For centuries, East of India attracted the British, Dutch and Portuguese to establish trading centres around Calcutta (now Kolkata). There are 5 European reminiscences within few miles north of Kolkata that were trading posts. On this tour, explore bustling Kolkata with its colonial buildings, churches and the poignant Black Hole Memorial; cruise along the Hoogly River to discover former European trading posts and battlegrounds; and take a joy ride up to Darjeeling on the famous narrow gauge ‘Darjeeling Himalayan train’
Fly to Kolkata.
Arrive Kolkata and transfer to your hotel. Evening at leisure. First of two nights here.
Delve into the rich culture and history of Kolkata with its British-built administrative buildings, the churches, and the poignant Black Hole of Calcutta Memorial. Visit the local temple and local markets and as you explore, you build a picture of city’s colonial past and what makes Kolkatta vivid and colourful today.
Transfer to port in time to board your ship. First of five nights onboard.
Disembark to explore Chandannagore –a former French colony from 1673 to 1952, except between 1757 to 1794 when it was under the British rule.
Disembark at Kalna to explore several magnificent temples with intricate terracotta ornamentation built by Maharajas of Bardhaman Visit Weaver’s village Shantipur famous the weavers of fine Bengal cotton, the village rich in handloom weaving, is the second largest occupation in the state of West Bengal
Disembark at Mayapur to visit Headquaters of ISKCON. Explore Matiari where you find traditional Kansari artisans make from scrap metals handcrafted wares and artefacts
Disembark at Murshidabad, the historic town, the earliest evidences of history perhaps as early as circa 1500 B.C. The Nawab Murshid Quli Khan made Murshidabad the capital city of Sube Bangla, comprising of Bengal, Bihar and Orissa. The East India Company reigned from here for many years after the Battle of Plassey.
Disembark cruise and take train to New Jalpaiguri. On arrival, your driver will transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Today, start your ascent to almost 7,000ft into the Himalaya mountain range, as you board the enthralling journey on the narrow-gauge UNESCO listed Darjeeling Himalayan train. First of three nights at your hotel in Darjeeling
For centuries, Darjeeling has been famed as a tea-growing centre. Today, visit one of the town’s authentic tea plantations for a guided tour. Enjoy a tasting in the town’s charming bazaar.
Early morning visit to Tiger Hill viewpoint and witness the spectacular sunrise from behind Kanchenjunga. Watch the peaks change colour with the sunlight casting shades of red and yellow on their surroundings. Later take train to Ghum to visit Buddhist monastery. Afternoon visit Darjeeling’s Mountaineering Institute, final resting place of Tensing Norgay
Fly to Delhi. Overnight stay here.
Fly back home.
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