Eastern India is a region of serene mist-clad mountains, pristine rivers, tea plantations and flower gardens.
This tailor-made itinerary to India takes in the eastern slice of the country and one of our favourite regions of India. The cities and hill stations exude have a particularly atmospheric historic charm with some of the most beautiful colonial-era architecture anywhere to be found in India. A trip here could see you wandering the photogenic and completely chaotic city of Kolkata, exploring in the Himalayan foothills or visiting vintage book sellers and traditional sculptors. We think this is one of the most fascinating parts of India.
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Tell us what you most want to see or do, and we’ll design a bespoke itinerary to Eastern India, built around your own highlights.
You’ll be collected from the airport by your private driver and taken straight to your hotel. This evening you’re cruising along the Hooghly River, gaining a fabulous introduction to the skyline and soul of this fascinating city, including inimitable views of Howrah Bridge.
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The Elgin Fairlawn
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Hooghly River boat cruise, Howrah Bridge
An early start to wander the among the heady scents and vibrant colours of the flower market. Then you’re immersed in the city’s colonial-era architecture, exploring the timeless elegance of Dalhousie Square, the grandiose Victoria Memorial and imposing neo-Gothic design of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
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The Elgin Fairlawn
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Flower market visit, walking tour of colonial-era Kolkata
Time to delve into the city’s rich cultural heritage. You’re heading to north Kolkata and visiting the Kumartuli Potters’ Colony of idol sculptors, perusing the largest vintage book market in the world, wandering the bustling local markets and sipping coffee in the streetside cafés.
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The Elgin Fairlawn
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Kumartuli Potters’ Colony visit, market tour
This morning you’ll fly north to Bagdogra where you’ll be met and driven to Kalimpong. The journey will take you through the changing scenes of the Himalayan foothills including dramatic river valleys, traditional mountain villages and mist-shrouded pine forests.
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PaliGhar
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Teesta River and Eastern Himalayan views
A day to explore the prayer-flag-lined, winding streets of Kalimpong. Your guide will introduce you to the charity supporting the historic hill school, unveil the heady flower nurseries and explain the history behind the serene Buddhist monastery, before you meander the market stalls.
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PaliGhar
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Dr Graham’s Homes, Kalimpong flower nurseries, Zang Dhok Palri Phodang Monastery, market tour
You’ll drive the spectacular 3.5 hours through the Eastern Himalayas to Gangtok today, passing flower gardens, lush valleys, steep ridges and vibrant local life. On your arrival you’ll check in to your hotel and have time to relax.
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The Elgin Nor-Khill
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Teesta Valley and Eastern Himalayan views
Today, you’ll be absorbed in the unique culture of Gangtok with its blend of Buddhist spirituality, hilltop heritage and mountainous backdrop. You’ll visit the serene Rumtek Monastery, gain an in-depth understanding of Tibetan culture and view the town’s astonishing collection of orchids.
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The Elgin Nor-Khill
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Rumtek Monastery, Gangtok tour, Institute of Tibetology, Orchid Sanctuary
Your drive today takes you through winding forest-lined roads, passing valleys filled with morning mists, prayer flags, roadside shrines and the turquoise waters of the Teesta River before you climb through cardamom groves and orange orchards to the rolling tea gardens surrounding Darjeeling.
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Mayfair
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Teesta Valley and Eastern Himalayan views
Today you’ll explore the mystical ‘Queen of the Hills’, Darjeeling. A timeless hill station encircled by tea gardens and dense forests offering misty mountain views. You’ll ride the Toy Train and delve into the heritage, markets and architecture of the town.
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Mayfair
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Darjeeling Himalayan Railway trip to Ghoom, Kanchenjunga Views, Darjeeling tour
You’re free to explore at your own pace today. Either simply relaxing among the scent of pine trees and incense. Or perhaps watching the sun rise from Tiger Hill over the snow-clad Himalayas, visiting Ghoom Monastery or touring the tea plantations at Makaibari.
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Mayfair
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After a leisurely morning you’ll be driven to Bagdogra Airport in time for your flight to Kolkata or Delhi, where you’ll connect with your onward flight back home. Time to catch your last glimpses of the Eastern Himalayas.
Does this sound like the ideal adventure for you?
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