East India Odyssey - Kolkata, the Himalayan Hills & Sikkim
Tour Highlights
- Kolkata: Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, arts scene, bustling bazaars
- Kurseong: Tiger Hill sunrise, views of Kanchenjunga, lush tea gardens and tea-making
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, scenic toy train ride to Ghoom on century-old locomotives
- Ghoom Monastery, 15-foot statue of Maitreya Buddha
- Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, honouring Tenzing Norgay; Padmaja Naidu Zoo with red pandas
- Gangtok: Rumtek Monastery, Do Drul Chorten, Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Enchey Monastery
Tour code
INCCU-EIO01
Duration
15 days
Starting city
Kolkata
Tour type
Private
Best season
October–March
East India Odyssey
This 9-day journey traverses three very different corners of eastern India: the colonial grandeur of Kolkata, the misty hill stations of the Darjeeling range, and the mountain kingdom of Sikkim.
Kolkata, once the capital of British India, is a city of extraordinary energy, from the imperial halls of the Victoria Memorial to the labyrinthine bazaars and the chaos of Howrah Bridge.
The Victoria Memorial, Kolkata’s grandest monument and a symbol of the British Raj era
The tour then moves into the hills, based in Kurseong for visits to Tiger Hill at sunrise and the tea estates of the Darjeeling region. A ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage railway, runs through the mountains to Ghoom on steam locomotives that have operated since the 1880s.
The emerald tea estates of the Darjeeling hills, some of the finest tea in the world grows here
The final leg reaches Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, where Tibetan Buddhist culture is preserved in monasteries, stupas, and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, one of the finest collections of Himalayan scholarship and artefacts in the world.
Itinerary
- 1
Kolkata, Arrival and City Tour
Arrive at Kolkata, India's cultural heart, which blends colonial charm with vibrant modernity. Explore majestic landmarks like the Victoria Memorial and Howrah Bridge, and experience the city's dynamic arts scene, bustling bazaars, and lively festivals. Overnight in Kolkata.
- 2
Kolkata, Kurseong
Fly to Bagdogra and drive to Kurseong (50 km, approximately 2 hours), nestled in West Bengal's hills and known for its stunning views of the Kanchenjunga range and lush tea gardens. Visit Tiger Hill for stunning sunrise views of Kanchenjunga. Next, visit the Peace Pagoda, and in the afternoon, explore the lush tea gardens to experience the art of tea-making and enjoy the region's renowned brew. Overnight in Kurseong.
- 3Day 5
Kurseong, Darjeeling (Day Trip)
Enjoy a scenic toy train ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway to Ghoom, offering stunning mountain views on century-old locomotives. At Ghoom, visit the Ghoom Monastery to see its 15-foot statue of Maitreya Buddha. In the afternoon, explore the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, honouring Tenzing Norgay, and the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, home to rare species including the red panda. Conclude with a visit to the Tibetan Self-Help Centre to view traditional Tibetan crafts. Overnight in Kurseong.
- 4
Kurseong, Gangtok
Drive to Gangtok (150 km, approximately 5 hours), the lively capital of Sikkim, offering stunning views of Kanchenjunga and a vibrant mix of Sikkimese, Nepalese, and Tibetan cultures. Explore Gangtok with visits to Rumtek Monastery, known for its serene atmosphere and intricate art; Do Drul Chorten, a revered stupa surrounded by prayer wheels; and the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, which showcases Tibetan artefacts. Discover the Enchey Monastery with its stunning mountain views and visit the Cottage Industry, where traditional Sikkimese crafts are made. Overnight in Gangtok.
- 5
Gangtok, Kolkata, Departure
Drive to Bagdogra airport (150 km, approximately 5 hours) for your flight to Kolkata. The following day you will be assisted with your transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Please note: the order of stops and the timings shown are approximate and may change on the day for your safety and the best experience. See our Tour Terms & Conditions.
What's Included
- Transportation services as per itinerary in air conditioned vehicle
- Services of English speaking guides during specified sightseeing tours
- Entry fees to monuments as per itinerary
- Toy train ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
- Assistance, toll, interstate taxes, Govt. Service Tax
- Accommodation in well appointed rooms, including buffet breakfast
Not Included
- Air tickets, Airport Taxes and Visa
- Items of personal nature: laundry, telephone calls, minibar consumption in hotels, tips to guides, drivers, porters etc.
- Camera or Video Camera fees applicable at monuments
- Travel Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
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Tour code: INCCU-EIO01
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