipur - Ranakpur - Jodhpur (By Surface)
  

  Breakfast will be at the hotel.

  Start for Jodhpur visiting Ranakpur enroute.

  En-route, visit the Ranakpur Temples, dating back to the 15th century. 200 pillars, none of which are alike, support its 29 halls. The Temple abounds with intricate friezes and sculptures. Includes visits to two more Jain temples and the Temple of the Sun God with its erotic sculptures.

  Reach and check in at hotel.

  Set at the edge of the Thar Desert, the imperial city of Jodhpur echoes with tales of antiquity in the emptiness of the desert. Once the capital of the Marwar state, it was founded in 1459 AD by Rao Jodha-chief of the Rathore clan of Rajputs who claimed to be descendants of Rama - the epic hero of the Ramayana. The massive 15th century AD Mehrangarh Fort looms on the top of a rocky hill, soaring 125 Mts. Above the plains.

  A high wall -10 km long with 8 gates and innumerable bastions encompasses the city.

  Visit museum in Umaid Bhawan Palace: The Umaid Bhawan Palace was built with the purpose of giving employment to the people of Jodhpur during a long drawn famine. The royal family of Jodhpur still lives in a part of the palace. Another part of the palace houses a well-maintained museum, displaying an amazing array of items belonging to the Maharaja and the royal family - weapons, antiques & fascinating clocks, crockery and trophies.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day8
  Jodhpur Sightseeing
  

  Breakfast will be at the hotel.

  Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Jodhpur city.

  Mehrangarh Fort: Situated on a steep hill, Mehrangarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India. The beauty and grandeur of its numerous palaces narrate a saga of hard sandstones yielding to the chisels of skilled Jodhpuri sculptors. Spreading over 5 km on a perpendicular hill and standing 125 meters above the plains, the fort presents a majestic view of the city. It was built on the advice of a saint in 1459 to establish an impregnable headquarters. This fort is one of the best in India, with its exquisitely latticed windows, carved panels, elaborately adorned windows, and walls of Moti Mahal, Phool Mahal, and Sheesh Mahal. A collection of musical instruments, palanquins, royal costumes, furniture, and cannons on the fort's ramparts are well preserved.

  Jaswant Thada: Close to the fort complex lies Jaswant Thada. This 19th-century royal cenotaph, built in white marble, commemorates Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Three other cenotaphs stand nearby. The cenotaph of Maharaja Jaswant Singh holds rare portraits of the rulers and Maharajas of Jodhpur. A visit inside the cenotaphs, with some villagers of the region, reveals the reverence they still hold for their brave kings.

  Drive to the Bishnoi villages for a short jeep safari.

  Visit the Bishnoi villages to gain a rare glimpse into the rich culture and true essence of India. The Bishnoi community inhabits this village and are staunch believers in the sanctity of plant and animal life. Khejri trees and deer are common sights in the villages. The great desert landscape along the countryside offers memorable moments.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day9
  Jodhpur - Jaipur (By Surface)
  

  Breakfast will be at the hotel.

  Drive to the city of Jaipur through rustic villages. Reach and check into the hotel by afternoon.

  Jaipur, the capital of the state of Rajasthan, is a romantic realm of resplendent palaces, mighty fortresses, and regal Maharajahs. It lies in the western deserts and is an utterly unique part of India. Proudly belonging to the Kshatriya warrior caste and fiercely independent, the Rajput princes made fearsome foes. However, many of them realized that to maintain their wealth and authority locally, it was expedient to proclaim allegiance to the central power. Thus, many enjoyed a privileged position under the Mughal emperors and the British Raj that followed.

  The bustling Rajasthan capital of Jaipur takes its name from its venerated founder, Jai Singh II, who was given the title Sawai Maharaja by the Mughals. Literally translated, this means 'one and a quarter', suggesting that the Mughals thought this emperor to be more valuable than just 'one'. Jaipur is known as the 'Pink City' because of the distinctive color of its buildings. This did not, however, form part of the original plan but dates back to 1856 when the city was given a wash of pink in honor of a State Visit from Prince Albert.

  This evening, visit the Birla Temple to learn more about the fascinating religious life of Jaipur. The marble structure, built as recently as 1985, houses ornate statues, including one of Lakshmi (goddess of Wealth and Beauty) and Narayan dressed in gaudy robes, representing a Hindu vision of heavenly luxury. Carvings in the temple and on pillars supporting the covered walkways include images of the Hindu pantheon, as well as Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and St. Francis of Assisi. Your visit will coincide with the Aarti Ceremony, which involves oil lamps being lit and waved to awake and invoke the deity.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day10
  Jaipur Sightseeing
  

  Proceed for a morning excursion to Amber Fort after breakfast. Enjoy an elephant ride ascent to the fort.

  Amber Fort Palace: Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592 and completed by his descendant Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.

  Continue sightseeing.

  City Palace: A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple, and the City Palace Museum.

  Jantar Mantar: This is the largest and best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory, consisting of outsized astronomical instruments, is still in use.

  Hawa Mahal: The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. It is a five-storey structure of sandstone plastered pink and encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.

  This afternoon is free for you to relax, shop, or explore independently. Shopping is superb in Jaipur, particularly for gold and silver jewelry, pottery, tie-dye materials, silk saris, wooden handicrafts, and carpets.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day11
  Japiur - Fatehpur Sikri - Agra (By Surface)
  

  After breakfast, drive to Agra. En route, visit Fatehpur Sikri.

  Fatehpur Sikri: Located 37 km west of Agra, Fatehpur Sikri was built by Jalal-ud-din-Muhammad Akbar, Humayun's son, who ascended the throne at the age of 14. While hunting in Sikri, Akbar heard songs about Khwaja Mu'inu'd-din Chishti, the founder of the Chishti order of Sufis. Without a male heir, Akbar visited Saint Salim Chishti in 1568, who blessed him with three sons. In gratitude, Akbar ordered the construction of the great mosque at Fatehpur Sikri and moved his capital there. Notable buildings include the Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Jodhabai Palace, Birbal's House, Marian's House, and the Panchmahal.

  Arrive in Agra and transfer to the hotel.

  Agra: Two great Mughal monarchs, Akbar and Shah Jahan, transformed the village of Agra into a second capital of the Mughal Empire, calling it Dar-ul-Khilafat (seat of the Emperor). Modern Agra reflects its Mughal heritage through its red sandstone and white marble edifices, narrow streets, and Mughlai cuisine.

  In the evening, enjoy a show, "Mohabbat-e-Taj," which depicts the saga of Shah Jahan's love for Mumtaz Mahal, the lavish Mughal lifestyle, and the creation of the Taj Mahal by artisans over 22 years.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day12
  Agra Sightseeing
  

  Proceed for a day of sightseeing in Agra.

  Taj Mahal: An architectural marvel, the Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan as a white marble memorial to his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Designed by Persian architect Ustad Isa, it took 22 years to complete. The Taj is renowned for its stunning design, perfect symmetry, elegant domes, intricately carved screens, and exquisite inlay work.

  Sikandra: The mausoleum of Emperor Akbar, Sikandra is a serene and low-profile monument. Though understated, it has an awe-inspiring tomb. The structure reflects a blend of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, and Jain motifs, symbolizing Akbar's Deen-e-Ilaahi. Akbar began its construction, and his son Jahangir completed it in 1613.

  Agra Fort: Built by Emperor Akbar in 1565 AD, this red sandstone fort features impressive gates, walls, and a moat. Inside, the Pearl Mosque is a highlight. The fort is situated along the Yamuna River and was used as a citadel.

  Baby Taj (Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb): Constructed by Noor Jahan for her father, Itmad-Ud-Daulah, this mausoleum is noted for its intricate marble inlay work. It was built in 1628 and is often considered more beautiful than the Taj Mahal. The tomb features a tranquil garden by the Yamuna River and reflects Islamic architectural style.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day13
  Agra - Jhansi (By Train) - Orcha - Khajuraho (By Surface)
  

  After breakfast, you will be transferred to Agra Cantt Railway Station as per the train schedule, to board a train to Jhansi.

  Upon arrival in Jhansi, proceed to Orchha, located 12 km away.

  Orchha, founded by the Bundela rulers, is known for its palaces and temples from the 16th and 17th centuries, which have remarkably withstood the test of time. The town is renowned for its chattris (cenotaphs) built in memory of the kings, and the Betwa River flows nearby.

  Enjoy sightseeing of Orchha’s fort complex and have lunch in Orchha.

  Continue your drive to Khajuraho. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax.

  Khajuraho, located in the northern part of Madhya Pradesh, is famed for its temples and the Khajuraho Dance Festival. The name Khajuraho is derived from the Khajur tree (date palm) that is abundant in the region. The Khajuraho Temples are celebrated for their erotic architecture and intricate carvings depicting various aspects of womanhood, including daily activities and expressions of beauty. These temples are designed to guide the viewer's gaze from the ground upwards, creating a sense of ascending to heaven.

  In the evening, enjoy the Sound and Light Show and retire for the night.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day14

  Khajuraho - Varanasi (Late Afternoon Flight)
  Breakfast at the hotel.

  Morning Sightseeing of Khajuraho Temples

  Western Group of Temples: These temples are renowned for their detailed carvings and are divided into several zones. Notable temples include:
  Kandariya Mahadev Temple: Known for its intricate carvings depicting celestial beings, lovers, and musicians.
  Chousat Yogini Temple: Dedicated to Kali, though it lacks the deity.
  Matangeshwara Temple: The only temple still used for worship, featuring minimal ornamentation.
  Varaha Temple: Dedicated to Vishnu’s boar incarnation, with exquisite carvings of 764 divine figures.
  Lakshmana Temple: Dedicated to Vishnu, showcasing sculptures of mythological stories.
  Vishwanath Temple: Known for its stunning exterior carvings, including erotic depictions.
  Chitragupta Temple: Dedicated to the Sun God, with carvings of royal processions and other scenes.

  Eastern Group of Temples: Includes the well-preserved Brahma Temple and Hanuman Temple. The Vamana Temple depicts all ten incarnations of Vishnu. This group also features Jain temples such as Ghantai Temple, Parsvanath Temple, and Shantinath Temple, reflecting the influence of Jainism on the Chandela dynasty.

  Transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

  Varanasi Overview:

  Situated on the left bank of the River Ganges, Varanasi is one of the oldest living cities in India, known for its sacred significance to Hindus. The city’s name is derived from the Varuna and Assi rivers. Varanasi offers a rich experience with its temples, ghats, and vibrant cultural life. The city is renowned for its music, arts, crafts, and silk weaving, producing the famous Banarasi silk saris.

  Evening Aarti at the Ghats: Enjoy the traditional ceremony with a guide explaining the chants and rituals.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day15

  Varanasi Sightseeing
  

  Early Morning:

  • Daswamedh Ghat: Depart early (around 0500 hrs) for a boat ride on the Ganges. Experience the sacred river, see the cremation ghats, and witness the living traditions of one of the world's oldest religions. Enjoy the sunrise view as thousands of faithful bathe and pray along the ghats, with temples and palaces rising in the background.

  • Walk Through the Streets: After the boat ride, explore the cobblestone streets along the Ganges as shops open and the area becomes bustling with activity. Visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple on your way back to the hotel.

  Breakfast at the hotel.

  Day Tour of Varanasi:

  • Bharat Mata Temple: See the marble relief map of Mother India.

  • Durga Temple (Monkey Temple): Known for its large population of monkeys.

  • Tulsi Manas Temple: Marvel at the white marble temple featuring the Ramayana inscribed on its walls.

  • BHU (Banaras Hindu University): Explore Asia's largest residential university, including its art gallery and Aurangzeb’s Mosque.

  Visit Sarnath (5 miles from Varanasi):

  • Sarnath: Where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. Visit the Dharmarajika Stupa, the 110 ft. tall Damekh Stupa, and the Archaeological Museum (open 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs, closed Fridays) with its collection of Buddhist relics.

  Evening: Free time to explore Varanasi independently.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day16
  Varanasi - Kolkata (By Flight)
  

  Breakfast at the hotel. Proceed to the airport for your flight to Kolkata.

  Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, was the first capital of British India. Established in 1686 when the British moved from their trading port of Hooghly to the small villages of Sutanati, Govindpur, and Kalikata, the city flourished until 1756 when it was attacked by Siraj-Ud-Daula, the Nawab of Bengal, and the British were driven away. Lord Clive later retook the city, which remained the capital of British India until 1911. This long period as the center of British power has endowed Kolkata with a unique culture and heritage unlike any other city in India.

  Upon arrival in Kolkata, check into your hotel.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day17
  Kolkata Sightseeing
  

  Breakfast at the hotel.
  
  After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of the city.

  Visit the Mother Teresa Mission, Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and Birla Planetarium.

  The Victoria Memorial is a grand edifice constructed in memory of Queen Victoria. This building houses a number of rare historical artifacts. Howrah Bridge, an iconic landmark, is an architectural marvel of the country.

  The Birla Planetarium is the second-largest planetarium in Asia and a noteworthy site.

  In the evening, enjoy a cruise on the River Ganges, experiencing the city at sunset and appreciating the heritage of the old British capital.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day18
  Kolkata - Bagdogra (By Flight) - Darjeeling (By Surface)
  

  After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Kolkata airport to board the flight to Bagdogra. From there, proceed by road to Darjeeling.

  Upon arrival in Darjeeling, check into the beautiful tea estate hotel.

  Historically, the mountain spurs on which Darjeeling now stands were part of the independent kingdom of Sikkim and covered with dense forest. When the East India Company first encountered the area, it had fewer than two hundred inhabitants. Today, Darjeeling is a bustling town with a diverse population.

  Following India's independence, Darjeeling became part of West Bengal. In 1986, a major agitation for an independent state in the Indian Union led to the creation of the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council, which has been granted considerable administrative autonomy.

  Internationally acclaimed as one of the best hill stations in the world, Darjeeling is adorned with pine trees, rhododendrons, magnolias, primulas, and orchids. The town, with its hillside houses, offers numerous places of interest.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day19
  Darjeeling Sightseeing
  

  After breakfast, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Darjeeling and its surrounding areas.

  Chowrastha: This central square is the heart of Darjeeling, where visitors often relax and enjoy the stunning views of Kanchenjunga. It is a large flat platform surrounded by benches, offering a beautiful panorama of the surrounding hills. A walk along the Mall Road provides views of the hills and, depending on the season, blooming rhododendrons.

  Natural History Museum: Located near Chowrastha, this museum features a comprehensive collection of regional fauna, including birds, reptiles, and animals from different altitudes in the Eastern Himalayas. Special sections on butterflies and beetles are also notable.

  Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: Situated at an elevation of 2,133.5 meters, this zoo is renowned for breeding Tibetan wolves, Snow Leopards, and Siberian Tigers in captivity. Established in 1958, it is dedicated to the conservation of Himalayan fauna and was named in memory of Shrimati Padmaja Naidu in 1975.

  Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: A key attraction in Darjeeling, the Institute offers magnificent views of the Kanchenjunga massif and serves as a major center for mountaineering training.

  Observatory Hill: A short walk from Chowrastha, this hill features the Sacred Mahakal Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and a Buddhist shrine, reflecting the harmony between Hinduism and Buddhism.

  Darjeeling-Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway: Connecting Darjeeling with Bijanbari, this ropeway is the longest in India at 4,620 feet. It offers panoramic views of tea gardens and is the largest passenger-carrying ropeway in Asia.

  Love Road: Known for its stunning views and tranquility, Love Road is a beautiful, less-traveled path perfect for a peaceful stroll.

  Tibetan Refugees Self-Help Centre: Established on October 1, 1959, to aid Tibetan refugees following the Dalai Lama's escape, this center supports economic, social, and cultural rehabilitation for Tibetans in Darjeeling.

  Tiger Hill: Famous for its breathtaking sunrise views, this hill, accessed via Ghoom Railway Station, offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks and is a must-see experience.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.

• day20
  Darjeeling - Bagdogra (By Surface) - Mumbai (Connecting Flight via Kolkata)
  

  After breakfast, proceed by road to Bagdogra and take a flight to Kolkata. From Kolkata, board a connecting flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, check into the hotel.

  Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is a vibrant and youthful city known for its unique blend of cultural currents. Located on the southwestern coast of India, it occupies a peninsular site originally composed of seven islets off the Konkan coast. Mumbai is the financial and commercial hub of India, with a major port on the Arabian Sea and a reputation for its maverick moneymaking spirit and carefree attitude.

  Despite its bustling, densely populated nature, Mumbai also has historical roots, named after the local goddess "Mumba," a form of Parvati, the consort of Shiva. The city’s name reflects its ancient heritage and cultural significance.

  Overnight stay at the hotel.