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Through the foothills of the Eastern Himalaya
- Journey to Kaziranga

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Highlights :
Monasteries, temples, culture & daily life of People, Splendid for Himalayan Views, Jungle activities in wildlife park, Tea Gardens, Toy train ride, etc..

Day 01, : On board to Kolkata. Arrive Kolkata pick-up with assistance and transfer to prebooked hotel. Morning free.

Afternoon tour to city through WHITE TOWN heritage zone, visit Eden Garden, nicely laid-out in green expanse having pools within, this is an attractive spot in the city. A superb wooden pagoda may be seen here. The renowned Ranji Stadium and the Neta Ji indoor stadium are within the garden campus. Dalhousie square or BBD Bagh-is in the heart of the city. Many historical buildings surround the square. On the southern side of the square is the Raj Bhavan, and beside this is the Assembly House and Calcutta High Court (1872). On the western side of the square stands the imposing General Post Office beside which is the tall building of the Reserve Bank of India / Writers building/ Marble Palace (story of Babu Culture)-the 'Palace' is in Chor Bagan at 46 Muktaram Babu street and Millennium park. Overnight in hotel.

Day 02, : Kolkata Excursion.
Morning after breakfast full day excursions to Foreign settlements along the river "Hoogly". Explore Serampore (Danish settlement), Chandernagore (French settlement) and Bandel (Portuguese settlement) --1537-1651, and later drive back to the hotel. Overnight in Hotel.

Serampore (25 km)-founded by the Danes in 1616 as Fredricnagore, "Serampore" a garden city, became a Danish settlement in 1755-1845. From the early 19th century it was the centre of missionary activity, until sold to the East India company in 1845. The govermnet house, two Churches and a Danish cemetery remain. Serampore college (1818) , India's first Christian Theological college, was allowed to award degrees by Danish king in 1829.

Chandernagore (38 km)-the former French settlement, which dates back to 1673, was one of the tiny pockets of non-British India that did not gain independence in 1947, but was handed over to India after a referendum in 1950.

Bandel-is now railway junction town. The Portuguese built Bandel Church to our Lady of the Rosary around 1660, on the site of an older Augustinian monastery. The keystone of the original church (1599), perhaps the earliest in Bengal, is on the riverside gate. The seafaring Portuguese believed that the statue of our Lady of Happy voyages in the bell tower could work miracles. The 18th century stone and terracotta Hanseswari temple is 04 km away from the church.

Day 03, : Kolkata-Bagdogra, fly (ETD-12.10 hrs/ ETA-13.10 hrs) & then drive to Darjeeling 03 hrs.
The flight to Bagdogra runs parallel to the Himalayas and if the weather is clear, we have views of all of the Himalayas giants ; including Nanda Devi and Panch Chuli, and then all of the Nepalese 8000 metre peaks; Dhaulagiri, the Annapurnas and Manaslu, Cho Oyu, Everest, Makalu and then the massive bulk of Kanchenjunga, just as we come in to land from Bagdogra, it is a about three-hours drive to Darjeeling.

Afternoon tour to Batasia Loop (5 km), this is a marvellous feat of engineering. Lloyd Botanic Garden, a colourful garden situated just below the market motor stand. The Shrubbery, a beautiful garden behind Raj Bhawan. A magnificent view of the Kanchenjungha and the Singla valley. Overnight in hotel.

Day 04, : Darjeeling visit with an excursion to Tiger hill including Toy train ride to Ghoom and back about 02 hrs.
Full day visit to Darjeeling explore Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (3 km) very near to the Mall. The museum of the institute contains an interesting collection of mountaineering equipment and a relief model of the Himalayas. Natural history museum, walking distance from the Mall. Contains a collection of comprehensive collection of animals, birds, fish, butterflies and reptiles of this region. Tiger Hill, an altitude of 8482 ft. Famous for the magnificent view of sunrise over Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks. Even Mount Everest is visible from here. Overnight in hotel.

Day 05, : Darjeeling - Pelling, drive.
Morning after breakfast drive deep into the hills to Pelling about 72 kms/04 hrs, a small hamlet. Arrive and transfer to the hotel (simple accommodation).
Afternoon visit to the monastery /walk in the hills. O/n Hotel.

Day 06, : Pelling to Gangtok, drive.
Morning after breakfast drive through staggering mountain scenery, to Sikkim's capital, Gangtok, enroute visit Bon monastery.
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, occupies the west side of a long ridge flanking the Ranipool River. Scenically, it has a very spectacular setting and excellent views of the entire Kanchenjunga range can be obtained from many points in the vicinity. On the other hand, it's not, as many people expect it to be, a smaller version of Kathmandu overflowing with ancient temples, palaces, monasteries and narrow, colourful bazaars. Arrive and transfer to hotel for overnight. O/n hotel

Day 07, : Gangtok, visit.
Early morning drive to Tashi View Point with magnificent views of Mount Kanchenjunga. Later return back to hotel for breakfast, after breakfast full day excursion to Rumtek monastery. Rumtek is visible from Gangtok on the other side of the Ranipool valley at about the same elevation yet it's 24 km away by road. The monastery is the seat of the Gyalwa Karmapa, the head of the Kagyu-pa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. O/n Hotel.

Day 08, : Gangtok to Kalimpong, drive.
Morning after breakfast drive about 03 hrs to Kalimpong, another hill station of West Bengal is quiet, much quieter than Darjeeling. After check-into the hotel visit Dr. Graham's Homes, 3 km from the town, the extraordinary educational institute has a campus of 500 acres. In May every year, a May Fair is organised by the school. Durpin Dara, an observation point wherefrom one can a breathtaking view of the Himalayan ranges and the valleys, the rivers and the plains. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 09, : Kalimpong, visit.
Full day visit to Kalimpong. Flower Nurseries, Kalimpong is famous for its nurseries which export exotic flowers as well as orchids and cacti. Lava (32 km), at an altitude of 7200 ft. this is a dense forest of Oak and fir trees. From here one may have a panoramic view of the eastern Himalayan ranges and Rechila Passes. Back to Kalimpong, in evening visit local market, there is a bi-weekly 'hat' where the villagers gather to sell their ware. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 10, : Kalimpong-Bagdogra,drive & fly to Guwahati.
Morning after breakfast drive to Bagdogra airport about 80 km/3 hrs and then fly to Guwahati at 12.50 hrs. Arrive at 13.40 hrs, pick-up and transfer to hotel and check-into the hotel.

Evening visit to Kamakhya temple in Guwahati. Down the centuries, Kamrup Kamakhya has been the seat of the powerful tantrik cult in India. Situated atop the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, it is one of the 108 Shakti peethas of Country. The hill on which the temple stands, commands a magnificent view of the entire city. Several smaller shrines and temples dedicated to Kala Bhairava, Lord Shiva and other Hindu deities are also located in its vicinity. Later return back to Hotel for overnight.

Day 11, : Guwahati-Kaziranga national park, drive.
Morning after breakfast drive to Kaziranga national park about 215 kms/05 hrs, arrive and check-in into the beautiful jungle resort-Wild Grass.

Kaziranga National park : Is one of the most picturesque wildlife parks in India. The natural habitant of the one-horned rhino, Kaziranga lies on the southern banks of the Brahamaputra river. Originally established as a game reserve in 1908, which included specific portions of Assam's sibsagar district, Kaziranga was declared a sanctuary in 1940 to counter excessive poaching. The park's original inhabitants-the rihino and the elephant being the most noticeable- now thrive in a serene environment to the sheer delight of nature lovers.

Day 12, : Kaziranga N.P.
Morning game viewing in the park on elephant back. Afternoon visit Tea gardens. Evening one more game viewing in the park by Jeeps. O/n Jungle Resort with all meals.

Day 13, : Kaziranga N.P.
Morning & evening game viewing in the park by jeeps. O/n Jungle Resort with all meals.

Day 14, : Kaziranga N.P.
Morning game viewing in the park on elephant back. Afternoon visit Tea gardens. Evening one more game viewing in the park by Jeeps. O/n Jungle Resort with all meals.

Day 15, : Kaziranga N.P. to Guwahati, drive back.
Morning after breakfast drive back to Guwahati about 05 hrs and transfer to airport board flight to Kolkata at 14.55 hrs. Arrive Kolkata at 16.05 hrs, pick-up and transfer to hotel. (room booked for day use only).

Late evening transfer to international airport board flight to London.

Day 16, : Kolkata-London, fly.

Cost Includes :
< Hotel accommodation in Kolkata & Guwahati on bed + breakfast basis, rest of places Which are on full board (breakfast+lunch+dinner) basis with jungle safaris in Kaziranga N.P.
< All overland journey including arrival/dep., transfers and sightseeing by good Non aircon car /jeep.
< English speaking local guide on sightseeing days only.
< English speaking naturalist guide at Kaziranga N.P.
< Domestic airfares, Kolkata to Bagdogra, Bagdogra to Guwahati & Guwahati to Kolkata in economy class.
< Entrance fees.
< Toy train ride.
< Airport assistance.

Cost does not include :
International Airfare, travel insurance, main meals (lunch + dinner) in Kolkata & Guwahati, Sikkim permit , personal bills like laundry, phone calls, beverages, tips, bar bills, camera fees, refreshments and any thing that is not included above.

Hotels used or similar ;

Kolkata : The Park (04 star) ; is the first and only boutique hotel of the city. This landmark is situated on the historic Park Street in the heart of the city's commercial, shopping and entertainment center.

Darjeeling : Mayfair (04 star) : is a converted house with several cottages built in the gardens. There are only 21 rooms, which are tastefully decorated and have open fires that are lit on request. As well as the main restaurant, the hotel has a cosy bar and a library. The rooms are simple but comfortable with private bathrooms and electric lighting.

Pelling : Norbu Ghang Resort, a simple and basic hotel situated on the western face of a mountainside and is barely a minute's walk away from the quaint little hamlet of Pelling. The Resort commands a breath-taking view of Sikkim's protective mountain deity, Mt. Khangchendzonga and it's lesser peaks

Gangtok : Norkhill, Once a royal guest house, the Nor-Khill is still maintained as a heritage property. Colourful masks, fine etchings & local paintings in the hotel are all set to cast a spell on you. The well landscaped Nor-Khill, known for its aura of elegance & tranquility, is sure to unite you with nature. Every guest is welcomed in a traditional Sikkimese style and offered a local Sikkimese drink on arrival.

Kalimpong : The Orchid Retreat, simple cottages run by very charming family as a very beautiful landscape garden and family is involved in exporting flowers and orchids to the many western countries.

Guwahati : Brahamputra Ashok, a 03 star centrally air-conditioned hotel situated near by Brahamputra river has total 40 rooms.

Kaziranga N.P. : Wild Grass (jungle resort), The resort is located just outside Kaziranga National Park has total 18 cottages have attached toilets with hot & cold water

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