This 16 - day tour in West Bengal, Sikkim and Assam offers some outstanding experiences which will live long in your memory.

The tour begins in India's second largest city - Calcutta, which despite its reputation for squalor and poverty is actually the most diverse and cultured of India's mega cities. The Sunderbans region will be a chance to take in a tiger safari or some bird watching. From the lush tea-clad hills around Darjeeling to the mighty rivers, valleys and mountains of the eastern Himalaya and through into mysterious Assam and Kaziranga National Park (famous for its rhinoceros population), the scenery alone is worth the trip. But add to this the people and the culture of the region, who have traditions and religious practices quite unlike those in other parts of India, and you have the recipe for a truly magical journey.


Day 1 Startups

Arrive Calcutta

Arrive at Calcutta, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel in the city. Afternoon to explore the main sights of ‘old’ Calcutta, which are predominately located around Sudder Street, in particular the Victoria Memorial, museums, Park Street cemetery and the bustling New market area. Overnight in Calcutta.

Arrive Calcutta
Day 2 Startups

Calcutta

Main sightseeing day in Calcutta visiting the many and varied highlights of India’s most diverse and cultured city. Slowly freeing itself from the effects of years of negative press, Calcutta is finally gaining recognition for its architecture, culture and the more positive aspects of its history. Overnight Calcutta.

Calcutta
Day 3 Startups

Calcutta - Sunderbans

Reach the Sunderbans region in a few hours’ drive. You will be taken on a boat trip into the mangrove forests, a scenic ambience around to relax and enjoy the nature’s beauty. Overnight in Sunderbans.

Calcutta - Sunderbans
Day 4 Startups

Sunderbans - Calcutta

The day will be with a visit to Project Tiger, boat safari and bird watching after which you will drive back to Calcutta. Overnight in Calcutta.

Sunderbans - Calcutta
Day 5 Startups

Calcutta - Bagdogra - Darjeeling

Transfer to Calcutta airport for a morning flight to Bagdogra. Post lunch in a nearby hotel, depart Bagdogra and in a few hours drive, you can reach Darjeeling. Overnight in Darjeeling

Calcutta - Bagdogra - Darjeeling
Day 6 Startups

Darjeeling

Full day around Darjeeling - sightseeing tour of the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the zoological gardens (sadly the only place you are remotely likely to see a snow leopard), and visit a tea estate. In the afternoon, while away some time wandering the streets and sipping tea at one of the many tea shops. Overnight in Darjeeling.

Darjeeling
Day 7 Startups

Darjeeling - Rumtek

Arise early (around 5am depending on the time of year) for sunrise viewing from Tiger Hill. Return to the hotel and after breakfast, proceed to Rumtek in Sikkim. Overnight in Rumtek.

Darjeeling - Rumtek
Day 8 Startups

Rumtek - Gangtok

Day of sightseeing around Rumtek visiting the monasteries in the valley, followed by afternoon in Gangtok. Return to Rumtek, Overnight in Rumtek.

Rumtek - Gangtok
Day 9 Startups

Tsongo Lake Excursion

Day excursion to Tsongo Lake - this is the closest place where the foreigners are allowed to the Tibetan border. The drive is spectacular through dizzying mountain scenery. Once you reach the lake at a height of nearly 4000 metres, you can ride a yak around the lake’s edge and soak up in the clear, crisp mountain air and the serenity of the setting. Return to Rumtek.

Tsongo Lake Excursion
Day 10 Startups

Rumtek - Kalimpong

Drive to Kalimpong and relax, the perfect place to relax and do very little for a while. Overnight in Kalimpong.

Rumtek - Kalimpong
Day 11 Startups

Kalimpong

Day in and around Kalimpong, known for its horticulture and spectacular views, as well as sightseeing and visits to Dr Grahams Childrens’ Home, operational since 1910, and a small factory making paper by traditional methods. Overnight in Kalimpong.

Kalimpong
Day 12 Startups

Kalimpong - Bagdogra - Guwahati - Kaziranga

Drive to Bagdogra and after lunch flight to Guwahati, and proceed to Kaziranga National Park (5 hour drive).

Kalimpong - Bagdogra - Guwahati - Kaziranga
Day 13 & 14 Startups

Kaziranga

Morning and evening safaris by elephant and/or jeep in the park in search of tigers and the magnificent Indian one-horned rhinoceros, and overnight in Kaziranga

Kaziranga
Day 15 Startups

Kaziranga - Guwahati - Calcutta

After a final morning safari, return drive to Guwahati and fly to Calcutta. You will be met on arrival and transferred into the city. Overnight in Calcutta.

Kaziranga - Guwahati - Calcutta
Day 16 Startups

Calcutta Depart

Departure from Calcutta by international flight

Calcutta Depart