Discover the Hidden Wonders of East India
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From fragrant tea plantations and snow-capped Himalayan peaks to bustling bazaars and the grandest colonial architecture, discover the hidden wonders of East India. Lose yourself in the soulful city of Kolkata, abuzz with intellect and creativity. Venture into striking Sikkim and see firsthand why this petite state was once regarded as a utopia. Delight in Gangtok’s tapestry of mountain scenery and Buddhist spiritualism. Wander through tea plantations. And make the train journey of a lifetime on the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
This is an Abercrombie & Kent private journey and can be tailor-made to fit with your travel dates and built around your desires.
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant city of Kolkata
- Explore the wondrous world of Darjeeling tea at Glenburn Tea Estate
- Witness a glowing sunrise over the world’s third tallest mountain
- Ride the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Find sanctuary in some of the most atmospheric hotels in India
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Kolkata
Sbāgata and welcome to Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal. Vibrant, uplifting and extremely friendly, Kolkata is perhaps the most soulful city in India. During the British Raj, Calcutta as it was known, was the Jewel of the East and the capital until 1911. Today it is still the most important city in the east, with a rich intellectual and cultural heritage. Receive a warm A&K welcome on arrival and transfer privately to your hotel.
Accommodation: Glenburn, The Penthouse Kolkata (Royal Bengal Suite)
Day 2
Kolkata
Immerse yourself in city life with an early morning visit to the vibrant flower market under the famous Howrah Bridge. Wind through the mountains of marigolds and jasmine, then follow in the footsteps of the British Raj with a tour of colonial Kolkata. See Dalhousie Square, now known as B.B.D. Bagh, in the political heart of the city. Admire the colonial buildings, including the prominent Writers’ Building, surrounded by food vendors selling mouth-watering street foods.
Continue to the revered Mother Teresa House, established in 1950 to care for the poor and sick. Learn of her ideologies and take a closer look at how Mother Teresa lived. Then sample traditional recipes from both sides of the border as well as Anglo-Indian and colonial cuisine with lunch at Oh! Calcutta. Later, immerse yourself in the serenity of the Victoria Memorial Hall. Admire the domed white marble hall built in memory of Queen Victoria. Stroll through the splendid gardens and step inside to discover Victorian memorabilia and British Raj-era paintings. End the day in the Maidan, the city’s largest urban park and the “lungs of Kolkata”, watching as people come together over a game of cricket.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Glenburn, The Penthouse Kolkata (Royal Bengal Suite)
Day 3
Kolkata
Head into the artisan hub of Kumartuli. Wander the maze of winding lanes in this 400-year-old village and watch as elaborately painted idols of Hindu gods and goddesses are produced for Durga Puja festivities. Board a tram and wind through the narrow streets and observe hawkers selling local products. Later, explore downtown on foot, revelling in the lively atmosphere at Kolkata market, filled with everything from vivid textiles to flowers, spices and teas. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before an evening of unique Bengali hospitality in the home of Bomti Iyengar, a charming art collector and bon vivant who lives in a great heritage building. Join him for an evening of cooking, feasting and stories, surrounded by his eclectic art collection.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Glenburn, The Penthouse Kolkata (Royal Bengal Suite)
Day 4
Kolkata – Bagdogra – Kalimpong
Transfer privately to the airport and fly to Bagdogra, then journey overland to Kalimpong. A bustling bazaar town, this Himalayan hill station offers a fascinating history as part of the Sikkim Empire, fine Buddhist monasteries, and stimulating walks. Soak up the atmosphere with an evening stroll to the local market, discovering fresh cheese, handmade paper wares and traditional handicrafts.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mayfair Himalayan Spa Resort Kalimpong (Deluxe Room)
Day 5
Kalimpong – Gangtok
Venture to Zang-Dhok-Palri Phodang, the area’s largest and most beautiful monastery and, breathe in the exotic fragrances of the colourful flower nursery filled with rare orchids and cacti. Later, journey to the capital of Sikkim, Gangtok. Once an important transit point for traders travelling between Tibet and India, today Gangtok is a cosmopolitan centre famous for its magnificent views of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain. Check in to your hotel and spend your afternoon exploring your accommodation and the intriguing surrounds at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Mayfair Spa Resort Gangtok (Deluxe Room)
Day 6
Gangtok
Today, uncover layers of Buddhist and Tibetan culture, beginning at the Rumtek Monastery, the richest Buddhist monastic centre in India housing some of the world’s rarest and most unique religious artefacts. Move on to the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology and lose yourself in a vast collection of rare manuscripts, statues, and tapestries. Admire the varied and vibrant handicrafts of local craftsmen at the Government Institute of Cottage Industries, then spend your afternoon at leisure, relaxing in your hotel’s spa facilities, wandering along MG Road dotted with cafes and bazaars or partaking in an optional activity (additional charge). You could choose to try your hand at a momo cooking class or take a tour of the 200-year-old Enchey Monastery where you might be lucky enough to witness Chaam, a religious masked dance.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mayfair Spa Resort Gangtok (Deluxe Room)
Day 7
Gangtok – Darjeeling
Rise early to capture the glowing sunrise over Kanchenjunga, this magnificent mountain towering 8,598 metres above sea level. Return to your hotel for breakfast, then journey through cardamom crop, ginger plantations and paddy fields to Darjeeling. The crown jewel of British colonial hill stations nestled high in the Himalayas, Darjeeling is home to almost a quarter of India’s tea production. Your perfect platform for discovery is the Glenburn Tea Estate, a heavenly plantation retreat that lies on a hillock above the banks of the River Rungeet.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Glenburn Tea Estate (Suite)
Day 8
Darjeeling
Darjeeling’s rich tapestry of cultures is yours to explore today. Start at the Ghoom Monastery, with its colourful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Continue to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, founded in 1954, just after Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay first scaled Everest. Visit the Darjeeling Zoo, home of the Snow Leopard Breeding Centre. Then see locals making handicrafts and carpets at the Tibetan Refugee Centre. This afternoon enjoy a breathtaking ride on the heritage-listed small-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or “Toy Train”, to Ghoom, the world’s second highest railway station. The toy train is a marvel of engineering passing through many small towns and is India’s oldest mountain railway route.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Glenburn Tea Estate (Suite)
Day 9
Darjeeling
Discover the secrets of Darjeeling’s famous tea at the Glenburn Tea Estate. Join your guide on foot or by vehicle to explore this working tea estate. Meet the employees, learn how to care for the tea bushes and the art of plucking the “two leaves and a bud”. Visit the Tea Factory to see the journey of the leaf from farm to teacup. Then, appreciate the delicate flavours in a tea tasting. This afternoon, choose from an abundance of activities offered by the estate, or simply relax on your verandah drinking in the spectacular views.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Glenburn Tea Estate (Suite)
Day 10
Darjeeling
Leave the snow-tipped peaks and terraced tea plantations of Darjeeling behind and transfer privately to Bagdogra Airport for your onward journey.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departures & Rates
Twin Share Per Person: from $5,750
Solo Traveller: on request
Ask one of our Travel Specialists about Packaging Flights with your Tour and Save
This is an Abercrombie & Kent private journey and can be tailor-made to fit with your travel dates and built around your desires.
*Rates are subject to availability and seasonality and may change without notice. Rates are based on two adults sharing. For solo travellers or single person occupancy rates or further information on terms and conditions, please contact our Travel Specialists at time of booking.
Accommodation
Glenburn The Penthouse, Kolkata
The Glenburn Penthouse is an intimate haven of sophisticated luxury, allowing guests to savour the culture, history and cuisine of beguiling Bengal. The Glenburn Penthouse is a discrete, elegant residence in the heart of historic Kolkata, with spectacular views of all her iconic landmarks; from Victoria Memorial to Eden Gardens, the lush green expanse of the Maidan and the majestic bridges that cross the River Hoogly.
Each of the 9 spacious suites have a large sleeping area with antique four poster beds, and plenty of space to relax and unwind, in a soft, elegant ambience, with lots of natural light. The restaurant cuisine is a blend of Colonial, Bengali, Anglo-Indian and Kolkata street food with a contemporary twist using fresh local ingredients to deliver a deliciously authentic dining experience.
The balcony and tea veranda overlooking Victoria Memorial are perfect for outdoor dining, and where breakfast and afternoon tea is served (weather permitting). Enjoy panoramic city views on the sundeck, unwinding on a lounge or indulging in a dip in the infinity pool.
Mayfair Himalayan Spa Resort
Tucked away from prying eyes is the beautiful hill station of Kalimpong is the illustrious Mayfair Himalayan Spa Resort. The stunning luxury property has several unique wings and spaces spread across an impressive expanse of beautiful hill landscape, affording mesmerising panoramic views. The Suites are spacious and airy with a pleasing contemporary décor and sumptuous furnishings to ensure your stay is a relaxing one.
With high ceilings and grand interiors, the multi-cuisine restaurant Tiffany stands out as much for its opulent ambience as for the superb dishes it serves. The restaurant also boasts outdoor seating for guests who want to savour the breathtaking views along the mouth-watering food. John’s Tavern is the perfect place to unwind with a drink or two, the long elegant bar stocked with the choicest of spirits and a warm ambience invite you in. Mamma Mia is the in-house café with a deliciously contemporary feel, with trendy furnishings and an upbeat atmosphere. Guests can choose from delectable Himalayan street food favourites like momos and different varieties of noodles. The café also houses a bakery that serves freshly baked pastries, cakes and breads.
The hotel includes a gym and swimming pool, as well as a pool table and children’s play centre, catering to guests of all ages. The onsite library will appeal to those with a love of literature, an expansive space well-stocked with books of all kinds, appointed in rich wood and leather.
Mayfair Spa Resort, Gangtok
Nestled amidst the Himalayan forests of Sikkim and surrounded by mountains, the Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino Gangtok offers a wonderful ambience, attentive service and world-class amenities.
Each of the guest rooms captures the essence of Sikkim in a contemporary setting, from the majestic imperial villas to the comfortable cottages and spacious family rooms.
After a stimulating day exploring Gangtok and the surrounding areas, wind down in the award-winning Mayfair Pevonia Spa, where local therapists are on hand to provide an array of specialised treatments across 12 therapy rooms. Other facilities include a well-equipped health club and swimming pool.
The resort features a superb multi-cuisine restaurant and a beautiful coffee and tea lounge with gorgeous views over the surrounding hills and the iconic Rumtek Monastery. For Sikkimese food, look no further than Jungle Café with its mouth-watering local delicacies made from fresh local ingredients and organic produce. The Mayfair Spa Resort & Casino is also one of the only casino hotels in India. After a round of blackjack, head to the Tongba Bar for a scintillating signature cocktail.
Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling
Started by a Scottish tea company in 1860, Glenburn has now passed into the hands of one of India’s pioneering tea planting families, the Prakashes, who have over the years come to be known as the Chaiwala family which literally means tea planters. Today, the third and fourth generation carry almost a century of tea knowledge in their inheritance and invite you to visit Glenburn. This heavenly little plantation retreat lies above the banks of the River Rungeet, deep in the Himalaya and is overlooked by mighty Mount Kanchenjunga. Home to generations of tea planters, it remains today a working tea estate.
The bungalow has been lovingly restored with much devotion, care and commitment, whilst retaining the style of a colonial planter’s bungalow. The four bedrooms in the original bungalow have been charmingly decorated with different themes and are spacious, warm and cosy. Those on the ground floor have a private sit out opening onto a verandah or garden. The four bedrooms in the new Water Lily Bungalow have views from heaven and are stunning – fresh, light, large and beautifully furnished with local floral themes. They are traditional yet have contemporary twists and are deliciously comfortable and private.
The main bungalow has a wonderful, long verandah with comfortable chairs running across the front of it. Inside is a very cosy, ‘English-style’ sitting room and dining room delicious, fresh food is dished up – a perfect balance of Indian, Oriental and Western. There is also a small pavilion in the garden which is a lovely place for lunch, tea or dinner.
The full time, resident naturalist guide is on hand for all outdoor activities. The birdlife is impressive as well as the butterflies, and other fauna and flora. A number of hikes are on offer, ranging from gentle to difficult, and from a short afternoon ramble through a local village to a longer, full day trek along the rocky river bed of the River Rung Dung.
