Colonial Cities, Train, Tea, Tiger & Tribal

Day 1: Arrival in Mumbai

Upon arrival at Mumbai airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is free for relaxation after your journey. You may choose to rest at the hotel or take a short walk in the nearby area depending on your arrival time. Mumbai sets the tone for the journey with its mix of colonial charm, coastal views, and energetic city life. Overnight at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 2: Mumbai Sightseeing and Elephanta Caves

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your exploration of Mumbai with a ferry ride from the Gateway of India to the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves. These ancient rock-cut caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva, are known for their detailed sculptures and the famous three-headed Shiva panel. Return to the city and continue sightseeing with a drive along Marine Drive, one of Mumbai’s most scenic waterfront stretches. Visit the Hanging Gardens for panoramic city views and spend time at Colaba Causeway, where shopping, cafés, and local street life create a lively atmosphere. Return to your hotel after a full day of sightseeing. Overnight at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 3: Mumbai to Darjeeling via Bagdogra

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bagdogra. On arrival, drive to Darjeeling through tea plantations, green valleys, and winding hill roads. The journey offers a beautiful transition from city life to the cool mountain climate of North Bengal. Darjeeling, known as the “Queen of the Hills,” welcomes you with colonial charm, tea gardens, and peaceful surroundings. After check-in, the evening is free to relax and acclimatize. Overnight at hotel in Darjeeling.

Day 4: Darjeeling Sunrise and City Tour

Rise early and drive to Tiger Hill to witness a spectacular sunrise over Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world. The morning light over the snow-capped Himalayan range is one of the highlights of the entire trip. After breakfast, visit Ghoom Monastery, one of Darjeeling’s oldest monasteries, and then enjoy a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the Toy Train. In the afternoon, explore Darjeeling town, including colonial-era churches, local markets, and nearby tea estates. Return to your hotel after a memorable day. Overnight at hotel in Darjeeling.

Day 5: Darjeeling to Pelling

After breakfast, drive to Pelling, a peaceful hill town in Sikkim known for its mountain views and spiritual atmosphere. The route passes through beautiful landscapes, small settlements, and forested stretches. On arrival, begin sightseeing with Pemayangtse Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim, admired for its murals, wooden details, and religious significance. Continue to the Rabdentse Ruins, once the royal capital of Sikkim, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the valleys below. Later, visit Khecheopalri Lake, a sacred water body surrounded by dense forest. Overnight at hotel in Pelling.

Day 6: Pelling to Gangtok

After breakfast, drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, passing through scenic valleys, terraced slopes, and charming villages along the way. En route, enjoy views of local tea gardens and mountain landscapes. Upon arrival in Gangtok, check in at your hotel and take some time to relax. In the evening, you may explore M.G. Road, a lively pedestrian street lined with shops, cafés, and eateries offering Tibetan, Nepali, and local delicacies. Overnight at hotel in Gangtok.

Day 7: Gangtok Excursion

After breakfast, begin a full-day excursion from Gangtok. Visit Tsomgo Lake, a glacial lake at high altitude known for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic mountain setting. Continue to Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir, a unique and revered shrine with strong local significance. Later, explore Do Drul Chorten Stupa, one of Gangtok’s important Buddhist landmarks, surrounded by prayer wheels and peaceful surroundings. Visit the Himalayan Zoological Park to see Himalayan wildlife such as red pandas and snow leopards. End the day with a visit to Lal Bazaar for local shopping before returning to your hotel. Overnight at hotel in Gangtok.

Day 8: Gangtok to Kalimpong

After breakfast, drive to Kalimpong, a quiet hill town known for its colonial heritage, monasteries, and flower nurseries. On arrival, visit Deolo Hill, the highest point in the town, offering sweeping views of the Teesta River and surrounding valleys. Continue to Durpin Dara Viewpoint for another beautiful Himalayan panorama. Visit Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery, known for its peaceful atmosphere and valuable Buddhist scriptures. Later, explore the local flower nurseries, where orchids and other Himalayan plants create a colorful setting. Overnight at hotel in Kalimpong.

Day 9: Kalimpong Sightseeing and Transfer to Guwahati

Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Kalimpong, beginning with Morgan House, a colonial-era bungalow set in scenic surroundings. Continue to Dr. Graham’s Homes, an educational institution with attractive architecture and gardens, and then visit Tharpa Choling Monastery, known for its spiritual ambiance. Later, transfer to Bagdogra for your flight to Guwahati. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the evening is free for rest after your journey. Overnight at hotel in Guwahati.

Day 10: Guwahati to Kaziranga National Park

After breakfast, begin the day with a visit to Kamakhya Temple, one of the most respected Shakti shrines in India, located atop Nilachal Hill. Continue to the Assam State Museum to gain insight into the region’s cultural and historical heritage. After lunch, drive to Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for the one-horned rhinoceros and rich biodiversity. On arrival, check in at your jungle lodge and relax amid the natural surroundings. Overnight at lodge in Kaziranga.

Day 11: Kaziranga National Park Safari

Wake up early for a jeep safari in Kaziranga National Park. Explore the park’s grasslands, wetlands, and forested areas while looking out for one-horned rhinos, elephants, wild buffaloes, tigers, and many bird species. Return to the lodge for breakfast and relaxation. In the afternoon, go for another safari in a different park zone to improve your chances of wildlife sightings. Kaziranga offers one of the finest wildlife experiences in India. Overnight at lodge in Kaziranga.

Day 12: Kaziranga to Majuli

After breakfast, drive to Nimati Ghat and board a ferry across the Brahmaputra River to reach Majuli, the world’s largest river island. On arrival, check in at your lodge and explore the island’s unique atmosphere. Visit local villages to observe the traditional lifestyle of the Mishing community and see their bamboo houses and cultural traditions. Majuli is also known for its Vaishnavite monasteries and mask-making heritage. Overnight at lodge in Majuli.

Day 13: Majuli to Jorhat

After breakfast, take the ferry back to Nimati Ghat and continue your drive to Jorhat, often called the Tea Capital of Assam. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the afternoon visiting nearby tea estates, where you can learn about tea cultivation and processing. Enjoy the green surroundings and the relaxed pace of this pleasant tea town. In the evening, you may explore the local market or simply relax at the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Jorhat.

Day 14: Jorhat to Kolkata by Flight

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kolkata. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city. The rest of the day is free at leisure, allowing you to relax or take a short walk nearby depending on your arrival time. Kolkata’s colonial elegance and artistic energy create a graceful transition into the final part of the journey. Overnight at hotel in Kolkata.

Day 15: Kolkata Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin your sightseeing tour of Kolkata. Visit Kalighat Temple, one of the city’s most important religious sites, followed by the riverside Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Continue to St. Paul’s Cathedral, known for its Gothic architecture and peaceful interior. Drive through Kolkata’s colonial quarter, passing landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial, Eden Gardens, and Writers’ Building. End the day with a walk along the Hooghly River promenade and enjoy the city’s old-world atmosphere. Overnight at hotel in Kolkata.

Day 16: Departure from Kolkata

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Kolkata airport for your onward journey. Your tour concludes with wonderful memories of colonial cities, mountain railways, tea gardens, tribal heritage, wildlife, and the cultural richness of eastern India. This journey offers a rare and beautiful cross-section of India’s landscapes and traditions.

• Assistance on arrival at airport and hotel check-in support
• 15 nights accommodation in selected category hotels
• Daily breakfast at hotels
• Private AC vehicle for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per itinerary
• English-speaking local guides on sightseeing days as per the program
• Monument entrance fees and activity charges mentioned in the itinerary
• 3 gypsy safaris in Kaziranga National Park with naturalist
• Bottled drinking water in vehicle throughout the tour
• All applicable government taxes, toll taxes, parking charges, and driver allowance
• Basic first aid kit available with the driver

Hotels used or similar for 15 nights accommodation

Mumbai x 2 nights
3* - Hotel Suba Palace/ BW Hotel Sahil
4* - Sun-N-Sand Hotel/ Fariyas Hotel
5* - Trident Hotel/ ITC Grand Central

Darjeeling x 2 nights
3* - Central Heritage Resort & Spa/ Omega Residency 
4* - Elgin Hotel/ The Royal Plaza
5* - Mayfair/ Windamere Hotel

Pelling x 1 night
3* - Green Leaf Resort/ The Pelling Resort
4* & 5* - Elgin Mt. Pandim/ Chumbi Mountain Retreat & Spa

Gangtok x 2 nights
3* - Tamarind Hotels/ Hotel New Orchid
4* - Elgin NorKhill/ Saramsa Resort
5* - Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino/ WelcomHeritage Denzong Regency

Kalimpong x 1 night
3* - Kalimpong Village Retreat/ Summit Barsana Resort & Spa
4* - Elgin Silver Oaks/ Sinclairs Retreat
5* - Mayfair Himalayan Spa Resort/ Morgan House Tourist Lodge

Guwahati x 1 nights
3* - Cygnett Park Meghna/ Hotel Palacio 
4* - Landmark Hotel/ Hotel Royale de’ Casa
5* - Vivanta Guwahati/ Radisson Blu Hotel

Kaziranga NP x 2 nights
3* - Infinity Resorts/ Wild Grass Lodge
4* & 5* - Borgos Resort/ Hotel Ivora

Majuli x 1 night
3*, 4* & 5* - Prashanti Prashanti Cottages or similar (Basic Property)

Jorhat x 1 night
3* - Hotel GK Palace
4* & 5* - The Manor A Boutique Hotel/ Prism A Boutique Hotel

Kolkata x 2 nights
3* - Regenta Orko's/ The Fern Residency
4* - The Peerless Inn/ The Fern Residency
5* - ITC Sonar, a Luxury Collection/ The Lalit Great Eastern

• Flight fares for Mumbai to Bagdogra, Bagdogra to Guwahati, and Jorhat to Kolkata
• Camera or video charges at monuments or wildlife parks, if any
• Meals other than those mentioned in the inclusions
• Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, beverages, telephone, internet, and minibar
• Travel insurance or medical expenses
• Optional activities, extra safaris, or sightseeing not mentioned in the itinerary
• Early check-in or late check-out at hotels unless specified
• Any increase in taxes, fuel charges, or airfare
• Anything not specifically mentioned under inclusions