Eastern Golden Triangle with Sikkim and Darjeeling - PI-089
This itinerary will take you to the journey of eastern India. Starting from the largest city of India, Kolkata, which has a wonderful fusion of modern and ancient with rich and poor, to the religious and ancient towns of Konark and Puri. The world heritage temples will give you an insight of the East Indian architectural prowess of the ancient days. Experience the soothing sea at Gopalpur and the calmness of the Chilka Lake. Take an extension to the tiny state of Sikkim, nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas and shadowed by the majestic Kanchandzonga. With spectacular view of the Himalayas, Sikkim is one of he largest orchid producer in India which bloom at every nook and corner of the state.
Day 1: Kolkata
Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - Thursday, November 28, 2024
Arrive at Kolkata.Our representative will welcome and transfer to the hotel.Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 2: Kolkata
Thursday, November 28, 2024 - Friday, November 29, 2024
Kolkata, capital of West Bengal is the nerve centre of intellectual and human values where many modern movements began in literature, art, cinema, theatre, science, politics and industry. Full day city tour visiting
The Howrah Bridge - a major landmark that denotes the city of joy. This hanging bridge is an architectural marvel of the country. The recently built Vidyasagar Setu, another architectural marvel, connects both the banks of the Hooghly River. Onto
Victoria Memorial built of White Marble. It was opened by Prince of Wales in 1924 and has a statue of Queen Victoria, with other exhibits. Visit the Indian Museum and drive past
Dalhousie Square,
St. Paul's Cathedral , National Library, Shaheed Minar, Eden Garden, Fort William and city centre. Optional visit to Mother Teresa's home of Charity. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 3: Kolkata - Bhubaneshwar
Friday, November 29, 2024 - Saturday, November 30, 2024
Morning leave by air for Bhubaneshwar-The temple city which has a cluster of some 500 temples chronologically arranged and still standing. Arrive at Bhubaneshwar and stay at Hotel. Afternoon city tour visiting
The Lingaraj temple built in the 11th century. The Presiding deity is Lord Shiva. See
The Mukteshwar temple with its famous stone arch at the entrance, a gem of Orissan architecture and onto the 11th century Raja Rani temple.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 4: Bhubaneshwar - Konark - Puri
Saturday, November 30, 2024 - Sunday, December 1, 2024
Morning proceed by road to Puri-The home of numerous artisans & craftsmen who produce rare and exquisite handicrafts of a large variety. Enroute visit the famous
Sun Temple at Konark. See the giant celestial chariot of the Sun God, pulled by seven exquisitely carved ornamented horses. Arrive and stay at Hotel.Afternoon visit the 12th century
The temple of Lord Jagannath. The beach at Puri is one of the finest in the world. Watching the sunrise in a symphony of colours is a wondrous experience.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 5: Puri
Sunday, December 1, 2024 - Monday, December 2, 2024
Relax on the Beach.
Fine white sands, roar of the breakers rolling in from the Bay of Bengal and countless devotees flocking the place for a purification dip are the synonyms to
The Beach of Puri. The beach has continued to be a sacred venue for an endless number of pilgrims coming to pay homage to Lord Jagannath.With the annual Beach Festival taking place in November, the beach has now become a favorite haunt of both Indian and foreign beach lovers. Located at a mere distance of 35 kms from the Sun Temple and 65 kms from Bhubaneshwar, the beach is an ideal place for an introvert holiday maker for the scarcity of crowd here.The beaches of Puri are also renowned for the sand sculptures created particularly by the internationally famed Sudarshan Patnaik. The subjects are generally inspired by sculptures covering the temple walls, characters and episodes from the mythology and also the contemporary events. An entire beach stretch can be completely yours given the immense number of beaches in Orissa and a comparatively lower number of fun lovers, the city being a popular pilgrimage point for Indians.The beach at Puri offers a unique opportunity to witness the striking sunrise and the sunset on the same beach.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 6: Puri - Gopalpur
Monday, December 2, 2024 - Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Morning proceed by road to Gopalpur on Sea - ancient seaport of Orissa and now famous as a sea side resort. Being a quiet place, it is a famous resort for tourists for combating the foaming waves of the sea. En-route visit Pipli Village famous for its applique work.Arrive and stay at Hotel.
Day 7: Gopalpur
Tuesday, December 3, 2024 - Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Early morning visit Chilka Lake - Bird watcher's Paradise. A unique water Lagoon comprising marine, brackish and fresh water eco systems with an estuarine character, Chilika is the largest lagoon along the east coast of India. A paradise for the migratory birds and thus for the bird watchers, it is one of the hotspot of biodiversity in the country, and some rare, vulnerable and endangered species are found here. It is famous for the aquatic faunas and as sanctuary and winter resort of migratory birds coming from as far as Siberia.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 8: Gopalpur
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - Thursday, December 5, 2024
Relax on the Beach.Gopalpur-on-Sea as it is popularly known within the tourist circuit, boasts of one of the finest and most popular beaches in Orissa, India. Tours to Gopalpur Beach with Tourism of Orissa tour packages promises to be an unforgettable affair with nature at its best.Once a hub of maritime activities, the seaport at Gopalpur was discontinued from service after the WWII under the British rule and with the separation of Myanmar as an independent nation. You can visit the ruins of the port, the lighthouse and the European styled mansions and bungalows on your tour to Gopalpur Beach.The sautéed sand, the casuarinas and palm fringed coastline, the deep turquoise blue water make a stay at Gopalpur, the beach resort of Orissa. The beach attracts swimmers, drifters and vacationers with its splendid beauty and serene aura even amidst the mayhem of excited tourists.
Besides walking on the beach, chasing the waves and swimming till dawn, you can also visit Gopalpur's local fishing villages, artisans and remnants of its medieval past.
The local fishermen add to the ambience of the coffee table book styled beach. The arriving or departing fishermen boats against the backdrop of a setting or rising sun is a sight that could have easily inspired Monet's impressionist style. The intricate sand sculptures shaped from the beach sand are a major draw for tourists too. Besides the sightseeing and enjoying on the beach, you can also shop for curios and souvenirs at the local markets. The favorites of course are the items created of seashells that you must purchase on your tour to Gopalpur beach.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 9: Gopalpur - Bhubaneshwar - Kolkata
Thursday, December 5, 2024 - Friday, December 6, 2024
Morning proceed by road for Bhubaneshwar airport to leave by air for Kolkata. Arrive Kolkata and stay at Hotel.
Day 10: Kolkata
Friday, December 6, 2024 - Saturday, December 7, 2024
Morning city tour visiting
Dakshineshwar Kali Temple and Belur Math-Head quarters of the international Ramakrishna Mission, founded in 1899 by Swami Vivekananda, a disciple of the 19th century great Hindu Saint Sri Ramakrishna, Symbolic of its belief, the Belur Math Shrine represents a church, a Mosque and a temple when viewed from different angles. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 11: Kolkata - Bagdogra - Darjeeling
Saturday, December 7, 2024 - Sunday, December 8, 2024
Morning transfer to airport to leave by air for Bagdogra Airport. Transfer to Darjeeling by road (3 hrs. drive) Arrive and check in to the Hotel.
Day 12: Darjeeling
Sunday, December 8, 2024 - Monday, December 9, 2024
Darjeeling ( 2123 m) is popularly known as the Queen of the Hills, is the jewel in the crown of the Eastern Himalayas and a perfect destinationfor nature lovers and trekkers.Early morning visit the Tiger Hill to view Sunrise Over Kanchanzonga and the great Eastern Himalayan mountains. Even Mt. Everest, the world's highest peak, is visible from here.
Tiger Hills is situated at an altitude of 2590 meters(8482 feet). Return via
Ghoom Monastery. It is one of the oldest Buddhist Monastery where manuscripts written on birch bark are preserved. Enjoy
The Toy Train Ride between
Ghoom & Darjeeling (subject to operation) which has been awarded world heritage status by UNESCO. Afternoon half day city tour visiting
Tenzing Norgay mountaineering institute and the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre where you can see Tibetan Craftsman making traditional items like carpets, woolen boots, carvings and leather goods. Onto Tea Gardens & Factory (within 20 kms radius).
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 13: Darjeeling - Gangtok
Monday, December 9, 2024 - Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Morning leave by road for Gangtok(4 hrs.drive) Arrive and stay at Hotel. Set amidst Himalayas, Gangtok is a popular hill station, overlooking the river Ranikhola and world's third tallest peak Kanchenjunga at its east. Gangtok is rich in scenic beauty that offers tourists with many incredible places. Starting with the famous 200-year-old,
Enchey Monastery, tourists have many sightseeing options here like Deorali Orchid Sanctuary, Tashi Ling Monastery, Do-Drul Chorten and
The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (1958), that has world's largest book and rare manuscript collection of Buddhism. Gangtok hotels too are strategically located to provide the tourist with the captivating views of the majestic peaks. Afternoon visit
The Government Institute of Handicrafts and explore bazaars for souvenirs.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 14: Gangtok
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Morning visit the famous
Rumtek Monastery of great significance. The head of Kagyupa sect of Buddhism was given refuge in Sikkim when the Chinese overran Tibet. He was granted land to build the monastery and finally raised Rumtek in 1960s. It is replica of the monastery in Taruphu in Tibet, the residence of His Holiness and also the headquarters of the Dharma Chakra Religious Centre Afternoon at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 15: Gangtok - Kalimpong
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - Thursday, December 12, 2024
Morning proceed by road for Kalimpong(4 hrs. drive). Arrive and stay at Hotel.Afternoon visit
Dr. Graham's Homes School and the
Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery. Also visit Seri Culture Institute on Silk Production. Also Orchid Tour( depending on season ) to neighboring areas by jeeps and partially by trek. Kalimpong, located on a ridge overlooking River Teesta, is a tourist destination owing to its temperate climate and proximity to popular tourist locations in the region. Horticulture is also important to Kalimpong: it has a flower market notable for its wide array of orchids nurseries, which export Himalayan grown flower bulbs, tubers and rhizomes, contribute to the economy of Kalimpong. Home to ethnic Nepalis, indigenous ethnic groups and non-native migrants from other parts of India, the town also is a religious centre of Buddhism. The Buddhist monastery Zang Dhok Palri Phodang holds a number of rare Tibetan Buddhist scriptures.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 16: Kalimpong - Bagdogra - Kolkata
Thursday, December 12, 2024 - Friday, December 13, 2024
Morning after breakfast transfer to Bagdogra airport to leave By air for Kolkata. Arrive and transfer to International airport for onward destination.
