Darjeeling and Kolkatta are the names that evoke fond memories of the Raj. We combine these two fascinating place, that retains some of the old world charm, with Bhubneshwar which has fine examples of Kalinga temple art, Puri where we see ourselves the physical form “Juggernaut”, and the quaint and tiny hill state of Sikkim strongly influenced by Buddhism and Tibetan culture. For those wanting to visit the classical parts of Northern India we offer a popular extension that covers contrast in culture and Landscape with relaxation in the mountain air of the Himalayas and, for many, the nostalgia for yester years.
TOUR DESTINATIONS
DAY 01 Delhi
Transfer to the centrally located hotel. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 02 Delhi
The morning is free. The afternoon visit to old Delhi includes the busy bazaar of Chandni Chowk, the well known Red Fort. Jama Masjid and the “Samadhi” of Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat. Evening attend a classical dance performance.
DAY 03 Delhi - Bhubaneshwar
The morning is free. in the afternoon fly to Bhubneshwar, the capital of Orissa ancient Kalinga where in 261BC emperor Ashoka foreswore war and embraced Buddhism which he then spread India and abroad. Bhubneshwar has ower 500 temples, many over a thousand years old, that reflect the grandeur and high quality workmanship of Kalinga temples art. On arrive check into Hotel for3nights.
DAY 04 Bhubaneshwar
Full day sightseeing of the city including the 11th century Lingaraja temple, Udaigiry –khandagiri caves, the 2nd century BC of Jain monks Dhauli, the hill top with Ashoka’s peace pagoda and Nandan Kanan the naturalistic zoo.
DAY 05 Bhubneshwar - Konarak - Puri and back
Travel by road to Konarak and see the famous 13th century Sun temple. Known for its architectural splendor and erotic sculptures. Drive onto Puri, one of the most important religious centers for Hindus and visit the 12th century Jagannath Temple famous for its chariots festival and visit the adjoining Ananda bazaar; perhaps the largest kitchen in the world where food for tens of thousands of pilgrims is prepared everyday.
DAY 06 Puri - Kolkatta 
The day is very free to explore Bhubneshwar. Evening fly to Kolkatta, the capital of British India and now the capital of West Bengal. Kolkatta is one of the largest cities in the world and is the vibrant with culture in spite of glaring poverty. On arrival check into a hotel for 2 nights.
DAY 07 Kolkatta
The morning sightseeing of the metropolis includes the imposing Victoria Memorial, often called the Taj Mahal of the British Raj the Indian Museum on the chowringhee, the largest in India with one of the best collections of Indian Art, and the Howrah Bridge. the afternoon is at leisure. Your dinner will be a traditional ‘Bengali’ meal with a local family.
DAY 08 Kolkatta - Darjeeling
Full day at leisure. The day can be spent shopping, sightseeing, or perhaps visiting Rama Krishna Matha, Kali Temple and Mother Theresa’s home for destitutes. Evening transfer to Sealdah station to board the Darjeeling mail. Spend the night in first class air-conditioned sleeper.
DAY 09 To Darjeeling 
Arrive New Jalpaiguri in the morning and board the “toy train” for Darjeeling, if operational or travel by coach. Darjeeling was a favorite hill station of the British to escape from the heat of Calcutta and is surrounding by tea gardens and has magnificent views of the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga. Check into hotel Windamere for three nights. The hotel, set amidst beautifully maintained gardens is one of the oldest established hotels in Darjeeling with fireplace in each room. The atmosphere is strongly reminiscent of the Raj.
DAY 10 In Darjeeling
Early morning drive up to Tiger hill (9000ft) to see the sunrise over Mt Everest and kanchenjunga.(this is one of the most glorious sunrises in the world).then visit the Ghoom Monastery enshrining the statue of Maitreya Buddha the Himalayan Mountaineering institute, and a local tea garden.
DAY 11 In Darjeeling
Day at leisure.
DAY 12 Darjeeling - Gangtok
After breakfast leave by road for Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, a tiny Himalayan state known for its orchids and flowers and for the heavy influence of Tibetan culture. on arrival check into the centrally located hotel for 2 nights.
In the afternoon the sightseeing in Gangtok includes the Royal Monastery, Tsukla-khang, whose interior is covered with murals and lavishly decorated alters; the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, established to promote research on the Tibetan traditions and Mahayana Buddhism and the orchid sanctuary growing many of the 454 species of orchid found in Sikkim.
DAY 13 Gangtok
Day excursions to Rumtek Monastery, noted for its carved and painted woodwork magnificent murals icons and rare manuscript.
DAY 14 Delhi
After breakfast leave for Bagdogra to board the Delhi flight. Transfers to Hotel and in the evening enjoy our farewell dinner party.
TOUR ENDS
WHEN TO TRAVEL: Early October to mid-December and mid-February to end April.
WHAT TO WEAR: Cottons and light woolens. From December through mid February heavy woolens required in Darjeeling and Gangtok.
