Arrival. Namaste! We are warmly welcomed the traditional Indian way with hands clapped together at the airport and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax.

Overnight: Hotel in Kolkata (3 Nights)

The day starts with an early morning visit to the famous Malik Ghat flower market beneath the Howarh Bridge. This is the place where the cities floral retailers buy their fresh merchandise. Next we visit Howrah Bridge, iconic symbol of modern Kolkata. We return to our hotel for breakfast. There after we visit Belur Math, the headquarters of Ramkrishna Mission founded by Swami Vivekanand. The temple is notable for its architecture that features Hindu, Christian and Islamic motifs as a symbol of unity of all religions. Next we visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.

In the afternoon we visit the British Calcutta, visiting St. John's Church, St. Paul's Cathedral and the Victoria Memorial, with its formal gardens and water courses, conceived by Lord Curzon to commemorate the British Empire at its peak. In the evening we enjoy a typical Bengali cuisine at Oh! Calcutta. (B, D)

Early morning, we are transferred to Howrah railways station to board our Express train to Bolpur Shantiniketan. On arrival in Bolpur, we drive to visit Shantiniketan. Shantiniketan (“abode of peace”) was established in 1901 by Maharshi Debendranath Tagore; later his son Rabindranath Tagore developed it as a place blending education, art, culture, nature. Visva-Bharati University was founded here in 1921, envisioned as a “world university” recognizing unity of humanity.

The UNESCO inscription (2023) is for its cultural value: its architecture, open-air education, integration with local traditions, arts, folk culture, etc.

We visit Visva Bharati campus highlights: Kala Bhavana, Rabindra Bhavana, Uttarayan Complex, Upasana Griha, and Chhatimtala

After the tour, we drive back to Kolkata. (B, D)

Please note, Rabindra Bhavana Museum & Uttarayan Complex remain closed on Thursdays and national holidays

Early morning, we are transferred to Howrah Jn to board our Express train to Puri. On arrival in Puri, we are transferred to our hotel.

Puri is also known as Jagannath Puri after the 11^th century Jagannath Temple located in the city. Puri is a holy city of the Hindus as a part of the Char Dham pilgrimages. According to Hindu teachings, a pilgrimage of the temples of India is not considered complete without a journey to Puri. We visit Jagannath Temple, renowned for its spiritual significance and architectural splendor. (Except main sanctum sanctorum of Temple).

Overnight: Hotel in Puri (2 Nights) (Breakfast on Board train, D)

Today, we embark on a captivating excursion to the Sun Temple* in Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its architectural grandeur and artistic finesse. Marvel at the intricately carved stone wheels, stunning sculptures, and the temple's unique design dedicated to the Sun God. (B, D)

After breakfast we drive to Bhubaneswar, capital of the State of Orissa. The city has been one of the great religious centres of India since early medieval days. With over 600 Hindu temples, masterpieces of Indian architecture and sculpture, Bhubaneswar is often referred to as a Temple City of India. In the afternoon we visit the temples of Rajarani, Mukteshwar, Parasurameswar and Lingaraja.

Overnight: Hotel in Bhubaneshwar (1 Night) (B, D)

Today we are transferred to airport for our flight to Guwahati. On arrival we are transferred to our hotel. Later we visit Kamakhya Temple, sacred to Goddess Kamakhya. Marvel at its unique architecture and serene ambience. After that we explore nearby Nilachal Hill for panoramic views of the Brahmaputra River. Evening enjoy Cruise Dinner.

Overnight: Hotel in Guwahati (1 Night) (B, D)

After breakfast, we embark on a scenic drive to Kaziranga. Upon arrival, we check into our comfortable hotel. In the afternoon, indulge in a thrilling jeep safari through Kaziranga National Park*, famed for its dense population of the majestic Asian One-Horned Rhinoceros. Traverse through lush landscapes and marshlands, encountering a diverse array of wildlife including tigers, elephants, and numerous bird species. The park's tranquil ambiance and natural beauty offer a captivating experience for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this UNESCO World Heritage site, a true haven for biodiversity in northeastern India.

Overnight: Hotel in Kaziranga (2 Nights) (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we visit an Assamesel village, where we see the indigenous culture still intact. Later in the afternoon, go for another jeep safari inside the park. (B, L, D)

After a leisurely breakfast, we set out on a scenic drive to Jorhat, the vibrant gateway to Assam’s tea country. On arrival, we check in at our comfortable hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to unwind and relax after the journey.

Overnight: Hotel in Jorhat (2 Night) (B, D)

Embark on an enchanting journey through Jorhat, beginning with the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, home to India’s only ape – the lively Hoolock Gibbon. Watch these fascinating creatures with arms twice their body length gracefully swing amidst the towering Hollong trees. The lush sanctuary resonates with birdsong and vibrant forest life, offering a truly magical experience. Later, wander through the picturesque tea gardens, where rolling green estates reflect Assam’s rich tea heritage, leaving you refreshed with sights, scents, and stories to cherish. (B, D)

Today we journey to Dibrugarh, the tea city of India, with a fascinating stop en route at Charaideo Maidams*, often called the “Pyramids of Assam.” This historic site is the final resting place of the great Ahom kings and queens, whose dynasty ruled Assam for nearly six centuries. The unique burial mounds, or maidams, showcase remarkable architecture and timeless heritage. Surrounded by scenic beauty, the site offers a blend of history, culture, and grandeur before we continue our drive to Dibrugarh..

Overnight: Hotel in Dibrugarh (01 Night) (B, D)

Today we are transferred to airport for our flight to Bagdogra. Upon arrival, we drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim through semi tropical forest, cardamom plantations and small villages. Upon arrival, we check in our hotel. The remainder of the day is free for personal activities.

Overnight: Hotel in Gangtok (2 Nights) (B, D)

After breakfast we visit Enchey Monastery, an important seat of the Nyingrna order. The Dodrul Chorten here is one of the largest stupas in Sikkim. Later we visit the Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology, an institute established to promote research on the language and traditions of Tibet as well as the Mahayana sect of Buddhism. The museum of the Institute houses a rare collection of antique statues, coins and thangkas. There are also about 30,000 volumes of translations of the original teachings of the Buddha and treatises by Distinguished Buddhist scholars from different parts of the world.

Afternoon we visit the famous Rumtek Monastery, also known as Dharma Chakra Centre. This monastery is one of the most important seats of the Kagyu lineage outside Tibet. The remainder of the day is free to rest or explore the town. (B, D)

After breakfast we drive to Darjeeling, one of India’s most scenic hill towns. Upon arrival we check into our hotel. After a short rest we visiting Tea State and Tibetan Refuse center.

Overnight: Hotel in Darjeeling (2 Night) (B, D)

Before sunrise, we travel to Tiger Hill to view the sun rise from behind the lofty mountain peaks of the Himalayas. On a clear day we can even view Mount Everest and Mount Kangchenjunga. After breakfast we ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway*. The Toy Train was the first, and is still the most outstanding, example of a hill passenger railway. Opened in 1881, its design applies bold and ingenious engineering solutions to the problem of establishing an effective rail link across a mountainous terrain of great beauty. Later we visit Ghoom Monastery, built in 1875; it houses one of the largest statues of the Maitreya Buddha. Next we visit the Himalayan Zoo, home to Red Pandas, Black Bears, Yaks and Tigers in their natural habitat. We end our day with a visit to the Natural History Museum, which has a fine collection of preserved butterflies, birds, reptiles and insects of the Himalayas. (B, D)

Today we are transferred to the Bagdogra airport for our flight to Kolkata. After a memorable journey through incredible India, we are transferred to the international airport for our departure home or to our next exciting destination. (B)