Arrive at Kolkata / Day 01
Arrive in Kolkata. On arrival, you will be greeted and assisted by our representative and transferred to the hotel. (Rooms will be available from 14:00 hrs only) KOLKATA - The word Kolkata derives from the Bengali term Kolikata, the name of one of three villages that predated the arrival of the British, in the area where the city eventually was established. Enjoy sightseeing of Kolkata including: Victoria Memorial: This splendid architectural structure was built in the early 20th century in memory of Queen Victoria by Lord Curzon between 1906 and 1921 and was formally inaugurated by the Prince of Wales. The Victoria Memorial blends the best of the British and Mughal architecture. It is interesting to note that the Victoria Memorial was built without British government funds. Kumartuli: Kumartuli is the only potter's quarter in the city of Kolkata. Every lane and bylane of this town, have houses, which have been converted into platforms. Here master sculptors work round the clock to create clay idols of deities, of the Hindu pantheon like Durga, Kali, Saraswati, Ganesha, etc. Work peaks in the days ahead of Durga Puja or Dussehra Festival. Mother Teresa House: Nirmal Hriday is the first institution, established in 1950, by Mother Teresa under her own organization "Missionaries of Charity". This is a home for sick, destitute and the dying people. Sick people are medically treated here and all medical facilities are provided free of cost. St. Paul Cathedral Church: Noted for its Indo-Gothic style of architecture and with a height of 201 feet, it was built in the year 1847, by Major W.N. Forbes of East India Company. This Cathedral has the rare distinction of being the 1st Episcopal Church of the East. Overnight at the hotel.
Kolkata / Bagdogra / Darjeeling / Day 02
After breakfast, transfer to the Airport to connect flight to Bagdogra. On arrival, you will be greeted and assisted by our representative and drive to Darjeeling DARJEELING – Often referred to as the “Queen of Hill Stations”, Darjeeling is located at an average elevation of 2,050 meters above sea level. The hill station is renowned internationally for its tea industry and presents spectacular views of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks. On arrival in Darjeeling, transfer to hotel. Evening enjoy walk around the Mall/Chowrasta which is the main hub of Darjeeling. Overnight at the hotel.
Darjeeling / Day 03
Today enjoy excursion to a Tea Estate. You will enjoy a tea plantation tour, visit to a tea factory and watch the processing of tea followed by a tea tasting session. Later enjoy a toy train joy ride on the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Steam Train, a UNESCO World heritage site (approximately 02 hrs journey to and from Darjeeling Railway Station). Note: Tea factory remains closed on Sunday. There is no tea plucking and processing between December – March.
Darjeeling / Day 04
After breakfast enjoy visit of Darjeeling including following: Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Museum (Remains closed on Thursday) - About two km from the town, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) runs courses to train mountaineers, and maintains a couple of interesting museums. The Mountaineering Museum contains a collection of historic mountaineering equipment, specimens of Himalayan flora and fauna and a model of the Himalaya. The Everest Museum next door traces the history of trekking attempts on the great peak. Himalayan Zoological Park (Remains closed on Thursday) - This zoo was established in 1958 with the prime objective of study, conservation and preservation of Himalayan fauna. The animals are well cared by dedicated keepers. The zoo houses India's only collection of Siberian tigers and some rare species, such as the red panda and the Tibetan wolf. Tibetan Refugee Centre: Established in 1959, the centre comprises a home for the aged, and orphanage, school, hospital and craft workshops that produce carpets of pure Ladakhi wool, woodcarving, leather work and wool items. The weaving and dyeing unit and the wood carving unit are particularly interesting. Toy Train ride: A visit to Darjeeling is incomplete without a ride in the toy train of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR). The miniature train, given heritage status by UNESCO, covers the distance of 88 km between New Jalpaiguri station and Darjeeling. This fascinating narrow gauge steam engine powered train still operates with the original steam engine and the loops and the zigzags along the route are remarkable feats of engineering. The short journey from Darjeeling town to Ghoom (the nearest station), becomes a joy ride in itself. Ghoom Monastery - More correctly known as Yogachoeling Gompa, this is probably the most famous monastery in Darjeeling. It lies about 8 kms south of town, just below Hill Cart road and the train station near Ghoom. It enshrines an image of the Maitreya Buddha.
Darjeeling / Rumtek / Gangtok / Day 05
Early morning visit Tiger Hill. The highest spot in the area at 2590m, Tiger Hill is located near Ghoom, about 11km from Darjeeling. The hill is famous for its magnificent dawn views over Kanchenjunga and other eastern Himalayan peaks. On a clear day even Mount Everest is visible. After breakfast drive to Gangtok. Before reaching Gangtok visit Rumtek Monastery. It was originally built by 16th Karmapa and is the seat of his holiness, the XVIth Gyawla Karmapa, the head of the Karma Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism. Originally called the Dharma Chakra Centre, it includes a beautiful temple and a monastery for the monks within the precincts. After sightseeing, continue drive to Gangtok. The precise meaning of the name Gangtok is unclear, though the most popular meaning is "hill top". The capital city of Sikkim is located on a ridge overlooking the Ranipool river at a height of 1650 metres. Once an important transit point for traders travelling between Tibet and India, it is today a busy administrative and business centre and presents an interesting mix of cultures and communities. Overnight at the hotel.
Gangtok / Day 06
After breakfast, enjoy visit of Gangtok including the following: Tashi View Point: It was built by the late King of Sikkim, Tashi Namgyal. This site offers a breathtaking panorama of the majestic Mount Kanchenjunga and the surrounding hills. Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology: Located on a hilltop, the world-renowned Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology is built in the typical Tibetan style of architecture. Situated amongst magnolia and oak trees, the institute promotes research on the largest collection of books and manuscripts on Mahayana Buddhism in the world. There are about 30000 volumes and translations of the original teachings of Buddha, and various other treatises of other venerable Buddhist scholars from around the world. Cottage Industries Emporium: Started during the time of the Chogyals of Sikkim, as a venture to preserve, protect and propagate the authentic Sikkimese arts, handicrafts and skills of local and village artisans, it has become one of the major attractions for people visiting Sikkim. Here beautiful souvenirs like carpets, hand carved tables (choktses), traditional handcrafts, furniture, carpets and other products are produced & exhibited for sale. Overnight at the hotel.
Gangtok / Kalimpong / Day 07
After breakfast drive to Kalimpong. Afternoon, enjoy sightseeing including: Zangtok Pelri Phodang: It is Kalimpong’s largest monastery that sits atop Durpin Dara Hill and was consecrated by the Dalai Lama in 1976. It has impressive wall paintings in the prayer room and rare 3D mandalas on the second floor. One can see Mt. Khangchendzonga from the Durpin Dara Hill. Tharpa Choling Monastery: It belongs to the Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism and founded by Domo Geshe Rinpoche Ngawang Kalsang in 1912. Thongsa Gompa: It is the oldest Bhutanese Monastery established in 1692. It was rebuilt in 1964 as the original building was destroyed by Sikkim Gurkhas. Flower Nurseries: Kalimpong produces 80% of India's gladiolas and is an important orchid growing area. Flowers are exported from here to many cities in northern India. Overnight at the hotel
Kalimpong / Bagdogra / Dibrugarh / Day 08
After early breakfast drive to Bagdogra airport to connect flight to Dibrugarh. Dibrugarh derives its name from "Dibrumukha", which means the river 'Dibru' and 'Mukh' which means mouth. It is one of the largest cities in Assam. This beautiful city is full of natural and cultural sites to unwind. Dibrugarh and its surrounding cities Tinsukia and Sivasagar account for almost 50% of India's tea crop in Assam, giving it the sobriquet of the "Tea City of India". In the afternoon take a walk in Mancotta Tea Estate. Evening enjoy a Bihu dance performance by an ethnic dance group. It is the most popular folk dance of Assam. Overnight at the hotel
Dibrugarh / Day 09
Today visit Ethelwold Tea Estate and Mukul Organic Tea Plantation to know all about CTC (Crush, Tear and Curl) & Orthodox tea. Also experience a Tea tasting session of different types of tea with a knowledgeable person in the field of tea / practicing Estate Manager. A Tea Tour through old heritage tea garden gives an insight into the different activities that vary from season to season. It teaches us all about tea, its origin, how it is grown, tea tasting and its quality. Note: Visit to tea factory is subject to being operational on the day of the visit. There is no tea plucking between December till mid March. Hence the actual manufacturing process of tea cannot be demonstrated when one visits the factory during this period. Tea Factory remains closed on Monday. Overnight at the hotel
Dibrugarh – Margerita – Dibrugarh / Day 10
After breakfast drive to Margerita (100 kms / 2.5 hrs) to visit a Singpho tribal village that produces traditional Organic Tea. Singpho people are Theravada Buddhists by religion. The Singphos are divided into a number of clans, each under a Chief known as “Gam”. They were the first to introduce the tea culture in Assam. Interestingly, here the entire process of manufacturing the tea is done in a traditional manner without the use of any machines or gadgets. Enroute at Digboi, visit Oil Museum and the second World War Allied Forces Cemetery where 200 graves are permanently maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Note: Digboi oil Museum remains closed on mondays.
Dibrugarh – Jorhat – Majuli / Day 11
Today after breakfast drive to Jorhat (3.5 hrs) and visit Tocklai Tea Research Station. Tocklai Tea Research Association (TRA) is a registered co-operative society dedicated to scientific research and extension for improvement in productivity and quality of tea in North East India. Research on all aspects of tea cultivation and processing is carried out at the Tocklai Experimental Station. It is the oldest and the largest research station of its kind in the world. Note: It remains closed on Sunday. After lunch drive to Neematighat to board country boat ABN Charaidew I- Floating Heritage hotel on the Brahmaputra. Overnight at the boat.
Majuli – Kaziranga / Day 12
After breakfast, board country boat, which will take you to Majuli Island (approx 1.5 Hrs boat ride), one of the world’s largest river islands. Majuli Island, inhabited by Mising tribes, Deori and Sonowal Kachari tribes, is considered to be the heartland of Assamese culture. The great 15th century Assamese saint and reformer, Srimanta Sankardev arrived here and set up ‘satras’ or ‘monasteries’ preaching a monotheist branch of Hinduism called Vaishnavism, which motivated and established a socio-religious movement that ultimately shaped the island’s Assamese society and culture into what it is today. On arrival in Majuli visit the famous mask making monastery of Samaguri which still practices this ancient tradition of Vaishnavism. From here, drive to Uttar Kamalabari Satra, another monastery that’s known for its monastic dance form. Later interact with the monks, which will allow you to get a deeper insight into how monks live here in the island. After the visit go for a walk into one of the Mising villages, and observe this riverine tribe’s way of life as well as interact with the lovely tribal folk. Late afternoon, transfer to the Kamalabari ferry point where your country boat will be waiting to take you back to Neemati Ghat. Later continue drive to Kaziranga (02 hrs). The Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where more than 75% of the world’s total population of the Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros can be found. It lies on the southern bank of the Brahmaputra River and is one of the oldest parks of Assam. Besides rhinos, the Asiatic Water Buffalo numbering over 1200, elephants over 1000, tigers more than 81, Swamp deer, Barking deer and Hog deer can be seen. About 400 species of birds are found in Kaziranga National Park. Sighting is excellent and is always a great experience here. The specialties here are the blue napped pitta among a host of eagles and waterfowl. Note: Kaziranga National Park remains open from 1st November to 30th April every year. Dinner and overnight in the Hotel.
Kaziranga / Day 13
Enjoy morning and afternoon jeep safari in the National Park. Dinner and overnight in the Hotel
Kaziranga – Guwahati – Kolkata / Day 14
After breakfast drive to Guwahati to connect flight to Kolkata. On arrival in Kolkata, transfer to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Kolkata Departure / Day 15
Transfer to the airport to connect the flight to your onward destination. (Rooms will be available till 1200 hrs)
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