Tour Description : If you'd thought that one can cover up all the cultural aspects of India by visiting North India, then visit the unexplored part of North East India. Rich in cultural and natural beauty we start our tour with a visit to the most cultural city of India Kolkata followed by visit to Guwahati and Kaziranga National park. We visit the beautifully valley of Darjeeling and embark on your journey to Toy train, visit the beautiful monasteries of Darjeeling, the sunrise view from the Tiger Hill overlooking Mt. Kanchenjunga on a clear day. We also visit the Himalayan Kingdom of Gangtok where we visit some of the best Buddhist monasteries.

Day 01: Arrive Kolkata
Namaste! Welcome to the cultural capital of India- Kolkata or Calcutta. The city of Kolkata, is a city of love and warmth, sorrow and despair, dreams and hopes, poverty and squalor, grandeur and glory, Kolkata is compelling, effervescent, teeming with life and traditions a medley of moods, styles, cultures, politics, industry and commerce. For 250 years British Calcutta (now renamed as Kolkata) was part of the British Empire. After immigration and custom formalities we are met by our local host at the arrival lounge and are welcomed in a traditional Indian way with hands clapped together and are assisted and driven through the city to our hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Kolkata (2 Nights)

Day 02: Kolkata
Calcutta or Kolkata was the capital of the former British India and the same reflects from its dramatic colonial architecture. In the morning after breakfast we start the tour of our cultural city with a 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. It is a perfect place to witness Kolkata's colorful and chaos. Next we visit Howrah bridge which is the iconic symbol of modern Calcutta followed by visit to Belur Math. Belur Math is the headquarters of Ramkrishna Mission founded by Swami Vivekanand. It is located on the west bank of Hoogly river and is one of the significant institutions in Kolkata. The temple is notable for its architecture that fuses Hindu, Christian and Islamic motifs as a symbol of unity of all religions. Later we visit Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Our afternoon concentrates on the British Part of Calcutta. We visit the famous visit St. John's Church which was the first public buildings to be erected by the East India Company after Kolkata became the effective capital of British India. We also visit St. Paul's Cathedral. The cathedral conforms to the Neo-Gothic or the Gothic Revival style of architecture that was greatly patronized by the British during the days of the colonial era. Our next stop is Victoria Memorial. The white marble building at the Southern end of Calcutta's maidan continues to be the city's pride and joy. Victoria Memorial, with its formal gardens and water courses was conceived by Lord Curzon to commemorate the British Empire at its peak. We end our tour with a 45 minutes cruise on the River Hoogly. This is the time to catch the most amazing pictures from your boat. The lighted heritage buildings and the calm waters create a magic that remains with you for the rest of the evening. The evening is enhanced by an authentic Bengali dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Day 03: Kolkata - Guwahati by flight
Today we are transferred to airport to board the flight for Guwahati. Arrive Guwahati and check in to our hotel. Later we visit Kamakhya temple. Guwahati is particularly famous for its Kamakhya temple located atop the Nilachal hill, known to be the most revered among the tantrik shrines of Shakti worship in the world, Kamakhya, was built in the 10th century by the Koch king, Naranarayan. Animal sacrifice is a common practice here to appease the Goddess. Overnight: Hotel in Guwahati (1 Night) (B, L, D)

Day 04: Guwahati - Kaziranga (Drive 230 Km/ 05:00 Hrs)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Kaziranga National Park, an abode of one horn Rhinocerous and a birdwatchers' delight. On arrival check into our hotel. Overnight. Hotel in Kaziranga (3 Nights) (B, L, D)

Day 05: Kaziranga
Early morning see the National Park on elephant back. Apart from the Rhino, other species found are hog deer, swamp deer, wild buffalo, elephants and if you are lucky, the tiger. It is virtually a paradise for bird watchers, with a variety of migratory and resident birds darting from tree to tree. It is also home to pelicans, storks and darters as there are a number of water bodies inside the Park. Return to the Lodge for breakfast. Mid morning visit tea plantation. Afternoon jeep safari Central range inside the park. Return to the Lodge at dusk. (B, L, D)

Day 06: Kaziranga
Early morning see the National Park on elephant back. Post lunch jeep safari. Return to the lodge. (B, L, D)

Day 07: Kaziranga-Guwahati-Bagdogra-Darjelling by drive and flight
(Drive from Kaziranga to Guwahati-230 Km/ 05:00 hrs):
(Drive from Bagdogra to Darjelling-68 Kms/03.50 hrs)
Today we drive to Guwahati airport for our flight to Bagdogra. On arrival in Bagdogra, we drive to one of the most scenic towns of Darjeeling. The apex is formed by the Phalut ridge where Nepal meets India. The eastern frontier lies along the rivers Tista and Rangeet, beyond is Rishi-La and Bhutan. The lower regions of the labyrinthine hilly forest-clad ridges have been cleared for the cultivation of the world famous Darjeeling tea. Started in the area of only 14,000 acres in 1872, it had risen to 7, 87, 000 acres by 1956. The town itself is at an altitude of 2,134 m (lies between 26° 31' and 27° 13' North Latitude and between 87° 59' and 88° 53' East Longitude); moving up the hills one is greeted by smiling tea gardens, changing to firs, pines and fast moving torrents, while around 4,000 types of flowering plants and 300 varieties of ferns, including the rare tree fern. On arrival in Darjeeling we check in our hotel. Overnight: Hotel in Darjeeling (3 Nights) (B, D)

Day 08: Darjeeling
Before sunrise, we proceed to Tiger Hill to view an incredible sun rise from behind the huge lofty mountain peaks. On a clear day we can view also Mt. Everest and Kunchunjunga, makes this a photographers dream come true. With bird chirping we return to our hotel for the most awaited breakfast. As if that was not enough for the day, we visit one of the most unusual of the world Heritage Sites - the Toy Train (subject to the availability). We not only see the Toy Train, but actually take a ride on it and also visit the Ghoom Monastery. The monastery, built in 1875, houses one of the largest statues of the Maitreya Buddha. Next stop is the Himalayan Zoo, home to Himalayan fauna such as the Red Panda, Black Bear, Yaks and Tigers in their natural habitat. Later we visit the Natural History Museum, which has a fine collection of preserved butterflies, birds, reptiles and insects of the Himalayas. We end our tour with a visit to the Tibetan refugee self help centre. The centre was established on 1st October 1959 for the rehabilitation of the Tibetan refugees in the Darjeeling Himalayan hill region. The main activity of the centre is the production of Tibetan handicrafts. (B, D)

Day 09: Darjeeling
Today we visit a local tea estate where we get an opportunity to see how the tea is cultivated and also we get a chance to buy the world famous Darjeeling tea. Day is free to relax. (B, D)

Day 10: Darjeeling-Gangatok (Drive 98 kms/04:00 Hrs)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Gangtok. This small but beautiful land lies almost hidden in the eastern Himalayas, Sikkim or Denzong - "The Hidden Valley of Rice", is a paradise of natural beauty believed to be the abode of Gods. Mount Kanchenjunga (8686 meters- Third highest mountain of the world) is revered by the people of Sikkim as their protective deity. Religion forms an integral part of the daily Lives of the people of Sikkim. More than 200 Buddhist Monasteries can be found around this tiny Himalayan State, the 22nd state of India. We visit Dharma Chakra Centre, the famous Rumtek Monastery, one of the most important seats of the Kagyu lineage outside Tibet. In the early 1960's, His Holiness the Sixteenth Gyalwang Karmapa founded this seat near the 300-year-old Kagyu monastery. Overnight: Hotel in Gangtok (2 Nights) (B, D)

Day 11: Gangtok
Gangtok important seat of Nyingrna order and has in its premises Images of Gods, Goddesses and other religious objects. The Dodrul Chorten is one of the Largest Stupas in Sikkim and a very sacred icon to the Buddhists. Later visit the Sikkim Research Institute of Tibetology (SRIT). There are about 30 thousand volumes, mostly xylographs, (eminent scholars). Afternoon is free for personal activities. (B, D)

Day 12: Gangtok - Kalimpong (Drive 85 Km / 03.00 Hrs)
In the morning after breakfast we drive to Kalimpong passing though small villages. The town of Kalimpong is situated at an altitude of 1,250m. Owing to its rich flora; Kalimpong is a blaze of colours throughout the year. The orchids of this region in particular are famous for their infinite variety as well as their delicate lint's. Afternoon, visit Durpin Darea which means "binoculars" which is at an altitude of 1402 meters and five kilometers away from the town. From here we get breathtaking views of the Himalayas including the whole Chola range of Sikkim and the Jelepa pass. On the northwest we can see the panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga range. On the Southern horizon loom the famous Tiger Hill (Sunrise view point) of Darjeeling and the Tista valley. Down below we see the confluence of the Relli, Riang and Teesta Rivers. Overnight: Hotel in Kalimpong (2 Nights) (B, D)

Day 13: Kalimpong
After breakfast we visit Tharpa Choling Gompa established in 1922, the Gompa belongs to the Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, founded in the Tibet in the 14th century and to which the Dalai Lama belongs. Afterwards visit Dr. Graham's House, which was founded in 1900 on the lower slopes of Deole Hill. The school was established to educate the children of tea workers. There are now 1300 students and the grounds cover 193 hectares.
Kalimpong produces 80% of India's gladiolas and is an important orchid - growing area; flowers are exported from here to many cities in northern India. The Sri Ganesh Moni Pradhan Nursery and the Udai Mani Pradhan Nursery are among the most important in the area. (B, D)

Day 14: Kalimpong - Bagdogra-Kolkata by drive and flight
(From Kalimpong to Bagdogra-Drive: 75 Km/03:00 Hrs)
Today we are transferred to Bagdogra airport to board our flight to Calcutta. On arrival we are transferred to our hotel. Overnight: Hotel in Kolkata (1 Night) (B)

Day 15: Kolkata - Home by flight
Today we are transferred to airport to board our flight for onward destination. (B)

We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars) or EURO or GBP. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honor that rate. For Complete payment procedures please visit http://www.travelling-in-india.com/payinfo.html

PRICES OF THE ABOVE TOUR -
(All Prices on Per Person Basis in GBP/EURO/USD)

Validity Period	Standard			Superior			First Class			Deluxe
	GBP	EURO	USD	GBP	EURO	USD	GBP	EURO	USD	GBP	EURO	USD
01 Oct 2011 to 31 Mar 2012 except between 20 Dec 11 to 05 Jan 12	1289	1479	2074	1425	1635	2292	1595	1830	2566	1721	1975	2769
Single Room Supplement:	525	603	845	689	790	1108	907	1040	1459	1046	1201	1684

City	Standard	Superior	First Class	Deluxe
Calcutta (2 Nights)	The Mark	Fortune Select Loudon	Hindustan International	The Oberoi Grand
Guwahati (1 Night)	The Gateway Grandeur (Executive Room)	The Gateway Grandeur (Executive Room)	Kiranshree Portico (Elegant Club Room)	Kiranshree Portico (Elegant Club Room)
Kaziranga (3 Nights)	Jupuri Ghar (Standard Room)	Jupuri Ghar (Standard Room)	Diphlu River Lodge (Cottage)	Diphlu River Lodge (Cottage)
Darjeeling (3 Nights)	Fortune Resort Central	The Elgin Hotel	Mayfair	Mayfair
Gangatok (2 Nights)	The Royal Plaza	Nor-Khill Hotel - Heritage	Mayfair	Mayfair
Kalimpong (2 Nights)	Soods Garden Retreat	Silver Oaks	Silver Oaks	Silver Oaks
Calcutta (1 Night)	The Mark	Fortune Select Loudon	Hindustan International	The Oberoi Grand

Inclusions	Exclusions
Accommodation on twin share basis in the mentioned hotels or Similar for (14 Nights) with daily buffet Breakfast as per the itinerary.	International Airfare, visa fees, airport tax or any kind of insurance cover.
Lunches and dinners are included in Guwahati and Kaziranga and Dinners are included in Darjeeling, Gangatok & Kalimpong.	Items of personal nature like drinks, laundry, telephone calls, tips, etc.
2 Elephant safari and 2 Jeep safari (shared basis) in Kaziranga National Park.	Any other meals than those mentioned in the itinerary.
1 Toy Train ride in Darjeeling	Domestic airfare-supplement quoted above
Transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary by air-conditioned vehicle.	X,mas & New Year Evening Gala Dinner charge are not included
Road tax, Toll Charges, parking fees and driver's overnight wages.	Liability for change in itinerary due to reasons beyond our control like change in schedule / cancellation of flights / trains / political disturbances, natural phenomenon etc.
Services of a local English speaking guide for sightseeing at each city as per the itinerary.	Any other item not specifically mentioned above as 'INCLUDED'
Entrances to Monuments of visit as per the itinerary
Domestic Airfare in economy class: Calcutta-Guwahati, Guwahati-Bagdogra, Bagdogra-Calcutta
All presently applicable taxes including 2.58 % Service tax on Package and newly imposed 5.15 % service tax on hotels.