This exciting journey explores the tiny north-eastern state of Sikkim, is inhabited predominantly by gentle Buddhists and small settlements of tribal people. Destination is carefully selected in this tour to explore hidden beauty of India with Darjeeling tea estates, and Sunderban the world's largest mangrove forest and UNESCO World Heritage Site, this epic journey is a fantastic into to all that is India.

Home to five Nobel laureates, Kolkata is the nerve centre of intellect and human values, where many modern movements began in art, cinema and theatre, science and industry. The city is the gateway to Eastern India with a rich heritage, bustling streets and bewildering variety of facets. Meet and assistance on arrival by TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS representative at the arrival lounge holding plaque card and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure and stay overnight at Kolkata.

Kolkata or Calcutta, is the capital of West Bengal, has become a busy and flourishing city, the centre of cultural, political as well as economic life of Bengal. The quaint little fishing village has grown up to become the most populated city bearing the scars of more than three hundred years. Sprawling north-south along the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, Kolkata retains the aura of days long gone, weaving the past and present, the intense and the fun loving into a charming fabric. The city throbs with vibrant life forces and is an epitome of culture and creativity that nurtures and rejuvenates ones thinking prowess. During the British Raj, Kolkata was known as the Jewel of the East and was the capital of the country till 1911. It still bears the Victorian imprint on its streets and structures. Enjoy sightseeing of this beautiful city and visit Mother Teresa Ashram, Belur Math, Dakshineshwar Mandir, and Vivekananda Residence. Kolkata presents a unique blend of 19th century Europe and the pulsating vitality of a metropolis. Stay overnight at Kolkata. (B, D)

Travel to Sunderban, a place known for world famous Royal Bengal Tigers. A land of 54 tiny islands, crisscrossed by innumerable tributaries of Ganga that was once infested by Arakanese and Portuguese pirates is now the abode of varied flora and fauna and variety of local and migratory birds from all over the world. People say if you can’t see the Royal Bengal Tiger in Bengal’s Sunderban you haven’t seen anything. Sprawled over an area of 4262 sq kms Sunderban is the world’s largest estuarine forest. Stay overnight at Sunderban. (B, D)

Proceed for safari and Spot Royal Bengal Tiger, fishing cats, jungle cats, Axis deer, Spotted Deer, wild boar, mongooses and Rhesus monkeys, estuarine crocodiles among the biggest in the world and not to mention many rare and endangered species of reptiles. Sunderban is the breeding ground of immense variety of birds like Heron, Egret, Cormorant, Fishing Eagles, Seagull, Kingfisher as well as migratory birds like Whimprel, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Sandpiper, Whistling teal to many a few. Stay overnight at Sunderban. (B, D)

Sunderban – literally the beautiful forest got its name from the profusion of Sundari trees. These forests are extremely dense, often impenetrable, fringed by mangrove jungles and are one of the most intriguing wilderness on earth. Enjoy your breakfast and safari at dawn visiting the TIGER PROJECT area. The littoral forest at the Sunderban Tiger Reserve is the only ecological habitat for the tiger of its kind not only in India but also in the world. Spend rest of the day at the sanctuary with overnight at Sunderban. (B, D)

Have a leisurely breakfast and travel back to Kolkata to board Darjeeling mail train depart at 22:00hrs to New Jalpaiguri. Overnight on board. (B)

Arrive 08:00hrs, assistance on arrival and transfer to Darjeeling, the dreamland of the East. The views over the mountains to the snowy peaks of Kanchenjunga and down to the swollen rivers in the valleys are magnificent. The vegetation comprises of fir, pine and birch. Darjeeling is home to one of the most courageous warrior tribe’s famous world over for their velour and chivalry – the Gurkhas. Darjeeling - the name is derived from the Tibetan word 'Dorje' which means the precious stone or ecclesiastical scepter, which is emblematic of the thunderbolt of Indra, and 'ling' - a place, hence the land of the thunderbolt. Remaining day is free to stroll around this beautiful city and stay overnight at Darjeeling. (B, D)

Early morning start for Tiger Hill to watch the spectacular sunrise and its amazing Ghoom Monastery while returning to the hotel. Enjoy leisurely breakfast as the day is free to take a stroll in the local market. The list of must haves is topped by the finest blend of tea that make good souvenirs too, curio carpets and pieces of Himalayan handicrafts that closely follow. Stay overnight at Darjeeling. (B, D)

Flanked with mighty hills enveloped in mist, lush green valleys and tranquil lakes, Darjeeling provides a picture perfect setting postcard. Proceed for half a day sightseeing tour of the city and enjoy the toy train ride provided the train is running on the day. Stay overnight at Darjeeling. (B, D)

Travel to Gangtok and explore this small town enveloped by the snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga. Amidst the whipping prayer flags, brightly painted pagoda houses, hums of prayers in the background, couples with smiling people against the beautiful scenic backdrop of Gangtok makes it a place worth visiting. It is a quaint mix of the old and the new, of modern structures and ancient Buddhist monuments, of bustling commercial centers and quiet monasteries emanating an aura of spirituality. Overnight at Gangtok. (B, D)

An air of enchantment hangs over the city; the mysticism, the stupas, the monasteries reach out as soon as one has crossed the border. While across the hills and valleys comes the sounding of the long trumpets by robed lamas. After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour in and around this capital city of Sikkim. Stay overnight at Gangtok. (B, D)

After leisurely breakfast transfer to Bagdogra airport to board the flight for your onward journey. (B)

Private Car Guided Tour

Starts in: Kolkata Ends in: Bagdogra Grade:Adventurous Tour

• Accommodation in hotel with private facilities
• Private air-conditioned car for sightseeing
• Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, D=Dinner)
• Private English speaking guide
• Entrance fee and monument charges
• Jungle safari at Sunderban
• Toy train ride at Darjeeling
• Train ticket in 1st /2nd air-conditioned sleeper class
• Assistance and transfers

• Departs daily
• Overland travel by private car and 01 overnight train
• Order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions
• Itinerary can be customised to suit your requirements
• Ask for pre and post accommodation

• Any meals other than specified, drinks, laundry, Mineral water, telephone calls or other expenses of a personal nature.
• Camera fees (Video or still) at the monuments
• Tips/gratuity

 

Private Tours Departs Daily Per person NZ$ (From Delhi) Comfort Twin/Single Deluxe Twin/Single Luxury Twin/Single 01 Oct 08 - 15 Dec 08 3349 / 5149 4099 / 6449 4849 / 7949 16 Dec 08 - 15 Jan 09 3599 / 5399 4349 / 7699 5999 / 8199 16 Jan 09 - 15 Apr 09 3349 / 5149 4099 / 6449 4849 / 7949 16 Apr 09 - 30 Sep 09 2549 / 3799 3278 / 4899 3932 / 6099