Kolkata and Darjeeling Tea
Darjeeling and Kolkata evoke fond memories of the Raj, while Sikkim's unique topography, which includes the world's third highest mountain peak, cradles a Tibetan-Buddhist culture.
The hotels are comfortable but simple, with a well-known period hotel in Darjeeling and another in Kolkata. A ride on the World Heritage railway in Darjeeling, seeing arguably the most spectacular sunrise in the world from the Tiger Hill, savouring an authentic Bengali meal in a traditional "thali", make the experience that much more special.
Recommended Itinerary
DAY 01 - FLIGHT
Fly to Delhi
DAYS 2, 3 & 4 - KOLKATA
Arrive into Kolkata, stay at the Fairlawn Hotel (or The Grand); visit the sights including Daniels' collection of Indian paintings at the Victoria Memorial, Kumartully or the Potter's Lane where durga idols are made, enjoy a coffee at the Coffee House on College Street; visit Tagore's home at Jorasanko; enjoy traditional food in a thali at Aaheli, take a boat on the Hooghly from Belur Math to Dakhineshwar, join a local family for a cooking session, visit Trincas for some golden oldies....
DAY 5 - KALIMPONG
A short flight to Bagdogra, drive to Kalimpong; stay at the Silveroaks Hotel. Visit the orchid nurseries, Tharpa Choling Monastery, the Arts and Crafts Centre.
DAY 6 & 7 - GANGTOK
Drive to Gangtok; stay at Denzong Regency or Norkhill; visit the Enchey Monastery, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and Lal Bazaar; option to visit the beautiful Chomgo Lake, at 12000 ft, an hour's drive away.
DAY 8 - YUKSUM
Visit the Rumtek Monastery and drive on to Yuksum, stay at Tashi Gang Hotel; at leisure.
DAY 9 - PELLING
Visit the Dubdi Monastery early in the morning, perched on a hill. Later visit Tashiding, where the first Chogyal of Sikkim was crowned; also visit the Khechupelri Lake and the famous Pemayangtse Monastery; there is the option of walking another hour to the Rabdentse Palace ruins; stay the night at Mt Pandim (or Chumbi Mountain Retreat) in Pelling. There is a fair amount of walking involved today; you have the option of skipping some sights and walking less.
DAYS 10, 11 & 12 - DARJEELING
Drive to Darjeeling for three nights at the colonial Windamere Hotel. Witness the spectacular sunrise from Tiger Hill, visit Ghoom Monastery and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute; take the toy train to Ghoom or Kurseong; sip your Darjeeling tea at Glenary's, a short walk from your hotel. There is the option to visit a tea factory and learn the difference between first and second flush.
DAY 13 - KOLKATA
Fly back from Bagdogra to Kolkata for a night at an airport hotel.
DAY 14 - RETURN
Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Extensions
Glenburn Extension
You could stay a few nights at the colonial Glenburn Estate, in the midst of a tea garden, with spectacular views and the river running nearby.
Kaziranga Extension
Fly Bagdogra to Guwahati, stay a night at a family bungalow. Drive to Kaziranga next day for three nights at Diphlu River Lodge, enjoy game drives and elephant safaris before flying home via Kolkata.
Sandakphu Trek
Enjoy some walking in the mountains for 4 to 6 days through rhododendrons and silver fir trees with Kanchenjunga, Kabru, Jano and Pandim in the background.
Gallery
Testimonials
“We have now returned from India having had a really good holiday… Our guide in Darjeeling was particularly informative and personable and we would recommend him to any future clients that you send to Darjeeling The Elgin once again was an excellent Heritage Hotel. Very comfortable, well appointed rooms (including hot water bottles!), and very helpful friendly staff.”