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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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Day 8:
DEPARTURE TRANSFER
In the morning after breakfast transfer to the airport to connect flight for home.
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This is a privately guided journey. Contact us on how to book this tour.You May Also Like
Recent Reviews
The trip to India was much more than I expected. Often the expression....Go to India and change your Life....that is what I experienced! From weather, hotels, food, transportation to our guides...top grade!!!! Thanks you for putting this wonderful vacation together for us!!! It holds memories for a Lifetime!!! When I get some photos edited I will send you a link! Great Job!
Linda Swanson
Nelson, Canada
Hello Nazir, I very much enjoyed my tour with Explore India! Our tour group was lovely! I will recommend to my friends! The staff were very responsive to requests from the group. The tour guide was very knowledgeable. It was interesting to learn about India's history , current issues and how they are dealt with in India. Some definite highlights were the rickshaw ride through Old Delhi, visiting the soup kitchen at the Sikh temple, Taj Mahal, safari( excellent), and Jaipur elephant ride. I felt the tour was well paced and the hotels were very comfortable and elegant. Regards,
Carole Dalziel
Surrey, Canada
17 JAN, 2018: We had a wonderful and memorable trip and saw a different India than our previous trip. The variety of places we visited; the spectacular scenery especially in the Western Ghats; the warm and friendly people; the many modes of transport from bullock carts, boats, rickshaws and tuk tuk; the colourful and vibrant temples; the unique and luxurious lodgings; all guided by Jishoy a knowledgeable and organized tour leader who was outstanding and flexible to individual needs. I look forward to recapturing the memories when I have edited my photos. Once again, the Explore India team gave us an incredible experience of indelible quality at an affordable price. Regards, Ros and David
Ros & Dave Battye
St. Catharines, ON, Canada
Just got your note in the mail welcoming me home, so I thought I would just reply. Explore India gave me an experience I will never forget!! You lived up to everything you advertised and so much more. The attention to detail and making sure each and every one of us was having a good time were wonderful. We had an extraordinary group of 10. Such fun and jaw dropping adventures we old folks had. I would recommend your company without hesitation. Currently we are sharing photographs. George Lum was a star and I think he has given you a link. We are planning to get together in the next few weeks for a recap and just because we had so much fun together. Thank you, if there are any suggestions, I would say that the itinerary had too much in it. Our age group would have appreciated some down time for a drink or two.
Meg Holdsworth
Vancouver, Canada
We are back in Canada now, safe and sound! Denise and I would like to thank you both for organizing and managing a wonderful trip. We had high hopes at the start, and they were exceeded! The basic layout of the trip and then the detailed management made this a fabulous and exciting adventure. Thanks to the two drivers Resham and Ranji who were wonderful. Driving in India can be a bit exciting or, at worst very fatiguing, but the always smoothed things out, making the long and short trips comfortable and interesting. Many of the guides were excellent, with deep knowledge, and fascinating insights. In particular, we enjoyed our time with Suresh in Agra who always went the extra mile, Harsh in Udaipur who taught us so many things and then put them together, and even the "Professor" Jha Raji in Varanasi, who gave us an introduction to a whole new world for us. The guides in Dharavi, the tea plantation , and spice plantations were very interesting. We saw many wonderful things and had a great introduction to a fascinating country; Denise even got interested in cricket! Please keep in touch. We'll be thinking about next year. Bahut dhanyavaad
Bruce and Denise Shaw
Waterloo, Canada
Hi Nazir, Greg and I thoroughly enjoyed our trip to India. We were impressed with the excellent service from all Explore India personnel. Your choice of hotels, points of interest and breakfasts were excellent. Our driver and bus helper were especially good. Thank you for a wonderful trip. Ram, ram
Elaine and Greg
Burnaby, Canada
A hearty thank you to you and all involved with Explore India. Angela and I are very pleased with everyone and everything that happened during our tour. attached find an ad for my art show this Saturday at the Two Rivers Art Gallery in Prince George, I managed to finish a few paintings of India for the exhibit. Thank you again!
Jerzy (George) Lesniewicz
Prince George, Canada
Namaste Nazir, We are back home after our amazing trip to India. I thought the tour package that you put together was very well thought out and gave us a good look at what India is all about. I don't feel that I missed anything that I was hoping to see and experience in India, at least the north part. Your team in India could not have looked after us any better. Lynn and I spent two days on our own and felt that Rajeev was there making sure we were safe and organized whatever it was we wanted, from a numerologist to the market, organized dinners and vehicles to get us around. It can be quite intimidating when one first gets there so we really appreciated his advice on what to do and what not to do. Lo Chen, in Darjeeling, was a very gentle, kind and very knowledgeable man who made sure we learned about the area, had fun and were safe. Whatever anyone requested he made happen which is hard in a group our size. Arvind, well, he indeed was our leader and mentor. He is a very honorable, spiritual, knowledgeable man who is passionate about his country. We learned so much of the history and culture of India from this amazing man. Whatever anyone wanted it was always "no problem" and it would happen. We were very fortunate to be in India during Diwali and the celebration of the sun. From fireworks in front of a restaurant and dancing to Indian music after a beautiful buffet dinner to going out on a boat to watch the celebration of the sun on the Ganges, he worked very hard to please us all. We even got to meet his parents at their home on our request. I will never forget this very wise man. All in all, the trip was more than we could have expected. Sincerely,
Shirley Richmond
West Kelowna, Canada
Hello Nazir! Where do we begin?? Bill and I had a fabulous introduction to India on our tour with Explore India! Upon our early arrival we were met by our local guide Muzzafar Hamid Shah, who was ready to help with information, currency exchange and sightseeing outings! We took him up on those straight away and headed out to see and hear a bit about Delhi. We later had the pleasure of meeting your brother who gave us a bit of history of the company and laid down the concept of being family. And that is how it unfolded for us. We had a wonderful group of 17 diverse Canadians- warm, adventurous, funny, punctual! , generous, curious, - and we soon became a family, led by Shah- who we cannot say enough about! Shah was so caring, informative- so knowledgeable- he really made the history so interesting, also describing life in India today, education, healthcare issues, social issues, differences and similarity of the religions....our days were so full and so fun. He always kept us informed as to what was coming up, saved us from the ‘hawkers’ by providing the ‘on bus shopping’ which we loved! Also giving assistance as required or requested when we shopped the awesome artisan locations. These stops were truly amazing opportunities to see the old world techniques of carpet making, marble inlay, silk weaving, block fabric design, etc. Shah is such a great guide - we hope EXPLORE INDIA knows how lucky you are to have him! He was such a big part of the enjoyment and success of our trip. The itinerary was incredible- one could never arrange all this on your own. In casual conversation we all asked what were the highs and lows...no lows...and it was just too difficult to choose the highs! Of course the sights were magnificent- the Taj Mahal did not disappoint-it truly was beyond belief! As were the many other palaces, forts, temples! Our visit to the Sikh Temple was such a lovely, impressive event. It was like stepping back in time to watch the food prep by so many volunteers and the feeling was something spiritual... I’m sure you’ve probably heard about our super successful tiger safari at Ranthambore!! A tiger family plus a sloth bear!! We felt blessed that day and it was obvious, by our Naturalist, Vijay’s excitement, just how fortunate we were. He could have headed out after our initial tiger sighting as our time was closing in, but he ventured after another sighting, successfully predicting where the tigers were heading! After an incredible time watching them we had to hustle out of the park to meet our deadline. As we understand, putting himself at risk of fine or suspension of licence! The Ganges experience was beyond words and a part of India I will keep with me forever! Indescribable, really. As Bill has said numerous times- our visit to India was not just a vacation- it was an experience.... So many things to mention, but most come down to the people and just seeing everyday life go by..... the visit with the village family was very special, the time spent at the village school so precious.... and just observing life along the roadside was spellbinding. I could go on about many more things- the accommodations were great, the food was fantastic! Our family extended to our driver and helper who we were so happy to see on our return to Delhi! They also, took such great care of us! We have and will not hesitate to highly recommend Explore India to anyone thinking of going and will encourage anyone else to seriously consider India for their next ‘experience’! It was unforgettable! Thank you! Most sincerely, Laurel and Bill Wickett
Bill & Laurel Wickett
Penticton BC, Canada
The whole tour was superb; everything went very smoothly, the choice of sites was perfect, the hotels were excellent, well-supplied and clean, the bus was comfortable, the driver, Praveen (?) and water wallah, Shambo, were friendly, competent and very amenable. Our guide was wonderful at keeping all 22 of us happy, thanks to his ability to listen, adapt, add and subtract as necessary. Speaking of Rajeev, a 5+ star guide! What a calm, patient, well-informed, flexible, attentive person to travel with! He gave us time to explore when desired, tweaked things where necessary and rolled with the punches that a bunch of bossy adults used to having their own way could throw him. He made us feel safe and special throughout the trip, whether we were crossing a road, feeding cows, riding an elephant or negotiating prices, all this with an unfailing sense of humour. There was not one glitch in our bus arrival, suitcase sorting, passport collection and distribution or room allocation. All in all, a magical voyage which is very much in my mind, my conversations and my dreams.
Deborah Holdsworth
Toronto, ON, Canada
Tour Extensions
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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.
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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.