KOLKATA WITH NORTH EAST INDIA TOUR

Day 01: Arrival in Kolkata

Day 02: Kolkata Sightseeing

Day 03: Kolkata - Bagdogra (By Flight) - Darjeeling (95 Kms / Approx. 3.5 Hrs. drive)

Day 04: Darjeeling Sightseeing

Day 05: Darjeeling - Pelling (125 Kms / Approx. 05 Hrs. drive)

Day 06: Pelling Sightseeing

Day 07: Pelling - Gangtok (130 Kms / Approx. 06 Hrs. Drive)

Day 08: Gangtok Sightseeing

Day 09: Gangtok - Bagdogra (125 Kms / Approx 05 Hrs. Drive) - Kolkata (By Flight)

Day 10: Kolkata / Departure

Day 01: Arrival in Kolkata

Upon arrival at Kolkata, our representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Upon arrival, check-in at hotel. Rest of the day free at your own. Overnight at hotel.

Kolkata, also known as the City of Joy, was established in the year 1686. It is a city, located on the banks of Hooghly River that boasts remnants of the British Rule in India, which are evident through its Victorian style of architecture, trams and the nomenclature of the place.

Day 02: Kolkata Sightseeing

After breakfast, visit the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple dedicated to goddess Kali (Dark Mother Goddess in Hinduism). Next, visit the St. Johns Church – the third oldest church of Kolkata - built-in 1787. While driving past Eden Gardens - the oldest and biggest cricket stadium of India, spend time clicking photographs. Visit the Mother Teresa's Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity (Closed on Thursdays). Mother Teresa devoted her entire life to serving the needy and destitute, hence established Missionaries of Charity. The organization, so far, has expanded its wings to over 100 countries. The mother's body is buried on the ground floor of this building and is visited by people from different corners of the globe. Then, drive past the St. Paul’s Cathedral built in 1847, inspired by the Indo-Gothic style of architecture. Next, visit the Victoria Memorial Hall (Closed on Mondays & National Holidays) - a huge marble museum made in memory of Queen Victoria to celebrate her 25 years of rule over India. In the evening, visit the Prinsep Ghat, overlooking the Hooghly River that offers beautiful sunset views. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Kolkata - Bagdogra (By Flight) - Darjeeling (95 Kms / Approx. 3.5 Hrs. drive)

After breakfast & checkout from the hotel transfer to airport to board on flight to Bagdogra. Upon arrival, get driven to Darjeeling. Darjeeling (7100 ft), the “Queen of the hill stations” derives its name from “Dorje-Line” which means the place of “Dorje”, the mystic thunderbolt.

After a very scenic drive through the mountains and tea gardens, experiencing unforgettable beauty, you will reach Darjeeling. Check-in at the hotel. Spend the evening at leisure or walk up to the mall area. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Darjeeling Sightseeing

Early in the morning get ready for a trip to the Tiger Hill (7800 Ft) to catch the sunrise views from behind the majestic Kanchenjunga range. On the way back, visit the Ghoom Monastery & Batasia Loop, then head back to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, proceed for a half-day Darjeeling local sightseeing tour of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (closed on Thursday), Zoological Park (closed on Thursday), Ropeway, Zoo, Tibetan Refugees Self Help Centre, Tea Garden (outer view), and Japanese Temple. Back to the hotel by evening; take a walk to “Chowrasta” the center point of the Mall area. You can do some window shopping. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Darjeeling - Pelling (125 Kms / Approx. 05 Hrs. drive)

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and enjoy Heritage Toy Train Joy ride in Darjeeling. Then, proceed to Pelling (6800 Ft), via Ravangla (6800 Ft), a small township & transit point to various destinations in South & West Sikkim, situated at the base of Meenam Hill (10300 Ft). Arrive at Pelling by afternoon & check-in at the hotel. This is one of the closest points to the Kanchenjunga range & one can see it up close touching the sky from Pelling.

Day 06: Pelling Sightseeing

After an early breakfast & checkout from the hotel, leave for the Khecheopalri Lake, also called the “Wish Fulfilling Lake”. It lies in a depression surrounded by prayer flags & forested hills. Then, go to Rimbi Falls & Khangchendzonga waterfalls. After lunch, proceed to The Pemayangtse Monastery (7021 Ft), 2.5 km from Pelling. Built during the late 17th century, it is one of the oldest & most important monasteries of the Nyingmapa order of Buddhism in Sikkim. Even today, it is only the monks of this monastery who enjoy the title of ‘Tasang’ or pure monks. The monastery follows the Mindroling tradition and has 108 monks. The main attraction of the monastery is the wooden replica of Zangdog Palri, the celestial abode of Guru Padmasambhava, built by Serdup L Dorje Rinpoche in 1971. Now, proceed to Rabdentse Ruins - the second capital of the erstwhile Kingdom of Sikkim till 1814 A.D. This is also very close to the Pemyangtse Monastery, 30 min. walk from the main road. The scenic view from the top of the ruins scanning across the deep valley, to the mystic heights of the Kanchenjunga range is something to be cherished & etched in memory. Get back to the hotel by evening to stay. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Pelling - Gangtok (130 Kms / Approx. 06 Hrs. Drive)

This morning after breakfast, check-out and drive to Gangtok (5500 Ft), the land of the pristine and unspoiled natural beauty, with alpine landscapes and thick luxuriant forests, rivers in torrent and peaceful lakes. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. Relax and refresh yourself, then later go for a walk to the mall which is just 5 minutes away. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08: Gangtok Sightseeing

After breakfast, pay a visit to Do-Drul Chorten (Stupa) which is one of the most important stupas of Sikkim, built by the head of the Nyingma order- Trullshi Rimpoche in 1945. It contains rare details of Dorji Phupa, Holy Books, Mantras and is encircled by 108 prayer wheels. Later, visit The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (closed on Sundays) built-in 1958 in traditional style, a renowned worldwide center for the study of the Mahayana Buddhist philosophy & religion and a treasure house of rare “Thankas”, statues, and over 200 Buddhist icons & prized objects of art. Afterward, head to Enchey Monastery - a 200-year old Buddhist monastery blessed by Lama Drupthob Karpo (an exponent of Tantric Art Buddhism). Next, visit the Cottage Industry and Handicraft Centre (closed on Sundays) where you will see local women busy in weaving carpets, designing handlooms, etc. Visit the Rumtek Monastery - a 3-storied monastery that houses wall murals, thangkas, golden miniature models of Buddha, silk paintings, a huge prayer hall and lots more for you to explore. Overnight at hotel.

Day 09: Gangtok - Bagdogra (125 Kms / Approx 05 Hrs. Drive) - Kolkata (By Flight)

Morning breakfast at hotel. Later in time transfer to Bagdogra Airport to board your flight to Kolkata.  On arrival, our representative will assist you to get transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day free at your own. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Kolkata / Departure

After breakfast at the hotel, the rest of the day will be at leisure. Later, depending on your flight timing, we will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.

Note: This is just a suggested itinerary indicative of what could be possible. We tailor holidays for your specific needs. Contact us if you want modifications so that we could tailor a holiday to suit your need for an unforgettable India tour.