East India Cultural Tour visit Monuments, Temples & Monasteries

Day 1: Arrive Delhi

Upon arrival at Delhi International 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. Delhi offers the perfect introduction to your East India tour with its blend of historical charm and modern energy. You may choose to rest at the hotel or take a short walk around the surroundings. Overnight at hotel in Delhi.

Day 2: Delhi Sightseeing

After breakfast at the hotel, begin the city tour of Delhi. Visit the historic Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, India Gate, and the Lotus Temple. Drive past the Parliament House and other important government buildings for a glimpse of New Delhi’s grand architecture. Explore the lively lanes of Old Delhi and enjoy its bustling bazaars and traditional atmosphere. Return to the hotel after sightseeing. Overnight at hotel in Delhi.

Day 3: Delhi – Agra – Delhi

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Agra covering approx. 230 kms one way / 400 kms round trip, taking around 4–5 hours each way depending on traffic. Upon arrival, begin sightseeing with the magnificent Taj Mahal, a timeless symbol of love and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Continue to Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, both remarkable examples of Mughal architecture. After exploring the city, drive back to Delhi in the evening. Overnight at hotel in Delhi.

Day 4: Delhi – Bhubaneswar (By Flight)

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bhubaneswar. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel and check-in. Later, begin the city tour with visits to the famous temples of Bhubaneswar, including Lingaraj Temple, Mukteswara Temple, Rajarani Temple, and Ananta Vasudeva Temple. Admire the classical Kalinga style of architecture and the city’s sacred atmosphere. Return to the hotel after sightseeing. Overnight at hotel in Bhubaneswar.

Day 5: Bhubaneswar – Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri, Udayagiri & Dhauli

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full-day excursion to the Buddhist heritage sites of Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri, and Udayagiri. Explore ancient stupas, monasteries, statues, and archaeological remains that reflect the rich Buddhist history of Odisha. Continue to Dhauli, a highly significant site associated with Emperor Ashoka’s transformation after the Kalinga War. The peaceful surroundings and historical importance make this day especially meaningful. Return to Bhubaneswar in the evening. Overnight at hotel in Bhubaneswar.

Day 6: Bhubaneswar – Konark – Puri

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Puri covering approx. 65 kms, taking around 2 hours. En route visit the famous Sun Temple at Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning stone carvings and chariot-shaped structure. Continue with visits to Pipli Village, well known for its colorful applique work, and Raghurajpur Village, celebrated for traditional Pattachitra paintings. Upon arrival in Puri, check in at the hotel and relax. Overnight at hotel in Puri.

Day 7: Puri – Chilika Lake – Puri

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for an excursion to Chilika Lake covering approx. 110 kms round trip. Enjoy a boat ride on Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and observe the natural beauty of the lake with its birdlife and calm waters. Later return to Puri and visit the sacred Jagannath Temple, one of India’s most important pilgrimage sites. Spend time at Puri Beach and enjoy the serene coastal environment. Return to the hotel in the evening. Overnight at hotel in Puri.

Day 8: Puri – Kolkata (By Flight)

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kolkata. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check-in. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the nearby surroundings at your own pace. Kolkata, with its colonial heritage and intellectual legacy, offers a charming change of pace. You may enjoy an evening walk or simply rest at the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Kolkata.

Day 9: Kolkata Sightseeing

Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel before starting a city tour of Kolkata. Visit the Victoria Memorial, one of the most iconic landmarks of the city, followed by Dakshineswar Kali Temple, a sacred riverside shrine dedicated to Goddess Kali. Continue to the Howrah Bridge area and explore the vibrant local markets. Experience the city’s unique colonial architecture, religious heritage, and busy urban life. Return to the hotel after sightseeing. Overnight at hotel in Kolkata.

Day 10: Kolkata – Bagdogra – Darjeeling

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bagdogra. Upon arrival, drive to Darjeeling covering approx. 62 kms, taking around 3 hours depending on road conditions. En route, you may stop at scenic viewpoints and enjoy the beauty of North Bengal. Darjeeling, surrounded by tea gardens and mountain landscapes, welcomes you with a cool and refreshing climate. Check in to the hotel and spend the evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Darjeeling.

Day 11: Darjeeling Sightseeing

Wake up early for a sunrise visit to Tiger Hill, where you can witness the spectacular sunrise over the Himalayan peaks. Return to the hotel for breakfast and then proceed to visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, and the Japanese Peace Pagoda. Later, explore the tea gardens and enjoy the aroma and taste of world-famous Darjeeling tea. Spend time in the local market and enjoy the peaceful hill station atmosphere. Overnight at hotel in Darjeeling.

Day 12: Darjeeling – Gangtok

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Gangtok covering approx. 75 kms, taking around 4 hours. The journey offers beautiful views of hills, valleys, and mountain villages along the way. Upon arrival in Gangtok, check in to the hotel and take the rest of the day at leisure. Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, offers a calm and picturesque environment. Enjoy the evening at your own pace. Overnight at hotel in Gangtok.

Day 13: Gangtok Sightseeing

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your sightseeing of Gangtok. Visit Enchey Monastery, one of the city’s important Buddhist monasteries, followed by the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, which preserves the cultural and religious heritage of Sikkim. Continue to local viewpoints and explore the city’s peaceful streets and markets. Gangtok offers a unique blend of spirituality, mountain scenery, and local culture. Return to the hotel after sightseeing. Overnight at hotel in Gangtok.

Day 14: Gangtok – Kalimpong

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Kalimpong covering approx. 75 kms, taking around 3–4 hours. Enjoy the scenic road journey through the Himalayan foothills. Upon arrival, check in to the hotel and relax. Kalimpong is a quiet hill station known for its monasteries, colonial-era charm, and relaxed atmosphere. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Kalimpong.

Day 15: Kalimpong Sightseeing

Begin the day with breakfast at the hotel before starting the city tour of Kalimpong. Visit Zang Dhok Palri Monastery, which houses valuable scriptures and sacred artifacts. Continue to Dr. Graham’s Homes, a historic school and orphanage with a remarkable legacy. Explore the local markets and enjoy the peaceful hill station environment. Kalimpong’s charm lies in its serene setting and spiritual character. Return to the hotel after sightseeing. Overnight at hotel in Kalimpong.

Day 16: Kalimpong – Bagdogra – Delhi Departure

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Bagdogra covering approx. 80 kms, taking around 3 hours. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. From Delhi, board your connecting flight for your onward journey. The tour concludes with unforgettable memories of East India’s temples, monasteries, heritage cities, and hill stations.

• Assistance on arrival at all airports
• 15 nights accommodation in selected category hotels
• Daily breakfast at hotels
• Private air-conditioned vehicle for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the itinerary
• English-speaking local guides on sightseeing days in each city
• Monument entrance fees and activity charges mentioned in the itinerary
• Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
• All applicable government taxes

hotels used or similar for 15 nights' accommodation

Delhi x 3 nights
3* - Madhuban Hotel/ Meridian Plaza
4* - The Royal Plaza/ Country Inn & Suite Saket
5* - Le Meridien/ The Claridges

Bhubaneswar x 2 nights
3* - Kalinga Ashok/ The HHI
4* - Fortune Park Sishmo/ Mayfair Convention
5* - Mayfair Lagoon/ Trident Hotel

Puri x 2 nights
3* - Toshali Sands/ Blue Lily Beach Resort
4* - The Hans Coco Palms/ The Chariot Resort & spa
5* - Mayfair Waves

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

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

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

• Delhi – Bhubaneswar – Kolkata – Bagdogra – Delhi airfare per person in economy class
• Meals other than those mentioned in the inclusions
• Camera charges at monuments or sightseeing sites, if applicable
• Personal expenses such as laundry, liquor, tips, telephone, internet, fax, and shopping
• Gratuities and optional activities
• Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions