UNEXPLORED PARADISE (12 Days/11 Nights)
FROM NZ$3199 - AU$2285
This exciting UNEXPLORED PARADISE small group journey explores the tiny north-eastern state of Sikkim, otherwise known as 'The Garden State', on account of its spectacular flora and fauna and abundant flower nurseries. Boasting a plethora of monasteries and exceptional mountain scenery, this beautiful state 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 a well known tea growing country, few days exploring the sites of the oft-misunderstood but fascinating city of Kolkata and Sunderban the world's largest mangrove forest and UNESCO World Heritage Site, known to have highest number of India's mysterious Royal Bangle Tiger reserve. Join us to explore the unexplored Paradise.
Day 01: Arrive Kolkata
Arrive Kolkata a home to five Nobel laureates – Ronald Ross, Sir C.V. Raman, Rabindranath Tagore, Mother Teresa and Amartya Sen, and the entry point of East India Company agent, who reached the shores in August 1690 and changed the history of India. We will be welcomed by Our Tour Manager at the airport arrival lounge with TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS signboard. Transfer to hotel where you receive a traditional welcome with Garland and Tilak while the hotel formalities is completed. Rest of the day is at leisure with overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Kolkata
Kolkata was the capital of India under the British Raj until 1911 when they moved it to Delhi. It was known as the Jewel of the East and still bears the Victorian imprint on its streets and structures. Today the bustling city of Kolkata is a symbol of vibrance and creativity with all the modern amenities along with a leisurely lifestyle and enduring charm. Spend the day exploring this fascinating city, redolent with history, Victorian architecture and known to have produced some of India's greatest writers. Overnight at hotel. (B,D).
Day 03: Kolkata – Sunderban (Wildlife Safari) (120 kms / 2 hrs 30 mins)
Today we travel to Sunderban, a place known for world famous Royal Bengal Tigers. People say if you can’t see the Royal Bengal Tiger in Bengal’s Sunderban you haven’t seen anything. It’s like balloon without air, palace with out the King or curry with out the spices. A much sought-after destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts from all over India as well as overseas, the Sunderbans National Park in West Bengal boasts of an extremely rich and varied wildlife. The largest estuarine sanctuary in the world, Sunderbans covers an area of 2585 sq. The Sunderban park offers natural habitats to a vast and diverse wildlife population including the royal Bengal tiger. Evening free to enjoy a long walk with overnight at hotel (B,D)
Day 04: Sunderban (Tiger Safari)
Morning we enjoy the safari and Spot Royal Bengal Tiger along with many more endangered wildlife species. We spend the day at the century and overnight at hotel. (B,D)
Day 05: Sunderban – New Jalpaiguri (125 kms/ 2 hrs 30 mins)
Today after leisurely breakfast we travel back to Kolkata to board Darjeeling mail train ETD 10:00 pm to New Jalpaiguri. This small town still retains its colonial character which is evident in the stately bungalows lined along the beautiful River Teesta. Jalpaiguri derives its name from “jalpai” which means olives in local parlance and “guri” which means place; thus a place where olives are found abundantly. Overnight on train (B,D)
Day 06: Darjeeling
Arrive New Jalpaiguri ETA 8.00am and enjoy beautiful and scenic drive to Darjeeling. Darjeeling is one of India’s most famous hill station was gifted in 1835 to the East India Company by the King of Sikkim. It became a popular resort for the British who wanted to escape from the sweltering heat of the plains. Afternoon see the Botanical Gardens, Ghoom Monastery and visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute. Overnight at hotel. (B,D)
Day 07: Darjeeling (Toy Train)
Enjoy your leisurely breakfast spend the day exploring this stunning hills station. Optionally experience Toy train ride provided the train is running on the day and finish the day with beautiful memories. Overnight at hotel. (B,D)
Day 08: Darjeeling – Gangtok (95 kms / 2 hrs)
After breakfast travel to Gangtok, which means “hill top”, the capital city of Sikkim state perched at 5,500 feet, high on the ridge of a valley. It lies snuggled between the borders of Nepal and Bhutan and is famous for its numerous important monasteries and picturesque Himalayan view. Evening free to stroll in the colorful market. There are many attractive items to be bought as carved furniture, dresses, Lepcha weave bags, Carpets & Durries with intricate designs and colourful decorations. For a collector of handmade decorative pieces Gangtok is paradise. Overnight at hotel.(B,D)
Day 09: Gangtok
Early morning visit to Tashi View Point for magnificent views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. The word Kanchenjunga is translated along the lines of “Five Treasures of the Snow” and is regarded as the abode of gods who bestow prosperity and benevolence to the inhabitants and their lands. Proceed to one of India’s busiest and most famous monasteries at Rumtek. The monastery which is situated on a hill top is around 24 kms from Gangtok and the view of the city from the hill is simply splendid. It is visited by many Buddhist pilgrims as it contains various sacred objects like the Golden Stupa and relics of worshipped Sixteen Karmapa. Overnight at Gangtok.(B,D)
Day 10: Gangtok – Kalimpong (Tramping) (85 kms / 1 hr 30 mins)
After breakfast we travel to Kalimpong, together with Darjeeling and Gangtok, this small and quiet hill resort forms the Golden Triangle of the Eastern Himalayas. After bit of rest enjoy tramping in and around Kailmpong or explore Kalimpong’s flower nurseries and small market. One comes to Kalimpong to slow down and be pampered by nature’s beauty. Overnight at hotel.(B,D)
Day 11: Kalimpong
Enjoy sightseeing tour and Dr. Graham's Home, started in 1900 by a Scottish missionary, who along with his wife, dedicated their lives educating and caring orphans and other deprived children. Afternoon explore this small town and experience breathtaking view of the plains rolling down to Siliguri. The gushing rivers in the vicinity and bursts of green forests only add to the scenic beauty of the region. Overnight at hotel.(B,D)
Day 12: Kalimpong - New Jalpaiguri – Kolkata (80 kms / 1 hr 30 mins)
Being last day of the tour we enjoy leisurely breakfast as the tour will finish with the transfer to the New Jalpaiguri railway station to board Darjeeling Express overnight train to Kolkata.(B,D)
Tour Ends
Price includes
- Hotel accommodation with private facilities
- Travel by chartered air-conditioned vehicle
- Assistance and all transfers
- All sightseeing as specified
- Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D=Dinner)
- THO tour manager (min 7 Traveller)
- Local English speaking tour guide
- All Entry fee to the monuments
- Wildlife safari at Sunderban
- Toy Train ride at Darjeeling
- All collectable taxes
| Confirm Group Departures |
| Start Kolkata |
| 2009 |
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2010 |
| Start |
Finish |
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Start |
Finish |
| 18 Sep |
18 Sep |
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19 Feb |
02 Mar |
| 09 Oct |
20 Oct |
|
26 Mar |
06 Apr |
| 20 Nov |
01 Dec |
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14 May |
25 May |
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For more enquiry regarding this tour, please fill up the following form. |
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