EASTERN HILLS OF INDIA LUXURY PACKAGE TOUR

8 Nights / 9 Days

Beat the heat of the lowlands with this high altitude tour through the hill stations of Darjeeling, Gangtok and Kalimpong. Cool days and chilly nights in the land of tea plantations, orange groves, orchids and gladioli. From the Bhutan border in Kalimpong, view Mt. Kanchenjanga from almost every point on this tour, experience a unique diversity of cultures with a strong Nepali and Tibetan influence. Enjoy the peace of the mountains and the sounds of nature amongst some of the friendliest people in India.

Kolkatta – Darjeeling – Gangtok – Kalimpong - Kolkatta

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive Kolkatta

Upon arrival, a Tour Packages India Representative will meet you and escort you to your hotel where you'll spend the next two nights.

Day 2: Kolkatta

Spend the day sightseeing in the cultural capital of India - Kolkatta is a great city to explore. Visit Victoria Memorial - a splendid monument in white Makrana marble built in Italian Renaissance style. Also take in the Birla Planetarium - easy to spot its 25 meter diameter dome; the Marble Palace built in 1840, walk along the Howrah Bridge and the Vidyasagar Setu which frame the skyline of the riverfront; take a riverboat ride on the Ganges from Outram Ghat; explore the lush environs of the Zoological Garden and Horticultural Garden.

Day 3: Kolkatta to Bagdogra (via Flight) - to Darjeeling (3 hours)

Transfer to the airport for the short flight to Bagdogra. From there you'll transfer to a jeep for the drive up the mountain to Darjeeling where you'll spend the next 3 nights.

Day 4: Darjeeling

Spend the time exploring Darjeeling and the surrounding area. Some favorite attractions include the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute - one of the most visited spots in Darjeeling. This institute was created by the late Tenzing Norgay, Sir Edmund Hillary's sherpa. All the equipment used in their 1953 climb are still on display; Japanese Peace Pagoda - this impressive building is part of a grid of around 30 pagodas spanning the whole globe; Tiger Hill - best to visit before the sun rises over Mt Kanchenjunga so as not to miss the golden hues.

Day 5: Darjeeling to Gangtok (94 km / 3 hour drive)

Morning drive to Gangtok. Spend the day in leisure and the night in cool comfortable quiet of the Himalayan foothills.

Day 6: Gangtok

Spend the day touring Gangtok - the capital of Sikkim - a city of panoramic scenery surrounded by mountainous forests. There are numerous monasteries to visit as well as trekking and sightseeing. The best views - dominated by Kanchenjunga - are from the 200 yr. old Enchey Monastery and Ganesh Tok, both high above the town. Make time to visit Banjhakri Falls - a lovely waterfall surrounded by gardens and stairwells, beautiful sculptures. A good picnic spot and a "must see". For a scenic thrill, take the Ropeways Cable Car.

Day 7: Gangtok to Kalimpong (85km / 3 hour drive)

Spend the day on a wonderfully scenic drive to the Sikkim/Bhutan border town of Kalimpong stopping along the way for panoramic views. Check-in to your hotel and take the evening to stroll about and enjoy the absence of the tourists as Kalimpong retains a friendliness and peacefulness treasured by the locals.

Day 8: Kalimpong

Kalimpong is famous for producing more than 15% of all of India's ginger and oranges. It's equally famous for orchids and gladioli. And, of course, there's the view - 360 degrees of Himalayan foothillls with Mt. Kanchenjanga in the distance and Bhutan just across the border. While the majority of Kalimpong native residents are of Nepali descent there is a very strong Tibetan influence as well reflected in the local cuisine, dress, and handicrafts.

Day 8: Kalimpong to Kolkatta (drive to Bagodgra/fly to Kolkatta)

Checkout and transfer to Bagdogra airport to continue your onward travels.

Extend or Customize Your Tour: We would be happy to assist with additional travel and hotel arrangements. Changes to this tour can be added as an inclusive part of the package.

DELUXE AND LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS