Quick Menu
Overview
Darjeeling, a town in India’s West Bengal state, in the Himalayan foothills. Once a summer resort for the British Raj elite, it remains the terminus of the narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or “Toy Train,” completed in 1881. Furthermore, explore Kolkata the city of Joy, contrast, and culture. Once the capital of British India – now the capital of West Bengal. A visit to Kolkata will bring visitors in touch with a combination of a rich 400 years old heritage. Finally, visit the grandest mangrove forest in the world in Sundarbans. This misty swamp region is home to man-eating tigers and although a rugged terrain, the land is hospitable to the inhabitants who live and visit there.
Tour Highlights
- Experience a combination of Kolkata’s rich 400 years old heritage, vibrant modern life and different cultures
- Visit Mother Theresa’s House, the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata
- Appreciate Darjeeling, a land of infinite variety and charm in the Himalayan foothills
- Visit ancient temples and holy monuments to gain spiritual insight into Darjeeling’s ingrained Buddhist philosophy
- Experience the narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or “Toy Train,” completed in 1881
- Visit the distinctive black tea plantations that dot the surrounding slopes of Darjeeling
- Experience the panoramic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, amongst the world’s highest peaks
Itinerary
-
Day 1:
ARRIVE BAGDOGRA - KURSEONG
Welcome on arrival at Bagdogra and transfer to Kurseong (55Kms / 02 Hrs). Evening free for leisure. Overnight at Hotel.
Kurseong, locally known as “Kharsang” which in Lepcha means ‘the Land of White Orchids’, referring to the small white orchids are prolific here. The serenity and tranquillity of this place are what attracts people. On the outskirts of the main town of Kurseong is Cochrane Place, a recreated and restored stately British Colonial home of its previous resident, Percy John Cochrane, MBE. The stunning view of the tea garden along with the mountains and the foothill forests of the Eastern Himalayas from this Tea Resort are enchanting.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: Cochrane PlaceCochrane Place
-
Day 2:
KURSEONG - DARJEELING
Enjoy an early breakfast and proceed for a tour of the Makaibari Tea Factory and Plantation to interact and discover the charming character, rich culture, and history with the friendly people of the tea estate. Lunch at Cochrane Place followed by transfer to the Kurseong Toy Train Station to connect the Toy Train (Train 9D / STD 15.00Hrs) to Darjeeling (30Kms / 03Hrs). This unique Mountain Railway’ project was first started in 1878 by the initiative of Sir. Ashley Eden and is now a World Heritage.
Darjeeling is a land of infinite variety and charm. Dorje, the mystic thunderbolt of the Lama-Religion was the origin of the name Darjeeling, which was first discovered by a British Captain Lloyd in the year 1829. Surrounded by Tea gardens; this little town faces some of the highest peaks of the Himalayas and used to be the summer retreat of the European Officers in Bengal. Evening free for individual activity and leisure, overnight at Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
Day 3:
DARJEELING SIGHTSEEING
Breakfast at the Hotel followed by a half day of local sightseeing covering Padmaja N. Zoological Garden (Closed on Thursday) established on August 14, 1958. It specializes in breeding animals adapted to alpine conditions.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday) was founded in Darjeeling on 4th November by Pandit Nehru who said that “The institute trains young men not only to climb Himalayan peaks but also create in them an urge to climb peaks of human Endeavour.” HMI has the oldest mountaineering Museum in the country established in 1957.
Tibetan Refugee Self-help Center (Closed on Sunday) established on 1 October 1959, following the dramatic escape of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, thousands of Tibetans leaving hearth and home, fled into the neighboring countries to live as free human beings. The production of Tibetan handicraft is the center’s main activity. Enjoy an evening short walk through the local markets.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner -
Day 4:
DARJEELING – BAGDOGRA – KOLKATA
Breakfast at the hotel followed by a transfer to the Bagdogra Airport (78Kms/03Hrs) to connect your flight to Kolkata. Welcome on arrival at Kolkata airport and transfer to your hotel. Kolkata is the city of Joy, contrast, and culture. Once the capital of British India – now the capital of West Bengal. A visit to Kolkata will bring visitors in touch with a combination of a rich 400 years old heritage, vibrant modern life, and different cultures.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: The Oberoi GrandThe Oberoi Grand
-
Day 5:
KOLKATA TO SUNDARBANS AND VISIT TO TIGER RESERVE
Early morning, 7 AM transfer to Gothkhali (109Kms/3Hrs) through beautiful countrysides and rural bazaar. Arrive at Goathkhali Jetty and board into the motorized boat. After briefing and interpretation by our local guide/naturalist over a welcome drink, cruise through Vidyadhari, Durgaduani, and Gumdi rivers to the Sudhanyakhali watch tower and the visit to Sajnekhali Interpretation Centre. Experience the Island Cruise and arrive at Bali Island and check into TORA Resort. In the evening enjoy the infotainment by the local villagers. Overnight at the Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Tora Eco ResortTora Eco Resort
-
Day 6:
VILLAGE LIFE EXPERIENCE AT BALI AND TRANSFER TO KOLKATA
After breakfast, experience the village walk followed by a manually oared country boat ride. Check out of the village camp and board the local boat for a cruise to Naubanki Deulbharani – Panchamukhani and numerous creeks and visit Dobanki to experience the Canopy Walk in the Tower. Lunch onboard the cruise; followed by transfer to Kolkata.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Mayfair Hill ResortMayfair Hill Resort
The Mall, Opposite Governor House, Darjeeling, West Bengal 734101, Indiahttp://www.mayfairhotels.com/mayfair-darjeeling/+91 354 225 6376Perched on a picturesque hill, MAYFAIR Darjeeling is a heritage hotel that exudes old world charm and quiet elegance. Wake up to birdsong and beautiful views as you soak in the blissful ambiance. The green foliage and the crisp mountain air will refresh your senses. Striking the perfect balance between the old and the modern, MAYFAIR, Darjeeling indulges you with its beauty and warm genuine hospitality whether you are traveling on a honeymoon, on a work trip or a family getaway. The luxury accommodation provided at the resort include spacious Family Rooms and lavish Suites. Dining options include a grand buffet restaurant serving some of the best food in town, an English bar with lovely sunset views and a charming multi-cuisine restaurant. Facilities at the hotel include an excellent Spa, a well-equipped gym, a state-of-the-art banquet hall, a children’s play area and a nice library.
-
-
Day 7:
EXPLORE KOLKATA
The morning after breakfast start exploring the city of Joy with an introduction about the glory of Bengal, visit the Flower Market – a unique wholesale market of flowers which is situated in the bank of river Ganges near the famous Howrah Bridge and drive by the heritage buildings of Dalhousie Square. Explore the College Street Book Market by a hand-pulled Rickshaw and enjoy a cup of hot Coffee at the Famous “Indian Coffee House” which is running since 1942.
Enjoy a traditional Bengali lunch at the famous “Aheli” at The Peerless Inn.
After lunch, visit the St. Paul’s Cathedral, the first ‘Episcopal Cathedral Church’ in an oriental country, and the Victoria Memorial also referred to as the Taj of the Raj. This splendid white marble structure was built in memory of Queen Victoria between 1906 and 1921 and was formally inaugurated by the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VIII of England.
Visit the Mother House – the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity and the interesting Kalighat Kali Temple – one of the 52 Shakti Peethas in India, devotees from all over the country come to visit this holy temple. In between, you can also enjoy a short tram ride in the crowded streets of Kolkata. Overnight at Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, DinnerAccommodation: The Oberoi GrandThe Oberoi Grand
-
Day 8:
DEPARTURE TRANSFER
In the morning after breakfast transfer to the airport to connect flight for home.
You choose when to go
This is a privately guided journey. Contact us on how to book this tour.Recent Reviews
Hello Nazir, We have just returned from our trip to India with Explore India and just want to tell you how much we enjoyed it. We had a fabulous time visiting this amazing country. Everybody involved with your organization was very pleasant and professional, from the representatives who met us upon arrivals in different locations, to the guides, to the drivers (particularly "Kulu" and his assistant Amir who were with us for the first two weeks). The hotels were very nice and the tour took us to interesting and beautiful places. We are appreciative of the fact that we were in a very small group. If there was one thing we could have changed, it would have been to fly from Varanasi to Cochin without having to spend another night in Delhi. We will not hesitate to highly recommend "Explore India" to our friends and relatives. Thank you,
Marie-Laure and Steve Rhodes
West Vancouver, Canada
We just returned today from our wonderful trip to India. We did so many different things on our trip, and they were all very interesting. We learned a lot about India, and have a better appreciation of India than before. The scenery in Darjeeling was one of the highlights. Sandeep Singh was excellent as our guide. All of his talks were always very interesting, and with a little humor thrown in as well. I don't thing anyone could have done a better job. We really appreciate the effort he made to make our trip enjoyable. He deserves a 10! Our guide in Darjeeling was also excellent and also deserves a 10! He was very friendly, informative and interesting to listen to. We cannot think of any negatives things on this trip at all.....it could not have been better. We would certainly highly recommend this tour to others.
Clinton Berg
Vancouver, Canada
Some very late feedback on our tour. We had a great tour and would like to thank you for all your efforts. Our accommodations were very good, the van very comfortable and the driver most helpful and fun to be with. Rajeev was in constant contact and available to assist and advise. The Taj Mahal exceeded expectations and Ranthambore was an unexpected highlight. Thanks again and best wishes for a healthy, happy and prosperous new year.
Dave Heath
Niagara on the Lake, Canada
Your ‘Mughals, Maharajas & Holy Ganges’ tour was simply amazing and far exceeded all our expectations. Everything was very well organized, our guides were exceptional, the food was outstanding, the culture and history were amazing, the hotels were upscale and the bus transport was very good. We wish to recognize those who made our trip such a huge success: our tour guide Arvind Sharma was very knowledgeable, very well organized, respectful and gracious and very passionate about his country and his faith; our co-tour guide Hilal Ahmed was very kind and respectful, always upbeat and attentive to logistical details and making sure everyone was content; our driver Inder Jeet and his helper Ashout were so kind, prompt and alert to all our road travel needs; and our greeter Arshad Khan was very kind and helpful on arrival and departure at the Delhi airport; and finally Nazir, Mandira and staff in Vancouver and Mansoor and staff in India, thanks for your exceptional planning and arrangements. Your itinerary provided a large variety of things to see and do every day and some awesome sites to visit - the Taj Mahal and Ranthambore safari in particular were standouts. The people of India are very considerate, kind-hearted and pleasant and we were always respectfully greeted as esteemed guests and always felt safe in their midst. We had a great time and cannot identify anything material that needs to be improved. We already have and will continue to recommend Explore India to others interested in visiting India. Thanks to everyone at Explore India for such memorable experience! Brian and Mary Petovello, Calgary, Alberta.
Brian and Mary Petovello
Calgary Alberta Canada
Hi Nazir, The India tour was excellent. The accommodations and meals was great , spicy but you get used to it after a couple of days, The hotel staff making every effort to accommodate and attending to any request from the tour participants. The tour bus was quite satisfactory with the driver and assistant quite helpful, keeping the bus clean. The Tour guide was excellent and quite knowledgeable about the history of the Indian civilization. Also handling the tickets to the various sites so the was little delay getting in and experiencing the splendor that is India Pick up and drop off from the airport went without any incidence. Overall, a great experience that will not be forgotten.
Anirud and Hafeeza
Toronto, Canada
Thank you for enquiring how the trip went. It was an excellent adventure, so many wonderful places and monuments to see. India is a dynamic place to visit. For me, the trip to Jaipur was the highlight! The walls and the palace and the history were incredible. But the elephant ride! Such a thrill for a westerner to be that close to an animal that has been in books and stories we have all been exposed to all of our lives. I would have welcomed more time to spend with those animals when they were at rest and not working. A great opportunity. The air-conditioned bus was a god-send with the high temperatures and humidity at the beginning of October. Our guide was excellent, very knowlegable and personable. Overall, it was a memorable trip. This is not Explore India’s fault, but I would expect you would want to correct this little glitch. I would use Explore again to tour magnificent India! Sincerely, Carolyn Feldinger
Carolyn Feldinger
Surrey BC, Canada
Thank you for your email requesting our comments on our recent trip to India. Overall, our impression is strongly favourable. We thought that the expedition was well organized, ran smoothly and represented good value. The hotels at which we stayed and the restaurants at which we ate were uniformly excellent. The transportation was comfortable and the sights we saw were interesting. Our guide was well-informed and gave interesting commentaries as well as ensuring that all the arrangements ran smoothly. We would (and have) recommend your company to friends. We would therefore conclude by thanking you for a job well done.
Sheila Gray-Moir & John Walker
West Vancouver, Canada
Dear Nazir, We had a wonderful trip and were very pleased with the quality of the tour. The staff was very professional and friendly. We really appreciated the friendliness and great care your clients received. We have already recommended your company to others and hope to return to India again. The highlights for us were the safari and visiting the Taj Mahal. One suggestion I have is to suggest clients bring candies or small gifts (pencils, pins etc.) or a book to give to the children in the villages. We have so many fond memories and new friendships from our voyage. I hope to use your services again soon. Namaste
Edward and Patrice Campagnaro
Summerland, Canada
I really enjoyed the holiday, There were so many good things about it and I have some wonderful memories. We were most impressed with Rajeev and all he did. The coach drivers in both places were excellent and never made us feel nervous.
Jenny Baxter
London, UK
On reflecting on our trip after being home for two weeks , I have got to tell you how fantastic the whole experience has been for our family. The whole trip was flawlessly executed and really exceeded our expectations. A big thank you from our family and I know the rest of the group felt the same. So many highlights that is hard to put a finger on the standout. Your level of detail and planning really showed through as almost no details were missed. I have already recommended you to friends that want to go to India. Thank You
Julian, Karen and the kids
West Vancouver, Canada
Tour Extensions
Check & Compare
You can read hundreds of online reviews of destinations and hotels, but with our up-to-date first-hand knowledge, we will be able to compare and contrast different options and ensure we find something that is just right for you.
You will travel to India like a member of our own family. Our deep love and passion for India and its people, we are a family owned and operated luxury travel company.
Planning a trip needs careful care and attention to detail and that is where Explore India comes in with the passion to make every tour a hassle-free and memorable one for each of our guests.
Be sure to take notice of our standard of accommodation, the specialized sightseeing trips, the seamless flow of the itinerary, the comfort of the coach you will travel in, the customized dining experiences, and much more.
FEEL CONFIDENT TRAVELING WITH EXPLORE INDIA
No company is big or small when you have 100% capability of exceeding guest expectations. A rating of 10 out of 10 does not adequately reflect the level of the experience and value of the tour that we provide to India especially for the first time visitors. Explore India’s success can be traced all the way back to those early days of learning what it means to be a host and to this day, our motto is to treat the guest like a member of the family. A sure testimonial to the business, given the fact that many Canadians have travelled not one, not twice, but three times with Explore India, the early teachings seem to have paid off, as touring to India with us is a sought-after experience in Canada and beyond.