Tour price includes: Kolkata flower market, Kolkata Jain Temple, Kolkata Kali Temple, Kolkata Victoria Memorial, Kolkata Howrah Bridge, Kolkata Dalhousie Square, Kolkata Fort Williams, Kolkata Old Court House, flight Kolkota-Bagdogra, Darjeeling, Darjeeling Station, Darjeeling Evening Bazaar, Darjeeling Tiger Hill, Darjeeling Mt. Kanchenjunga sunrise, Darjeeling view to Mt. Everest (clear day), Darjeeling Ghoom Monastery, Darjeeling Toy Train, Darjeeling Chowrasta, Darjeeling Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Darjeeling Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Everest Museum, Darjeeling Tibetan Refugee Camp, Darjeeling Natural History Museum, Darjeeling Dhirdham Temple, Darjeeling Observatory Hill, Darjeeling Ging Tea Estate by Jeep, Pelling, Pelling Pemayangtse Monastery, Gangtok Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology, Gangtok Do-drul Chorten, Gangtok Lhakang Monastery, Gangtok Enchey Monastery, Gangtok Enchey Monastery Royal chapel, Gangtok Palden Tondup Cottage Industries Institute, Gangtok Rumek Monastery, Kalimpong, Kalimong Buddhist Monastery, Kalimpong Dr Graham’s home, Kalimpong Flower Festival(October only), Bagdogra
ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival KOLKATA
You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotels for 2 nights stay.
Once the capital of the British Empire, Calcutta remains the cultural capital of India with a strong tradition in literature and fine arts. It is also the Gateway to the beautiful northeastern states of India, where the visitor can only gaze in wonder at their pristine beauty. Places of interest are Fort Williams – the first fort built in Calcutta, Victoria memorial, the Indian museum, St.Paul’s Cathedral, Birla Planetarium, and the Botanical Gardens.
Day 2 KOLKATA
Early morning visit to the colourful flower market. This afternoon take a tour of the city to visit the Jain temple richly decorated with mirrors and Venetian glass mosaics, the Kali temple, and the white marble Victoria Memorial designed in Italian Renaissance-Mughal style. Planned by Viceroy Curzon and referred to both as Curzon’s Folly and the British Taj Mahal, it is a museum housing Imperial memorabilia. Also drive past the Howrah Bridge, one of the largest cantilever bridges in the world, the Dalhousie Square, Fort Williams, the secretariat building and the Old Court House Street. (B)
Day 3 KOLKOTA-BAGDOGRA-DARJEELING
Transfer to the airport after breakfast and take a flight to Bagdogra. You will be met and driven to the beautiful hill station of Darjeeling (93Kms/3½ hours) – ‘Queen of the Himalayas’, at an altitude of 7,000 feet. The Bazaar is worth a visit in the evening. Overnight Darjeeling. (B/D)
Darjeeling is a popular hill station, surrounded by tea plantations on all sides. The views over the mountains to the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga and down to the swollen rivers in the valley are magnificent. Buddhist monasteries; tea plantations; colourful markets and handicrafts shops; trekking are some of the major attractions, not to mention the famous ‘toy train’ which is part of the fun in getting there. Darjeeling tea is one of the finest teas in the world and the snowcapped mountains form a picturesque background to the many tea plantations in the region.
Day 4 DARJEELING
An excursion in the morning to Tiger Hill (approx. 45 min drive) before dawn is a must for all Darjeeling visitors who want to see sunrise over the Mt Kanchenjungha. Tiger Hill is the highest point in the area, which provides the most exotic view of the Kanchenjunga peaks. From this place the other peaks of the Eastern Himalayas can be seen. On a clear day the sight of Mt.Everest is just enthralling. Later visit Ghoom Monastery; belonging to the yellow sect it houses famous Buddhist scriptures. Return to Darjeeling by Toy train, and enjoy lunch at your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the town of Darjeeling, including the Mall Road and Chowrasta, one of the important shopping places, and from where the snow capped peaks of Kanchenjunga are visible. Near Chowrasta are several Hindu and Buddhists temples. Visit Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Everest Museum, Tibetan Refugee Camp, Natural History Museum, Dhirdham Temple and the Observatory Hill. Overnight Darjeeling. (B/L/D)
Day 5 DARJEELING
Full day at leisure to explore the city. Or take an optional visit to a Tea Estate with a packed lunch from the hotel. Take a walking tour to the Ging Tea Estate (approx. 2½ hours), and enjoy a picnic packed lunch from your hotel. Darjeeling is well known around the world as the “champagne of teas,” each of the individual gardens of Darjeeling having their own, unique flavour, brought about by their locations, style of manufacture, and even the people working there. Ging Tea Estate is located in the Darjeeling West Valley, or the Lebong Valley, of Darjeeling. It has a planted area of 253 hectares and produces 175,000 kgs of tea. Return to your hotel by Jeep. Overnight Darjeeling. (B/L/D)
Day 6 DARJEELING-PELLING
This morning you drive to Pelling. Pelling, an upcoming tourist attraction, being developed with all the trappings of luxury and comfort at the expense of retaining it’s natural splendour. Lamentably enough, Pelling has fallen victim to the creation of yet another honeymooner’s paradise. In the afternoon you will visit the Pemayangtse Monastery.(B/D)
The Pemayangtse monastery is the main attraction of this small town. It is one of the principal monasteries in the state of Sikkim, as it is the second oldest monastery in the state and was built in 1705. This monastery is the main center of the Nyingamapa sect, which is a tantrik sect established in the 8th century ad. The followers of this sect wear red caps rather than the yellow ones worn by monks in other monasteries. The walls of this monastery are adorned with traditional frescoes depicting tantrik Buddhist themes. An interesting feature of Pemayangtse monastery is the depiction of sangthopalri or heaven, intricately sculpted on wood by a single monk, which took several years to complete. The monastery also houses a treasure trove of antique carvings. Near the monastery, one can find traditional austere dwellings of the monks. Pemayangtse is endowed with rich natural beauty, as it is set amongst picturesque mountains, glaciers and has abundant shrubs of the exotic rhododendron. Walks around the town are refreshing and one can explore the sylvan environs of Pemayangtse. Pemayangtse is a base for travelers seeking to explore the exhilarating trekking routes of western Sikkim.
Day 7 PELLING-GANGTOK
Drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, for a 2 night stay. One of the highlights here is the world-renowned Namgyal Research Institute of Tibetology, built in the typical Tibetan style of architecture; roosted on a hilltop, it is an absolute must see. Situated amongst woods of magnolia and oak, the institute promotes research on the largest collections of books and manuscripts on Mahayana Buddhism in the world. There are about 30 thousand volumes and translations of the original teachings of Buddha, and various other treatises of other venerable Buddhist scholars from around the world. The institute also has a museum which has an impressive collection of antiques amongst other things, and perhaps the most beautiful and finely crafted tangkhas (painted or embroidered scrolls), you will ever see. Close by is the huge golden-topped Do-drul Chorten or the Phurba Chorten, shaped like a stupa (a dome-shaped structure) with 108 prayer wheels around the periphery. This white painted chorten, with its many-coloured Buddhist prayer flags, is visible from many parts of downtown Gangtok. Close to the chorten is the Guru Lhakang Monastery and also a school for Buddhist studies. (B)
Perched atop a ridge at a height of 1520 mts. lies Gangtok, a tantalizing town touched by a panorama of colours. Gangtok the capital of Sikkim, is today a busy town bustling withhectic activity. Its captivating architectural beauty radiates with pagoda-like wooden houses, painted turquoise roofs and gay bazaars. Undoubtedly modern times have wound their way into this picturesque town, but the gently swaying and elegant costumes ofthe Sikkimese people, their smiling faces, the unhurried pace of theirlife-style and the towering beauty of Kanchenjunga … all cast a magic spell on this delightful location in the foothills of the grand Himalayas. Gangtok serves as a perfect base for exploring Sikkim. Endowed with a wealth of exquisite beauty and magical mystery, with a host of walkways and delightful sights which make it all the more irresistible.
Day 8 GANGTOK
On a half-day tour visit Enchey monastery. See the Tsuk-La-Khang or Royal chapel located within the palace grounds, where visitors are permitted only for Tibetan New Year. Later pay a visit to the Palden Tondup Cottage Industries Institute, which produces a wide range of local handicrafts. Also visit Rumtek Monastery. From its perch on a hilltop facing the city of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, the monastery complex at Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre embodies the vision and aspiration of the Sixteenth Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje, to establish his seat-in-exile to help spread the teachings of the Buddha throughout the world. The monastery, the largest in Sikkim, is home to the monks community, the place where they perform the sacred rituals and practices of the Karma Kagyu lineage. (B)
Day 9 GANGTOK-KALIMPONG
Drive past the mountains to Kalimpong. 51 km from Darjeeling, Kalimpong is a bustling bazaar town set at an altitude of 1250 m among the rolling foothills and deep valleys of the Himalayas. Its attractions include three monasteries, lovely churches, orchid nurseries and fine views over the countryside. The surroundings are ideal for long peaceful walks. A flower festival is held in Kalimpong every October. This afternoon you visit Buddhist monasteries and Dr Graham’s home – founded in 1900 on the lower slopes of Deolo Hill. Dr Graham’s home is a co-educational institution providing education and support for impoverished and deprived children in north east India. The chapel above the school dates from 1925 and features beautiful stained glass windows. (B/L/D)
Day 10 KALIMPONG-BAGDOGRA-KOLKATA
This morning you drive to Bagdogra airport to take your flight to Kolkota. You will be met on arrival in Kolkata and transferred to the hotel. Overnight at the Hotel. (B)
Day 11 Depart KOLKATA
Your tour ends after breakfast. This evening you will be transferred to the airport to connect your onward flight.
| ACCOMMODATION - DARJEELING AND THE EAST |
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| SUPERIOR HOTELS | STANDARD HOTELS | |
| KOLKATA - (2nights) |
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| Oberoi Grand Calcutta – 5 star deluxe The Oberoi Grand is affectionately known as the ‘Grande Dame of Calcutta’. Located in Chowringhee, the heart of Calcutta’s commercial district and shopping centre, the hotel makes an impressive, luxurious and convenient base for a business or leisure trip. 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. Cool green marble floors, Corinthian columns, balustrades, classical pediments and palms all add to an air of turn-of-the-century colonial grandeur. All 213 newly renovated rooms and suites convey the same sense of space, elegance and gracious living, while providing every convenience that the modern traveller has come to expect. 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. |
The Park– 5 star The Park Kolkata has been operating in the city for the past few decades as one of the best five star hotels in Kolkata. It is located at the one of the most prime locations at Park Street – the hub of eateries and pubs. The Park Kolkata is one of those names that have become an inseparable part of the hospitality industry in Kolkata. The rooms and suites at the hotel offer state of the art facilities and are bedecked with modern gadgets to ensure a comfortable stay for the guests. The Park Hotels place a very strong emphasis on contemporary design in their private and public spaces. Style and luxury enhance everything – be it paintings, furniture, accessories or dining and entertainment concepts.The group’s vision and philosophy is reflected in its customer focus; product and service innovation; advocacy of environment & social issues and nurturing of art & culture. |
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| DARJEELING - (3nights) |
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| May Fair Darjeeling The Mayfair Hill Resort is located opposite the governor’s house, just 30 yards away from the Main Gate, 1½ kms from Darjeeling Railway Station, about 88kms away from Badgogra airport and New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, and just half a Km from Chowrasta – the main shopping Mall. There are 31 tastefully appointed rooms complete with every modern amenity, including colour TV with 45 channels, 24 hour hot and cold water and a fireplace in each of the rooms. The guests have the option of choosing between 5 quaint attic rooms with wooden floors, wall and sloping ceilings, in addition to 6 gracefully decorated double rooms and 20 cottages. The Resort has a dining Hall “Tiffany” offering a variety of Indian, Continental and Chinese Cuisine. The chefs ensure that the meals at “Tiffany” are gourmet’s delight. “The tavern” is a well stocked bar, where guests can mingle with each other and enjoy the best of drinks and cocktails. Panelled in teak wood, it reflects the quiet charm of Victorian Age. Other features include conference facilities, games room & children’s’ amusement room, and outdoor sports. |
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| PELLING - (1night) |
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| Norbu Ghang Resort – Heritage Hotel Norbu Ghang Resort offers 11 aesthetically designed cottages set amidst landscaped greenery. Every cottage faces the majestic vista of the mountains and has its own private verandah where you can relax in comfort and enjoy the wonderful mountain views. The Resort also has a modern hotel annexe within the resort complex, with 25 deluxe rooms and 1suite. All have a private balcony with uninterrupted mountain views. Watch the sunrise bathe the pristine snows in a golden glow as you sip your morning cup of tea and contemplate the day’s excursions. Relax with a drink at the end of the day in the warm comfort of the Dzongri Bar, then enjoy local and international delicacies at the Silver Fir Restaurant. Tastefully designed interior in ethnic Sikkimese themes, a gentle, rural ambience backed by modern amenities and comforts, and efficiency in house staff ensure a memorable stay at the Norbu Ghang resort. Come and experience your share of the Jewel of the Gods. |
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| GANGTOK - (2nights) |
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| Hotel Nor-Khill – Heritage Hotel Nor-Khill, a heritage hotel in Gangtok, nestled in the Himalayas, is elegantly draped in its age-old traditions, and ethnic Sikkimese culture. The spectacular views of the verdant hills and the majestic Kanchenjunga range in the backdrop make Gangtok a painter’s paradise. Built by the King of Sikkim in 1932, you are welcome as royal guests at Nor-Khill or in Sikkimese, ‘the house of jewels’. The traditional yet gorgeous ambience make this a very welcoming hotel. |
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| KALIMPONG - (1night) |
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| The Silver Oaks – Heritage Hotel This charming hotel in the Himalayas symbolizes an era gone by. Lounging in the landscaped gardens in a riot of colours all year round, one is treated to a magnificent view. When the sky is clear, the imposing peaks of the Kanchenjunga range can be spotted past the rolling blue green hills …it is heaven on earth. The bracing mountain air adds to the flavours of Darjeeling tea that you sip, sitting in one of the quaint gazebos that dot the sloping gardens. The Silver Oaks provides the best comforts to this hill station’s discerning travellers, with modern amenities tastefully integrated with the charming Victorian decor. Water colours and lithographs by old masters adorn the walls, and period furniture offers comfort as well as adding to the old world opulence of the interiors. Amenities includes: Multi Cuisine Restaurant, Entertainment, Swimming Pool, Bar, Lounges, Library, Room Service, Doctor on Call. The hotel is located 95 kms from Bagdogra airport, 85 kms from New Jalpaiguri railway station and is close to the downtown area. |
Himalaya Hotel Himalayan Hotel is a Heritage Hotel located 1km from the market area of Kalimpong. It is a hotel of real charm and character, with an atmosphere redolent of its close association with Himalayan history. The great names of the region have all been guests here. It has been home to Everest expeditions from the days of Mallory and Irving in the 1920′s. Hillary and Tenzing were frequent visitors. It is a stone built, two storey hotel with a total of 16 rooms. The hotel is surrounded by spacious gardens and colourful flowers. The hotel’s ceilings, pillars and furniture are mostly made of oak, teak and walnut. There are open fire-places in most rooms, while the spacious dining room is decorated with Tibetan memorabilia. |
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KOLKATA - |
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| Oberoi Grand Calcutta – 5 star deluxe The Oberoi Grand is affectionately known as the ‘Grande Dame of Calcutta’. Located in Chowringhee, the heart of Calcutta’s commercial district and shopping centre, the hotel makes an impressive, luxurious and convenient base for a business or leisure trip. 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. Cool green marble floors, Corinthian columns, balustrades, classical pediments and palms all add to an air of turn-of-the-century colonial grandeur. All 213 newly renovated rooms and suites convey the same sense of space, elegance and gracious living, while providing every convenience that the modern traveller has come to expect. 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. |
The Park– 5 star The Park Kolkata has been operating in the city for the past few decades as one of the best five star hotels in Kolkata. It is located at the one of the most prime locations at Park Street – the hub of eateries and pubs. The Park Kolkata is one of those names that have become an inseparable part of the hospitality industry in Kolkata. The rooms and suites at the hotel offer state of the art facilities and are bedecked with modern gadgets to ensure a comfortable stay for the guests. The Park Hotels place a very strong emphasis on contemporary design in their private and public spaces. Style and luxury enhance everything – be it paintings, furniture, accessories or dining and entertainment concepts.The group’s vision and philosophy is reflected in its customer focus; product and service innovation; advocacy of environment & social issues and nurturing of art & culture. |
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DARJEELING AND THE EAST Tour Costs Include
• Transportation in private 4Wheel Drive vehicle with chauffeur
• English speaking local guides for sightseeing
• Train Tickets where applicable
• Accommodation for the mentioned number of nights
• Daily breakfast
• Porterage
• Entrance fees at monuments & places of visit
• All sightseeing and tours – including a full or half day city tour at each major destination
COST PER PERSON – Land Only – Daily Departure
BOOK DURING FEBRUARY 2010 AND SAVE 5% ON THE PRICE BELOW
| Hotel Class | SUPERIOR | STANDARD | ||
| DARJEELING AND THE EAST |
1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 |
16 Apr to Sep 2010 |
1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 |
16 Apr to Sep 2010 |
| Medium Car -twin share | $2364 [wp_cart:DARJEELING AND THE EAST-Medium Car -twin share-SUPERIOR Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:2364:end] |
$2284 [wp_cart:DARJEELING AND THE EAST-Medium Car -twin share-SUPERIOR Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:2284:end] |
$2146 [wp_cart:DARJEELING AND THE EAST-Medium Car -twin share-STANDARD Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:2146:end] |
$2032 [wp_cart:DARJEELING AND THE EAST-Medium Car -twin share-STANDARD Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:2032:end] |
| Toyota Qualis-twin share | $2497 [wp_cart:DARJEELING AND THE EAST- Toyota Qualis -twin share-SUPERIOR Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:2497:end] |
$2416 [wp_cart:DARJEELING AND THE EAST- Toyota Qualis -twin share-SUPERIOR Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:2416:end] |
$2279 [wp_cart:DARJEELING AND THE EAST- Toyota Qualis -twin share-STANDARD Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:2279:end] |
$2166 [wp_cart:DARJEELING AND THE EAST- Toyota Qualis -twin share-STANDARD Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:2166:end] |
| Toyota Qualis -triple share | $2168 [wp_cart:DARJEELING AND THE EAST -Toyota Qualis -triple share-SUPERIOR Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:2168:end] |
$2087 [wp_cart:DARJEELING AND THE EAST -Toyota Qualis -triple share-SUPERIOR Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:2087:end] |
$1951 [wp_cart:DARJEELING AND THE EAST -Toyota Qualis -triple share-STANDARD Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:1951:end] |
$1837 [wp_cart:DARJEELING AND THE EAST -Toyota Qualis -triple share-STANDARD Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:1837:end] |
| Single Supplement | $1131 [wp_cart:DARJEELING AND THE EAST-Single Supplement-SUPERIOR Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:1131:end] |
$1051 [wp_cart:DARJEELING AND THE EAST-Single Supplement-SUPERIOR Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:1051:end] |
$1000 [wp_cart:DARJEELING AND THE EAST-Single Supplement-STANDARD Class -1 Oct 2009 to 15 Apr 2010 :price:1000:end] |
$882 [wp_cart:DARJEELING AND THE EAST-Single Supplement-STANDARD Class -16 Apr to Sep 2010 :price:882:end] |