Duration : 14 Days Tour
Destination : Delhi - Agra - New Jalpaiguri - Kalimpong - Gangtok -
Darjeeling - Bhubaneshwar - Puri
Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
East
india tour begins with the capital of India - Delhi. Met by our
representative at arrival hall meeting area and transfer to the hotel.
Delhi the capital of India is a very vibrant city and melting pot for all
the culture, religion, caste, creed and people. This city has withholds a
long history in itself. Having seen rise and fall of many kingdoms, Empires
and dynasties, Delhi today is a perfect fusion of history and modern world.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 : Delhi / Agra
Morning : Half day guided city tour of New Delhi. Afternoon drive to Agra
(200 Km/04 Hrs approx.)
Morning city tour of Delhi. Visit Qutab Minar - 13th century tower of Qutab
Minar is one of the tallest tower of it is of its time. 72.5 m tall,
tapering from 2.75 m in diameter at the peak to 14.32 m at its base, wall
consists of the verses from Koran the holy book of Muslims. Complex also
hosts mosques and Iron Pillar (Ashoka Pillar) in the courtyard of the
mosque, whose quality of the iron is exceptionally pure and has not rusted
even after 2000 years. Humayun Tomb - This 16th century monument is known as
the first example of the monumental scale that would characterize subsequent
Mughal imperial architecture. Built in the middle of the garden Humayun's
Tomb is now one of the best-preserved Mughal monuments in Delhi. Drive pass
India Gate and other government buildings to visit Jama Masjid - Jama Masjid
was the last architectural extravagance of emperor Shah Jahan, which he
built shortly after the completion of Red Fort. Highly decorative it is the
largest mosque in India its courtyard can accommodate 25000 devotees to
offer prayer at one time. Raj Ghat - Cremation site of Father of the Nation
'Mahatma Gandhi' now boats gardens and a memorial.
Agra is famous as the home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the
Taj Mahal. The architectural splendor of the mausoleums, the fort and the
palaces in Agra is a vivid reminder of the opulence of the legendary Mughal
Empire. Agra was their capital for nearly a hundred years from 1564. A
pleasant town, with a comparatively easy pace, Agra is known for its superb
inlay work on marble and soapstone by artisans who are hereditary craft
persons. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and
leather shoes.
Evening : Assistance on arrival in Agra and check in at hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 : Agra / Delhi
After breakfast, half-day guided sightseeing tour of Agra. Afternoon: drive
back to Delhi (204kms/04hrs approx). Assistance on arrival and check in at
hotel.
Visiting Taj Mahal the most beautiful monument of love. Built during 1630
by grieving emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaj Mahal it is
flawless to it's conception and execution. It is aptly said that the beauty
of the Taj Mahal cannot be described in words - one has to see it to
experience it. Later visit the Agra Fort - Foundation led by Emperor Akbar
in 1565 AD, four of the mighty Mughal rulers controlled their vast empire
from here. Wander around the palaces built by successive emperors famous
amongst which are Jahangiri Mahal, Khass Mahal, Diwan-i-Khass, Diwan-i-Am,
Machchhi Bhawan and Moti Masjid etc. that represents the excellence of
Mughal architecture. Fort also serves as a vantage point to view Taj Mahal
and it is believed that Emperor Shah Jahan spent his last days in exile
watching the Taj Mahal from here.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 : Delhi / Bagdogra
(By Flight) / Kalimpong
Morning:
Assistance and transfer to the airport in time connect flight to Bagdogra by
9W 602 at 1010hrs. On arrival in Bagdogra at 1205hrs. Assistance on arrival
and drive to Kalimpong (80kms/03hrs). Arrive Kalimpong and check in at hotel
with rest of the day at leisure or free for optional activities.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 : Kalimpong / Gangtok
Morning: visit to Kalimpong. Afternoon depart Kalimpong for Gangtok by
surface (70 Km/ 03 Hrs.). Arrive Gangtok and check in at hotel with rest of
the day al leisure or free for optional activities.
Early morning drive to Dubin Dara to visit Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa:
built in the mid-1970s on Durpin Hill It was consecrated by His Highness the
Dalai Lama. This monastery is famous for its traditional Tibetan wall
paintings. The site also commands a panoramic view of snowcapped mountains.
Return to hotel for breakfast followed by visit to flower nurseries.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 : In Gangtok
Morning excursion to Rumtek Dharma Chakra: the seat HH Karmapa head of the
Kagyu order, one of the four major Tibetan Buddhist sects since the late
1960. Traditional in design, it is almost replica of the original Kagyu
headquarters in Tibet. The centre has a collection of some of the most
unique religious art objects. Return to city to visit Enchey Monastery: this
200 years old monastery one of the important seats of Nyingmapa sect is
blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo a trantic master famous for his flying power.
Research Institute of Tibetology: center for studying Buddhist philosophy
and religion this institute is a treasure trove of vast collection of rare
Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts, statues and rare Thank as and has
over 200 Buddhist icons. Also, walk around the local market.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 : Gangtok / Darjeeling
Morning depart Gangtok for Darjeeling by road (104 km/ approx.-3 hrs).
Stopping by en route to visit tea factory to witness tea processing.
Arrive Darjeeling and check in at hotel. One of the most beautiful hill
stations in India, Darjeeling to is home of fabled Darjeeling Tea that has
charmed the world with its flavour. Nestled on the lap of eastern Himalayas
Darjeeling has been blessed with natures bounty breathing taking view of the
Mt. Kanchenjunga range, chugging of the toy train, tea plantations and
memorizing sunrise view are some the highlights of the visit here.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 08 : In Darjeeling
Early morning drive to Tiger Hill to witness sunrise. Tiger Hill: A sunrise
view from Tiger Hill on a clear day is an experience, which one would like
to cherish forever. The whole of Kanchenjunga range performs an amazing
colour display along with the changing lights of rising sun. One can also
see summit of Mt. Everest, Makalu and Lotse from here (four of the 8000 mts.
Peaks including first and the third highest peaks).
Return to hotel for breakfast and visit some of sites of tourist interest -
Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center: started on 1959 to rehabilitate thousands
of Tibetans who fled Tibet with His Holiness the Dalai Lama to India
following Chinese invasion. Started from 04 workers today it over 700
workers producing traditional handicrafts such as Tibetan carpets, wood,
metal and leather works, the Centre have also experimented in finding new
production lines incorporating traditional Tibetan motifs which would find a
ready market both here and abroad. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and
Everest Museum - first ascent on the Mount Everest has provided the impetus
to mountaineering as an organised sport in India and HMI came into being as
a result. Ace mountaineers are associated with this institute including
Tenzing Norgey (the first man to climb Mt. Everest with sir Edmond Hillary)
as the first Director of Field Training. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological
Park: A unique zoo in the country this is the only Zoo in the world to breed
Tibetan Wolf in captivity and the first South Asian Zoo to breed Snow
Leopard and Siberian Tiger. It is the only specialized zoo in the country
and is internationally recognized because of conservation breeding of Snow
Leopard and Red Panda.
Afternoon take a toy train "A World Heritage Site" ride to Ghoom
one of the highest railway stations in the world. Also, visit Goom Monastery
said to be built in 1875 by Lama Sherab Gyatso from Chumbi valley in Tibet
it is considered to be one of the holiest monasteries as this was personally
blessed by the renowned Tomo Geshe Rimpoche of Tibet. It is also said that
the monastery keeps rare books on Buddhism. The monastery has a statue of
the 'Maitreye Buddha' believed to be coming Buddha.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 : Darjeeling /
Bagdogara / Kolkatta (By Flight)
Morning
drive to Bagdogra (90kms/03hrs) for connect flight to Kolkatta by IT 2336 at
1305hrs. On arrival in Kolkatta at 1435hrs. Assistance on arrival and
transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 : Kolkatta / Bhubaneswar (By Train)
Morning: Assistance and transfer to the railway station for connect train
to Bhubaneswar by DHAULI EXPRESS at 0600hrs. On arrival in Bhubaneswar at
1245hrs. Assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel. Afternoon half-day
city tour of Bhubaneswar.
Afternoon visit some of the important temples of Bhubaneshwar. Lingaraj
Temple dedicated to lord Vishnu one of the finest example of Kalinga School
of architecture (non-hindus are not allowed here hence we can only see this
from outside). Also, visit near by Rajarani Temple: built in 1050 AD this is
one of the latest of Bhuabneswar temples. Though there is debate on how it
derived, its name the most acceptable one is that it might have derived the
name from the red and gold sandstone, which used in construction of the
temple, which is locally called Rajarani. Despite the entire debate temple,
emanate sure grace and elegance.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 : In Bhubaneswar
Morning excursion to Khandagiri and Udaygiri Caves: twin hills just outside
the city boasts of 1st & 2nd century rock carved cave temples,
multi-storied ancient apartment residence of Buddhist and Monks. Khandagiri
consist of 15 caves and Udaygiri of 18 amongst which Hathi Gumpa with its
fabled Kharavela inscription, Rani Gumpa, Ganesh Gumpha are some the more
famous caves here. Return to the hotel by noon with rest of the day at
leisure or free for optional activities.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 : Bhubaneswar / Puri
Morning depart Bhubaneshwar by surface for Puri (90 km approx.) stopping by
en route to visit Sun Temple.
Sun Temple of Konark: 13th century temple dedicated to sun god is zenith of
temple architecture in Orrisa. Designed in the shape of a massive chariot it
appears as if sun god (Surya) is traversing to heavens in his divine
chariot, drawn by seven horses. Now in ruin remains of the temple walls
still depicts exquisite sculptures derived from the royal to daily life of
those days such as religious, social, domestic etc. Arrive Puri and check in
at hotel.
Evening visit Jaganath Puri temple (non-hindus are not allowed here hence
we can only see this from outside). Lord Jagannath Temple (Lord of the
Universe): this 12th century temple is one of five most sacred pilgrimages
for Hindus. Built in the shape of curvilinear tower with four entrance gates
Jaganath Temple with height of about 214 feet is the tallest monument in the
country. Every year during the month of June/ July Puri comes to its element
when Rath Yatra is carried out by thousands of devotees here. A massive
wooden chariot carrying idols of Lord Jagannath, Balavadra and Suvadra
dragged round the city with a huge procession of devotees.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 : In Puri
Full day at leisure to relax on the beach or free for optional activities
(Optional day return excursion to Chilka (50 km approx. one way) the largest
inland lake in India. Take a boat ride along lake to observe highly
endangered Irawaddi Dolphins and other marine life could be arranged at an
extra cost).
Overnight at hotel.
Day 14 : Puri /
Bhubaneswar / Delhi (By Flight) / Depart
Morning: drive to Bhubaneswar (60kms/01 and ½ hrs) stopping by en
route to visit Pipli village to observe fabled appliqué work.
Assistance on arrival in Bhubanswar and transfer to airport for connect
flight to Delhi by IC 878 at 1405hrs. On arrival in Delhi at 1605hrs.
Assistance on arrival and in time transfer to international airport to board
the flight for onward destination.
(End of Tour)
