11-Day Culture Tour of Bengal and Sikkim

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Durga Puja is the most awaited holiday of the Bengalis. The city shines like a queen with the designer lights on every single street; the rhythmic sound of dhaaks (drums) and mantras (chanting) resonating from every nook and cranny, and people thronging the roads with their vibrant clothes on make this a very special occasion. You'll finish the day with an evening cruise on the Ganges to the highly revered Belar Muth to catch the evening prayer.

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After breakfast, we will cover most of the prominent landmarks of the old heritage city, starting with Howrah Flower Market, the largest in Asia! Then you'll cross Howrah Bridge and head to Victoria Memorial, dedicated to Queen Victoria with a rare collection of British and Indian historical scripts. Then visit St John's Church and finish in Dalhousie Square, the city's administrative centre. After lunch, take the train to Siliguri, arriving late at night to check into your hotel and rest.

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This morning you'll be taken straight to Chamong, within a 2-hour 30-minute drive, we arrive at Chamong, a tea country resort in the valley of Darjeeling Hills. The pure air, the crisp breeze, and mist is where the tea grows better than anywhere else in the world. After lunch, we go for a short walk in the nearby village and meet the locals. Have a relaxed evening in Chamong and enjoy a barbecue bonfire in the garden.

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Today, go on a guided tea garden tour in Chamong. Start by walking to a small Shiva temple near the resort, which is located on a hilltop with a birds-eye view of the surrounding valley. Walk on the pathway through the garden with the morning sun. You also have the option to visit a tea factory during harvest time, where the garden manager will explain the various processes of tea manufacturing, this will be followed by a tasting. In the afternoon, you can use the resort spa and relax.

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Have a very early breakfast and drive to Singalila National Park. From Manebhanjang, we change to a 4WD to reach Tonglu. At 10,000ft above sea level, Tonglu looks out at the greater Himalayan Ranges including Kunchenjungha in Sikkim, Mt Everest in Nepal, and Chola in Bhutan. Hike the beautiful trails to Kalepokhri as the jeep follows then, drive to Sandakphu – the highest part of Singalila at 11,800ft and take in the mesmerizing view.

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Discover the beauty of Darjeeling, starting with an early rise to watch the sunrise above the mountains. Then, head back into the town to grasp a little of the history as you navigate temples, monasteries and railway lines. With a little understanding of the religious side of town, you'll then go to the Tibetan Self-Help Centre, understanding perhaps support the refugees who have come to live here. Stop off at the mountaineering centre before you finish the day with a little shopping.

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Leave tea country behind as you journey to Gangtok, the capital of state of Sikkim, known for its mountainous beauty and unique blend of cultures, landlocked by Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan. The city is a great tourist destination in India for those wishing to explore the magical landscape of remote Himalayan terrain and to understand a little more about the unique Buddhists' school here. This is a buzzing town with a fusion of modern and traditional culture

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Start the day at Tashi Viewpoint, the highest point in the city, offering an excellent view of the Kanchenjunga Peak along with a vast valley into Gangtok. Then, head to the cottage industry and handicraft centre, promoting the traditional handicraft and art skill of Sikkim. Visit the Tibetology Institute before going for a walk around a neighbouring village with a stop for a local lunch. From here, visit Rumtek Monastery, one of the most important in Sikkim and finish the day at the market.

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Today we check out from Gangtok hotel and transfer to Pakyong airport established in 2018, which is the only airport in Sikkim. Being a small airport in the mountain, the airport currently has limited flights connecting with Kolkata and Guwahati. On arrival in Kolkata, we take you to a hotel close to the airport. Spend the rest of the day at your own. You may go to the city to explore and have dinner in a city restaurant.