Must-See Places in Eastern Himalaya & South India

Day 1: Arrive Kolkata

Upon arrival at Kolkata Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. After a long journey, take time to relax and unwind. Kolkata, known for its colonial architecture and cultural heritage, offers a warm introduction to India. You may take a short walk around nearby areas to experience the local lifestyle. The rest of the day is at leisure to recover from travel fatigue. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Kolkata Sightseeing

After breakfast at the hotel, begin the city tour of Kolkata. Visit the grand Victoria Memorial, followed by St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Indian Museum. Drive past Howrah Bridge and explore the bustling flower market nearby. Continue to Kalighat Temple and local markets showcasing vibrant culture. Enjoy a walk along the Hooghly River in the evening. Return to the hotel after a full day of exploration. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Kolkata – Bagdogra (Flight) – Darjeeling (75 km / approx. 3 hrs)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bagdogra. Upon arrival, drive to Darjeeling through scenic tea gardens and mountain roads. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayas along the way. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. Spend the evening exploring local markets or enjoying views of the hills. Overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Darjeeling Sightseeing

Early morning excursion to Tiger Hill to witness sunrise over Kanchenjunga peaks. Return to hotel for breakfast and begin the city tour. Visit Ghoom Monastery and Batasia Loop offering panoramic views. Continue to Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Tea Gardens. Explore local markets and taste famous Darjeeling tea. Evening at leisure to enjoy the hill station ambiance. Overnight at hotel.

Day 5: Darjeeling – Pelling (72 km / approx. 4 hrs)

After breakfast, check out and drive to Pelling. Enjoy scenic mountain landscapes and forest views during the journey. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. Visit local viewpoints for stunning views of Kanchenjunga range. Explore the peaceful surroundings and small town charm. Evening free for leisure activities. Overnight at hotel.

Day 6: Pelling – Gangtok (130 km / approx. 5–6 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Gangtok with en route visits to Khecheopalri Lake and Pemayangtse Monastery. Enjoy the scenic drive through mountains and valleys. Upon arrival in Gangtok, check in at the hotel. Spend the evening exploring MG Marg, a lively street with shops and cafes. Enjoy the pleasant hill station atmosphere. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7: Gangtok Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin the city tour of Gangtok. Visit Enchey Monastery and Institute of Tibetology. Continue to Do-Drul Chorten and local handicraft centers. Explore viewpoints offering panoramic Himalayan views. Visit local markets to experience Sikkimese culture and cuisine. Return to the hotel after sightseeing. Overnight at hotel.

Day 8: Gangtok – Kalimpong – Bagdogra – Hyderabad (Flight)

After breakfast, drive to Kalimpong and visit flower nurseries and monasteries. Continue to Bagdogra airport for your flight to Hyderabad. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. Hyderabad offers a mix of Mughal and modern culture. Evening free to relax or explore nearby markets. Overnight at hotel.

Day 9: Hyderabad Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin the city tour of Hyderabad. Visit Charminar, a symbol of the city, and explore nearby markets. Continue to Salar Jung Museum showcasing rare collections. Visit Golconda Fort known for its architectural brilliance. Explore local bazaars and taste Hyderabadi cuisine. Return to the hotel in the evening. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Excursion to Warangal (300 km round / approx. 6–7 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Warangal for a full-day excursion. Visit Warangal Fort and Thousand Pillar Temple. Continue to Ramappa Temple, a UNESCO-listed site known for intricate carvings. Explore the legacy of Kakatiya dynasty architecture. Return to Hyderabad in the evening. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Hyderabad – Hampi (Flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hampi. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax. Hampi is known for its surreal landscapes and ancient ruins. Spend the afternoon exploring nearby areas or relaxing. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Hampi Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin a full-day tour of Hampi. Visit Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, and Stone Chariot. Continue to Lotus Mahal and Elephant Stables. Explore Hampi Bazaar and ancient ruins. Enjoy sunset views from Hemakuta Hill. Return to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Hampi – Lakkundi – Gadag – Badami (150 km / approx. 4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Badami with en route visits to Lakkundi and Gadag. Explore ancient temples known for Chalukyan architecture. Continue to Badami and check in at the hotel. Spend the evening at leisure exploring surroundings. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14: Badami – Aihole – Pattadakkal

After breakfast, begin sightseeing of Badami caves carved into sandstone cliffs. Continue to Aihole, known as the cradle of Indian temple architecture. Visit Pattadakkal, a UNESCO site with historic temples. Explore architectural diversity of the region. Return to Badami. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Badami – Hubli (110 km / approx. 3 hrs) – Cochin (Flight)

After breakfast, drive to Hubli airport for your flight to Cochin. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Cochin is a historic port city with colonial influence. Evening free to relax or explore nearby areas. Overnight at hotel.

Day 16: Cochin – Alleppey (60 km / approx. 1.5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Alleppey and board your houseboat. Begin a scenic cruise through Kerala backwaters. Enjoy views of paddy fields, villages, and coconut groves. Experience local life along the waterways. Enjoy meals onboard. Overnight on houseboat.

Day 17: Alleppey – Thekkady (160 km / approx. 4 hrs)

After breakfast, disembark and drive to Thekkady. Check in at the hotel and relax. Visit spice plantations and learn about local spices. Evening enjoy cultural shows like Kalaripayattu. Overnight at hotel.

Day 18: Thekkady Sightseeing

After breakfast, enjoy a boat ride in Periyar Lake. Spot wildlife such as elephants and birds. Explore spice plantations and local markets. Enjoy nature walks and peaceful surroundings. Overnight at hotel.

Day 19: Thekkady – Munnar (100 km / approx. 3 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Munnar through scenic hills and tea plantations. Check in at hotel and relax. Enjoy views of lush green valleys and waterfalls. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 20: Munnar Sightseeing

After breakfast, visit Mattupetty Dam, Echo Point, and Tea Museum. Explore tea plantations and scenic viewpoints. Enjoy the cool climate and natural beauty. Return to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 21: Munnar – Madurai (160 km / approx. 5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Madurai. Check in at hotel upon arrival. Visit Meenakshi Temple and Thirumalai Nayak Palace. Explore local markets. Overnight at hotel.

Day 22: Madurai – Trichy – Thanjavur (190 km / approx. 5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Thanjavur via Trichy. Visit Rock Fort Temple and Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. Continue to Thanjavur and visit Brihadeeswara Temple. Overnight at hotel.

Day 23: Thanjavur – Pondicherry (180 km / approx. 4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Pondicherry with en route visits to Darasuram, Gangaikondacholapuram, and Chidambaram. Explore temple architecture and history. Upon arrival, check in at hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 24: Pondicherry Sightseeing

After breakfast, visit Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville. Explore French Quarter and Promenade Beach. Visit museums and colonial streets. Enjoy relaxed coastal atmosphere. Overnight at hotel.

Day 25: Pondicherry – Mahabalipuram – Kanchipuram – Chennai (240 km / approx. 6 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Chennai with stops at Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram. Visit Shore Temple and rock-cut monuments. Explore temples of Kanchipuram. Continue to Chennai and check in. Overnight at hotel.

Day 26: Chennai – Departure

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Chennai Airport for your onward flight. Depending on your schedule, you may explore local markets. Tour concludes with unforgettable memories of India’s diverse landscapes and cultures.

• Assistance on arrival at the airport.
• 25 nights’ accommodation in selected category hotels.
• Daily breakfast at the hotel throughout the tour.
• Private air-conditioned car/van for all airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the itinerary.
• Services of an English-speaking tour guide during sightseeing (local guide in each city), as per the program.
• Monument entrance fees and activities as specified in the itinerary.
• Bottled drinking water provided in the vehicle during travel.
• All applicable government taxes.

Hotels used or similar for 25 nights accommodation

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

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

Hyderabad x 3 nights
3* - Aditya Park/ Lemon Tree Hotel
4* - Lemon Tree Hotel/ Fortune Park Vallabha
5* - ITC Kakatiya, a Luxury Collection/ Trident Hotel

Hampi x 2 nights
3* - Krishna Palace/ Kishkinda Heritage Resort
4* - Heritage Resort / Royal Orchid Central Keerti
5* - Hyatt Place/ Hampi Boulders

Badami x 2 night
3* - Rajsangam Hotel/ The Heritage Resort
4* & 5* - Badami Court/ Krishna Heritage

Cochin x 1 night
3* - The Dune Hotel/ Abad Plaza
4* - Casino Hotel/ The Avenue Regent
5* - Xandari Harbour/ Le Meridien

Alleppey x 1 night
3* - Deluxe Houseboat (ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats)
4* - Premium Houseboat (Abad Premium Houseboats/ Rainbow Premium Houseboats)
5* - Luxury Houseboat (Xandari Riverscapes/ Lakes & Lagoons)

Pariyar (Thekkady) x 2 night
3* - Abad Green Forest/ Hotel Treetop
4* - The Elephant Court/ Cardamom County
5* - Spice village/ Cardamom County

Munnar x 2 nights
3* - Fort Munnar/ Abad Copper Castle
4* - Nature Zone Jungle Resort/ Fragrant Nature Munnar
5* - Chandys Windy Woods/ Tea County

Madurai x 1 night
3* - Astoria by Sparsa/ Madurai’s Residency
4* - GRT Regency/ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel
5* - Heritage Madurai/ The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai

Thanjore x 1 night
3* - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers 
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Svatma

Pondicherry x 2 night
3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International
4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa

Chennai x 1 night
3* - Raj Park/ MGM East Woods
4* - The  Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan
5* - ITC Grand Chola/ The Leela Palace

• Airfare for sectors such as Kolkata – Bagdogra – Hyderabad – Hampi/Hubli – Cochin  per person in economy class.
• Camera or video charges at monuments, parks, or sightseeing places/
• Meals other than those specifically mentioned in the inclusions (usually breakfast only).
• Personal expenses such as liquor, laundry, tips, telephone calls, fax, internet, etc.
• Gratuities to drivers, guides, and any optional tours or activities.
• Entry fees to monuments, museums, parks, or any attractions unless specified in inclusions.
• Any services not specifically mentioned under the “Inclusions” section.