Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive DelhiDelhi is a bustling metropolis, which successfully combines in its folds the ancient with modern. Its strategic location was the prime reasons why successive dynasties chose it as their seat of power. In fact, more mythological cities are believed to be here, like the city of Indraprastha from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, founded around 5000 BC. Numerous monuments were built over several centuries by different rulers like Qutub-ud-din Aibek, Alauddin Khilji, Tughlaks, Humayun & Shah Jahan, who built the Walled City Shah Jahanabad. Later in first half of 20th century much of New Delhi was planned by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who laid out a grandiose central administrative area as a testament to British rule in India. The division in walled city & New Delhi also marks the division in life styles. Overnight Hotel - Delhi (B)

Day 2

Full Day Tour
Today we take a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th century walled city of Shah Jehanabad, Visiting the great Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of Old Delhi. Built in the year 1656 AD by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, it is the largest & best known mosque in India. Later we walk down or take a rickshaw ride through Chandi Chowk, the old marketplace of Shah Jahanabad now a picturesque bazaar to reach Red Fort, built in the year 1648 by Shah Jehan. In New Delhi, we visit Raj Ghat, memorial to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. It is a simple black marble platform that marks the spot of his cremation on 31 January 1948. Further we drive past India Gate and Qutub Minar, an important example of Indo-Islamic Architecture.

Day 3

Delhi - Bhubaneswar (Flight)
Today we take a flight to Bhubaneswar, the temple city of India. Once the capital of ancient Kalinga, the city has a long history & is today a bustling centre for commerce & religious activity. These temples are unique in themselves, not only in their architectural beauty but also in the wonderful sculptures. These temples epitomize a comprehensive history of Orissan style of temple architecture from its very inception to perfection spreading almost to 2000 years from 3rd century BC to 16th Century AD. Later we take a tour of Bhubaneswar visiting Lord Shiva Lingaraja Temple, the 11th century temple of Bhubaneswar has been described as "truest fusion of dream & reality." Next we visit Mukteshwara Temple, a 7th-8th century AD is one of the most ornate temples in Bhubaneswar.

Day 4

Bhubaneswar - Excursion to Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri & Udaigiri
Today we take a same Day excursion to Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri & Udaigiri, famous for Jain & Buddhist Monasteries. We first visit Lalitgiri, earliest Buddhist Complex dating back to the 1st century AD forms an important node of the Diamond Triangle ie Lalitgiri & Ratnagiri & Udaigiri. The majestic ruins of the huge brick monastery, the remains of the chaitya hall, a number of votive Stupas & a renovated stone stupa at the apex of a small rugged sandstone hill dominate the rural greenery around. Next we visit Ratnagiri, famous for many significant Buddhist sculptures scattered around in the hill range.Later we visit Udaigiri & Khandgiri caves, largest Buddhist Complex in Orissa & famous for the caves, these hills provide some solid examples of Jain & Buddhist art of the 2nd Century BC. There are monasteries, Chaitya & Stupas that represent a vibrant culture that flourished in these hills. Overnight Hotel - Bhubaneswar(B)

Day 5

Bhubaneswar- Puri (56 km - 02 hr)
Today we drive first to Dhauli, where Mauryan Emperor Ashoka the Great renounced bloody warfare & embraced the teachings of Buddha after victory over kingdom of Kalinga. Here we visit Peace Pagoda known as Shanti Stupa built in early 1970 by Japanese. Also visit two ancient rock edicts, today eclipsed by the presence of the Pagoda. Dating from 260 BC they outline Ashoka's detailed instructions to his administrators to rule with gentleness & fairness. Next we drive to Puri en route we visit Konark temple Chariot of the Sun God, built by King Langula Narasimha Deva in the 13 century AD in the Golden era of Orissan art. This crowning piece of Orissan architecture & sculpture is sheer poetry on stone. Overnight Hotel - Puri (B)

Day 6

Puri - Bhubaneswar (56 km - 02 hr) - Calcutta (Flight)
Today we to Bhubaneswar to take a flight to Calcutta (Kolkata), located in eastern India on the east bank of the River Hooghly. Kolkata is noted for its revolutionary history, ranging from the Indian struggle for independence to the leftist & trade union movements. Overnight Hotel - Calcutta (B)

Day 7

Calcutta
Half day Tour - Later we visit the Victoria Memorial, memorial of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom who also carried the title of Empress of India. The structure was designed by Sir William Emerson in an architectural style similar to Taj Mahal. It was built between 1906 & 1921. It is a majestic white marble building surrounded by a sprawling garden. Next visit Nirmal Hriday (Pure Heart), opened in the year 1952 by Mother Teresa, Home for Dying Destitute in Calcutta.

Day 8

Calcutta - Bagdogara - Darjeeling (110 km - 03 hr)
Today, we take a flight to Bagdogara, upon arrival drive to Darjeeling, Queen of India's hill stations. Its setting is one of incomparable beauty. A Victorian town of old world charm 'discovered' by the British. It is surrounded by fragrant tea gardens which seem to flow over the layered slopes like emerald swells on a rough sea. Overnight Hotel - Darjeeling

Day 9

Darjeeling
Full Day Tour - Morning we visit Tiger Hill, famous for its magnificent view of Kanchenjunga, Mt. Everest & other eastern Himalayan peaks especially at the time of sunrise. On our way back we first visit Ghoom, as the name suggests it is gloomy & clammy with perpetual fog. After some rest we take a ride of toy train of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also visit the Mountaineering Institute, created by the late Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa who conquered Mt Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary. Overnight Hotel - Darjeeling (B, D)

Day 10

Darjeeling - Gangtok (95 km- 03 hr)
Today we drive to Gangtok, a fairytale capital in the clouds, balances precariously on Steep Mountain slopes, Surrounded by lush rice terraces, swifts flowing rivers & distant snow views. It is situated in the lower Himalayas & was a small hamlet until the construction of the Enchey Monastery in 1840 made it a pilgrimage center.Later we take a tour of Gangtok, visiting Research Institute of Tibetology, organization dedicated to furthering Tibetan studies, Buddhist philosophy & region.

Day 11

Gangtok
Full Day Tour - Today we take an excursion tour to Tsongo Lake, considered extremely sacred by the local people. The place is a paradise for bird lovers with large number of Blue Whistling Thrush, Redstarts & Fork tails around. Later we visit Himalayan Zoological Park also known as Bulbuley. Also explore Lal bazaar, melody of colour. Various ethnic groups from different villages gather to haggle, bargain, gossip their wares. Overnight Hotel - Gangtok (B, D)

Day 12

Gangtok - Kalimpong (80 km - 04 hr)
Today we drive to Kalimpong, an incredible stunning backdrop of towering snow capped peaks. This exotic town of beautiful people, mystical & enchanting, with a rare ethnic blend of hill people. It also houses several Buddhist monasteries which hold a number of rare Tibetan Buddhist scriptures.

Day 13

Kalimpong
Full Day Local tour - Today we visit Thongsa Gompa also known as the Bhutanese Monastery. It is the oldest monastery in Kalimpong & was founded in the year 1692. Later we visit Tharpa Choeling Monastery founded in 1937 & belongs to the Gelugpa (yellow hat) sect of Tibetan monastery.

Day 14

Kalimpong - Bagdogara (75 km - 02 hr) - Delhi (Flight) - Today we drive to Bagdogara to take a fight for Delhi. This is a wonderful drive & initially you follow the turbulent Teesta. Upon Arrival in Delhi transfer to International Airport for onward destination.

Extra Information

Inclusions -

A-C transportation as per the itinerary (No transportation on leisure days).

Exclusions -

Any airfare or airport tax.

Extras -

# Visit Jama Masjid, Red fort & Qutub Minar in Delhi
# Explore Udaigiri & Khandgiri caves
# Sightseeing of Konark temple also known as Sun temple of Konark.
# Enjoy Darjeeling city, Queen of India's hill stations.