Best of East India with West Bengal

Day 01- Arrive Kolkata by international flight

             Kolkata – Bagdogra by flight

Meeting and assistance on arrival at the airport and transfer to board the next connecting flight for Bagdogra

Bagdogra/NJP – Darjeeling (approx..93 KMS 3.5 hours)

Assistance on arrival at Bagdogra airport and drive to Darjeeling

DARJEELING:

Standing high in the Himalayas at an altitude of 2134m, ‘Dorje Ling’, or place of the Thunderbolt, offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountain peaks, with the Kanchendzonga rising higher than all the others. Often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills”, it remains just as alluring with its tiny waterfalls, little villages and a narrow gauge railway track. Surrounded by World Famous Tea Gardens and snow capped mountains, Darjeeling remains one of the most exotic destinations. Graeme Westlake in his book ‘An introduction to hill stations on India’ refers to Darjeeling as having “A view Scarcely Unrivalled on Earth”.

Overnight at hotel.

Day 02- Darjeeling

Early morning visit Tiger Hill and Ghoom Monastery.

Tiger Hill :- It is 13 kms from Darjeeling and one can see beautiful sunrise and Himalayan Range like Kanchandzonga , Mount Everest etc. One can see the horizon changing colors just before sunrise and then the entire Himalayan range turn golden. It is truly a majestic sight.

Ghoom Monastery:- This is oldest Monastery in the area which was built in 1875 and one can see the image of Mythey Buddha 15ft. height on the way back from Tiger Hill.

After breakfast enjoy Toy Train ride from Darjeeling to Ghoom and back

TOY TRAIN

The spectacular landscape unfolds as the 2-foot gauge Darjeeling Himalayan railway, opened in 1881, labours at about 10 mph criss-crossing the road. It has tiny 4-wheel locomotives (some over 100 years old) like living legends. One can experience the sound, smell and romance of a bygone era. DHR is a work of genius and technological achievement of 1881. It has social and cultural importance. It is beautiful and has outstanding universal appeal. Based on its unique features, it is considered to be of lasting significance to mankind.

Afternoon sightseeing in Darjeeling visiting HMI, Zoo and Tibetan Refugee Centre

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute/Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park:- The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was started in Darjeeling when Tenzing Norgay climbed Everest to give training  to learn Mountaineering and other adventure sports related to mountaineering and in that Institute one can see equipment etc.used by Mr. Tenzing Norgay and Everest Museum having complete details on Everest attached to institute one can  visit Himalayan Zoological Park where one can see Himalayan animals like Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Yak, Himalayan Black Bear and several varieties of birds.

Tibetan Self- Helf Centre Or Refugee Centre:-  This institute is run by Tibetan Refugees to preserve their handicrafts and one can see making of Tibetan Carpets, Leather work, Paintings and Wooden work etc.

Overnight stay at hotel

Day 03- Darjeeling – Pemyangste (approx. 123 Kms/ 6 hours)

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Pemayangste.

PEMAYANGSTE

Located at a distance of 120 kms from Gangtok Pelling is another serene, mountain village which lies in the western districts of Sikkim. This village is situated at an altitude of 2000 mts(approx) and  the distance from this village to the mount Kanchandzonga, as a crow flies…is  26 kms approx.

On arrival check in at hotel.

Afternoon visit PEMAYANGSTE MONASTERY.

2.5 Kms. from Pelling and standing at 2085m. The Perfect Sublime Lotus, perched on a wooded hilltop, commands the most sublime view of the Khangchendzong.  Built during the late 17^th century, it is one of the oldest and most important monasteries of the Nyingmapa order of Buddhism in Sikkim. To the present day, it is only the monks of this monastery who enjoy the title of ‘Tasang’ or pure monks. The importance of this monastery grew with time and reached its peak when only monks from this monastery could anoint the reigning sovereign of the land with holy water.

Pemayangtse monastery follows the Mindroling tradition besides holding the lineage of Lhatsun Chenpo. Mindroling monastery was founded by Minling Terchen Gyurme Dorje whose famous daughter Jetsun Migyur Paldon lived near Pemayangtse and taught there during her exile. Her stone throne is still to be seen in this monastery, which has 108 monks. The main attraction of the monastery is the wooden replica of Zangdog Palri; the celestial abode of Guru Padmasambhava built by Serdup Lhundrup Dorje Rinpoche in 1971. The annual chaam (monk dance) is held here on the 28^th and 29^th day of the 12^th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar.

Rabdentse– Sikkim’s second capital. The ruins of Rabdantse are worth exploring. The winding track through the forest brings you to a small set of ruins of the early town and eventually on the ruins of the palace with Chorten (stupa) nearby. Further are the Changay Falls.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 04- Pemyangste – Gangtok (approx. 127 Kms/ 06 hours)

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Gangtok

Gangtok: At an altitude of 1750m, Gangtok became the state capital in the mid 19^th century and has undergone rapid development since then.  The downtown area is dominated by huge government buildings decorated with traditional Buddhist symbols. Gangtok is also a resting ground for people traveling to North Sikkim. Surrounded by Monasteries and Orchids, Gangtok is truly a travellers delight.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 05- Gangtok

Breakfast at the hotel and full day city tour of Gangtok .

Rumtek Monastery: -24 Kms. from Gangtok is the awe -inspiring Rumtek Monastery, the world Dharma chakra Centre and the seat of His Holiness, the Gyalwa Karmapa, who is the head of the Kagyupa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Behind the main monastery is the lavishly decorated Karmae Nalanda Institute of Buddhist Studies, which attracts students from the world over. Opposite the entrance to the Institute is a small hall featuring a beautiful jewel studded Chorten the Golden Stupa, which contains the ashes and remains of His Holiness the xvi Gyalwa Karmapa. According to legend, it is believed that after years of meditation, the first Karmapa was said to have been visited by ten thousand fairies who came to congratulate him each of whom offered a strand of her hair as a gift. These were said to have been woven into a black hat, which was passed down and is still at the Rumtek Monastery today. It is said that unless held on to by the wearer (who of course, cannot be anyone else but the Karmapa) or kept in a box, the hat would fly away.

The Enchey Monastery: -Perched on a ridge above Gangtok, the Enchey Monastery is nestled within lush woods with a spectacular view of Gangtok town. Built in 1910 on the site of the hermitage of the great tantric saint, Lama Drutob Karpo, who was renowned for his powers of levitation, this monastery houses the monks of the Nyingmapa Order of Tibetan Buddhism.

Namgyal Institute Of Tibetology: -Amidst a serene surrounding of oak, birch and ash lies the unique organization established in1958. Built in traditional style, the namgyal Institute of Tibetology promotes research in Mahayana Buddhism and the language and tradition of Tibet. It has one of the world’s largest collections of rare books and manuscripts on Mahayana Buddhism. The Institute also has a retail outlets where related books and commercially produced religious art and craft of Tibet can be bought.

Adjacent to the institute are two exquisite stupas, the Do Drul Chorten, built to commemorate the victory of good over evil and the Jhang Chub Chorten, built in the memory of Thrukshik Rinpoche, an ardent devotee, a great spirtualist and interpreter of Buddhism. Near the Chorten are housed two giant statues of Lord Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rimpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim.

Directorate Of Handloom And Handicrafts: –This Directorate was set up to promote traditional Sikkimese art and handicrafts. Exquisitely carved wooden friezes, intricate bamboo work, along with beautiful hand woven carpets and handlooms are on exhibit here. Visitors can not only purchase these items here but also see the artisans at work. Among others, a favourite item here is the choktse a wooden table with carved panels that can be folded into a portable pack.

Overnight stay at hotel

Day 06- Gangtok- Kalimpong (approx. 80 Kms/ 3 hours)

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Kalimpong.

KALIMPONG

At an altitude of 1250m, Kalimpong’s location is ideal for a pleasant, relaxed getaway. Its clement weather has made Kalimpong’s orchids and gladiole well renowned.

Up to the early 1700s, the Kalimpong area was part of the Sikkim raja’s domain.  In the early 18^th century, the Bhutan king also took it over. In 1865, after the Anglo-Bhutan War.

It was annexed to Darjeeling. Scottish Missionaries came here in the late 1800s. The town thrived as a wool trading center with Tibet till 1950s. Today it’s a quiet hill resort and a haven for retired people.

Afternoon city tour of Kalimpong.

Flower Nurseries: The climate of Kalimpong is ideal for the cultivation of flowers and plants.  Kalimpong is famous for its nurseries which export exotice flowers like Amaryllis lilies, Anthuriums, Roses gerberas, Dahilias, Gladiolias as well as Orchids and Cacti. 

Zang Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery – This is a fairly new monastery located in Durpin Dara, from here one can get an exclusive panoramic view of the town and surroundings. The prayer room inside the monastery is adorned with wall paintings and there is a rare three-dimensional mandala upstairs.

Tharpa Choling Monastery at Tirpai hill on route to Dr.Graham’s Home belongs to the Yellow Hat sect of Lamas to which the present Dalai Lama belongs.

Thongsa Gumpa: this monastery is of Bhutanese origin and built around 1692.  It is the oldest in Kalimpong.The original structure was destroyed in the inter-clan wars before the British arrived

Overnight at hotel.

Day 07- Kalimpong- Bagdogra (approx.. 93 Kms/ 3 hours)

              Bagdogra –Kolkata by flight

Breakfast at hotel

Post breakfast drive to Bagdogra airport to board the flight for Kolkata.

Meeting and assistance on arrival at the airport and transfer to hotel.

Evening will be at leisure to relax.

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 08- Kolkata

Breakfast at hotel

Later proceed for full day city sightseeing visiting Howarh Bridge, Victoria Memorial, Mother Teressa.

Howrah Bridge(View from Howrah bridge): It is popularly known as Rabindra Setu. Howrah Bridge in Kolkata spans over river Hooghly and is considered to be a marvelous engineering work by the British. The Howrah Bridge is enumerated amongst the busiest cantilever bridge in the World. It took nearly about 7 long years to construct the Howrah Bridge.

Victoria Memorial: This is one of India’s most beautiful monuments built between 1906 and 1921 on the lines of white marble. The memorial was the inspiration of Lord Curzon, who in 1901, felt that his lately departed Queen Empress, required a suitable monument to her memory. It houses paintings, manuscripts, and other objects of historic value in its Museum and Art Gallery. (Closed on Monday & National Holidays. Photography not allowed inside).

Also visit Government buildings. Mother Teresa’s House : Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic religious congregation, which in 2012 consisted of over 4,500 sisters and is active in 133 countries. They run hospices and homes for people with HIV/AIDS, leprosy and tuberculosis; soup kitchens; children’s and family counseling programs, orphanages and schools. (Closed on Thursday, photography not allowed inside).

Later in the afternoon we will take you an experiential food walk. It start at 1600 hrs approx. Bengal is a foodie’s paradise and more so Calcutta.

Overnight stay at hotel.

02^nd April’2022  Saturday   Day 09- Kolkata

Breakfast at hotel

As you are aware that India is the land where you can see various culture exist. To be the witness of this

Beautiful side of our country will take you a walking tour Confluence of Culture to have an insight of this color.

Morning proceed for a walk to Bow Barracks to Burrabazar to witness multiculture people living together in Kolkata. The culture is now part of the Kolkata and shows influence their life.

Later proceed to visit Jain Temples.

Kumartuli

This unique artisan village dates back 400 years, making it perhaps the oldest of its kind in the world. It is the lifeblood of Bengal’s biggest festival and keeps the Puja fervor alive among Bengali communities in other countries. Around 250 artists work to produce 40,000 idols a year, including 3500 images of Durga. With more than a thousand workers assisting the artisans, Kumartuli is a mini industry.

Bengali lunch at 6 Ballygunj Place or Oh! Calcutta restaurant.

Indian Museum : One of the oldest museums in Asia, the Indian Museum was founded in 1814. One need an entire day, or more, to fully enjoy the fossils, coins, stones, Gandhara art, meteors and much more that go to make up this museum. (Closed on Monday & National Holidays).

Indian Coffee House

Also known as “Albert Hall”, this is the most favorite gathering place for the writers, intellectuals, artists and students for many decades. Casual chatting for hours about any issue is the most favorite social activity of any Bengali and here in this large historical and legendary café, entire day you can find hundreds of Kolkatan’s are busy discussing about their favorite issue over a cup of coffee.

(Closed on Sunday)

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 10- Kolkata – Bhubaneswar by flight

Meeting and assistance on arrival at Bhubaneswar airport and transfer to Hotel.

Bhubneshwar: This ancient city is famous for its Medival Stones Temple complex, caves and museum. Kalinga architecture spans the entire city. Bhubaneswar together with Konark and Puri forms the Swarna Tribhuja or Golden Triangle, Some of these notable places include the Old town, Lingaraja temple, Bindu Sarovar, Khandagiri and Udaygiri, Dhauli Giri, Mukteshwar temple and  Odisha state museum.

Later proceed for half day city tour of Bhubaneswar Caves, Khandagiri and Udayagiri and the Tribal Museum.

Overnight at Bhubaneswar.

Day 11- Bhubaneswar

Post breakfast full day city tour of Bhubaneswar covering Temples (Parasurameswar Temple, Mukteswar Temple Complex, Rajarani Temple, Brahmeswar Temple Complex and Lingaraj Temple complex (from outside as non-  Hindus are not allowed inside the Lingaraj temple) from 7^th Century A D to 11th Century A D.. After lunch visit of Hirapur 64 Yogini Temple and Dhauligiri, Ashokan Rock edicts of Ashoka of the 3rd century B C.

Overnight at Bhubaneswar.

Day 12- Bhubaneswar – Konark- Raghurajpur- Pipli – Puri (approx. 170  Kms/ 3.5 hours)

Breakfast at hotel

Post breakfast day excursion to Puri enroute visit  Konark (The Sun Temple) A World Heritage site. This is the one of the best architectural marvel of Odisha built by King Langula Narasingh Dev in the 13th century AD.

Later continue to Raghurajpur pattachitra crafts and in the evening see the colorful Pipli applique crafts village. Raghurajpur – A Heritage crafts village – The big attraction at Raghurajpur is that the whole village community is involved in making handicraft. Many have even won national awards for their work.

Later continue dive to Puri and overnight at hotel

Overnight at Puri

Day 13- Puri- Chilka Lake – Gopalpur on sea 200 kms/ 4 hrs

Breakfast at hotel

Early morning visit Jagannath Temple from outside (foreigners and NON Hindus are NOT allowed inside temple)

Post breakfast leave for Gopalpur on sea en-route visiting Chilka Lake- Asia’s largest brackish water lake famous for its migratory birds and irrawaddy dolphins-  A vast lake along the eastern coast of Orissa with beautiful islands, flamingos wading in the shallow waters and the air echoing with the chirping of birds. Winter is the best time to visit Chilika as over 160 species of migratory birds flock the islands during this time of the year.

Boating for an hour on Chilka lake in country boat and later continue to Gopalpur on sea.

Arrive and check into Hotel. At leisure on the beach.

Overnight at Gopalpur on sea

Day 14- Gopalpur on sea 

Breakfast at hotel

Full day will be at leisure to relax.

Overnight stay at hotel

Day 15- Gopalpur on sea – BBI airport departure transfer 185 Kms/ 3.5 hrs

                                           Bhubaneshwar-Kolkata by Flight

Breakfast at hotel

In time drive to Bhubaneshwar airport to connect flight to Kolkata

On arrival in Kolkata, transfer to hotel

Rest of the day at leisure

Overnight at hotel

Day 16- Depart Kolkata

Breakfast at hotel

In time transfer to airport to connect onward international flight