Darjeeling in West Bengal and the neighbouring Buddhist enclave of Sikkim is nestled between Tibet and Bhutan in the eastern Himalaya.
Dominated by Kangchenjunga, India’s highest peak, this is a region of rolling tea hills, historic towns, significant religious sites and breathtaking natural scenery. This itinerary aims to provide an excellent introduction to the eastern Himalaya combining the key places of interest with ample time in Kolkata – the main access point to the region. Starting with two full days to explore Kolkata, the cultural heart of India, continue to the Glenburn Tea Estate which is set on one of the area’s tea plantations. Explore the estate and visit the old Raj hill station of Darjeeling before crossing in to Sikkim with stays in Pelling, Turuk and Gangtok. All three are fascinating places and provide access to a collection of the region’s finest religious sites including the monasteries of Tashiding, Pemayangtse and Rumtek, Samdruptse Hill and the Hindu pilgrimage shrines of Chardham.
Kolkata – Glenburn Tea Estate – Darjeeling – Pelling – Turuk – Gangtok – Kolkata
Trip Highlights
- Gangtok, capital of Sikkim, has panoramic views of the mighty Kangchendzonga Range
- From Pelling visit Sanga Choling Monastery which is one of the oldest in Sikkim
- Stay at the Glenburn Tea Estate. Take plantation walks, birdwatch and visit Darjeeling
- See the 45m tall gilded statue of the Guru Rinpoche which is set atop Samdruptse Hill
- Pristine Kheopalry Lake is the holiest lake in Sikkim and a key Buddhist pilgrimage site
- 300-year-old Pemayangtse Monastery has commanding views of Mount Kanchenjunga
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart the UK
Today depart the UK and fly to Kolkata via the Middle East.
Day 2
Arrive Kolkata
Arrive in Kolkata where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Known as the 'soul of India', Kolkata is the academic and artistic centre of India and has long been noted for its wonderful architectural landmarks, many of which date from the period of the British Raj. Take the afternoon to acclimatise and relax at your hotel.
Calcutta Bungalow
The Elgin Fairlawn
Oberoi Grand Hotel
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Day 3-4
Kolkata
Over the next two days explore the highlights of Kolkata with your guide. Places of interest include St John's Church which has a memorial to the city's founder Job Charnock, the Writers Building which is now the seat of government, the silver-domed General Post Office and South Park Cemetery. Visit the Victoria Memorial, which was built in 1921 and today is home to a treasure trove of Raj relics and also spend time at India's largest and oldest museum, the excellent Indian Museum, founded in 1814.
- Breakfast
Calcutta Bungalow
The Elgin Fairlawn
Oberoi Grand Hotel
Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries
Day 5
Kolkata to Bagdogra – by air / Bagdogra to Glenburn Tea Estate – 80km
After breakfast transfer to Kolkata Airport in good time to catch your onward flight to Bagdogra. On your arrival you will be met by your driver and driven to Glenburn Tea Estate where you will stay for the next three nights. This historic tea planter’s bungalow is set on one of the prettiest tea plantations on the hills of Darjeeling and enjoys spectacular panoramic views. Offering comfortable accommodation, Glenburn Tea Estate still retains the atmosphere of a planter’s family home.
- Breakfast,
- Dinner
Glenburn Tea Estate
Day 6
Glenburn Tea Estate
Today you are at leisure to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Explore the tea estate to learn how tea is plucked and processed before endings with a tea-tasting session. Large parts of the estate are uncultivated and there are a number of walking trails to discover. They range from leisurely to adventurous but all have fabulous views of the Kanchenjunga range and provide excellent birdwatching too. For the less active, relax in the gardens, enjoy a cup of tea or relax with a good book.
- Breakfast,
- Dinner
Glenburn Tea Estate
Day 7
Glenburn Tea Estate – visit Darjeeling
Darjeeling is around a 30-minute drive from Glenburn Tea Estate and today visit this historic Raj-era hill station. At dawn visit Tiger Hill which at 2,590m is the highest viewing point in the area and is famous for its magnificent dawn views. Later continue to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute which displays equipment used on the famous Tenzing-Hillary Everest climb, the Himalayan Zoo, Tibetan Self-help Centre and the Happy Valley Tea Estate. In the afternoon take a ride on the Darjeeling Mountain Railway to visit the Yiga-Choling Monastery near Ghoom which was built in 1875 and houses famous Buddhist scriptures.
- Breakfast,
- Dinner
Glenburn Tea Estate
Day 8
Glenburn Tea Estate to Pelling – 75kms
Today leave Darjeeling for the drive to Pelling. The road journey today is beautiful and follows the twisting route of the rivers Rungeet and Teesta. En-route a stop will be made in Gyalsing, the capital of West Sikkim, to visit the Pemayangtse Monastery which is home to numerous exceptional murals and sacred works of art. Afterwards continue to nearby Pelling where you will stay for the next three nights.
- Breakfast,
- Dinner
Chumbi Mountain Retreat & Spa
The Elgin Mount Pandim
Day 9
Pelling
This morning visit Sanga Choling Monastery which is believed to be one of the oldest in Sikkim and dates to 1697. Located on a ridge surrounded by rolling valleys, on a clear day the views from the monastery are majestic. Later, return to Pelling on foot and in the afternoon visit the Sangchay Falls.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Chumbi Mountain Retreat & Spa
The Elgin Mount Pandim
Day 10
Pelling – Visit Kheopalry Lake & Yuksum
After breakfast leave Pelling and wind your way through the many small Sikkimese villages to the crystal-clear Kheopalry Lake which is considered to be not only the holiest lake in Sikkim and also one of the region's main Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Upon leaving the lake continue by car north to Yuksum the first capital of Sikkim and where the first Chogyal, or king, was crowned in 1641. On your arrival visit the coronation site and later return by car to Pelling.
- Breakfast,
- Lunch,
- Dinner
Chumbi Mountain Retreat & Spa
The Elgin Mount Pandim
Day 11
Pelling to Turuk via Tashiding Monastery – 110kms
Leave Pelling and drive on to Tashiding from where it is a steep walk up the hill to enjoy views of this famous monastery. From Tashiding continue on to Turuk Kothi an historic Sikkimese residence dating to 1848. Turuk Kothi remains home to the fifth generation of the Pradhan family, whose ancestors include a first minter of Sikkim, and the three cottages and suite rooms retain their old world charm.
- Breakfast
Turuk Kothi
Day 12
Turuk
Today you are at leisure to enjoy Turuk Kothi. Surrounded by forest and farmland, this is the ideal place from which to experience rural Sikkim. Walk the estate and neighbouring fields, visit local villages, explore some of the area’s markets and try home-cooked Sikkimese food.
- Breakfast
Turuk Kothi
Day 13
Turuk – visit Samdruptse and Namchi
This morning drive to Samdruptse Hill with its 45m tall, gilded statue of the Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim, who helped to spread Buddhism throughout Sikkim and the wider region. Enjoy the spectacular views then head to nearby Namchi and the Chardham shrines. This important Hindu pilgrimage site has replicas of the four main pilgrimage destinations of India, Badrinath in Uttarakhand, Dwarka in Gujarat, Jagannath Temple in Odisha and Rameswaram at the tip of India in Tamil Nadu. End the day at the Buddhist Ngadak Monastery where prayers, meditation and spiritual ceremonies take place much as they have for centuries.
- Breakfast
Turuk Kothi
Day 14
Turuk to Gangtok – 120kms
After breakfast leave Turuk and drive to Gangtok. Stop en-route to visit Rumtek Monastery which serves at the headquarters of the Kagyu order of Tibetan Lamaistic Buddhism. The monastery is known for its beautiful monastic paintings and intricate woodwork and was constructed in the 1960s as a copy of the Tibetan monastery from which they had fled after the Chinese invasion. Afterwards travel on to Gangtok where you will stay for two nights.
- Breakfast
Netuk House
The Elgin Nor-Khill
Taj Guras Kutir Resort & Spa
Day 15
Gangtok
Gangtok, capital of Sikkim, occupies a spectacular setting with fine views of snow-capped Kangchendzonga and this morning travel outside of the town to Tsomgo Lake. This holy lake is located on one of the original trade routes to Lhasa and the high mountain views are spectacular. Later, return to Gangtok where places of interest include the Research Institute of Tibetology, Enchey Monastery and the lavishly decorated Tsuklakhang, or Royal Chapel.
- Breakfast
Netuk House
The Elgin Nor-Khill
Taj Guras Kutir Resort & Spa
Day 16
Gangtok to Bagdogra – 200kms / Bagdogra to Kolkata – by air
Today transfer back to Bagdogra Airport in good time to catch your onward flight to Kolkata. On arrival stay overnight at a hotel close to the airport.
- Breakfast
Holiday Inn Kolkata Airport
Day 17
Kolkata to the UK
Depart Kolkata and fly to the UK via the Middle East.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Wildlife can be included by flying from Bagdogra to Guwahati and travelling overland to Kaziranga National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga tiger, elephant, wild buffalo and swamp deer although is best known for its large one-horned rhinoceros population.
Include a cruise on the Brahmaputra River. There are a number of options available from shorter cruises on either the upper or lower sections, a cruise using a smaller private-use vessel or a longer exploratory journey travelling the length of the river in Assam.
Discover the extraordinary living root bridges of little-visited Meghalaya. These unique living structures use the thick roots of the ficus tree to form bridges and reach up to 100 metres in length. The bridges are accessed by hikes and are close to Shillong and Cherrapunjee.
Extend the end of your holiday with a stay at Rajbari Bawali, an 18th century palace built for the Zamindars of Bengal, which is located to the south of Kolkata. Discover rural Bengali life, visit the local village, taking part in evening aarti prayers or take a boat ride on the Hooghly.
Guide to Price
17 days from £4435 per person
What's Included
- International and domestic flights
- Private car with English speaking driver
- Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
What's Not Included
- Cost of visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
from £4435
Travel Information
Getting There
British Airways fly direct from London Heathrow to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad. Virgin Atlantic have daily flights to Delhi and Vistara fly direct to Delhi. Emirates, Oman Air, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways also have excellent connections via their respected hubs to Kolkata, Kochi, Trivandrum, Kozhikode, Goa, Jaipur and Lucknow and fly from airports all over the UK.
Flying Times From UK
Direct flights from the UK take between 8 and 10 hours depending on the destination. Flights with stops en-route take between 12 and 14 hours.
Time Zone
India is +5½ hours ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirements
Holders of British Citizen passports are able to apply for an e-Tourist Visa (eTV). There are three different eTVs - a one month eTV (valid for 30 days), a one year eTV (valid for 365 days) and a five year eTV (valid for 5 years). Applications for the one month eTV can only be made within 30 days of travel to India. Applications for the one year eTV and five year eTV can only be made within 120 days of travel to India.
Please note that the very latest an Indian eTV application can be made is 4 days prior to travel to India. The eTV becomes active from the date of entry into India. It is not valid for Protected or Restricted areas.
All international passengers arriving in India are required to complete an e-Arrival Card up to 72 hours prior to arrival India. This applies to all nationalities and must be submitted online via the official portal https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival
Do’s & Don’ts
Smoking and drinking in public places is prohibited in India – with smoking this includes public areas in hotels, restaurants and bars.
E-cigarettes and related products are banned in India. You will be unable to buy e-cigarettes or bring them into the country.
Always ask permission before entering a temple and remember to remove your shoes and any leather objects such as bags, belts or wallets. It is fine to wear socks.
When in a Buddhist temple you should always walk in a clockwise direction with the main building to your right.
Modest, loose-fitting clothing is preferable and is essential when visiting religious places. When visiting a Sikh Gurudwara the head needs to be covered.
Permission should always be asked before taking a person’s picture.
When eating, only the right hand should be used. Indian culture considers the left hand to be unclean.
Money
The currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR) and comes in notes and coins. Exchanging money is easy and can be done at international airports, most hotels or banks and it is always a good idea to ask for some small denomination Rupee notes. ATMs are now common and reliable in all main cities and credit cards are widely accepted by most hotels, shops and restaurants. In rural areas or wildlife reserves ATMs and money exchange facilities are limited so having cash is essential.
Please note that there are restrictions on bringing Indian rupees into India. Visitors, including tourists, are not permitted to bring any amount of Indian currency into the country. Pounds sterling and other foreign currencies are allowed to be brought into India. For more information please visit the FCO’s Foreign Travel Advice for India.
Tipping
This is left to your discretion, however, tipping for good service in India is part of everyday life. In restaurants and for room service a 10% tip is appreciated and at smaller hotels and homestays a communal ‘tip box’ is common.
For drivers and guides, hotel staff and at national parks, the following amounts should act as a guideline. Please note that these figures are based on two people travelling together:
Tour driver: INR1000 to INR1200 per day (not per person)
Tour guide: INR1000 to INR1200 per day (not per person)
Naturalist (national parks): INR1000 to INR1200 per day (not per person)
Jeep Driver (national parks): INR 500 per day & per safari (not per person)
Hotels (communal tip for all staff): INR 1000 to INR 1500 per day (not per person)
Food & Drink
India is known the world over for its food and especially its vegetarian cuisine. Spice plays an important role in dishes throughout the country as do breads, rice, pickles and chutneys. Although nearly every region has its own speciality, there is a divide between the cuisine of northern India and southern India – the north with its meat dishes influenced by the Mughals and the lighter, fruitier, coconut based dishes of the south. Desserts are common in India with kulfi ice cream and gulab jamun two of the best known and most popular. Nearly all tend to be very sweet, milk based or fried.
The most common drink in India is chai tea which can be bought on nearly every street corner. The yoghurt drink lassi – whether sweet, salty or fruity – is also easy to find. The popularity of coffee has spread from the south whilst Indian beer is well-respected. There is also a fledgling wine industry centred on Nashik in Maharashtra.
Accommodation
There is a huge breadth of accommodation in India with styles varying across the country. India is famed for its heritage properties, the majority of which tend to be found in the north of India. These come in all shapes and sizes from beautifully restored buildings and luxury palaces operated by distinguished hotel groups to small privately owned forts and ancestral homes.
Homestays are also very popular and found throughout the country. Whether a grand and luxurious family residence, heritage property or simple abode, they offer a high level of service and a unique glimpse into everyday Indian life. Please let us know if you would like to include a homestay into your itinerary. In more remote regions, hotels are likely to be clean and simple whilst wildlife accommodation is generally either in jungle lodges or comfortable tented camps. For those looking to relax there are many excellent beachside hotels and an increasing number of retreats specialising in both Ayurveda and yoga.
Shopping
With wholesale markets and bazaars, innumerable shops and stores, India is a shopper’s paradise. The country is best known for carpets and dhurries with Rajasthan, Kashmir and Leh best for these. There is also a bewildering range of clothing, fabric and leatherwear found not only in the smallest of villages but also the largest cities. Gems, silver and jewellery (valuable or costume) are popular throughout the country but especially in Jaipur and Hyderabad whilst Kochi is noted for its antiques. Spices can be bought all over India but purchased straight from plantations in the south. Darjeeling, Assam and the Western Ghats in south India are all known for tea.
Suggested Reading
For India travel advice, Footprint, Rough Guides, Lonely Planet and Bradt have excellent guide books whilst Nelles Maps have comprehensive and up to date maps of the Indian subcontinent. There is also a wide range of literature including from famed authors such as RK Narayan, Vikram Seth, Paul Scott, VS Naipaul, Arundhati Roy and Salman Rushdie. Vivek Shanbhag's more recently translated book 'Ghachar Ghochar' also comes highly recommended. Other good books on India include:
‘India: A History’ by John Keay
‘The Great Arc’ by John Keay
‘No Full Stops in India’ by Mark Tully
‘India in Slow Motion’ by Mark Tully and Gillian Wright
‘City of Djinns’ by William Dalrymple
‘White Mughals’ by William Dalrymple
‘Chasing the Monsoon’ by Alexander Frater
‘The Tears of the Rajas’ by Ferdinand Mount
‘Plain Tales from the Raj’ by Charles Allen
‘Mughal Architecture and Gardens’ by George Michell
'Tea, Love and War: Searching for English Roots in Assam' by David Mitchell
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on India the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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Our Reviews
What our clients say
We truly had the holiday of a lifetime
CM - India - March 2024
We truly had the holiday of a lifetime thanks to the exceptional guides and drivers we met along our trip in Northern India. The itinerary had the perfect balance of tours, travel days and rest days for us and was meticulously planned and executed. We'd love to use Pettitts Travel again in the future and will absolutely be returning to India.
- Itinerary
- What's Included
- Travel Information
- Map
Day 1 London to Kolkata
Today depart the UK and fly to Kolkata via the Middle East. (N)
Day 2 Kolkata
Arrive in Kolkata where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Known as the 'soul of India', Kolkata is the academic and artistic centre of India and has long been noted for its wonderful architectural landmarks, many of which date from the period of the British Raj. Take the afternoon to acclimatise and relax at your hotel. (N)
-
Accommodation: Calcutta Bungalow
-
Upgrade option: The Elgin Fairlawn
-
Alternative upgrade option: The Oberoi Grand
Days 3 & 4 Kolkata
Over the next two days explore the highlights of Kolkata with your guide. Places of interest include St John's Church which has a memorial to the city's founder Job Charnock, the Writers Building which is now the seat of government, the silver-domed General Post Office and South Park Cemetery. Visit the Victoria Memorial, which was built in 1921 and today is home to a treasure trove of Raj relics and also spend time at India's largest and oldest museum, the excellent Indian Museum, founded in 1814. (B)
-
Accommodation: Calcutta Bungalow
-
Upgrade option: The Elgin Fairlawn
-
Alternative upgrade option: The Oberoi Grand
Day 5 Kolkata to Bagdogra – by air / Bagdogra to Glenburn Tea Estate – 80km
After breakfast transfer to Kolkata Airport in good time to catch your onward flight to Bagdogra. On your arrival you will be met by your driver and driven to Glenburn Tea Estate where you will stay for the next three nights. This historic tea planter’s bungalow is set on one of the prettiest tea plantations on the hills of Darjeeling and enjoys spectacular panoramic views. Offering comfortable accommodation, Glenburn Tea Estate still retains the atmosphere of a planter’s family home. (B)
-
Accommodation: Glenburn Tea Estate
Day 6 Glenburn Tea Estate
Today you are at leisure to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Explore the tea estate to learn how tea is plucked and processed before endings with a tea-tasting session. Large parts of the estate are uncultivated and there are a number of walking trails to discover. They range from leisurely to adventurous but all have fabulous views of the Kanchenjunga range and provide excellent birdwatching too. For the less active, relax in the gardens, enjoy a cup of tea or relax with a good book. (B)
-
Accommodation: Glenburn Tea Estate
Day 7 Glenburn Tea Estate – visit Darjeeling
Darjeeling is around a 30-minute drive from Glenburn Tea Estate and today visit this historic Raj-era hill station. At dawn visit Tiger Hill which at 2,590m is the highest viewing point in the area and is famous for its magnificent dawn views. Later continue to the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute which displays equipment used on the famous Tenzing-Hillary Everest climb, the Himalayan Zoo, Tibetan Self-help Centre and the Happy Valley Tea Estate. In the afternoon take a ride on the Darjeeling Mountain Railway to visit the Yiga-Choling Monastery near Ghoom which was built in 1875 and houses famous Buddhist scriptures. (B/D)
-
Accommodation: Glenburn Tea Estate
Day 8 Glenburn Tea Estate to Pelling – 75kms
Today leave Darjeeling for the drive to Pelling. The road journey today is beautiful and follows the twisting route of the rivers Rungeet and Teesta. En-route a stop will be made in Gyalsing, the capital of West Sikkim, to visit the Pemayangtse Monastery which is home to numerous exceptional murals and sacred works of art. Afterwards continue to nearby Pelling where you will stay for the next three nights. (B/D)
-
Accommodation: Chumbi Mountain Retreat & Spa
-
Upgrade option: The Elgin Mount Pandim
Day 9 Pelling
This morning visit Sanga Choling Monastery which is believed to be one of the oldest in Sikkim and dates to 1697. Located on a ridge surrounded by rolling valleys, on a clear day the views from the monastery are majestic. Later, return to Pelling on foot and in the afternoon visit the Sangchay Falls. (B/L/D)
-
Accommodation: Chumbi Mountain Retreat & Spa
-
Upgrade option: The Elgin Mount Pandim
Day 10 Pelling – Visit Kheopalry Lake & Yuksum
After breakfast leave Pelling and wind your way through the many small Sikkimese villages to the crystal-clear Kheopalry Lake which is considered to be not only the holiest lake in Sikkim and also one of the region's main Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Upon leaving the lake continue by car north to Yuksum the first capital of Sikkim and where the first Chogyal, or king, was crowned in 1641. On your arrival visit the coronation site and later return by car to Pelling. (B/L/D)
-
Accommodation: Chumbi Mountain Retreat & Spa
-
Upgrade option: The Elgin Mount Pandim
Day 11 Pelling to Turuk via Tashiding Monastery – 110kms
Leave Pelling and drive on to Tashiding from where it is a steep walk up the hill to enjoy views of this famous monastery. From Tashiding continue on to Turuk Kothi an historic Sikkimese residence dating to 1848. Turuk Kothi remains home to the fifth generation of the Pradhan family, whose ancestors include a first minter of Sikkim, and the three cottages and suite rooms retain their old world charm. (B)
-
Accommodation: Turuk Kothi
Day 12 Turuk
Today you are at leisure to enjoy Turuk Kothi. Surrounded by forest and farmland, this is the ideal place from which to experience rural Sikkim. Walk the estate and neighbouring fields, visit local villages, explore some of the area’s markets and try home-cooked Sikkimese food. (B)
-
Accommodation: Turuk Kothi
Day 13 Turuk – visit Samdruptse and Namchi
This morning drive to Samdruptse Hill with its 45m tall, gilded statue of the Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Sikkim, who helped to spread Buddhism throughout Sikkim and the wider region. Enjoy the spectacular views then head to nearby Namchi and the Chardham shrines. This important Hindu pilgrimage site has replicas of the four main pilgrimage destinations of India, Badrinath in Uttarakhand, Dwarka in Gujarat, Jagannath Temple in Odisha and Rameswaram at the tip of India in Tamil Nadu. End the day at the Buddhist Ngadak Monastery where prayers, meditation and spiritual ceremonies take place much as they have for centuries. (B)
-
Accommodation: Turuk Kothi
Day 14 Turuk to Gangtok – 120kms
After breakfast leave Turuk and drive to Gangtok. Stop en-route to visit Rumtek Monastery which serves at the headquarters of the Kagyu order of Tibetan Lamaistic Buddhism. The monastery is known for its beautiful monastic paintings and intricate woodwork and was constructed in the 1960s as a copy of the Tibetan monastery from which they had fled after the Chinese invasion. Afterwards travel on to Gangtok where you will stay for two nights. (B)
-
Accommodation: Netuk House
-
Upgrade option: The Elgin Nor-Khill
-
Alternative upgrade option: Taj Gurus Kutir Resort & Spa
Day 15 Gangtok
Gangtok, capital of Sikkim, occupies a spectacular setting with fine views of snow-capped Kangchendzonga and this morning travel outside of the town to Tsomgo Lake. This holy lake is located on one of the original trade routes to Lhasa and the high mountain views are spectacular. Later, return to Gangtok where places of interest include the Research Institute of Tibetology, Enchey Monastery and the lavishly decorated Tsuklakhang, or Royal Chapel. (B)
-
Accommodation: Netuk House
-
Upgrade option: The Elgin Nor-Khill
-
Alternative upgrade option: Taj Gurus Kutir Resort & Spa
Day 16 Gangtok to Bagdogra – 200kms / Bagdogra to Kolkata – by air
Today transfer back to Bagdogra Airport in good time to catch your onward flight to Kolkata. On arrival stay overnight at a hotel close to the airport. (B)
-
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Kolkata Airport
Day 17 Kolkata to London
Depart Kolkata and fly to the UK via the Middle East. (B)
Extending your stay…
Wildlife can be included by flying from Bagdogra to Guwahati and travelling overland to Kaziranga National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga tiger, elephant, wild buffalo and swamp deer although is best known for its large one-horned rhinoceros population.
Include a cruise on the Brahmaputra River. There are a number of options available from shorter cruises on either the upper or lower sections, a cruise using a smaller private-use vessel or a longer exploratory journey travelling the length of the river in Assam.
Discover the extraordinary living root bridges of little-visited Meghalaya. These unique living structures use the thick roots of the ficus tree to form bridges and reach up to 100 metres in length. The bridges are accessed by hikes and are close to Shillong and Cherrapunjee.
Extend the end of your holiday with a stay at Rajbari Bawali, an 18th century palace built for the Zamindars of Bengal, which is located to the south of Kolkata. Discover rural Bengali life, visit the local village, taking part in evening aarti prayers or take a boat ride on the Hooghly.
What's included
- International flights
- Domestic flights
- Private car with English speaking driver
- Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
What's not included
- Cost of visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
Guide to Price
The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.
Getting There
British Airways fly direct from London Heathrow to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad. Virgin Atlantic have daily flights to Delhi and Vistara fly direct to Delhi. Emirates, Oman Air, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways also have excellent connections via their respected hubs to Kolkata, Kochi, Trivandrum, Kozhikode, Goa, Jaipur and Lucknow and fly from airports all over the UK.
Flying Times From UK
Direct flights from the UK take between 8 and 10 hours depending on the destination. Flights with stops en-route take between 12 and 14 hours.
Time Zone
India is +5½ hours ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirements
Holders of British Citizen passports are able to apply for an e-Tourist Visa (eTV). There are three different eTVs - a one month eTV (valid for 30 days), a one year eTV (valid for 365 days) and a five year eTV (valid for 5 years). Applications for the one month eTV can only be made within 30 days of travel to India. Applications for the one year eTV and five year eTV can only be made within 120 days of travel to India.
Please note that the very latest an Indian eTV application can be made is 4 days prior to travel to India. The eTV becomes active from the date of entry into India. It is not valid for Protected or Restricted areas.
All international passengers arriving in India are required to complete an e-Arrival Card up to 72 hours prior to arrival India. This applies to all nationalities and must be submitted online via the official portal https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/earrival
Do’s & Don’ts
Smoking and drinking in public places is prohibited in India – with smoking this includes public areas in hotels, restaurants and bars.
E-cigarettes and related products are banned in India. You will be unable to buy e-cigarettes or bring them into the country.
Always ask permission before entering a temple and remember to remove your shoes and any leather objects such as bags, belts or wallets. It is fine to wear socks.
When in a Buddhist temple you should always walk in a clockwise direction with the main building to your right.
Modest, loose-fitting clothing is preferable and is essential when visiting religious places. When visiting a Sikh Gurudwara the head needs to be covered.
Permission should always be asked before taking a person’s picture.
When eating, only the right hand should be used. Indian culture considers the left hand to be unclean.
Money
The currency of India is the Indian Rupee (INR) and comes in notes and coins. Exchanging money is easy and can be done at international airports, most hotels or banks and it is always a good idea to ask for some small denomination Rupee notes. ATMs are now common and reliable in all main cities and credit cards are widely accepted by most hotels, shops and restaurants. In rural areas or wildlife reserves ATMs and money exchange facilities are limited so having cash is essential.
Please note that there are restrictions on bringing Indian rupees into India. Visitors, including tourists, are not permitted to bring any amount of Indian currency into the country. Pounds sterling and other foreign currencies are allowed to be brought into India. For more information please visit the FCO’s Foreign Travel Advice for India.
Tipping
This is left to your discretion, however, tipping for good service in India is part of everyday life. In restaurants and for room service a 10% tip is appreciated and at smaller hotels and homestays a communal ‘tip box’ is common.
For drivers and guides, hotel staff and at national parks, the following amounts should act as a guideline. Please note that these figures are based on two people travelling together:
Tour driver: INR1000 to INR1200 per day (not per person)
Tour guide: INR1000 to INR1200 per day (not per person)
Naturalist (national parks): INR1000 to INR1200 per day (not per person)
Jeep Driver (national parks): INR 500 per day & per safari (not per person)
Hotels (communal tip for all staff): INR 1000 to INR 1500 per day (not per person)
Food & Drink
India is known the world over for its food and especially its vegetarian cuisine. Spice plays an important role in dishes throughout the country as do breads, rice, pickles and chutneys. Although nearly every region has its own speciality, there is a divide between the cuisine of northern India and southern India – the north with its meat dishes influenced by the Mughals and the lighter, fruitier, coconut based dishes of the south. Desserts are common in India with kulfi ice cream and gulab jamun two of the best known and most popular. Nearly all tend to be very sweet, milk based or fried.
The most common drink in India is chai tea which can be bought on nearly every street corner. The yoghurt drink lassi – whether sweet, salty or fruity – is also easy to find. The popularity of coffee has spread from the south whilst Indian beer is well-respected. There is also a fledgling wine industry centred on Nashik in Maharashtra.
Accommodation
There is a huge breadth of accommodation in India with styles varying across the country. India is famed for its heritage properties, the majority of which tend to be found in the north of India. These come in all shapes and sizes from beautifully restored buildings and luxury palaces operated by distinguished hotel groups to small privately owned forts and ancestral homes.
Homestays are also very popular and found throughout the country. Whether a grand and luxurious family residence, heritage property or simple abode, they offer a high level of service and a unique glimpse into everyday Indian life. Please let us know if you would like to include a homestay into your itinerary. In more remote regions, hotels are likely to be clean and simple whilst wildlife accommodation is generally either in jungle lodges or comfortable tented camps. For those looking to relax there are many excellent beachside hotels and an increasing number of retreats specialising in both Ayurveda and yoga.
Shopping
With wholesale markets and bazaars, innumerable shops and stores, India is a shopper’s paradise. The country is best known for carpets and dhurries with Rajasthan, Kashmir and Leh best for these. There is also a bewildering range of clothing, fabric and leatherwear found not only in the smallest of villages but also the largest cities. Gems, silver and jewellery (valuable or costume) are popular throughout the country but especially in Jaipur and Hyderabad whilst Kochi is noted for its antiques. Spices can be bought all over India but purchased straight from plantations in the south. Darjeeling, Assam and the Western Ghats in south India are all known for tea.
Suggested Reading
For India travel advice, Footprint, Rough Guides, Lonely Planet and Bradt have excellent guide books whilst Nelles Maps have comprehensive and up to date maps of the Indian subcontinent. There is also a wide range of literature including from famed authors such as RK Narayan, Vikram Seth, Paul Scott, VS Naipaul, Arundhati Roy and Salman Rushdie. Vivek Shanbhag's more recently translated book 'Ghachar Ghochar' also comes highly recommended. Other good books on India include:
‘India: A History’ by John Keay
‘The Great Arc’ by John Keay
‘No Full Stops in India’ by Mark Tully
‘India in Slow Motion’ by Mark Tully and Gillian Wright
‘City of Djinns’ by William Dalrymple
‘White Mughals’ by William Dalrymple
‘Chasing the Monsoon’ by Alexander Frater
‘The Tears of the Rajas’ by Ferdinand Mount
‘Plain Tales from the Raj’ by Charles Allen
‘Mughal Architecture and Gardens’ by George Michell
'Tea, Love and War: Searching for English Roots in Assam' by David Mitchell
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on India the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Getting to know you
A crucial part of our process, discuss your plans with us either by phone, video or in person.
Helping you to design your trip
Entirely tailor-made, there is complete flexibility to incorporate all your requirements.
On-hand support, when you need it
Our team are on hand to answer any questions and ensure you are fully ready, and excited, for your trip.
Full confidence whilst you are away
Enjoy full support from our UK team and trusted local partners throughout your journey.
We’re pleased to confirm that Pettitts Travel will not apply any surcharges to our package holidays when we are operating as a tour operator, regardless of changes in global costs. The price you agree at the time of booking is the price you will pay, a commitment we have proudly upheld for the past 38 years.
