India Tour – Darjeeling & Goa

Highlights:

Private India tour of Calcutta highlights (incl. flower market, Howrah Bridge, Dalhousie Square Drive Pass, St. Paul’s Cathedral Church, Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Mother House of Mother Teresa
Darjeeling: Private tour to Tiger Hill – Sunrise with a view of the Himalayan mountains – Kanchandzong & Mount Everest
Darjeeling: Train ride with the famous Toy Train to Ghoom & visit to the Ghoom Monastery
Darjeeling: Private India tour – Himalayan Mountaineering Institute – Memories of the first climbers of Mount Everest and legends Tenzing Norgay & Edmund Hillary
Darjeeling: Himalayan Zoological Park: Snow leopards, Tibetan wolf, Tibetan yak & Himalayan black bear
Pelling City: Private tour – Pemayangtse Monastery and the ruins of Rabdantse
Pelling City: Private tour – The holy Khecheopalri Lake of Sikkim, Rimbi Waterfalls & Authentic village life in Darap Cherry
Gangtok: Private tour – Buddha Park of Ravangla – Tathagata Tsal
Gangtok: Private tour – Rumtek Monastery – Do Drul Chorten – Namgyal Institute of Tibetology – Enchey Monastery
Kalimpong: Private tour – Deolo Hill – Mangal Dham – Flower Nurseries – Durpin Dara – Zang Dog Palri-Fo-Brang Monastery – Tharpa Choling Monastery – Thongsa Gumpa
6 nights beach holiday on the dream beach of Goa
and much more…

Namaste! Welcome to India!

Our representative will meet you at the arrivals area of the airport and after clearing all immigration and customs formalities, you will be transferred to your hotel where you will check in for your stay.

Accommodation: ITC Royal Bengal, Tower Exclusive, Calcutta, breakfast included

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the lobby to take you on a tour of Calcutta’s highlights.

Places to visit include: Flower Market, Howrah Bridge, Dalhousie Square Drive Pass (Raj Bhawan, St. John’s Church, High Court, GPO, Town Hall, Writer’s Building and other important colonial buildings), St. Paul’s Cathedral Church, Victoria Memorial (closed on Mondays and national holidays), Indian Museum (closed on Mondays and national holidays), Mother House (closed on Thursdays).

Howrah Bridge

The Howrah Bridge over the Hoogli River in West Bengal, India is considered to be the busiest bridge in the world. It got its name due to the fact that it connects the city of Howrah with Calcutta. The Hawrah Bridge in Calcutta, India, also known as “Rabindra Setu”, was constructed in 1874. It stands on two 270-foot-high pillars. The Calcutta Howrah Bridge is a cantilever truss bridge built without any nuts and bolts. Although it used to have a tram line, it currently serves primarily as a road bridge. The Howrah Bridge also has two sister bridges namely Vidyasagar Setu and Vivekananda Setu located at different locations over the Hoogly River. This bridge acts as an important symbol of Calcutta.

Victoria Memorial Hall

One of the famous monuments in Calcutta, the Victoria Memorial was constructed in 1921 in the loving memory of Queen Victoria. Built and designed by Sir William Emerson, the Victoria Memorial Hall is an impressive building made of white marble and contains a perfect blend of Mughal and European architectural styles.

The Victoria Memorial is also a museum that houses some rare pictures and statues of men and women who have played a prominent role in the history of India, especially in relation to the history of Calcutta. In addition, the museum also houses dresses, along with several artillery weapons from the Battle of Plassey, the Whispering Gallery in the dome and the famous rosewood piano.

Considered one of the most beautiful and important buildings and art museums in present-day Calcutta, the Victoria Memorial is a majestic building that also houses a Royal Gallery that exhibits oil paintings depicting the scenes from the life of Queen Victoria such as receiving the sacrament at her coronation or her marriage to Prince Albert.

Built on a plot of 64 acres with the building measuring 338 feet by 228 feet, the Victoria Memorial is an architectural splendor that boasts of a picturesque landscaped garden that adds to the beauty of this royal splendor. There are some notable figures sculpted above the northern verandah symbolizing prudence, learning and motherhood.

Indian Museum

Founded by the Asiatic Society of Bengal, the Indian Museum is the oldest and largest multipurpose museum in the entire Asia-Pacific region. It was the establishment of this museum that propelled the idea of a museum to promote man-made and natural objects of national importance. The collection of the museum is so remarkable that it is often regarded as the ‘Jadu Ghar’ or the House of Magic by the locals.

The year 1814 witnessed the establishment of this incredible museum on Park Street in Calcutta. With over 100,000 exhibits, the India Museum is the largest repository of antiquities and artifacts in the country. The museum is full of impressive collections of archaeological, geographical and botanical objects. Amazing objects like remnants of the Harappan civilization, meteorites, Buddha’s ashes, Shah Jahan’s emerald chalice and even human embryos can be seen in the galleries of the Indian Museum.

The Italian style of architecture was used to refine the magnificent structure of the museum. The museum has six departments of art, archaeology, anthropology, geology, zoology and economic botany, comprising more than sixty galleries. A bookshop and a library are also available for history buffs. The Indian Museum is considered an institution of national importance by the Indian Constitution. It offers a wealth of exquisite references of Indian culture and Indian heritage.

Mother House

The Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity at 54A, A.J.C. Bose Road, Calcutta is the headquarters of the international religious order of the Missionaries of Charity. It was the home of Mother Teresa and her sisters from February 1953 to the present. Here she lived, prayed, worked and led her religious family of sisters spread all over the world. Here her body was also laid to rest.

Mother Teresa was buried on the ground floor of the Mother House on 13 September 1997. Her grave has become a place of pilgrimage and silent meditation for people of all faiths. The site of the grave is a place of deep silence and calm, despite the persistent noise of passing Calcutta traffic. The Mother’s grave is a reflection of her life that we must be able to pray and find rest even in the midst of noise and distractions.

Accommodation: ITC Royal Bengal, Tower Exclusive, Kolkata, incl. breakfast

After breakfast and check-out, you will be driven to the airport in Calcutta for your onward flight to Bagdogra.

After arriving in Bagdogra, your private chauffeur will drive you to Darjeeling (approx. 70 km / approx. 4 hours) where you will check into your hotel.

Tucked away in the northeast corner of India, Darjeeling is best known for its rolling tea plantations and the “Toy Train” that winds along the steep mountain routes of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. A scenic hill station, Darjeeling offers access to several Buddhist monasteries, tea plantations, rail travel and is an ideal base for trekking tours in the Himalayas. The impressive jagged peaks of the snow-capped Himalayas can be seen from the city, with Tiger Hill offering amazing views at first light.

Accommodation: The Elgin, Deluxe Room, Darjeeling, incl. breakfast

Early in the morning, visit the majestic Tiger Hill.

Tiger Hill is 13 km from Darjeeling and you can see a beautiful sunrise as well as a unique view of the Himalayan mountains with their majestic mountains Kanchandzonga, Mount Everest, etc. Just before sunrise, the entire Himalayan mountain range turns golden. A dreamy sight.

Then return to the hotel for breakfast before taking a train ride on the famous Toy Train to Ghoom. Once there, visit the Ghoom Monastery and return from Innova.

Toy train

Sit back and enjoy the spectacular landscapes unfolding on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which opened in 1881.

The Ghoom Monastery is the oldest monastery in the area (built in 1875) and houses the image of Mythey Buddha.

In the afternoon, we go on a city tour.

Himalayan Mountaineering Institute/Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (both closed on Thursdays). The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was founded in Darjeeling after Tenzing Norgay climbed Everest. Tenzing Norgay worked as a Sherpa and was the first person to climb Mount Everest in 1953, along with New Zealand mountaineering legend Edmund Hillary. The museum displays equipment used in the first ascent of Everest, among other things. You also have the opportunity to visit the Everest Museum Himalayan Zoological Park, where you can see Himalayan animals such as the snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, Tibetan yak, Himalayan black bear, and various bird species.

Tibetan Refugee Center (closed on Sundays) This institute is run by Tibetan refugees to preserve their handicrafts. There you will have an insight into the traditional production of Tibetan carpets, leather work, paintings and woodwork, etc.

Accommodation: The Elgin, Deluxe Room, Darjeeling, including breakfast

After breakfast you will be driven to Pelling. (approx. 75 km/4 hours).

In the afternoon you will visit the Pemayangtse Monastery and the ruins of Rabdantse.

The Pemayangtse Monastery is located 2.5 km from Pelling at an altitude of 2085 m and offers a spectacular view of the Khangchendzong. Built in the late 17th century, it is one of the oldest and most important monasteries of the Nyingmapa Order of Buddhism in Sikkim. To this day, only the monks of this monastery enjoy the title of “Tasang” or “pure monks”. The importance of this monastery grew over time and reached its peak when only monks from this monastery were allowed to anoint the reigning ruler of the country with holy water. The Pemayangtse Monastery follows the Mindroling tradition and keeps the lineage of Lhatsun Chenpo.

Mindroling Monastery was founded by Minling Terchen Gyurme Dorje, whose famous daughter Jetsun Migyur Paldon lived near Pemayangtse and taught there during her exile. Her stone throne can still be seen in this monastery, which is home to 108 monks. The main attraction of the monastery is the wooden replica of Zangdog Palri; the heavenly abode of Guru Padmasambhava, built by Serdup Lhundrup Dorje Rinpoche in 1971. The annual chaam (monk dance) is held here on the 28th and 29th days of the 12th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar.

Rabdentse– Sikkim’s second capital. The ruins of Rabdantse are worth exploring. The winding path through the forest takes you to a small series of ruins of the early town and finally to the ruins of the palace with chorten (stupa).

Accommodation: The Elgin Mount Pandim Hotel, Deluxe Room, Pelling, incl. breakfast

After breakfast drive to Pelling along Khecheopalri Lake, Rimbi Waterfalls & Darap Village & back.

Khecheopalri Lake: Khecheopalri Lake is considered as one of the holy lakes of Sikkim by both the Buddhists and the Hindus.

Rimbi Waterfalls is one of the tourist attractions of Sikkim which is located about 12 km from Pelling and about 5 km from Darap village, another attraction of Sikkim. This waterfall can be seen throughout the year though it looks much more beautiful during the rainy season. The waterfall leads to the Rimbi river and is famous for recreational activities like fishing. Karchen Powerhouse is the oldest powerhouse in West Sikkim. The powerhouse was built in the early 70s by the last royal government. It supplied water to all the neighboring villages during that time.

Darap Cherry Village is one of the few undiscovered places where travelers can escape from mass tourism. The word Darap comes from the Limbo word “Tan-lop” which literally means a plain or even a land. It is located just 8 km from Pelling on the way to Khecheopelri and Yuksam. The area is mainly inhabited by the Limboo community and other small communities like the Bhutias, Chettris, Tamangs, Rais, Gurungs and Lepchas who live together in harmony.
The landscape is gently sloping like no other places in western Sikkim. Due to its proximity to Pelling, Darap is now a special destination to immerse yourself in the traditional daily routine of an authentic village life.

Accommodation: The Elgin Mount Pandim Hotel, Deluxe Room, Pelling, incl. breakfast

After breakfast, your private driver will be waiting to drive you to Gangtok via the Buddha Park at Ravangla. (Approx. 127 km / 6 to 6.5 hours)

The Buddha Park at Ravangla, also known as Tathagata Tsal, is located near Rabong (Ravangla) in South Sikkim District, Sikkim, India. It was built between 2006 and 2013 and features a 130-foot-tall Buddha statue as its centerpiece. The site was chosen within the larger religious complex of the Rabong Gompa (monastery), which is itself a centuries-old pilgrimage site. Also nearby is the Ralang Monastery, an important monastery in Tibetan Buddhism. The statue was consecrated on March 25, 2013 by the 14th Dalai Lama and became a stop on the “Himalayan Buddhist Circuit.” The Buddha statue marks the occasion of the 2550th birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha. This statue was built and installed at this place through the joint efforts of the Government of Sikkim and its people. The Buddhist circuit of this park was built here as part of a project of the state government to promote pilgrimage and tourism in the region.

Accommodation: The Elgin Nor-Khill, Deluxe Room, Gangtok, breakfast included

After breakfast, enjoy a private sightseeing tour of Gangtok

Rumtek Monastery: Located 24 km from Gangtok, Rumtek Monastery is the World Dharma Chakra Center and the seat of His Holiness the Gyalwa Karmapa, who is the head of the Kagyupa Order of Tibetan Buddhism. Behind the main monastery is the ornate Karmae Nalanda Institute of Buddhist Studies, which attracts students from all over the world. Opposite the entrance to the institute is a small hall with a beautiful jewel-encrusted chorten and the Golden Stupa, which contains the ashes and remains of His Holiness the XVI Gyalwa Karmapa. Legend has it that after years of meditation, the first Karmapa was visited by ten thousand fairies who came to congratulate him, each offering a lock of his hair as a gift. These are said to have been woven into a black hat which was passed down and is still in the Rumtek Monastery today. It is said that if not held tightly by the wearer (who of course can be none other than the Karmapa) or kept in a box, the hat would fly away.

The Do Drul Chorten, built to commemorate the victory of good over evil, and the Jhang Chub Chorten, built in memory of Thrukshik Rinpoche, an ardent devotee, a great spirtualist and interpreter of Buddhism. Near the chortens are two huge statues of Lord Buddha and Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rimpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim.

Namgyal Institute Of Tibetology (closed on Saturdays / Sundays & holidays) Set amidst a serene setting of oak, birch and ash trees lies the unique organisation, founded in 1958. Built in traditional style, the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology promotes the study of Mahayana Buddhism and the language and tradition of Tibet. It has one of the world’s largest collections of rare books and manuscripts on Mahayana Buddhism. The institute also has retail shops where related books and religious arts and crafts of Tibet can be purchased.

The Enchey Monastery: – The Enchey Monastery is located on a ridge above Gangtok, surrounded by lush forests with a spectacular view of Gangtok city. Built in 1910 on the site of the hermitage of the great tantric saint Lama Drutob Karpo, who was known for his levitation powers, this monastery houses the monks of the Nyingmapa Order of Tibetan Buddhism.

Directorate of Handloom and Handicrafts (Closed on Saturday/Sunday & Holidays)

This directorate was established to promote traditional Sikkimese arts and crafts. Exquisitely carved wooden frescoes, intricate bamboo work and beautiful hand-woven carpets and handlooms are on display here. Visitors can not only buy these items but also watch the artisans at work. A favourite item here is the choktse, a wooden table with carved panels that can be folded into a portable backpack.

Accommodation: The Elgin Nor-Khill, Deluxe Room, Gangtok, including breakfast

After breakfast and check-out, your journey continues to Kalimpong (approx. 80 km / approx. 3 hours)

Rest of the day is at leisure.

Kalimpong is a bustling hill station on the northern edge of West Bengal in eastern India, about 53 km from the hill station of Darjeeling. Situated on a ridge overlooking the Teesta River, the township offers stunning views of the Himalayas and a wonderfully temperate climate.

The town is also known for its tranquil Buddhist monasteries, colonial architecture and its impressive flower markets. Must-see attractions include the Kalimpong Science Centre and Zang Dhok Palri Phodang, a Buddhist monastery with a number of rare Tibetan Buddhist scriptures. Don’t miss Durpin Dara, the highest point in Kalimpong, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area and the mighty Teesta.

Accommodation: The Elgin Silver Oaks, Deluxe Room, Kalimpong, incl. breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a private sightseeing tour of Kalimpong (approx. 2 hours)

Deolo Hill : Deolo Hill is one of the two hills between which Kalimpong town lies, the other being Durpin Hill. The hill is the highest point of Kalimpong and offers a breathtaking view of not only the Kanchenjunga mountain range but the entire Kalimpong town, the surrounding villages of Relli valley, the Teesta river as well as the snow-capped hills of Sikkim.

Mangal Dham: Mangal Dham is one of the most important religious centers in the beautiful hill station of Kalimpong. The place was built in the memory of Guruji Shir Mangaldasji Maharaj who arrived in Kalimpong in 1940 and made it his home. He built several orphanages, schools and temples here to serve God and people. The temple is spread over an area of about two acres and has a prayer hall on the top floor where the idol of Raj Shyamji is placed. So, make sure to visit these pure and pious places whenever you are in Kalimpong.

Flower Nurseries: The climate of Kalimpong is ideal for growing flowers and plants. Kalimpong is famous for its nurseries that export exotic flowers like Amaryllis Lilies, Anthuriums, Roses Gerberas, Dahilias, Gladioli and Orchids and Cacti.

Durpin Dara – Offers panoramic views of Kalimpong town, the snow-capped Himalayan ranges of West Sikkim, the Teesta River and its valleys.

Zang Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery – This is a fairly new monastery in Durpin Dara. From here, one can enjoy exclusive panoramic views of the town and the surrounding areas. The prayer room inside the monastery is decorated with murals and there is a rare three-dimensional mandala on the upper floor.

Tharpa Choling Monastery – On Tirpai Hill on the way to Dr Graham’s house, it is home to the Yellow Hat group of lamas, to which the current Dalai Lama belongs.

Thongsa Gumpa – The monastery is of Bhutanese origin and was built around 1692. It is the oldest in Kalimpong. The original structure was destroyed in the wars between the clans before the British arrived.

Accommodation: The Elgin Silver Oaks, Deluxe Room, Kalimpong, including breakfast

After breakfast and check-out, you will be driven to Bagdogra airport for your onward flight to Calcutta.

Once you arrive in Calcutta, you will be met and driven to the hotel by your private driver.

Accommodation: ITC Royal Bengal, Tower Exclusive, Calcutta, including breakfast

After breakfast and check-out, you will be driven to Bagdogra airport for your onward flight to Calcutta.

After breakfast and check-out, you will head to Calcutta airport and then on to the dream beaches of Goa.

Salcete is a taluka (district) in the state of Goa on the west coast of India. This region is home to the culturally rich city of Margao, as well as some of the most beautiful beaches in South Goa. Don’t miss visiting the bustling Pimplapedd (Closed Market) or the large Holy Spirit Church in Margao before heading to the famous Salcete coast. This region of Goa is less touristy than the north, with fewer party destinations on offer and quieter, cleaner beaches. Choose between upscale Cavelossim, laid-back Benaulim and Colva (which offer diving and snorkeling opportunities) or the even more relaxed destinations of Agonda, Palolem and Patnem. Although swimming and sunbathing are the most popular activities in Salcete, there are also great hiking trails in the green Goan countryside.

Zuri White Sands Goa Resort And Casino

Zuri White Sands Goa Resort and Casino reflects everything that Goa stands for. The award-winning five-star beach resort is located on the scenic, picturesque white sands of Varca Beach. The 38-acre paradise features a winding pool and spectacular sea views from the Goan-style luxury rooms. Guests can dine at the six on-site restaurants that offer authentic Goan, European and Pan-Asian cuisine. Hotel amenities include a spa, free WiFi, a fitness center and on-site parking.