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Overview
Darjeeling, a town in India’s West Bengal state, in the Himalayan foothills. Once a summer resort for the British Raj elite, it remains the terminus of the narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or “Toy Train,” completed in 1881. Furthermore, explore Kolkata the city of Joy, contrast, and culture. Once the capital of British India – now the capital of West Bengal. A visit to Kolkata will bring visitors in touch with a combination of a rich 400 years old heritage. Finally, visit the grandest mangrove forest in the world in Sundarbans. This misty swamp region is home to man-eating tigers and although a rugged terrain, the land is hospitable to the inhabitants who live and visit there.
Tour Highlights
- Experience a combination of Kolkata’s rich 400 years old heritage, vibrant modern life and different cultures
- Visit Mother Theresa’s House, the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata
- Appreciate Darjeeling, a land of infinite variety and charm in the Himalayan foothills
- Visit ancient temples and holy monuments to gain spiritual insight into Darjeeling’s ingrained Buddhist philosophy
- Experience the narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or “Toy Train,” completed in 1881
- Visit the distinctive black tea plantations that dot the surrounding slopes of Darjeeling
- Experience the panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, amongst the world’s highest peaks
Itinerary
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Day 1:
ARRIVE BAGDOGRA - KURSEONG
Welcome on arrival at Bagdogra and transfer to Kurseong (55Kms / 02 Hrs). Evening free for leisure. Overnight at Hotel.
Kurseong, locally known as “Kharsang” which in Lepcha means ‘the Land of White Orchids’, referring to the small white orchids are prolific here. The serenity and tranquillity of this place are what attracts people. On the outskirts of the main town of Kurseong is Cochrane Place, a recreated and restored stately British Colonial home of its previous resident, Percy John Cochrane, MBE. The stunning view of the tea garden along with the mountains and the foothill forests of the Eastern Himalayas from this Tea Resort are enchanting.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Cochrane PlaceCochrane Place
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Day 2:
KURSEONG - DARJEELING
Enjoy an early breakfast and proceed for a tour of the Makaibari Tea Factory and Plantation to interact and discover the charming character, rich culture, and history with the friendly people of the tea estate. Lunch at Cochrane Place followed by transfer to the Kurseong Toy Train Station to connect the Toy Train (Train 9D / STD 15.00Hrs) to Darjeeling (30Kms / 03Hrs). This unique Mountain Railway’ project was first started in 1878 by the initiative of Sir. Ashley Eden and is now a World Heritage.
Darjeeling is a land of infinite variety and charm. Dorje, the mystic thunderbolt of the Lama-Religion was the origin of the name Darjeeling, which was first discovered by a British Captain Lloyd in the year 1829. Surrounded by Tea gardens; this little town faces some of the highest peaks of the Himalayas and used to be the summer retreat of the European Officers in Bengal. Evening free for individual activity and leisure, overnight at Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation:
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Day 3:
DARJEELING SIGHTSEEING
Breakfast at the Hotel followed by a half day of local sightseeing covering Padmaja N. Zoological Garden (Closed on Thursday) established on August 14, 1958. It specializes in breeding animals adapted to alpine conditions.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday) was founded in Darjeeling on 4th November by Pandit Nehru who said that “The institute trains young men not only to climb Himalayan peaks but also create in them an urge to climb peaks of human Endeavour.” HMI has the oldest mountaineering Museum in the country established in 1957.
Tibetan Refugee Self-help Center (Closed on Sunday) established on 1 October 1959, following the dramatic escape of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, thousands of Tibetans leaving hearth and home, fled into the neighboring countries to live as free human beings. The production of Tibetan handicraft is the center’s main activity. Enjoy an evening short walk through the local markets.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation:
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Day 4:
DARJEELING – BAGDOGRA – KOLKATA
Breakfast at the hotel followed by a transfer to the Bagdogra Airport (78Kms/03Hrs) to connect your flight to Kolkata. Welcome on arrival at Kolkata airport and transfer to your hotel. Kolkata is the city of Joy, contrast, and culture. Once the capital of British India – now the capital of West Bengal. A visit to Kolkata will bring visitors in touch with a combination of a rich 400 years old heritage, vibrant modern life, and different cultures.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: The Oberoi GrandThe Oberoi Grand
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Day 5:
KOLKATA TO SUNDARBANS AND VISIT TO TIGER RESERVE
Early morning, 7 AM transfer to Gothkhali (109Kms/3Hrs) through beautiful countrysides and rural bazaar. Arrive at Goathkhali Jetty and board into the motorized boat. After briefing and interpretation by our local guide/naturalist over a welcome drink, cruise through Vidyadhari, Durgaduani, and Gumdi rivers to the Sudhanyakhali watch tower and the visit to Sajnekhali Interpretation Centre. Experience the Island Cruise and arrive at Bali Island and check into TORA Resort. In the evening enjoy the infotainment by the local villagers. Overnight at the Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tora Eco ResortTora Eco Resort
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Day 6:
VILLAGE LIFE EXPERIENCE AT BALI AND TRANSFER TO KOLKATA
After breakfast, experience the village walk followed by a manually oared country boat ride. Check out of the village camp and board the local boat for a cruise to Naubanki Deulbharani – Panchamukhani and numerous creeks and visit Dobanki to experience the Canopy Walk in the Tower. Lunch onboard the cruise; followed by transfer to Kolkata.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Mayfair Hill ResortMayfair Hill Resort
The Mall, Opposite Governor House, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101, Indiahttp://www.mayfairhotels.com/mayfair-darjeeling/+91 354 225 6376Perched on a picturesque hill, MAYFAIR Darjeeling is a heritage hotel that exudes old world charm and quiet elegance. Wake up to birdsong and beautiful views as you soak in the blissful ambiance. The green foliage and the crisp mountain air will refresh your senses. Striking the perfect balance between the old and the modern, MAYFAIR, Darjeeling indulges you with its beauty and warm genuine hospitality whether you are traveling on a honeymoon, on a work trip or a family getaway. The luxury accommodation provided at the resort include spacious Family Rooms and lavish Suites. Dining options include a grand buffet restaurant serving some of the best food in town, an English bar with lovely sunset views and a charming multi-cuisine restaurant. Facilities at the hotel include an excellent Spa, a well-equipped gym, a state-of-the-art banquet hall, a children’s play area and a nice library.
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Day 7:
EXPLORE KOLKATA
The morning after breakfast start exploring the city of Joy with an introduction about the glory of Bengal, visit the Flower Market – a unique wholesale market of flowers which is situated in the bank of river Ganges near the famous Howrah Bridge and drive by the heritage buildings of Dalhousie Square. Explore the College Street Book Market by a hand-pulled Rickshaw and enjoy a cup of hot Coffee at the Famous “Indian Coffee House” which is running since 1942.
Enjoy a traditional Bengali lunch at the famous “Aheli” at The Peerless Inn.
After lunch, visit the St. Paul’s Cathedral, the first ‘Episcopal Cathedral Church’ in an oriental country, and the Victoria Memorial also referred to as the Taj of the Raj. This splendid white marble structure was built in memory of Queen Victoria between 1906 and 1921 and was formally inaugurated by the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VIII of England.
Visit the Mother House – the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity and the interesting Kalighat Kali Temple – one of the 52 Shakti Peethas in India, devotees from all over the country come to visit this holy temple. In between, you can also enjoy a short tram ride in the crowded streets of Kolkata. Overnight at Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: The Oberoi GrandThe Oberoi Grand
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Day 8:
DEPARTURE TRANSFER
In the morning after breakfast transfer to the airport to connect flight for home.
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This is a privately guided journey. Contact us on how to book this tour.Recent Reviews
Hi Nazir, We really enjoyed our trip to India that you arranged. The site selections were fantastic (as our travel MD commented), the hotels were comfortable, the drivers were highly skilled, and our tour guide Harry was brilliant and so well informed. He adapted to our interests with ad hoc additions that added much to our experience. Rajeev kept in touch with us as well along the way. So thanks again for this memorable experience.
Arnie Funk and Sharie Edwards
Vancouver, Canada
Good afternoon Nazir, We want to let you know that we thoroughly enjoyed our recent trip to Northern India. Everyone who dealt with us on this journey, being yourself with planning and booking, Rajeev the head of operations in Delhi, Yajur our tour guide and mentor during the tours and everyone else involved, deserve rave reviews. All were knowledgeable, professional, passionate in what they did and more than willing to do that little bit extra to make our trip an exceptional experience. I cannot praise these people enough. Along with your staff, the tour program, the places we visited and the local people with whom we interacted have made us appreciate and be amazed of a country, people and culture which apparently we really knew so little about. Our minds and eyes have been opened to a wonderful place which now we hope to see more of. Oh, and going by our tour group the shopping was great also. We want to thank you and everyone involved for creating a wonderful experience for us. Best regards,
Murray and Pat E.
Edmonton, Canada
We want to tell you how much we enjoyed our trip with your tour company. Right from the onset our business class flights to our guides, bus drivers and wonderful food and accommodation we felt really well taken care of. We had a very congenial group of new friends on our bus tour to Delhi, Agra, Rathambore Park, Jaipur and we left them reluctantly to go to Darjeeling. Our trip to Varanasi was likewise a wonderful adventure. Again, our guide and driver treated us like their parents! Our trips down the Ganges will be ever remembered. Your agent in Delhi, Rajeev was always in touch to make sure we were happy and well taken care of. The only negatives were things out of anyone's control- the pollution, the lack of wine stores and the basic need for more jobs for the poor! But that is India! Thank you again for making our trip so memorable. Sincerely,
Ralph and Margaret Franksen
Delta, Canada
Hi, Nazir. Sorry, I haven't written sooner but I have had a bad cold since returning from our amazing India trip. Both Stuart and I had a wonderful experience as it was much more than either of us expected. As our guide Yajure explained to us, India has been "cleaning itself up". What a wonderful surprise. Delhi being a bustling mega city, was a joy to experience in the few days we were there. Our bus rides, while exciting due to the different "vehicles, animals and people on the roads, made our journeys very colorful. Yajure was a wonderful, generous and knowledgeable guide. He is a walking encyclopedia. He was extremely accommodating and adaptable at a moments notice. Seeing the Taj Mahal, Buddha's birthplace, the Red Fort, the Ganges in Varanasi and of course the city of Jaipur brought the trip to life. It was all mesmerizing. Your colleague Rajeev in Delhi was very helpful and kind and protective of us. Although he was mourning the loss of his dear father, he made himself available to us. So that's it Nazir. We certainly will not hesitate to recommend your company to any of our friends and family. Yours truly,
Shelley Rosen and Stuart McPherson
Aurora, Canada
Namaste, and thanks for the email Nazir. My husband and I are still under the powerful influence of India – having thoroughly enjoyed the 2 weeks we had there. It’s really difficult to synthesize our experience but I will try to give some feedback. Both of us felt that we learned so much and really broadened our understanding of cultural and political issues in addition to seeing, tasting, smelling, and tasting some of India’s diversity. I really appreciated the diverse environments: urban, heritage sites, forest reserve, streets/river exposure in Varanasi, the roadside rural life viewed as we traveled between major sites. I’m especially glad that we added on the Varanasi trip which broadened our experience considerably. We were ever so fortunate in the timing (just after the monsoon season) and got to see a relatively ‘green’ India. Several local guides commented that we were a ‘lucky’ group in terms of being in the right places at the right times for certain things – such as seeing tigers, getting to the Taj Mahal just prior to its ‘mudding’. The tour itinerary was well planned and varied – given that any group of 22 people will have different preferences. We found our tour guide to be excellent: knowledgeable, flexible, and always anticipating when/where changes might be needed either for our comfort or safety. Many thanks for that. And he was ever so patient in spite of challenging situations. I’m a cautious traveller (in contrast to my husband) but even I felt very safe. Our guide was extremely good at keeping us together while also allowing plenty of photo ops, cooling down periods, and preparing us for the next point of interest. The tour guide was very good with history and cultural information that made the bus travel time both informative and seem shorter. All contacts were very friendly, courteous, and helpful. One hardly mentioned an issue and it was addressed; To summarize, the trip was amazing! We are so very glad we went and still bask in India’s glow. Fond memories, great photos, and a great appreciation for the country and its peoples! Please convey our thanks to all who made the trip possible. Regards,
Cynthia Toman (on behalf of Earl as well)
Toronto, Canada
Hi Nazir, The India tour was excellent. The accommodations and meals was great , spicy but you get used to it after a couple of days, The hotel staff making every effort to accommodate and attending to any request from the tour participants. The tour bus was quite satisfactory with the driver and assistant quite helpful, keeping the bus clean. The Tour guide was excellent and quite knowledgeable about the history of the Indian civilization. Also handling the tickets to the various sites so the was little delay getting in and experiencing the splendor that is India Pick up and drop off from the airport went without any incidence. Overall, a great experience that will not be forgotten.
Anirud and Hafeeza
Toronto, Canada
Hi Nazir, Greg and I thoroughly enjoyed our trip to India. We were impressed with the excellent service from all Explore India personnel. Your choice of hotels, points of interest and breakfasts were excellent. Our driver and bus helper were especially good. Thank you for a wonderful trip. Ram, ram
Elaine and Greg
Burnaby, Canada
The trip to India was much more than I expected. Often the expression....Go to India and change your Life....that is what I experienced! From weather, hotels, food, transportation to our guides...top grade!!!! Thanks you for putting this wonderful vacation together for us!!! It holds memories for a Lifetime!!! When I get some photos edited I will send you a link! Great Job!
Linda Swanson
Nelson, Canada
Just returned home and trying to get over the jet-lag. Thoroughly enjoyed the trip – would hardly recommend your tour company. (first time with your company). The itinerary was well planned, transportation and accommodations were excellent and so was our tour guide. Had planned on staying in China for an additional 10 days but did not realize it was a Chinese holiday and we were not able to book any additional trips. Had I known this, I probably would have booked an additional tour with your company.
Polly Gretchin
Hope, Canada
Apologies for the delay in regard to this reply. It has been 3 weeks since we got back but the first one was an adjustment to time and travel. There are just not enough good words to describe the trip but it was definitely spectacular and above expectations. Exceptionally well organized and highly professional personnel were involved in the tour. India is just so remarkable as there is so much history. We crammed and read 3 books about the country in advance but there is so very much more to learn. To be able to travel there and have professional tour guides with that depth of knowledge was fortunate indeed. Can’t say enough about the calibre of Sandeep Singh regarding his professionalism, knowledge, organizational skills and overall ability! Hilal Lone did a good job for us during the Kashmir part of it! Besides the 2 guides, there were a lot of people to acknowledge in regard to the success of the trip. Unfortunately we won’t be able to name everyone. However, we will start with yourself Nazir. Being patient, personable, and responsive in terms of direction up front made for easier planning. Those who headed up organization at the other end, such as Rajeev Sharma, went beyond the call of duty to get their part of the operation right. If only for our jetlag the day after we arrived, he would have got us to a cricket game! Rafiq Mohamed did his part as well for the Kashmir leg of the trip. Last but not least, people such as the driver, Dalit Singh Walia, and his assistant Anand Mishra, made the journey what it was. The wondrous architecture we saw was at times almost surreal. They were so advanced in this regard so very long ago! Because some were so spectacular and precise, pictures do not quite do it justice, one has to simply see it! Also so impressed with the people of India. Massive population but they have found a way to make it work. Seemingly caring to each other and respectful and friendly towards tourists. Maybe the “hawkers” not so much. To a certain extent, one even adjusts to the heat. After time spent at the sites the air-conditioned vehicles helped in this regard. Small detail maybe, but cold bottled water always being available was quite important. The tour offered a good mix and variation of experiences. The trip into the forest was definitely special. Viewing the wildlife, especially the Bengal tiger, will always be a memorable lifetime experience. The quality of accommodation was very high. The variety and selection for meals offered up something that I expect everyone could be satisfied with, as we were. Never knew anything about Explore India before the trip. Now that we do and experienced it, we would certainly highly recommend your company and the tour! Cheers,
Marilyn & Emil
Saskatoon, Canada
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