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Arrival in Kolkata and Transfer to Hotel
Our representative will meet & greet you at this airport upon arrival and get you transferred to your hotel.
Kolkata, situated on the east bank of the Hooghly River, is the capital of West Bengal and India’s second-largest city. As a major commercial, cultural, and educational hub of East India, Kolkata boasts a rich tapestry of history and modernity.
The city is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene and historical significance. It was home to Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, whose literary works continue to inspire, and Oscar-winning filmmaker Satyajit Ray, known for his contributions to Indian cinema. Kolkata's diverse cultural landscape includes thriving traditions in drama, art, theatre, and literature, making it a melting pot of artistic and intellectual achievements.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Kolkata Sightseeing
Post breakfast, proceed for sightseeing:
Victoria Memorial: A grand white marble building dedicated to Queen Victoria, now housing a museum and an art gallery. It is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and is a key landmark of Kolkata.
Marble Palace: An exquisite 19th-century mansion known for its stunning marble floors and eclectic collection of art, including paintings by European masters and antique furnishings.
Jorasanko Thakurbari: Also known as the Tagore House, it was the ancestral home of the Tagore family and the birthplace of Rabindranath Tagore, the renowned poet and Nobel laureate. It now serves as a museum dedicated to the Tagore family and their contributions to literature and arts.
Birla Temple: A modern Hindu temple dedicated to Lakshmi and Vishnu, known for its impressive marble architecture and peaceful ambiance.
Kalighat: One of the 51 Shakti Peethas, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali and is a major pilgrimage site in Kolkata. It is known for its vibrant rituals and offerings.
The rest of the time will be spent at leisure.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Kolkata - Sunderbans
Early Morning Transfer to Sonakhali Jetty
Begin your day with an early morning transfer to Sonakhali Jetty, a picturesque 2-hour drive through beautiful countryside and vibrant rural bazaars. Along the way, stop at a local teashop to experience the local culture and visit fishermen’s villages to observe their daily activities.
Upon arrival at Sonakhali Jetty, board a boat where a local guide and naturalist will welcome you with a refreshing drink. During this time, they will provide a briefing on the day's activities and the unique ecosystem of the Sundarbans.
Commence a spectacular 2-hour cruise through the scenic rivers Hogol, Gomor, Durgaduani, and Gumdi. The cruise offers breathtaking views of the lush mangroves and diverse wildlife.
You have the option to stop at Gosaba (optional), one of the earliest human settlements in the Sundarbans. Here, you can visit the house of Sir Daniel Hamilton, a Scottish banker who played a significant role in developing agriculture and initiating the first cooperative movement in India.
Arrive at Bali Island and check into the jungle camp. After settling in, enjoy a delicious lunch prepared with local ingredients.
In the afternoon, embark on a 3-hour birding and game cruise through the intricate creeks and canals of the Sundarbans. Your destination is the Sudhanyakhali Watchtower, a prime spot for observing wildlife, including the elusive Bengal tiger. This watchtower is known for offering the most frequent tiger sightings in the region.
Return to the jungle camp in the early evening, where you can relax and reflect on the day's adventures. Enjoy dinner and the serene ambiance of the Sundarbans as you unwind for the night.
Overnight Stay at the Jungle Camp.
Sunderban National Park
Post breakfast, explore the Sundarbans National Park.
The Sundarbans National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, teeming with a variety of flora and fauna. After an early breakfast, embark on a full-day game cruise and birding tour to the Netidhopani and Dobanki watchtowers.
The main attractions of Netidhopani are the tiger watchtower and the ruins of a 400-year-old temple. This watchtower is an excellent spot for observing Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. If you are fortunate, you might catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures.
Next, visit the Dobanki Watchtower, famous for its Canopy Walk. This unique walkway, extending over half a kilometer at a height of 6 meters from the ground, is enclosed with a sturdy grill and net, forming a protective canopy. As you traverse this path, you'll venture deep into the forest, potentially walking alongside various mammals, including tigers. This thrilling experience provides a unique perspective of the park's wildlife.
Enjoy lunch served on board your boat, allowing you to relax and take in the serene surroundings as you continue your exploration of the Sundarbans.
Return to the jungle camp in the early evening, where you can unwind and reflect on the day's adventures.
Overnight Stay at the Jungle Camp.
After breakfast, embark on a guided village walk. This immersive experience allows you to interact with the local villagers, gaining insights into their daily lives, traditional crafts, and unique cuisines. You'll have the opportunity to learn about their traditional farming methods and observe their way of life up close.
Later in the morning, enjoy a tranquil cruise in a manually oared country boat. This serene journey through the waterways offers a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape and a chance to observe local wildlife in their natural habitat.
Return to the jungle camp for a delightful lunch, where you can relax and savor the flavors of local cuisine.
In the afternoon, depart for Sonakhali Jetty. Upon arrival, you will be met by a driver for the 2-hour transfer to Kolkata by car. This scenic drive offers a final glimpse of the beautiful countryside.
In the evening, board an overnight train to New Jalpaiguri, ready for the next leg of your journey.
Arrival at New Jalpaigudi/Darjeeling
Arrive at New Jalpaiguri this morning and transfer to the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the ‘Toy Train,’ for the all-day journey to Darjeeling. Built between 1879 and 1881, the railway is approximately 78 kilometers long. Its elevation varies from about 100 meters at New Jalpaiguri to about 2,200 meters at Darjeeling.
As you embark on this historic and scenic train ride, you'll traverse through picturesque landscapes, passing lush tea gardens, charming villages, and verdant hillsides. The narrow-gauge railway, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a unique glimpse into the region's natural beauty and engineering marvels. The journey itself is an adventure, with the train winding through sharp curves and steep gradients, providing breathtaking views at every turn.
Arrival in Darjeeling
A popular tourist destination, Darjeeling was established by the British in the mid-19th century with the setting up of a sanatorium and a military depot. It subsequently became Bengal’s summer capital. Much of its Raj era splendor is still to be seen, in contrast to its Tibetan, Nepali, and Bengali character. The town is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage and its panoramic views of the Himalayas, including the majestic Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world.
Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and soak in the colonial charm and serene ambiance of this hill station. Take a leisurely stroll through the town, visit local markets, or simply enjoy the cool mountain air.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Darjeeling Sightseeing
Post breakfast, take a sightseeing tour this morning.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: Start your tour at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which contains a contour model of the Himalayan peaks. Founded in 1954, the institute offers fascinating insights into the history of mountaineering and the challenges faced by climbers. You can also learn about the first successful ascent of Mount Everest by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary.
Zoological Gardens: Next, visit the Zoological Gardens, home to a vast collection of Himalayan flora and fauna, including hundreds of species of orchids. This zoo is renowned for its successful breeding programs of endangered species like the snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan wolf. It's a wonderful place to observe these rare animals in a setting that closely mimics their natural habitats.
Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre: Proceed to the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre, where you can visit the craft workshops producing carpets, woodcarvings, leatherwork, and woolen items. Established in 1959, this center provides employment and support to Tibetan refugees, preserving traditional crafts and cultural heritage. You can purchase handmade items as souvenirs and contribute to the community's welfare.
Tea Plantation: Darjeeling has acquired a global reputation for its teas, so no visit here is complete without a wander through a tea plantation. Learn about the tea-making process from plucking the leaves to processing and tasting the final product. Visiting a plantation offers a serene and picturesque experience, with rolling hills covered in lush tea bushes.
Exploring the Town: Spend the afternoon exploring the town. The Mall and Chowrasta (crossroads) in upper Darjeeling are perfect for leisurely strolls, tea drinking, and souvenir shopping. The Mall Road is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering a vibrant atmosphere where you can soak in the local culture and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Darjeeling - Gangtok (By Surface)
Post breakfast, drive to Gangtok, the capital of the Himalayan state of Sikkim. A bustling, friendly hill station with a diverse population of indigenous Sikkimese and people of Nepalese and Tibetan ancestry, Gangtok is famed for its spectacular mountain vistas.
Check in to your hotel on arrival and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. The town’s main street, MG Marg, is pedestrianized and a pleasant place for a wander, and the winding side alleys hide some unexpected gems.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Gangtok Sightseeing
Gangtok is renowned for its scenery – there are beautiful views of the surrounding hills from the town itself, but the best views – dominated by Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain – are from Ganesh Tok, high above the town. Rise early this morning to view the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga range from this point.
Return to your hotel for breakfast, and afterwards, take in the sights.
Visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, which houses an excellent collection of Tibetan, Sanskrit, and Lepcha manuscripts, as well as Buddhist icons, masks, musical instruments, jewelry, and thangkas (painted or embroidered tapestry wall hangings). Also visit the serene monastery at Rumtek, the region’s top attraction – its design is said to replicate that of the original Kagyu headquarters in Tibet. Regarded as the richest Buddhist monastic center in India, Rumtek contains a number of rare and unique religious artifacts.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Gangtok - Kalimpong (By Surface)
Post breakfast drive to Kalimpong, known for its spectacular views and its horticulture, particularly its wide array of orchids and gladioli. Check in to your hotel on arrival and afterwards, take in some of the town’s sights.
Dello Hills: At a height of 1,914 meters and only 6 kilometers from Kalimpong, Dello Hill is a pleasant drive through lovely landscapes and offers a splendid view of Kanchenjunga.
Dr. Graham’s Home: Spread over an area of 200 hectares, this institution includes cottages, a school, a hospital, a workshop, a farm, and a bakery, all looking after the needs of more than 1,500 students. The campus is noted as a "miniature town" and is self-sufficient enough to produce and provide its own food, clothing, and lodging.
Flower Nurseries: Kalimpong is renowned for its flower nurseries, where you can see a wide variety of orchids and gladioli.
Paper Factory: Visit a small factory that makes paper using traditional methods, giving you insight into local craftsmanship.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Kalimpong - Guwahati (By Flight) - Khaziranga
Post breakfast drive to Bagdogra airport for your flight to Guwahati. You will be met by our representative on arrival and get transferred to Kaziranga by road.
Kaziranga National Park: Established by Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, in 1908, Assam’s magnificent Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 430 sq km park is a vast expanse of tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense tropical broadleaf forests, crisscrossed by four major rivers, including the Brahmaputra. The park also includes numerous small water bodies, making it a rich and diverse habitat for wildlife.
Overnight stay at the hotel/ jungle camp.
Khaziranga National Park
Post breakfast proceed to explore the Khaziranga National Park.
Kaziranga National Park is home to the majority of the world's population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses. It also supports large populations of elephants, water buffaloes, swamp deer, hog deer, sambar, wild boars, Hoolock gibbons, and pythons. The park is renowned for its avian diversity, hosting around 300 species of birds, including the rare Bengal florican. Additionally, Kaziranga boasts the highest density of tigers in India, though their dense habitat can make sightings challenging.
This morning, take a guided safari into the park by jeep or, for a closer encounter with the rhinos, atop an elephant.
Overnight stay at the hotel/ jungle camp.
Khaziranga - Dibrugarh
You have the option to take another safari this morning. Afterwards, depart from Kaziranga to Dibrugarh.
Transfer to Mancotta Chang Bungalow, was built by British tea planters in 1849 and is situated on the banks of the River Brahmaputra amidst a working tea estate. Settle in upon arrival and relax on the veranda, which offers views across lawns, flowerbeds, and gravel paths leading to some of Assam’s lush tea plantations.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Dibrugarh (Day at Leisure)
Breakfast will be at the hotel.
Day free on the plantation. There are a number of activities available. An obvious choice is to take a tour of the tea gardens, tea worker colonies, and the tea processing factory, followed by a tea tasting session.If you're feeling energetic, you might enjoy kayaking or horseback riding (the owners of the bungalow have a stable of over a dozen superb thoroughbreds). Alternatively, you can visit the historical Ahom monuments at Sibsagar or the World War II cemetery at Digboi or explore variety of activities in the hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Kolkata Airport Departure
Transfer to the Dibrugarh airport for your return flight to Kolkata.
B-1/ 603A, II Floor, Front Side, Near Janakpuri East Metro Station, Janakpuri, New Delhi – 110058, India
Registered Address:61, Shiva Enclave, Block F, Vikas Nagar, Uttam Nagar, New Delhi-110059, India
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