Day 01: Arrive Kolkata
On your arrival at international airport, transfer to your hotel for overnight stay.
The city was established in 1686 when British moved to the small villages of Sutanati, Govindpur, and Kalikata from their trading port of Hooghly. The city got its name from the last of the settlements mentioned above. The city progressed well until 1756 when Siraj-Ud-Daula (Nawab of Bengal) attacked the town and drove away the British. Lord Clive retook Calcutta- Kolkata and until 1911, Calcutta- Kolkata remained the capital of the British government in India. Being the center of power for so long created a unique culture and heritage of the city, totally unlike any other city of India. Calcutta is today a sprawling city of strange contrasts. Palatial houses, huge monuments, a center of active politics, film and theatre, culture and art, the city offers another picture of herself in its hustle-bustle, over crowdedness, noisy streets and narrow lanes.
Day 02: In Kolkata
Morning proceed for city sightseeing of Kolkata
Visit Indian Museum - Established long back in 1814 in the Asiatic Society Building was founded by Dr. Nathaniel Wallich, a botanist from Denmark. It is one of the earliest museums established in the world and considered the largest and best museum in the country. In 1875, it was shifted to the new building in Italian architectural style designed by Walter B Grawille, Kali Ghat - Kalighat is located in the city of Calcutta on the banks of the river Hooghly (Bhagirathi). The Kalighat temple in its present form iis only about 200 years old, although it has been referred to in Mansar Bhasan composed in the 15th century, and in Kavi Kankan Chandi of the 17th century. St.Paul Church & Victoria memorial - Victoria Memorial has been built in a sprawling 26 hectares of land and a visit to Victoria Memorial is the best education one can possibly have of the British East India Company's rule in India. Here you will come face to face with miniature paintings and images of Queen Mary, King George V and Queen Victoria. What is more, you will be mesmerized by the three thousand five hundred articles associated with the everlasting memory of Queen Victoria.
Later transfer to railway station to board train for Puri.
Stay overnight at train.
Day 03: Kolkata – Puri
Morning arrive and transfer to your hotel.
Puri, by the Bay of Bengal, has dedicated itself to Lord Vishnu, called Jagannath, whose temple was built way back in the 12th century, is revered by thousands of pilgrims from all over the country. The other important feature of Puri is its beautiful beach, which has offered pleasure to both pilgrims and swimmers for centuries. It is one of the most delightful white beaches in the country.
Afternoon proceed for Temple tour of Puri and Visit to the world famous Jagannath Puri Temple.
Later relax on Puri beach. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Puri - Bhubaneswar
Morning proceed to Bhubaneswar via Konark, on arrival at Konark, proceed to visit the famous Sun Temple of Konark.
Konark is the glorious 13th century Konark Temple, dedicated to the sun god (Surya), has been designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Monument. The temple, conceived as a massive chariot, hauling the sun god across the heavens by the might of seven splendidly carved horses, standing aloft on 24 chariot wheels intricately carved and symbolizing the march of time, lies in partial ruin at Konark beach.
Later continue drive to Bhubaneswar, and on arrival check-in into the hotel for overnight stay.
Bhubaneswar - the temple city of India. Once the capital of ancient Kalinga, the city has a long history & is today a bustling centre for commerce & religious activity. These temples are unique in themselves, not only in their architectural beauty but also in the wonderful sculptures. These temples epitomize a comprehensive history of Orissan style of temple architecture from its very inception to perfection spreading almost to 2000 years from 3rd century BC to 16th Century AD. Today this bustling centre of commerce and religion is Orissa's modern capital.
Day 05: In Bhubaneswar
Morning proceed for full day Temple visit
Visiting Lord Shiva Lingaraja Temple, the 11th century temple of Bhubaneswar has been described as "truest fusion of dream & reality." A rare masterpiece, the temple has been rated one of the finest examples of purely Hindu temple. Every inch of the 55 m-high Lingaraja temple is covered with elaborate carvings. Sculpture & architecture fused elegantly to create a perfect harmony. Next we visit Mukteshwara Temple, a 7th-8th century AD is one of the most ornate temples in Bhubaneswar. The intricate carvings of the deities stand testimony to the influence of Hindu, Buddha & Jain style of architecture.
We also visit Parashurameshwara Temple, a small but richly decorated shrine of Shiva that was built in the 7th century. It is one of the best examples of the Orissa style of temple architecture.
Stay overnight at your hotel.
Day 06: Bhubaneswar – New Jalpaiguri
In time transfer to railway station to board train for New Jalpaiguri.
Stay overnight at train.
Day 07: New Jalpaiguri – Darjeeling (90Kms / 03 Hrs)
On arrival at New Jalpiguri railway station, met and proceed for Darjeeling by surface and on arrival check-in into the hotel.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
The cool climate of Darjeeling provides a delightfully different experience from most other parts of India. The town nestled in the lap of the mighty Kanchenjunga and it is a mixture of old colonial charm, bustling bazaars and the lush tea gardens, to the beautiful natural scenic views and a wide variety of activities, lush tea gardens, terraced farms and a slower pace of life.
Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 08: In Darjeeling
Full day take the tour of Darjeeling.
Early morning you will drive to Tiger Hill to witness the sunrise over the fabulous views of the famous Mt. Kanchendzonga (28,208 ft) (subject to clear weather conditions). On way back to the hotel visit Ghoom Monastery a Tibetan Buddhist monastery.
Afternoon, proceed on a sightseeing tour of Darjeeling.
Enjoy a tour of the various tea estates. And visit the local monasteries and the flower nurseries.
Full day you are free for independent activities or optional you can enjoy the toy train visit.
The trip from new Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling by the 'Toy Train' is a memorable experience. Among the places of interest are observatory hill an excellent place for a view of Kanchenjunga and Himalayas, Ghoom Monastery, Alcobar Monastery, Himalaya Mountaineering Institute, Zoological Park, Tiger Hill and Llyod botanical gardens.
Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 09: Darjeeling -Gangtok (98 Kms / 4 & ½ Hrs)
Morning drive to Gangtok and on arrival check-in into hotel,
Gangtok means ‘Hilltop’, one, which was made flat in 1716 to build the Gangtok Monastery. Today, the town has grown into a busy, bustling city with pagoda-style houses, painted turquoise roofs and colorful, people-thronged bazaars.
Proceed by road to Gangtok visit the Rumtek monastery en-route, and on arrival check-in into hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 10: In Gangtok
Morning proceed on a city tour of Gangtok
Visit to Research Institute of Tibetology -a library with a large collection of documents and rare books on Buddhism and an attached museum with a rare collection of antiques, coins and Tibetan Paintings, Orchid Sanctuary with over 200 species of orchids amidst beautiful landscape. and Rumtek Monstery – an exact replica of the monastery at Tsurphu in Tibet. Afternoon city tour covers TSUKLAKHANG, Royal Chapel of the Chogyals.
Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Gangtok - Kalimpong (98 Kms / 5 Hrs)
Morning dive to Kalimpong on arrival check in into the hotel.
Kalimpong is a unique extravaganza typical to rural regions, a cultural experience you will never forget. , the picturesque town of Kalimpong is definitely a place to visit in this region. Once a part of Sikkim, this town is was an important centre for trade and commerce for Tibetans from the north and the headquarters of the Governor of Bhutan. If you like going for long walks, this is where you should head for. The temperate climate and sylvan surroundings makes it an ideal place for spending a restful weekend.
Day 12: In Kalimpong
Full day city tour
Visit Thongsa Gompa also known as the Bhutanese Monastery. It is the oldest monastery in Kalimpong, Though the old structure was destroyed by the Gorkhas, it was rebuilt on the same site. Next visit the Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa, which is on the Durpin hill & is famous for the Tibetan wall paintings. It also has a religious debating society along with a school of Tibetan medicine.
Later you will visit Tharpa Choeling Monastery founded in 1937 & belongs to the Gelugpa (yellow hat) sect of Tibetan monastery. This Monastery houses many old scriptures & literary works. Next Dr Graham's Home, mission school was founded by Scottish missionary Dr. John Anderson Graham in 1900. The purpose of the school was to educate children of the tea garden workers & poor labourers.
Evening is at leisure to visit the local monasteries and the flower nurseries.
Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 13: Kalimpong – Bagdogra (78 Kms / 02 Hrs) – Kolkata
Transfer to Bagdogra airport to board on flight for Kolkata, and on arrival transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 14: Depart Kolkata
In time you will transfer to international airport to connect flight for onward journey.
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