• The chance to discover India’s least known region
• Discovering why Kolkata is known as the ‘City of Joy’
• Travelling high into the Himalayas to witness extraordinary sunrises 
• Staying in Darjeeling, land of Buddhist monasteries, tea plantations, bargain-hunting, and trekking 
• Travelling on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
• Tea Tastings!
• Exploring the extraordinary biodiversity of the Singalila National Park Area
• Encountering wonderous wildlife on safaris in the Neora Valley, Gorumara, and Jaldapara National Parks
• Visiting the elephant corridor of Chilapata forest
• Watching rescued Royal Bengal tigers and leopards enjoy the natural environment of the South Khayerbari animal rescue centre
• The exciting pick 'n mix menu of optional visits and experiences
   

• Cruising along the River Ganges, past temples, and bathing Ghats
• Visiting Mother Theresa’s Missionaries of Charities
• Wandering through Kolkata’s vast, vivid, and fragrant Mullick Flower Market
• Staying in Gangtok, 5,000 feet up in the Himalayas
• Visiting extraordinary monasteries and temples
• Taking part in an Introduction to Buddhism and Meditation workshop
• Experiencing the spiritual peace of Lake Tsomgo 
• Seeing the sun rise on Tiger Hill and watching the Himalayan range turn gold
• Travelling on the world heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
• Visiting the Everest Museum
• Encountering Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Yak, and Himalayan Black bear at the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park
• Watching Tibetan artisans at work
• Taking part in a tea tasting
• Exploring the breath-taking Singalila National Park in a 1953-4 model Land Rover
• Visiting the flower nurseries of Kalimpong with their Amaryllis, Orchids, and Gladioli
• Going on a jeep safari in the dense forest of the Neora Valley National Park, land of the Red Panda
• The chance to encounter rare animals such as Indian rhinoceros and Asian elephant on an early morning and afternoon jeep safari through Gorumara National Park
• Exploring the vast grasslands and forest of the Jalapara National Park, famous for its one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, and crested and fishing eagles, on two jeep safaris
• Visiting the South Khayerbari animal rescue centre to see Royal Bengal tigers and leopards in their natural environment
• Watching a traditional tribal dance show
• Creating a ‘bespoke’ holiday from a pick ‘n mix menu of optional experiences and visits
   

• 17 night’s accommodations on twin sharing basis
• Breakfast and dinners at all the hotels
• 14 x lunches
• 1 x afternoon tea
• All transfers, entrance fees, sightseeing visits, and excursions
• Toy train from Darjeeling to Ghoom (please note, this is not air-conditioned)
• Forest permits for India 
• Sightseeing in Singalila National Park
• 1x Exclusive Jeep Safari into Neora Valley National Park.
• 2x Exclusive Jeep Safaris at Gorumara National Park.
• 2x Exclusive Jeep Safaris at Jaldapara National Park
• Services of an accompanying English-speaking Indian tour manager (please note, from Day 2 to Day 11)
• Assistance on arrival and departure at the airports by Sita representatives
• All taxes (Government service taxes)
• Local gratuities
• 2x 500ml bottle of mineral water per day

Please get in touch if you wish to upgrade your Emirates flights 

You may also choose to make your own travel arrangements and join at the start of the tour.

Day One – Sunday 11 February / 10 November

13:40 – depart London Heathrow on Emirates flight EK002 for Dubai

Day Two – Monday 12 February / 11 November

00:40 – arrive Dubai

02:00 – depart Dubai on Emirates flight EK570 for Kolkata

07:40 – arrive Kolkata. You will meet your local, English-speaking Tour Manager at the terminal exit 

08:40-10:30 – transfer to your hotel, The Oberoi Grand 5* to check in, followed by breakfast and the rest of the  morning at leisure to settle in. 

12.30-13:30 – Lunch at the hotel

Kolkata is famous for its people, culture, food, music, literature, and the movies. Known as the 'City of Joy' and the intellectual capital of India, it was established by the British in 1690 and  remained their capital until 1911. Many colonial features still remain today, including trams, India’s first underground railway and plenty of Victorian  architecture. Kolkata is also associated with most of India’s Noble Prize winners, including Rabindranath Tagore and Mother Teresa.

15:30-18:30 - Hoogly River cruise. Your vessel casts off from  Babughat Jetty and sails down to the Howrah Bridge, the unique cantilever Bridge across the river Ganga that joins the two metropolises of Kolkata and Howrah. You will also sail past the  Howrah Railway Station, one of the busiest in the world, and various heritage sites on the banks of the great river, including the historical point of arrival of Job Charnock, the House of Dolls, the Nimtolla Ghat, the oldest gun and shell factory in India, and numerous temples and bathing ghats.

Dinner at the hotel

Day Three – Tuesday 13 February / 12 November

Breakfast at the hotel

08:30-12:30 - morning visit to The Mother’s House - Missionaries of Charity, established by the Blessed Mother Teresa, followed by a visit to St Paul's Cathedral, noted for its Gothic architecture and reputed to be the largest church in Kolkata and the first Anglican cathedral in Asia. The tour will end with a visit to the iconic Victoria Memorial.

12:30-13:30 - lunch at a local restaurant or hotel

Afternoon at leisure, or choose from two optional experiences. Please note, these require pre-booking and carry an extra charge.

Option 1 – Adda with a poet, writer, and publisher
Option 2 – Local market, Cooking Demonstration and Bengali meal

Dinner at the hotel

Day Four – Wednesday 14th February/13th November

Breakfast at the hotel

09:30-12:30 - you will drive past Dalhousie Square with its important colonial buildings before visiting the 130-year-old Mullick Ghat Flower Market, the largest flower market in Kolkata, and one of the largest in Asia. You will then enjoy a sightseeing tram ride around the city, ending at the gate of the Gariahat tram depot.

12:30 - 13:30 - lunch at a local restaurant 

Afternoon at leisure, or choose from two optional experiences. Please note, these require pre-booking and carry an extra charge.

Option 1 – discover the Temples of Kolkata
Option 2 – Kolkata Food Walk with Tasting

Dinner at the hotel

Day Five – Thursday 15th February/14th November

Breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer by private coach for Kolkata airport and your internal flight to Bagdogra

12:40 - depart Kolkata by Indigo flight 6E751

13:45 - arrive Bagdogra. A local, English-speaking Tour Manager will meet you at the exit to the Arrivals terminal. 

14:25 – private transfer to Darjeeling, stopping en route for lunch at a local restaurant.

19:00 – arrive Darjeeling and check in to the 5* heritage Mayfair Hotel

Darjeeling, with its idyllic setting, exhilarating climate, and stunning views of the Kanchenjunga peak, has been a popular hill station since it was established by the British in the mid-1800s. This is the land of the world heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Buddhist monasteries, tea plantations, bargain-hunting, and trekking.

Dinner at the hotel

Day Six – Friday 16th February/15th November

04:00-07:00 - dawn excursion to Tiger Hill (2590m) to see the sunrise and its reflection on Kanchenjunga, India’s highest peak. (Weather permitting). 

07:00-07:30 - breakfast back at the hotel

09:00-12:00 - Toy Train ride from Darjeeling to Ghoom (India’s Highest railway station) where you will visit Ghoom monastery with its 15ft high gilded statue of the Maitreya Buddha. 

12:00 - 13:00 - lunch at a local restaurant 

13:00 - 16:30 - sightseeing tour including the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute where you can see equipment used by Tenzing Norgay during his summit, and the Everest Museum. You will then visit Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park to see Himalayan animals including Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Yak, Himalayan Black Bear, as well as several varieties of birds. The tour ends with a visit to the Tibetan Self-Help Centre or Refugee Centre. This rehabilitation centre for Tibetan refugees was established in 1959 after they followed Dalai Lama and escaped from Tibet. Today it is run by Tibetan Refugees and the main activity is the production of traditional Tibetan handcrafts, leatherwork, woodwork, and paintings. 

19:30 – dinner at Barddhaman Palace with the King (Pranab Ch. Mehatab) and Queen of Barddhaman

Overnight stay at the hotel

Day Seven – Saturday 17th February/16th November

Breakfast at the hotel

10:00 -11:30 - tea tasting at a local tea shop.

After the tea tasting, you can choose from three optional experiences. Please note, these require pre-booking and carry an extra charge.

Option 1: Meet Mr. Hemant Kr. Pradhan, whose  father was a Gurkha Soldier of the British Army, and visit the part of his house which is being converted into the Gurkha War Museum. 
Option 2: Heritage Walk of Darjeeling with an expert photographer. 
Option 3: Visit to the Tomb of Alexander Cosma De Karos at the Old Cemetery. 

Lunch at a local restaurant 

The remainder of the day is at leisure

Dinner at the hotel

Day Eight – Sunday 18th February/17th November

Early breakfast at the hotel

07:30 – depart for the Manebhanjan check post.

09:00 – 09:30 – arrive at the Manebhanjan check post and drive in an Old Model Private Number Land Rover (1953-54 model)  to Tumling Gate, the entry point to the Singalila National Park 

09:30 – 12:00 – a driving tour of Singalila National Park in an Old Model Private Number Land Rover (1953-54 model) to the hamlet of Gairibas. You will spend around 30 minutes here to take in the views across to Bhutan and spot some of the region’s many birds.

12:00 - 12:30 – return to Tumling for lunch at a local lodge/Homestay, followed by some free time to explore at your leisure.

13:30 - 15:30 - return to Manebhanjan by Land Rover

15:30 - 17:00 - return to Darjeeling 

Dinner at the hotel

Day Nine – Monday 19th February/18th November

Breakfast at the hotel and check out.

08:00 – depart for Gangtok.

12:30 – arrive Gangtok and check in to Elgin Nor-Khill hotel. 

At an altitude of 1570m, the beautiful hill town of Gangtok became the capital of north-eastern state of Sikkim in the mid-19th century and has undergone rapid development since then. It is known for its peaceful Chortens or Stupas, old monasteries, unspoilt natural beauty, and breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world. The thick green forests of Sikkim provide a rich habitat for birds, butterflies, varieties of orchids, rhododendrons, and wildflowers.

Afternoon at leisure.

Dinner at the hotel.

Day Ten – Tuesday 20th February/19th November

Breakfast at the hotel

08:30-11:00 - visit to Rumtek, the largest and wealthiest of Sikkim’s monasteries. 

11:00 – 13:00 – introduction to Buddhism and Meditation workshop with a qualified instructor or Lama at the Bamboo Retreat Prayer Room. The workshop will be followed by lunch.

13:00 - return to Gangtok

14:30 - afternoon at leisure, or choose from two optional experiences. Please note, these require pre-booking and carry an extra charge.

Option 1 - visit Ray Mindu Village, known for its traditional food and handicraft centre.
Option 2 - visit Namgyal Institute of Tibetology & Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts

Dinner at the hotel

Day 11 – Wednesday 21st February/20th November

Breakfast at the hotel

08:00 - 11:30 - excursion to Lake Tsomgo. At an elevation of 3,753m, the lake is covered with snow from early winter to late spring. Part of the Sacred Himalayan Landscape, this area revered as holy by the people of Sikkim and is associated with many myths and legends.
(Please Note: As the lake is located in a restricted area, all visitors must obtain special permits. Your guide will arrange these; however you will need to carry a photocopy of your passport, Indian visa, and a passport size photograph.)

11:30 – return to Gangtok.

13:00 - 14:45 - lunch at a local Gangtok restaurant, followed by a visit to a flower show at the White Hall complex.

The rest of the day is at leisure, or choose from two optional experiences. Please note, these require pre-booking and carry an extra charge.

Option 1 - visit to Do-Drul Chorten stupa and Tashi Viewpoint
Option 2 - visit to Tsuk-La-Khang and Enchey Monastery

Dinner at the hotel

Day 12 – Thursday 22nd February/21st November

Breakfast at the hotel and check out.

08:30 – depart for Kalimpong.

11:00 – arrive Kalimpong and check in to the Mayfair Himalayan Spa Resort.

Perched on a ridge above the Teesta River in the rolling foothills of the Himalayas, modern Kalimpong is a quiet hill resort famed for its orchids and Gladiolus. Until the early 1700s, the area was part of the Sikkim raja’s domain. It was taken over by the King of Bhutan at the start of the 18th century then, in 1865 after the Anglo-Bhutan War, it was annexed to Darjeeling. Scottish Missionaries also came here in the 1800s and the town was a thriving wool trading centre until the 1950s. 

12:30 – 13:30 – lunch at the hotel.

14:00 – 17:30 – an afternoon spent visiting the important sights of Kalimpong, starting with Flower Nurseries. Kalimpong’s climate is ideal for the cultivation of flowers and plants and the area is famous for its nurseries which export exotic flowers such as Amaryllis, Anthuriums, Gerberas, Dahlias, and Gladioli, as well as Orchids and Cactus. Your next stop is Durpin Dara to see the panoramic view of the town of Kalimpong, the snow-clad Himalayan ranges of West Sikkim, and the Teesta River valleys and visit Zang Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery. The prayer room of this fairly new monastery is adorned with wall paintings and there is a rare, three-dimensional mandala upstairs. From there you will go on to Tharpa Choling Monastery at Tirpai hill which belongs to the Yellow Hat sect of Lamas to which the present Dalai Lama belongs. The last stop is Thongsa Gumpa, a Bhutanese monastery built around 1692, and the oldest in Kalimpong. The original structure was destroyed in the inter-clan wars before the British arrived.

Dinner at the hotel.

Day 13 – Friday 23rd February/22nd November

Breakfast at the hotel

09:00 - depart for an excursion to Neora Valley National Park 

10:30 – arrive at Neora Valley National Park. Your guide will help procure the necessary entry permits.

12:00 – 14:00 – Jeep Safari in the park. Established in 1986, this rugged and largely inaccessible park spreads over an area of 88 km (34 sq. miles) with an elevation rising to 3,200m at Rachela Danda. Famous for being the land of the red panda, the pristine habitat supports virgin natural forests, dense bamboo groves, and a  colourful canopy of Rhododendron  trees. 

14:00 – 15:00 – packed lunch at a local picnic spot or restaurant

15:00 – return to Kalimpong.

16:30 -  arrive at the hotel.

Dinner at the hotel

Day 14 – Saturday 24th February/23rd November

Breakfast at the hotel and check out.

08:00 – depart for Chalsa (Dooars)

11:00 – arrive at Chalsa and check-in to the Sinclairs Retreat Dooars hotel.

Located in the flood plains of the Murti and Jaldhaka rivers of Dooars and harbours and close to Gorumara National Park,  Chalsa is home to one of the largest diversities of megafauna in West Bengal. There are approximately 48 species of carnivores and herbivores, 193 species of birds, 22 species of reptiles, seven species of turtles, 27 species of fish, as well as many other macro and micro fauna. The most common animals are one-horned Indian rhino, elephant, Indian bison (commonly known as ‘Gaur’), leopards (locally known as ‘Chitabagh’), Rock python, Malayan giant squirrel, and deer, all of which regularly come to the salt reservoir just below the tower. 

12:30 – 13;30 – lunch at the hotel

13;30 – 16:00 -  Jeep Safari at Gorumara National Park, home to many rare and endangered species, including the Indian rhinoceros, Asian elephant, clouded leopard, barking deer, sloth bear, wild boar, hog deer, and a plethora of brilliant submontane forest birds such as the Scarlet Minivet, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Spangled Drongo, and Great Indian Hornbill.

Dinner at the hotel

Day 15 – Sunday 25th February/24th November

Breakfast at the hotel

07:00 – 09:30 – a second jeep safari to explore the extraordinary nature and wildlife of the Gorumara National Park.

The rest of the morning is at leisure

12:30 – 13:30 – lunch at the hotel and check out

13:30 – 15:30 – drive to Jaldapara National Park, via the Murti River and Chapmari Forests.

The Jaldapara National Park is situated at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, on the bank of river Torsa in West Bengal. The vast grassland with patches of riverine forests was declared a sanctuary in 1943 to protect the area’s precious variety of flora and fauna. Animals to look out for include one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, Bengal tigers, spotted deer, barking deer, sambhar deer, hog deer, bison, and wild pig. There are plenty of birds too - Crested eagles,  Fishing eagles, Bengal florican, Indian hornbill, jungle fowl, pea fowl, and partridges all live in the park.

15:30 – depart for the Jungle Book Resort in the village of Madarihat.

19:00 – arrive at the Jungle Book Resort and check-in.

Dinner at the hotel

Day 16 – Monday 26th February/25th November

07:00 - 09:30  - morning Jeep Safari at Jaldapara National Park

09:30 – 10:00 – breakfast at the hotel

10:00- 13:00 – visits to Chilapata and South Khayerbari.

Chilapata in Dooars is a dense forest offering a genuine flavour of wildlife in the wilderness and travelling through it is a thrilling experience – like cutting through a green wall. Chilapata forest forms an elephant corridor between Jaldapara National Park and Buxa Tiger Reserve. 

South Khayerbari is an animal rescue centre, best known as the Royal Bengal Tiger & Leopard Rescue Centre. It earned its name when, following the outlawing of animals for use in circuses, forest officials rescued 11 Royal Bengal tigers from the Hoogly Circus, along with many leopards from illicit smugglers. Visitors can observe the rescued animals in their natural habitat. As it is located far from any human settlement, the journey to South Khayerbari is an unforgettable experience. Expect awe-inspiring views of lush tea gardens, mountains, and the  meandering river Teesta.

13:00 – 14:00 – lunch at the hotel

15:30 – 17:30 - jeep safari to explore the nature and wildlife at Jaldapara National Park.

17:30 – 18:00 – watch a Tribal Dance Show in which men play drums and flutes while women sing and dance.

Dinner at the hotel.

Day 17 – Tuesday 27th February/26th November

Breakfast at the hotel and check out

08:00 – depart for Bagdogra airport for your flight to Kolkata.

12:00 – arrive Bagdogra airport.

14:20 – depart Bagdogra by Indigo flight 6E-292 for Kolkata.

15:20 – arrive Kolkata. Your English-speaking Tour Manager will meet you at the exit to the Arrivals terminal.

16:30 – transfer to The Oberoi Grand 5*.

17:40 – arrive at The Oberoi Grand and check-in.

Dinner at the hotel.

Day 18 – Wednesday 28th February/27th November

Breakfast at the hotel

Today is at leisure for you to enjoy the hotel facilities, relax by the pool or pamper yourself at the spa. The Oberoi Spa offers a range of holistic treatments, including Aromatherapy, and Eastern, Western and the signature Oberoi massage. The treatment rooms are lit by antique glass lamps with teak wood floors, a massage bed, shower, steam room, and a freestanding bathtub.

Dinner at the hotel

Day 19 – Thursday 29th February/28th November

04:30 – check out and depart for Kolkata airport for your flight back to the UK.

08:55 – depart Kolkata by Emirates flight EK571 for Dubai.

12:50 – arrive Dubai.

16:05 – depart Dubai by Emirates flight EK005 for London Heathrow.

20:00 – arrive London Heathrow.

Tour ends
 

Read more about our optional excursions and visits below in Deeper Dive section