Colonial Cities, Train, Tea, Tiger & Tribal

Arrive Mumbai
On arrival at Mumbai airport meet with our office executive assistance and transfer to hotel. (hotel check in / out time 1200hr afternoon early check in subject to rooms availability). Rest time free and easy to relax

Mumbai is a city that is disciplined by no time frame neither day nor night. Dazzling shopping arcades, exciting sport activity, nightclubs & discotheques, theatre, music & gourmet restaurants offers visitors a heady mix of all this and more.
Overnight at hotel.

Mumbai
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to Gateway on India. From here cruise by motorboats to Elephanta Caves (Monday closed). A flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of the hill. These caves house rock cut temples dating back to the 5th century BC. Afterwards in the afternoon cruise back to Gateway of India and then city tour drive through Marine Drive one of the most beautifully laid boulevards in the city. Parliament House the Maharashtra State Assembly (view from outside), Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, formerly Victoria Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (view from outside). Visit Dhobhi Ghat the city's famous open-air laundry in action, Prince of Wales Museum (Monday closed) a heritage museum comprises of a number of ancient artifacts. Mani Bhawan a Museum, Gandhi laid the foundation for many independence movements from here. Mount Mary Church, an ancient church, built in 1640 and then rebuilt in 1761, The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount an important religious place in Mumbai. In the evening, visit Iskcon Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, The architectural splendour of the ISKCON Temple is adorned with murals and sculptures. If time permits visit to Bandra and Juhu area where bollywood celebrity houses are located like Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan etc. (can be seen from outside).
Overnight at hotel.

Mumbai - Bagdogra (flight) / Bagdogra – Darjeeling (62kms/ 2hrs Approx)
Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board flight for Bagdogra. On arrival at Bagdogra airport meet your driver and proceed to Darjeeling check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax.
Overnight at hotel.

Darjeeling
Early morning around 3:45 AM pick up from your hotel and drive to 8000 feet / 2440 meters through primitive forests of oak, to Tiger Hill to view sunrise over Kanchenjunga Peak (subject to clear weather). On the way back visit Ghoom Monastery, Peace memorial & Batasia Loop. Return to hotel from breakfast. Thenafter breakfast next round of city tour which includes Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday), Ropeway, Tensing Gumpo Rock, Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center (Closed on Sunday), Tea Early morning around 3:45 AM pick up from your hotel and drive to 8000 feet / 2440 meters through primitive forests of oak, to Tiger Hill to view sunrise over Kanchenjunga Peak (subject to clear weather). On the way back visit Ghoom Monastery, Peace memorial & Batasia Loop. Return to hotel from breakfast. Thenafter breakfast next round of city tour which includes Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday), Ropeway, Tensing Gumpo Rock, Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center (Closed on Sunday), Tea Estate, Natural History Museum (Sunday Closed) & Peace Pagoda. Toy Train Joyride on Darjeeling Himalayan Rail track (UNESCO World Heritage Site) operate from Darjeeling to Ghum and back via Batasia Loop covering a total distance of 14kms, roughly 2-hour round trip. Overnight stay at Darjeeling. Evening free to explore the market.
Overnight at hotel.

Darjeeling – Pelling (75kms/ 3hrs Approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Pelling check in at hotel. Later city tour visiting beautiful Rimbi water Falls, Rimbi Rock Garden, Kechopalri Lake this high altitude lake is one of the holy Buddhist lake and it is believed that any wish in front of the lake comes true. Myth is that when a leaf falls on the placid clear water surface, it is picked by a bird and thus the water surface is always free of leaves. Kechopalri Monastery and Kanchenjunga water Falls. Rest time to explore the sight of you interest.
Overnight at hotel.

Pelling – Gangtok (120kms/ 4hrs Approx)
Breakfast at hotel drive to Gangtok passing thru Temi, Taraku, Singtam, Rangpo & Ranipool. The journey is surrounded by lush green forests and Tea Gardens with eye catching picturesque view. On the way stop and have a sip of local Sikkimese tea. Gangtok is brims with awe-inspiring natural wonders, from mighty snow-capped mountains to enchanting lush green forests. Arrive and check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax.
Overnight at hotel.

Gangtok
Breakfast at hotel, excursion to Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir, nearly 40kms / 2hrs drive along the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, the home to the red panda and the blood pheasant with Rhododendron and other alpine trees along the road situated at an elevation of 3753 meters / 12310 feet. The Lake is oval shaped nearly 50 feet deep, generally covered in snow for most of the year and a home to the Brahmini ducks & many migratory birds. Nearby is the sacred Baba Mandir known to be a very holy site for all. Back to Gangtok, evening free to roam around M G Road (The Mall).
Overnight at hotel.

Gangtok – Kalimpong (75kms/ 2hrs Approx)
Breakfast at hotel. Visit Rumtek Monastery a three stories high standout amongst the most imperative and noteworthy monasteries, and a must visit in Gangtok. The religious community takes after the school of Tibetan Buddhism and is particularly eminent for its Kagyu lessons. Bakthang Waterfall an eye-catching attraction that no tourist ever want to miss. Flowing from Ratey Chu, it is a broad waterfall that creates a soothing environment for the visitors to enjoy. Tashi Viewpoint you can observe the glorious Himalayas from Tashi Viewpoint that will be your binocular to scrutinise the seeking view of snow peaks. Ganesh Tok an ancient temple of Lord Ganesha that has a pleasant aura, colourful buntings surrounding the temple. Enchey Monastery a 200 years old monastery which was initially established as a small gompa by a tantric artist and renowned exponent among highlander Buddhists, Lama DrupthobKarpo. Enchey Monastery literally means “the Solitary Temple” which now is home to almost 90 monks. Tourists are quite fascinated by the place because it accommodates a number of religious objects and presents Tibetan culture in a beguiling manner. Directorate of Handicraft and Handloom here you can buy the majestic artefacts such as Thanka painting, traditional carpets, wooden carved and colourfully painted sculptures and much more.

After sightseeing drive to Kalimpong check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.

Kalimpong – Bagdogra (75kms/ 2hrs Approx) / Bagdogra - Guwahati (flight)
Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Kalimpong perched on a ridge above the Teesta River. tt’s home to colonial-era buildings like MacFarlane Memorial Church named after a Scottish missionary & Dr. Graham's Homes founded in 1900 a missionary of the Church of Scotland who settled in Kalimpong and worked with the local community for several years during the turn of the 20th century. Also visit Durpin Monastery which contains sacred Buddhist scriptures. Deolo Park the landscaped gardens offers views of the town and surrounding hills.
Later transfer to Bagdogra airport to board flight for Guwahati. On arrival at Guwahati airport assistance and transfer to hotel. Evening enjoy a magnificent sunset over the majestic Brahmaputra River on a cruise.
Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Visit Kamakhya Temple one of the most venerated Shakti shrines associated with the legend of Shiva and Daksha Yagna. Navagraha Temple dedicated to the nine planets in the solar system a center of astrological and astronomical research. Umananda Island the smallest river island in the world where human and the wilderness co-habit in peace and serenity. Umananda Temple is a Shiva Temple built in 1594, by the Ahom King of Assam.

Later drive to Kaziranga National Park and check in at resort. Rest time free and easy to relax.
Overnight at hotel.

Early morning explore central Range of Kaziranga National Park on Elephant Safari. After breakfast explore the eastern range on a jeep safari. Return for lunch and proceed to Western Range of Kaziranga National Park on jeep.
Kaziranga National Park A World Heritage Site hosts two-thirds of the world's Great One-horned Rhinoceroses. Kaziranga boasts the highest density of tigers among protected areas in the world and was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006. The park is home to large breeding populations of elephants, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer. Kaziranga is recognized as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International for conservation of avifaunal species. Compared to other protected areas in India, Kaziranga has achieved notable success in wildlife conservation. Located on the edge of the Eastern Himalaya biodiversity hotspot, the park combines high species diversity and visibility.
Kaziranga is a vast expanse of tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense tropical moist broadleaf forests, crisscrossed by four major rivers, including the Brahmaputra and numerous small bodies of water. Kaziranga has been the theme of several books, songs, and documentaries.

Note: Elephant ride, jeep safari and forest entry are regulated and controlled by the forest dept. Govt. of Assam. We do not have any control for booking of elephant seats and entry by jeeps.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner
and overnight in resort.

Breakfast at resort followed by morning safari in Kaziranga National park.
Post lunch drive to Majuli till Nimathi-Ghat to connect to a local ferry to cross mighty Brahmanputra river with co-passengers on board! The ferry ride will a little more than one hour or so, depending on the current of the water. After reaching Kamalabari Ghat tranbsfer to your lodge! Explore local village of Mishing tribe nearby, meet local, have with tea or local rice beer at their place. Later visit and interact with the local mask-maker.
Majuli the largest river island is a treasure of cultural heritage of the region. The founder of ‘Eka Naam Dharma’ Srimanta Shankardeva took shelter in Majuli in the 15th century and ever since that Majuli has emerged as the crowning glory of Vaishnavaite culture in Assam. Majuli has a unique treasure of natural and cultural attractions. A melting point of various tribes, multifaceted in its attractions that unfurls to its vanity are the rare migratory birds like Adjutant Stork, Pelican, Siberian Crane, etc. Dinner
Overnight at guest house/ homestay.

Majuli – Jorhat (40km / 1hr approx)
After breakfast transfer to Kamalabari ghat to connect ferry to reach Jorhat. From here transfer to your hotel check in. Jorhat is famously known as the ‘Tea capital of the world’ due to innumerable number of tea plantations here. Visit The Tocklai Tea Research Institute established in 1911. Research on all aspects of tea cultivation and processing is carried out at the Tocklai Tea Research Institute, Jorhat, the oldest and the largest research station of its kind in the world. Apart from research on various aspects of tea cultivation and processing, the research on tissue culture of modern tea and its medicinal benefits are also being carried out here. Cinnamora Tea Estate which is Assam’s first tea estate established in the year 1850. Rest time free and easy to relax.
Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel, transfer to airport to board flight for Kolkata. On arrival at Kolkata airport assistance and transfer to hotel. Rest time free for personal activities relax. Overnight at hotel.
Overnight at Hotel

Breakfast at hotel, full day city tour of Kolkata. Visit Fort William built during the early years of the Bengal Presidency of British India, Extends over an area of 70.9 hectares on the eastern banks of the River Hooghly one of most enduring Raj-era edifices. Victoria Memorial the immaculate white memorial bounded by verdant greenery and broad roads is dedicated to Queen Victoria. Inside the memorial there is a museum where you can see the dresses of the queen as well as different kinds of weapons used during that era. Netaji Bhawan a building maintained as a memorial and research center to the life of the Indian nationalist "Netaji" Subhas Chandra Bose. The house, built by Bose's father in 1909, is owned and managed by the Netaji Research Bureau and includes a museum, archives and library. Howrah Bridge one of the most popular bridges of India also known as the gateway of Kolkata. Built on the river Hooghly it is one of the major Kolkata attractions and people from different part of the country come here especially to witness this amazingly structured bridge. Dakshineswar Kali Temple one of the major pilgrimage center in the city that is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Located on the bank of River Hoogly, the temple compound maintains a large courtyard with rooms along the boundary walls, twelve shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, a bathing ghat on the river and a shrine dedicated to Rani Rashmoni.
Overnight at Hotel

Kolkata - Departure (flight)
Breakfast at hotel. As per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.