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Colonial Cities, Tea Estate, Monasteries & Caves

0/5
Duration

12 Nights / 13 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

8 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on a spectacular journey through India’s cultural and natural treasures, blending colonial charm, Himalayan serenity, and ancient wonders. Starting in Kolkata with its rich colonial heritage, proceed to the verdant hills of Darjeeling, Pelling, Gangtok, and Kalimpong, where Buddhist monasteries, tea plantations, and panoramic Himalayan views create lasting impressions. Fly west to the dynamic city of Mumbai, explore its iconic landmarks and the mystical Elephanta Caves. Finally, delve into India’s ancient Buddhist past at the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora near Aurangabad, completing a journey rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.

Highlights

  • Sunrise view of Kanchenjunga and Everest from Tiger Hill, Darjeeling.
  • Joyful ride on UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
  • Visit ancient monasteries in Pelling, Gangtok, and Kalimpong.
  • Explore Mumbai’s British-era landmarks and Elephanta Caves.
  • Marvel at the ancient rock-cut art of Ajanta and Ellora Caves.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 42.1%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 41.4%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 48.7%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 47.0%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 50.6%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 49.1%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 54.8%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kolkata

• Arrival at Kolkata International Airport. Meet & assist.
• Transfer to hotel. Check-in & rest.
• Day free for personal activities and leisure.
• Overnight at hotel in Kolkata.

Day 2: Kolkata City Tour

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit Fort William – an iconic Raj-era fortress by the Hooghly River.
• Explore Victoria Memorial – grand colonial structure with a museum of artifacts from the British era.
• Visit Netaji Bhawan – residence of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, now a memorial and museum.
• Walk across the famed Howrah Bridge – an engineering marvel over the Hooghly River.
• Visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple – a major pilgrimage site with multiple shrines and ghats.
• Overnight at hotel in Kolkata.

Day 3: Kolkata – Fly to Bagdogra / Drive to Darjeeling (62 km)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Transfer to Kolkata Airport; fly to Bagdogra.
• Drive from Bagdogra through scenic tea gardens to Darjeeling.
• Check-in at hotel. Rest of the day free to stroll along the Mall Road.
• Overnight at hotel in Darjeeling.

Day 4: Darjeeling – Tiger Hill Sunrise & City Tour

• Early morning (4 am): Drive to Tiger Hill for breathtaking sunrise views of Kanchenjunga & Everest.
• Visit Ghoom Monastery & Batasia Loop on return.
• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Zoological Park (closed Thursday), Tenzing Rock, Ropeway Viewpoint, and Tibetan Refugee Center (closed Sunday).
• Panoramic view at Happy Valley Tea Garden (outer view).
• Visit Lloyd Botanical Garden, Tibetan village, Chholing & Darli monasteries.
• Enjoy a joy ride on the UNESCO World Heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
• Evening free for local shopping.
• Overnight at hotel in Darjeeling.

Day 5: Darjeeling – Drive to Pelling (75 km)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Scenic drive to Pelling, check-in at hotel.
• Visit Pemayangtse Monastery – one of the oldest in Sikkim.
• Explore the scenic Rabdentse Ruins – ancient capital of Sikkim.
• Visit Tashiding Monastery, Sanga Choeling Monastery (restricted inner sanctum), and Rimbi Waterfalls.
• Overnight at hotel in Pelling.

Day 6: Pelling – Drive to Gangtok (120 km)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Scenic drive via lush green valleys, tea estates, and Himalayan foothills.
• Arrive in Gangtok, check-in at hotel.
• Rest of day at leisure.
• Overnight at hotel in Gangtok.

Day 7: Gangtok Excursion & Sightseeing

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Excursion to Tsongmo Lake – sacred lake popular for migratory birds.
• Visit Do Drul Chorten, twin exquisite Buddhist stupas.
• Explore Himalayan Zoological Park (Bulbuley) and Government Institute of Cottage Industries.
• Walk through bustling Lal Bazaar, a colorful local marketplace.
• Overnight at hotel in Gangtok.

Day 8: Gangtok – Drive to Kalimpong (75 km)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit Rumtek Monastery – prominent Tibetan monastery.
• See Bakthang Waterfall, Tashi Viewpoint, Ganesh Tok, and Enchey Monastery.
• Drive to Kalimpong. Check-in at hotel.
• Overnight at hotel in Kalimpong.

Day 9: Kalimpong – Bagdogra – Fly to Mumbai

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Visit MacFarlane Church, Dr. Graham’s Homes, Durpin Monastery, Deolo Park, Thongsa Gompa, and Palri Fo-Brang Gompa.
• Drive to Bagdogra Airport; fly to Mumbai.
• Arrival transfer to hotel, check-in.
• Overnight at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 10: Mumbai City Tour & Elephanta Caves

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Morning boat ride to Elephanta Caves (closed Monday).
• Visit Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, and Kala Ghoda Art Precinct.
• Drive past Parliament House, CST (Victoria Terminus) & visit Dhobi Ghat – open-air laundry.
• Overnight at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 11: Mumbai – Fly to Aurangabad

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Fly to Aurangabad; arrival transfer to hotel.
• Visit Ellora Caves (closed Tuesday), Grishneshwar Temple, Daulatabad Fort, Bibi ka Maqbara, Panchakki, and Aurangabad Caves.
• Overnight at hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 12: Aurangabad – Ajanta Caves Excursion (210 km round trip)

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Full-day excursion to Ajanta Caves (closed Monday), famous for Buddhist paintings & sculptures.
• Return to Aurangabad.
• Overnight at hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 13: Aurangabad – Departure

• Breakfast at hotel.
• Transfer to airport for onward flight to Mumbai/Kolkata.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 12 Nights' accommodation in 5-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Kolkata - Bagdogra - Mumbai - Aurangabad - Mumbai flight fare approx INR 20,500 per person in economy class.
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Q: What kind of hotel accommodation is included in the package price?

We provide accommodation at carefully selected 5-star hotels, chosen for their comfort, location, and service standards. In regions where 5-star hotels are not available, the best available resort, boutique, or heritage options are provided to ensure a comfortable stay. If the mentioned hotel is unavailable, an equivalent property of a similar standard will be offered.

Hotels Used or Similar for 12 Nights Accommodation:

✔ Kolkata – 2 Nights: ITC Sonar, a Luxury Collection / The Lalit Great Eastern
✔ Darjeeling – 2 Nights: Mayfair / Ging Tea House (Note: 5-star hotels are limited in this region; hence, the best available luxury heritage or boutique options are provided.)
✔ Pelling – 1 Night: The Elgin Mount Pandim / Chumbi Mountain Retreat & Spa (Note: 5-star hotels are not available in this region; hence, the best available resort or boutique options are provided.)
✔ Gangtok – 2 Nights: Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino / Tashiling Residency Hotel & Spa
✔ Kalimpong – 1 Night: Mayfair (Note: 5-star hotels are not available in this region; hence, the best available resort or boutique options are provided.)
✔ Mumbai – 2 Nights: Trident Hotel / President, Mumbai - IHCL SeleQtions
✔ Aurangabad – 2 Nights: WelcomHotel Rama International / Vivanta Aurangabad

Q: Can I request a specific hotel or upgrade the hotel category?

Yes, we offer flexibility to upgrade hotels to luxury five-star or boutique properties at an additional cost, subject to availability. You can also request specific hotels during the booking process, and we will do our best to accommodate your preference.

Q: Are breakfast and other meals included at the hotels?

Breakfast is generally included with hotel stays unless stated otherwise. Lunch and dinner are optional and can be added to your package upon request. You can also explore local dining during the tour.

Q: Will I get confirmation for the exact hotels before my trip?

Yes, once your booking is confirmed, we will share the final list of hotel names and contact details along with your tour confirmation documents.

Q: I’m looking for a more budget-friendly tour. Can you provide prices with standard or 4-star hotels?

Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has different preferences and budgets. If you prefer standard accommodation or 4-star hotel options instead of the default 5-star hotels, we can customize the tour and provide a tailored quote based on your requirements.

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