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Home > Explore the Exotiv East India |
| Explore the Exotic East |
| Kolkata, Darjeeling and Sikkim Tour - 9 nights/10 days |
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Destinations of the Eastern Himalayas tour - Kolkata -
Darjeeling - Kalimpong -
Gangtok |
| Explore some of the least well-known, but most beautiful sites in India on a journey to Kolkata and the Eastern Himalayas. Begin your travels in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), amongst the most populous cities of the world and noted for its colonial charm, intellectuals and of course as the home of Mother Teresa. Then, tour the Eastern Himalayas, travelling to Darjeeling, famed for beautiful tea gardens, Kalimpong and finally to Gangtok, in the hill state of Sikkim, famous for its monasteries. You are guaranteed to fall in love with the stunning views of the Himalayas from both Darjeeling and Gangtok - on a clear day, some of the world's highest peaks are visible. |
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| Day 01 - Arrive Kolkata |
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| You will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel in Kolkata, considered the intellectual capital of India; Kolkata is the city where Mother Teresa worked tirelessly for the poor and homeless and the city where Rabindra Nath Tagore wrote his famous books. Overnight in Kolkata. |
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Day 02 - In Kolkata |
| Morning tour of Kolkata visiting the imposing Victoria Memorial - opened by the Prince of Wales in 1921, this vision in marble is often called the "Taj" of the British Raj. Continue on to Birla Planetarium, one of the earliest in India, St Paul's Cathedral and the Indian Museum. Built in Italian architectural style the Museum is the largest in the country and is considered to be one of the best in Asia. Overnight in Kolkata. |
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| Day 03 - Fly Kolkata to Bagdogra and on to Darjeeling (100 kms / 3 hrs) |
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| Transfer to Kolkata Airport for your flight to Bagdogra, from where your tour of the Eastern Himalayas begins. The drive from Bagdogra to Darjeeling is an extremely scenic one, taking you through several tea plantations, small villages etc. There are several scenic view points and photo stops enroute. On arrival in Darjeeling check into your hotel. Overnight in Darjeeling. |
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Day 04 - In Darjeeling |
| Early in the morning visit Tiger Hill, to view the sunrise over the world's third highest peak - Kanchenjunga (28156 ft) then on to Ghoom Monastery to see one of the largest statues of the Maitreya Buddha. This early morning trip to Tiger hill, and the views that one gets, are said to be the highlight of any Darjeeling tour. Later in the morning, visit the Himalayan Zoological Park - home to India's only Siberian tigers, some rare species such as the red panda and world renowned for success in breeding snow leopards. Your Darjeeling sightseeing tour also includes the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Gumbu Rock site and Tibetan Refugee self-help centre as well as an evening visit to the tea gardens. |
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| Day 05 - Drive Darjeeling to Kalimpong (55 kms/1.5 hrs) |
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| Drive to Kalimpong, a remote hill station set in the rolling foothills and deep valleys of the stunning Himalayas. Kalimpong's attractions include monasteries, churches, flower farms and a distinct Tibetan influence. You will be delivered to your Kalimpong hotel for a 2 night stay. |
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Day 06- In Kalimpong |
| A half day tour of Kalimpong reveals 'Gompas' (Tibetian-Buddhist Monasteries) and flower nurseries - Kalimpong produces 80% of India's gladioli and is an important orchid growing area. |
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| Day 07 - Drive Kalimpong to Gangtok (90 kms/03 hrs) |
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| We drive north to Gangtok, gateway to Sikkim, the last Shangri-La, this state of India occupies a rising ridge and the Himalayas serve as a backdrop to the town. Spend 2 nights in your chosen hotel in Gangtok. |
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Day 08 - In Gangtok |
| Morning excursion to the Rumtek Monastery - the largest monastery of its kind in Sikkim and the main seat of the Karma Kagyu lineage, followed by a sightseeing tour of Gangtok visiting the Research Institute of Tibetology. This internationally acclaimed centre of Tibetan Studies & Research houses a vast collection of rare Buddhist books and an orchid sanctuary, where one can see many of the 454 species of Orchids found in Sikkim. |
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| Day 09 - Drive Gangtok to Bagdogra (100kms/3 hrs) and fly to Kolkata |
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| Your tour of the Eastern Himalayas, ends with a transfer to Bagdogra Airport in time to board your flight for Kolkata, on arrival you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel for an overnight stay. |
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Day 10 - Depart Kolkata |
| You will be transferred to Kolkata International Airport in time for your flight home. The Darjeeling and Sikkim tour, can also be combined with a trip to North India, and also Nepal. |
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| EXPLORE THE EXOTIC EAST |
| Category of Hotels |
Valid from 16th April'2011 till 30th Sep'2011
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Valid from 01st Oct'2011 till 15th April'2012 |
Silver |
GBP 791 per person Book
Now |
GBP 928 per person Book
Now |
Gold |
GBP 925 per person Book
Now |
GBP 1040 per person Book
Now |
| Domestic Airfare |
GBP 130 per person Book
Now |
GBP 130 per person Book
Now |
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CITIES |
SILVER |
GOLD |
| Calcutta |
The Park |
Oberoi
Grand |
| Darjeeling |
New Elgin |
Windamere |
| Kalimpong |
Silver Oaks |
Silver
Oaks |
| Gangtok |
Tashi Delek |
Norkhill |
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| * Small supplements may apply for travel between 20th December'2011 and 05th January'2012, and during the month of February'2012. |
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| Inclusions:- |
| # Accommodation on twin sharing full board basis (all meals) except in Calcutta, where accommodation is on bed and breakfast basis at the hotels of your choice. |
| # All arrival-departure transfers and land transportation using an aircon car in Calcutta and a non-aircon Jeep in the Darjeeling area exactly as per the itinerary. |
| # Sightseeing tours along with a local English Speaking Guide and including entrance fee to monuments exactly as mentioned above in the Itinerary
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