Colonial Cities, Tea Estate, Monasteries & Andaman Island 18 days

Day 1 Arrive in Kolkata

On arrival at Kolkata airport, meet with our office executive assistant and transfer to the hotel (hotel check-in time 12:00 pm, afternoon, early check-in subject to room availability). Rest time is free for personal activities and relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 Kolkata

Breakfast at the hotel, full day city tour of Kolkata. Visit Fort William, built during the early years of the Bengal Presidency of British India, which extends over an area of 70.9 hectares on the eastern banks of the River Hooghly, one of the most enduring Raj-era edifices. Victoria Memorial, the immaculate white memorial bounded by verdant greenery and broad roads, is dedicated to Queen Victoria. Inside the memorial, there is a museum where you can see the dresses of the queen as well as different kinds of weapons used during that era. Netaji Bhawan is a building maintained as a memorial and research centre for the life of the Indian nationalist "Netaji" Subhas Chandra Bose. The house, built by Bose's father in 1909, is owned and managed by the Netaji Research Bureau and includes a museum, archives and library. Howrah Bridge is one of the most popular bridges of India, also known as the gateway of Kolkata. Built on the river Hooghly, it is one of the major Kolkata attractions and people from different parts of the country come here especially to witness this amazingly structured bridge. Dakshineswar Kali Temple is one of the major pilgrimage centres in the city that is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Located on the bank of the River Hooghly, the temple compound maintains a large courtyard with rooms along the boundary walls, twelve shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, a bathing ghat on the river and a shrine dedicated to Rani Rashmoni. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3 Kolkata - Bagdogra (flight) - Darjeeling (62kms/ 2hrs Approx)

Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport to board the flight for Bagdogra. On arrival at Bagdogra airport, meet your driver and proceed to Darjeeling to check in at the hotel. Rest time is free and easy to relax. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 Darjeeling

Early morning, around 3:45 am, pick up from your hotel and drive to 8000 feet / 2440 meters through primitive forests of oak, to Tiger Hill to view sunrise over Kanchenjunga Peak (subject to clear weather). On the way back, visit Ghoom Monastery, Peace Memorial & Batasia Loop. Return to the hotel from breakfast. After breakfast next round of city tours includes Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday), Ropeway, Tensing Gompa Rock, Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre (Closed on Sunday), Tea Estate, Natural History Museum (Sunday Closed) & Peace Pagoda. Toy Train Joyride on Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (UNESCO World Heritage Site) operate from Darjeeling to Ghum and back via Batasia Loop, covering a total distance of 14 km, roughly a 2-hour round trip. Overnight stay at Darjeeling. Evening free to explore the market. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5 Darjeeling - Pelling (75kms/ 3hrs Approx)

Breakfast at the hotel, drive to Pelling, check in at the hotel. Later city tour visits the beautiful Rimbi Water Falls, Rimbi Rock Garden, and Kechopalri Lake. This altitude lake is one of the holy Buddhist lakes, and it is believed that any wish made in front of the lake comes true. The myth is that when a leaf falls on the placid, clear water surface, it is picked by a bird, and thus the water surface is always free of leaves. Kechopalri Monastery and Kanchenjunga Water Falls. Rest time to explore the sights of your interest. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6 Pelling - Gangtok (120kms/ 4hrs Approx)

Breakfast at the hotel, drive to Gangtok passing through Temi, Taraku, Singtam, Rangpo & Ranipool. The journey is surrounded by lush green forests and Tea Gardens with eye-catching, picturesque views. On the way, stop and sip local Sikkimese tea. Gangtok brims with awe-inspiring natural wonders, from mighty snow-capped mountains to enchanting, lush green forests. Arrive and check in at the hotel. Rest time is free and easy to relax. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7 Gangtok

Breakfast at the hotel, excursion to Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir, nearly 40kms / 2hrs drive along the Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, the home to the red panda and the blood pheasant, with Rhododendron and other alpine trees along the road situated at an elevation of 3753 meters / 12310 feet. The Lake is oval, nearly 50 feet deep, generally covered in snow for most of the year and home to the Brahmini ducks & many migratory birds. Nearby is the sacred Baba Mandir, known to be a very holy site for all. Back to Gangtok, evening free to roam around M G Road (The Mall). Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8 Gangtok - Kalimpong (75kms/ 2hrs Approx)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Rumtek Monastery, a three-story high standout amongst the most important and noteworthy monasteries, and a must-visit in Gangtok. The religious community takes after the school of Tibetan Buddhism and is particularly eminent for its Kagyu teachings. Bakthang Waterfall is an eye-catching attraction that no tourist ever wants to miss. Flowing from Ratey Chu, it is a broad waterfall that creates a soothing environment for visitors to enjoy. From Tashi Viewpoint, you can observe the glorious Himalayas from Tashi Viewpoint which will be your binoculars to scrutinise the scenic view of snow peaks. Ganesh Tok is an ancient temple of Lord Ganesha that has a pleasant aura and colourful buntings surrounding the temple. Enchey Monastery is a 200-year-old monastery which was initially established as a small gompa by a tantric artist and renowned exponent among highland Buddhists, Lama Drupthob Karpo. Enchey Monastery means “the Solitary Temple”, which is now home to almost 90 monks. Tourists are quite fascinated by the place because it accommodates many religious objects and presents Tibetan culture in a beguiling manner. Directorate of Handicraft and Handloom, here you can buy majestic artefacts such as Thanka paintings, traditional carpets, wooden carved and colourfully painted sculptures and much more.

After sightseeing, drive to Kalimpong and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9 Kalimpong - Bagdogra (75kms/ 2hrs Approx) / Bagdogra - Kolkata (flight)

Breakfast at the hotel, a city tour of Kalimpong perched on a ridge above the Teesta River. It’s home to colonial-era buildings like MacFarlane Memorial Church, named after a Scottish missionary & Dr Graham's Homes, founded in 1900 by a missionary of the Church of Scotland who settled in Kalimpong and worked with the local community for several years during the turn of the 20th century. Also, visit Durpin Monastery, which contains sacred Buddhist scriptures. Deolo Park, the landscaped gardens, offer views of the town and surrounding hills.

Later, transfer to Bagdogra airport to board a flight to Kolkata. On arrival at Kolkata airport, assistance and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10 Kolkata - Port Blair (flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board a flight to Port Blair. On arrival at Port Blair airport, assistance and transfer to the hotel.

Afternoon, proceed to visit Corbyn’s Cove beach, the only beach in the city of Port Blair. In the evening, proceed to attend the enthralling Sound and Light Show at Cellular Jail, where the heroic saga of the Indian freedom struggle is brought alive. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11 Port Blair - Neil Island (by scheduled ferry)

Breakfast at the hotel, and transfer to the jetty to board the Govt ferry to Neil Island. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in. Set out for a sightseeing trip to Laxmanpur Beach and Bharatpur. Rest time to relax on the beach. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12 Neil Island

Breakfast at the hotel, day free and easy to relax on the beach. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13 Neil Island - Havelock (by scheduled ferry)

Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the jetty to board board boat for Havelock. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Rest time to relax and unwind on the beach. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14 Havelock

Breakfast at the hotel. The car will report at 0700hrs, and please ensure you are ready as the boat will leave at 0830hrs.

Embark on the most memorable trip for blue shallow waters and the perfect spot for beginner snorkelers. The boat goes right up to the beach, and it’s so easy to do sports activities (water activities at extra cost).

It’s also a great place to just spend the day lying on the beach and relaxing. The beach is very scenic, with fallen trees and white sand giving the photographer some interesting shots. The reef here starts very close to shore at a depth of about 1 metre. The large reef is mostly made up of hard coral and has plenty of marine life.

The trip may be changed to a lighthouse, subject to weather conditions and visibility. (Do note that in case the guest is delayed for Elephant Beach, No Refund will be offered if the boat has left)

Note: Havelock Island Boat Owners Association is currently providing a complimentary snorkelling activity at Elephant Beach for 5 minutes. However, activity will be subject to the operational rules of Havelock Island.

Boat Owners Association as may be in force at the actual time of travel or as may be notified by the Administration, and is further subject to weather conditions. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15 Havelock

Breakfast at the hotel, day free and easy to relax on the beach. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16 Havelock - Port Blair (by scheduled ferry)

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Havelock Jetty to board the ferry for Port Blair. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Rest time is free and easy to relax. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 17 Port Blair

Breakfast at the hotel. 0900hrs depart from the Water Sports complex in a boat to see underwater marine life and varieties of corals at North Bay. After North Bay (Snorkelling and Glass Bottom boat at extra cost), proceed to Ross Island (Wednesday Closed), the erstwhile capital of Port Blair during the British regime. The island presently houses the ruins of old buildings like the Chief Commissioner's House, Government House, Church, Bakery, Press, Swimming Pool, Cemetery, etc., all in dilapidated condition. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 18 Port Blair - Departure

Breakfast at the hotel. As per the flight schedule, transfer to the airport to board the flight for the onward destination.