1

Upon arrival in Kolkata, receive a warm welcome at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Kolkata, previously known as Calcutta, is fondly called by many varied names – the City of Joy, City of Rabindranath Tagore, City of Satyajit Ray, City of Intellectuals, City of Football, City of Processions, City of Political Movements, and City of Arts and Theatre. It rightfully holds the title of the cultural capital of India. In the afternoon, set out to explore the city and visit iconic landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial, a marble building with influences from English and Mughal architecture, and the Indian Museum, the earliest and largest multipurpose museum in Asia Pacific. Conclude the day with a visit to Mother Teresa’s home and an overnight stay.

2

Embark on a morning drive to Basanti port, passing through the picturesque Bengal countryside. Start a boat launch from Gosaba, followed by a short ride on a local rickshaw to the entrance of the Sundarbans Forest. Explore the forest museum in the afternoon, observing the diverse species in this mangrove world. Enjoy a leisurely evening at the forest lodge with an overnight stay.

3

After breakfast, delve into the Sundarbans Forest with a full-day boat cruise through its dense creeks. Explore points like Pakhiralya, Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower, and Netidhopani Watch Tower. Conclude the day with dinner and a night halt at the forest lodge.

4

Begin the day with an early morning visit to the local village Rangabelia, associated with the Tagore Society for Rural Development project. After lunch, drive back to Kolkata. Check into the hotel upon arrival for an overnight stay.

5

Transfer to the airport for a flight to Bagdogra, followed by a transfer to the hotel in Darjeeling. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in this beautiful hill resort, often referred to as the Queen of Hills. Overnight stay in Darjeeling.

6

In the early morning, we embark on a jeep ride to Tiger Hill, located 11 km from Darjeeling, to witness the breath-taking sunrise over the Himalayas. This vantage point provides a stunning view of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.

Come back to hotel later leave for visiting Darjeeling, often referred to as the Mecca of Tea, boasts 80 distinctive tea gardens. If time permits, a visit to the sprawling tea estates offers a unique opportunity to explore the tea-making process, from plantation to factory. Engaged in the role of a tea taster, converse with tea pickers, and savor the taste of freshly brewed tea.
Important Note: Tea Processing is closed from Mid Nov to Mid-March of every month.
Later visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday) established in 1954 to promote mountaineering as a sport. This institute, dedicated to honoring the success of Tenzing Norgay, includes a Swiss-styled house for Sherpa trainers, a residential school for aspiring mountaineers, and a well-equipped museum showcasing mountaineering artifacts and expedition displays.

Also enjoy Darjeeling Himalayan Railway popularly known as Joy Train Ride: It is a 14 Kms (2 hour) ride, round trip from Darjeeling up to Ghoom and back. It covers Batasia Loop, War Memorial and Ghoom Railway Museum, with 10 minutes stop at each place. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

7

Depart for Pelling in the morning. It is famous for magnificent views of the snow-capped mountain peaks of Kanchenjunga. Located at an altitude of more than 6000 ft, it offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges. Upon arrival, check into the hotel. In the afternoon visit Pemayangtse Monastery which is very important monastery in Sikkim. Established in 1705, this monastery belongs to the Nyingma-pa sect. The three storied structure of the monastery boasts of a great collection of wall paintings and sculptures. Overnight stay at hotel.

8

After breakfast, we set out for Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim. It is a meticulously landscaped town nestled in the embrace of nature, surrounded by breath-taking scenery and majestic snow-capped hills. Renowned for its magnificent Buddhist monasteries, Gangtok has earned the moniker “Land of Monasteries.” Upon arrival check in at hotel.

In the afternoon, we embark on a sightseeing tour of Gangtok visiting The Directorate of Handicrafts and Handlooms stands as a prominent center for learning in Sikkim, preserving the rich cultural tradition through its vibrant art and craft. Established in 1957, the center is a hub of activity, fostering development and progress.

We then visit Enchey Monastery, established in 1909 and belonging to the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism. Adorned with numerous images of gods, goddesses, and religious artifacts, topped with a gleaming golden cupola. Overnight stay at hotel.

9

In the morning, embark on a city tour of Gangtok. Visit Do Drul Chorten which is the most popular stupa in Sikkim. It was constructed in 1945 by Trulshik Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist. It is surrounded by 108 prayer wheels on which Buddhist mantras have been engraved. It is also famous for the gold-plated steeple atop the Chorten.

We then visit Rumktek monastery which is 24 km away from Gangtok. The monastery is also known as the Dharma Chakra Center and serves as the seat of His Holiness Gyawla Karmapa the XVI, the head of the Karma Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery is replica of the original monastery in Tsurpu in Tibet. The entrance of the monastery is decorated with murals and the beautiful paintings of the four guarding deities of the four directions. There is a good collection of beautiful paintings of Kargyu lineage and the Eight Bodhistavas. There is also ten feet high statue of Sakyamuni with Sariputra and Mangalputra. Return to your hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy scenic beauty of Gangtok. Overnight stay.

10

After breakfast, leave for Kalimpong. Perched on a Himalayan crest enclosed with lush green forests and overlooking the meandering Teesta River, Kalimpong is a captivating hill station. It is a tranquil town situated in the lap of Nature from where the skyline of mountains resembles a green ocean and Kanchenjunga offers an imposing view when one gazes at it from Deolo Hill. Upon arrival check in at hotel.

In the afternoon visit this bustling bazaar town. sprawling along a saddle-shaped mountain ridge overlooking the roaring Teesta. Go for shopping of interesting souvenirs at Haat Bazaar if you happen to be there on Wednesday or Saturday as this local village market is set up only on these two days in the week. You can also explore Rishi Road as It is a scenic market and you can experience the lifestyle and culture of local people. Overnight stay at hotel.

11

Transfer to the Bagdogra airport for a flight to Kolkata. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Explore the city and indulge in shopping. Overnight stay in Kolkata.

12

In the morning, transfer to the airport for your onward flight.