Overview
The International Flower Festival showcases an exceptional show of
interesting varieties of flowers including rare orchids and rhododendrons. In
this festival, you can also figure-out remarkable plants that are actually
indigenous to Sikkim. This Flower Festival is celebrated in summers during the
peak blossoming season in Sikkim. During these months, the horticultural
delights of Sikkim look their best. The venue is made near White Hall, not far
from Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim.
Sikkim is renowned for its rich flora and the festival approves the idea, with
the display of around 600 species of orchids, 240 species of trees and ferns,
150 varieties of gladioli and 46 types of the world-famous rhododendrons.
Continuing the list, you can also see variety of magnolias and many other
foliage plants. However, the main attraction is gathered by exquisite orchids,
gladioli, roses, cacti, alpine plants, creepers, climbers, ferns, herbs etc.
The experts and masters of botanical sciences also come up to hold lectures
and seminars. The International Flower Festival is definitely a colorful treat
for the eyes and the event is important not only on state level but on the
national level too. The amazing assortment of flowers confirms it as a
fantastic event and attracts a multitude of people from all over.
Cost includes:
• Double room on twin sharing basis on bed & breakfast
basis, except full board at Pelling & at Gangtok.
• All transfers and sight seeing by non air-conditioned Vehicle in the hills &
by air-conditioned vehicle in Kolkata.
• Services of English Speaking local guides in each city for sightseeing as
per the itinerary.
• Service Tax
Cost does not include:
• Any airport taxes.
• Any airfares.
• Any new tax imposed by the Government.
• Any entrances
• Any meals other than specified
• Any expenditure of personal nature such as tips, drinks, telephone charges,
laundry etc.
IMP:
• Incase of waitlisted booking we have to hold the alternate, for which we
will advise the supplement OR reduction accordingly.
• The above rates are based on presently prevailing taxes and entrances to the
monuments. If there is any change, prices will also change accordingly.
• Check in and check out time is 1200 Hrs noontime.
• In case of fluctuations in the Rate of Exchange, the above-mentioned prices
will change.
10th, April 2012:
Kolkata Arrive
Fly to Kolkata. On arrival in Kolkata you will be greeted
and escorted by Indo Asia Tour's staff to your hotel. On arrival, check in the
hotel. (Room will be available from 1200 Noon).
Overnight stay at hotel.
11th, April 2012: Kolkata
In the morning after breakfast visit the Famous Jain
Temples of Kolkata, The Howard Bridge,
The cantilevered bridge, also known as Rabindra Setu, is similar in size to the
Sydney Harbour Bridge but carries a flow of traffic which Sydney could never
dream of .It is the busiest bridge in the world. Later drive to the Kali ma
temple located near the banks of the River Ganges at Kali
Ghat. According to popular legend the Lord Shiva's consort sati killed herself
by burning herself as her parents humiliated Lord Shiva, Shiva reached too late
and then he picked up her charred body and began the 'tandav' the dance of
cosmic destruction. To prevent the destruction of the world Lord Vishnu chopped
Sati's charred body into 51 pieces that fell in different parts of the earth and
a part fell on the
banks of the Ganges and thus the name Kali Ghat and consequently the name
Kolkata.
Also visit Victoria Memorial that is a huge white-marble structure and the most
enduring of remains of the British Raj in India. Built by Lord Curzon in memory
of the popular monarch, Queen Victoria, it is a wonderful example of the Western
style of architecture. It has been now converted in a museum that houses the
most impressive collection of memorabilia from the days of Raj. The manuscripts,
paintings and sculptures here are outstanding.
Overnight in the Hotel.
12th, April 2012: Kolkata - BagDogra -
Darjeeling
After breakfast transfer to airport to board the flight for Bagdogra.
On arrival, drive to Darjeeling through green forests of teak and tea
plantations up the serpentine mountain roads to the Queen of Hill stations. (96
km.- 3-½ hrs)
Darjeeling - a picture perfect hill station sitting atop a ridge at 2134m is
replete with Buddhist monasteries, trekking trails and awesome mountain views.
The panoramic views of the snow clad peaks of the Himalayas are straight out of
a postcard and provide a welcome relief from
the dust and soot of urban India. Darjeeling originally belonged to the
independent state of Sikkim. Later in the eighteenth century, it was taken over
by the Bhutanese and the Gurkhas. The British East India Company in its many
annexes finally gained control of the town and developed its potential as a
sanatorium, and a "rest and recreation" centre for the troops and a pass to
Nepal and Tibet. Even today, the place is full of Sherpas, Gurkhas, Bhutias and
Nepalis.
On arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in.
Overnight at the hotel.
13th, April 2012: Darjeeling
Wake up in the early hours around four in the morning. Have a quick cup of tea
and drive to Tiger Hill, which stands at a height of 2590 mtrs. to witness the
spectacular sunrise over the snowy Kanchenjunga Later board the train till Ghoom.
Visit the Ghoom Monastery to see a 15- foot high statue of Maitreya Buddha.
Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Return to the hotel.
Dinner & Overnight in the Hotel.
14th, April 2012: Darjeeling
After breakfast drive to the railway station to board the
Toy train ride to Ghoom.
Later drive to the hotel for lunch. After lunch half-day city tour of Darjeeling
visiting the Tibetan Refugee Center, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the
Zoo and the market. Return to the hotel. Evening is free for the independent
activities.
Dinner and Overnight in the hotel.
15th, April 2012: Darjeeling - Pemayangtse
After breakfast drive from Darjeeling to Pemayangtse. It is
about 135 Kms and will take about
6/7 hrs drives. Afternoon is free.
Dinner & Overnight in the Hotel.
16th, April 2012 Pemayangtse - Gangtok
In the morning walk to the most interesting and important monastery of Pemayangtse - a premier monastery in Sikkim built in the 17th century. The
unique feature of this monastery is the wooden structure depicting Sanglokpahi,
the Heavenly Abode of Guru Padma Sambhava. Later drive to Gangtok. It is about
125 Kms and will take about 6 hrs drive.
On arrival, transfer to the Hotel.
Dinner & Overnight in the Hotel.
17th, April 2012: Gangtok
After breakfast visit the Flower Show.
A rare shows of exotic varieties of flowers, orchids and other plants native to
Sikkim, a northeast state. Held every summer during the peak flowering season,
this is a spectacular
event attracting people from all over India.
Dinner & Overnight in the Hotel.
18th, April 2012: Gangtok
After breakfast, drive to the most important and famous
monastery of Sikkim at Rumtek on the other side of the valley.
In the afternoon visit the Enchey monastery and the Namgyal Institute of
Tibetology with its largest collection of Tibetan books, rare Thangkas and
Tibetan manuscripts.
Dinner & Overnight in the Hotel.
19th, April 2012: Gangtok - Kalimpong
Drive to Kalimpong (75 kms), a remote hill station which
has been meeting point of the once "three Closed lands" on the trade route to
Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal. The original name meant the stronghold (pong) of the
king (Kalim). It is an attractive place with mountain scenery, oak forests and
abundance of flowers.
On arrival check in at hotel.
Rest of the day is free. In the evening visit Kalipmpong Maraket.
Dinner & Overnight in the hotel.
20th, April 2012: Kalimpong
After breakfast visit The MacFarlane Church testimony of
the Scottish missionaries’ influence and a monument of Kalimpong’s diverse
history, Dr. Graham’s Home, which was founded in
1880 by Dr. John A. Graham, is a sprawling educational institution built on
Deolo Hill north of the main township.
Durpin Dara an observatory point from where a truly spectacular view of the
Himalaya can be enjoyed.
Pedong monastery built around 1837, is of Bhutanese origin, while a kilometer
away is the historical Bhutanese fort of Damsang, an important landmark of the
area before the main town of Kalimpong came into prominence.
Kalimpong Arts & Craft Center founded in 1897 by Mrs. Graham, is a thriving
center where carpet weaving, dyeing, painting, tailoring, leather craft and
carpentry are taught, besides promoting the work of local artisans and
craftsmen.
Overnight in the hotel.
21st, April 2012: Kalimpong - Bagdogra -
Kolkata
After breakfast drive to Bagdogra Airport. On arrival board
the connecting flight to for Kolkata. (Room will be available from 1200 Noon)
On arrival, transfer to the hotel and check into the Hotel.
Overnight in the hotel.
22nd, April 2012: Kolkata Departure
On time transfer to the
International Airport
to board the flight for onwards journey.
End of Services
