Exotic East
Tour duration: 10 Nights / 11 Days
Places Covered: Kolkata / Darjeeling / Gangtok / Kalimpong / Kolkata
Tour Destination: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Day 8 | Day 9 | Day 10 | Day 11
An eleven day holiday visiting, some of India’s relatively less visited, but, most beautiful areas. The trip begins in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), amongst the most populous cities of the world and noted for its colonial charm, intellectuals and of course as the home of Mother Teresa. From here, continue to the Eastern Himalayas, travelling to Darjeeling, famed for it’s beautiful tea gardens and Himalayan views, Gangtok, the capital of the Hill state of Sikkim, from where too you can get stuning views of some of the World’s highest Mountain peaks , and then on to Kalimpong, a quiet hill resort in the eastern Himalayas.
Day 01 – Arrive Kolkata
You will be met at the airport by Trans India Holidays representative and transferred to the hotel Oberoi Grand and assisted with check in formalities.
Kolkata - Kolkata is seen as the land of the intellectuals. Communist in ideology and very politically aware and was the capital of British India before Delhi assumed this position. This city developed from a fishermens' village to become one of the largest cities in the world. The city symbolises creativity and vibrance with all the modern amenities available. It has adapted to the modern trends and techniques of the world but has not shed the leisurely life style and the calm of it’s hey days. While Calcutta is a city of enduring charm, it is also a city that evokes extreme emotions. So be ready to give in to it or hate it completely. Calcutta , besides being an extremely populous city of almost million inhabitants , is also the city where Mother Teresa worked tirelessly for the poor and homeless and the city where Rabindra Nath Tagore wrote his famous books.The Oberoi Grand : The Oberoi Grand is affectionately known as the ‘Grande Dame of Calcutta’. The Oberoi Grand’s neo-classical façade and grand pillared entrance mark a successful fusion of classical and traditional Indian style and reflect the city’s colonial heritage. Located in Chowringhee, the heart of Calcutta’s commercial district and shopping centre, the hotel makes an impressive, luxurious and convenient base for a leisure or business trip. Impeccable Oberoi standard service, fine dining in Indian and Thai speciality restaurants, a world class Banyan Tree spa, state-of-the-art fitness centre and 21st century communications make the Oberoi Grand the number one hotel in Calcutta.
Overnight in Kolkata.
Day 02 – Fly Kolkata - Bagdogra and drive Bagdogra - Darjeeling (90 kms/ 3 hrs)
After leisurely breakfast at hotel, you will be met by our representative and assisted with check out formalities and transfer to airport to board flight for Bagdogra.You will be met by our representative at Bagdogra airport and drive to Darjeeling.
Darjeeling - Darjeeling is a popular hill-resort and fascinating place. "The Queen of the Hills" lies perched at a height of 2134m with a panoramic view on the mighty Kanchenjunga Cluster. Darjeeling has attracted many generations of visitors to enjoy the joys of the cool and healthy climate of the mountains. It was the very first "Hill Sanitarium" developed by the British to escape the heat, humidity and hassle of the North Indian plains. Also, "Darjeeling" and "tea" have become synonymous. Tea drinkers all over the world must constantly bless the memory of the person who decided around 1840 that the climate of the Darjeeling region was very conducive to the growth of tea. Darjeeling Tea became so famous for its aroma and delicacy of taste that it was soon named "Champagne of the East".On arrival in Darjeeling, you will be assisted with check in formalities at the hotel Windamere.
Windamere : It is “one of the three Jewels of the Raj”, said a celebrated travel writer of the Windamere Hotel. Established in the 19th century as a cozy boarding house for bachelor English and Scottish tea planters, it was converted into a hotel just before the outbreak of the Second World War. Windamere is famous for its unique ambience and charm, and has been the subject of many leading stories in the international media. It is one of the original Heritage Houses of the Himalayas. The hotel consists of two sections, the first is " The Windamere" which is furnished in traditional colonial style. This wing includes a honeymoon cottage. "Little Windamere" on the other hand has all modern facililties and decor. The Windamere has for several years been the most preferred accommodation for tourists visiting Darjeeling
Overnight in Darjeeling.
Day 03 – In Darjeeling
Very early this morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken for an excursion to Tiger Hill and GhoomMonasty : to view the sunrise over the world’s third highest peak – Kanchenjunga (28156 ft) then on to Ghoom Monastery to see one of the largest statues of the Maitreya Buddha.
Later, after breakfast, sightseeing tour of Darjeeling. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest:
Himalayan Zoological Park – home to India’s only Siberian tigers, some rare species such as the red panda and world renowned for success in breeding snow leopards. Also visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Gumbu Rock site and Tibetan Refugee self-help centre as well as nearby tea gardens.
Overnight in Darjeeling.
Day 04 – In Darjeeling
No activities are scheduled for this day. Spend rest of the day relaxing at the hotel or exploring the city on your own.Overnight in Darjeeling.
Day 05 –Drive Darjeeling - Gangtok (95 kms / 3.5 hrs)
After leisurely breakfast, you will be met by our representative and assisted with check-out formalities. You will then start your drive to Gangtok.
Gangtok—The Gateway to Sikkim, the last Shangri-La, this state of India occupies a rising ridge and the Himalayas serve as a backdrop to the town. With a backdrop of the Himalayas, Sikkim offers breathtaking vistas, colourful lifestyles, Buddhist shrines, adventure, watersport, exquisite flora and fauna, including hundreds of varieties of butterflies, all close to the capital, Gangtok. Efforts are on to expand quality tourism to other areas. There has been a rapid increase in the availability of accommodation. Apart government accommodation at various places, Gangtok is teeming with lodges and hotels. Sikkim is ideal for a visit by itself, or combined with visits to Darjeeling and/or Kalimpong. Surrounded by Tibet, Bhutan, West Bengal and Nepal, Sikkim was a monarchy and emerged as the 22nd Indian state in the 1970s. The capital is expanding, to the status of a city. The hustle and bustle of the market places contrasts with the serene areas, all within minutes of each other. On arrival in Gangtok, check in at the hotel Norkhill.
Norkhill : Undoubtedly, the best place to stay in Gangtok, the Nor-Khill is a heritage building, just a short walk from the city centre. . It was built by the King of Sikkim in 1932 as his Royal Guest House, where he received and entertained Heads of States and dignitaries. The heritage building still hosts all important visitors to the capital of Sikkim. From His Holiness The Dalai Lama, to the US Ambassador to India His Excellency John Galbriath, to Heads of States and movie stars, the Nork Hill has hosted them all. The Norkhill has 32 rooms, each of which has been done up to showcase the vivid colours and design elements that surrounded royalty of yore. Some of its rooms, and almost all of it's public areas, offer excellent views of the Eastern Himalayas.
No activities are scheduled for this day. Spend rest of the day relaxing at the hotel or exploring the city on your own.
Overnight in Gangtok.
Day 06 – In Gangtok
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Gangtok. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest:
Tsuk la Khang or the royal Chapel, the place where the former Chogyal or ruler of Sikkim would pray, the Institute of Tibetology which promotes research into Tibetology, the memorial chorten whose gold apex is visible from all parts of Gangtok, the Orchid sanctuary where one can see many of the 454 species of Orchids found in Sikkim. Proceed on to the Institute of cottage industries where one can buy traditional sikkimese crafts. The last stop on your tour is the 200 year old Enchey monastery.Rest of the day at leisure exploring the surroundings.
Overnight in Gangtok.
Day 07 – In Gangtok
No activities are scheduled for this day. Spend rest of the day relaxing at the hotel or exploring the city on your own.Overnight in Gangtok.
Day 08 – Drive Gangtok -Kalimpong ( 90 kms/3 hrs)
After leisurely breakfast, check out from the hotel and then start your drive to Kalimpong.
Kalimpong - a remote hill station set in the rolling foothills and deep valleys of the stunning Himalayas. Kalimpong is perhaps the best destination to tour in West Bengal. Kalimpong is not only famous of its handicrafts and monasteries but it is also well known for orchids and other flowers that grow in abundance here. Kalimpong is situated at an altitude of about 1250 meters and has a mild climate that range from 16 to 27 Degrees Celsius in summer and 5 to 15 Degrees Celsius in winter. The best season to tour Kalimpong is from March-June and September-November. Before coming under the control of Bhutan in 1706, Kalimpong was part of Sikkim. Later it came under the British rule. On arrival in Kalimpong, check in at the hotel Silver Oaks
Silver Oaks : Once the home of a leading British Jute Magnate, the Silver Oaks is positively the best place to stay in Kalimpong. Lounging in the landscaped gardens in a riot of colours all year round, one is treated to a magnificent view of the surrounding mountain ranges. When the sky is clear, the imposing peaks of the Kanchenjunga range are a sight to behold. The Silver Oaks is a reminiscent of the British Raj. The chamber maids in frilled checked Aprons, the hot water bags in your bed, the bed tea served with tea cozies & cookies. The teak and oak floor boards take you back into a by gone era. The furniture is all period. Antique Wall Hangings and Lithographs are prominent features. All the bed rooms are bright and sunny with magnificent views of the Mountains and landscaped gardens.
No activities are scheduled for this day. Spend rest of the day relaxing at the hotel or exploring the city on your own.
Overnight in Kalimpong.
Day 09- In Kalimpong
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Kalimpong. The tour starts with a visit to the Zong Do Palri Fo Brang Monastery, consecrated by the Dalai Lama, the Thongsa Gompa, the oldest monastery in Kalimpong, the Sericulture Institute where one can actually see the weaving of silk and also the flower nurseries where cut flowers are exported through out the world.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Kalimpong.
Day 10 – Drive Kalimpong –Bagdogra (80 kms / 2 hrs) and fly to Kolkata
After leisurely breakfast, check out from the hotel and then drive to Bagdogra airport to board flight for Kolkata.You will be met at the Kolkata airport by our representative and transferred to the hotel The Oberoi Grand and assisted with check in formalities.
Overnight in Kolkata.
Day 11 – Depart Kolkata
After leisurely breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken for a guided sightseeing tour of Kolkata. Tour includes visits to the following places of interest:Victoria Memorial - An splendid example of British architecture, this building was built in memory of Queen Victoria and was inaugurated by Prince of Wales in 1921.
Birla Planetarium – One of the earliest planetariums in India. With its neoclassical design, it looks like the type of planetarium the Romans would have made if they ever got it into their primitive little heads to make a planetarium.
St Paul's Cathedral - It is one of the most striking western style buildings in Kolkatta. Its construction took eight years to complete. It opened its doors to the British public in Calcutta 1847. The tower of the cathedral was modeled after the Canterbury Cathedral's bell tower. It and the rest of the building was designed mainly by a military engineer by the name of Major William Nairn Forbes. The building could best be described as neogothic, though many of the details of the building depart from that architectural style.
Indian Museum - This museum in Kolkatta was established in 1878. The museum is built in Italian architectural style and is considered as the largest museum in the country and one of the best in Asia.
Later in the afternoon, you are met by our representative at your hotel and assisted with checkout formalities, followed by transfer to airport in time for your flight home.
| Category of Hotels | Deluxe |
| Valid from 01st June’09 to 15th April’10 | Us$ 1375 per person |
| Domestic airfare | Us$ 170 per person |
| Cities | Deluxe |
| Kolkata | The Oberoi Grand |
| Darjeeling | Windamere |
| Gangtok | Norkhill |
| Kalimpong | Silver Oaks |
Small supplements may apply for travel between 20th December’09 and 05th January’2010 and during the month of February 2010.
Note: All the figures quoted above are nett per person in US Dollars.
Inclusions:
- Accommodation on twin sharing, bed & breakfast basis at the selected categories of hotels.
- Ground transportation as mentioned in the itinerary using an air-conditioned car.
- Sightseeing tours as per the above itinerary alongwith an English speaking guide and including entrance fees to the monuments.
