Welcome to India, or as we say ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ (The guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!!

Late night arrival, meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.

Whilst the room keys and check in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour to you and hand over the documents to you.

Overnight at Pullman - Aerocity, Delhi (No Meals)

Morning, transfer to the airport to board the flight to Bhubaneswar. 

Meeting and assistance upon arrival at the station transfer to hotel, Mayfair Lagoon. 

(Though check in time is 2pm, every effort would be made to ensure an as early as possible check in - subject to availability)

After rest & relaxation, we will visit the ancient caves of Khandagiri and Udaygiri which were carved and tunneled, to create this multi-storied ancient apartment residence for Jain monks. 

Overnight at Mayfair Lagoon, Bhubaneswar (B)

After breakfast, we start to explore the ancient Temple City of India. Among the finest of its 600 temples is the Lingaraj Temple of Shiva built in the 11th century, it is also the biggest in Bhubaneswar. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. (Non Hindus are not allowed inside the temple. To be viewed from a platform outside). 

Next, we will proceed on a heritage trail of Bhubneshwar. We will begin our guided walk with a visit to the Mukteswara temple which was built during the 10th century CE.

On our tour, we will also visit Rajarani Temple. Built around AD 1100, this temple surrounded by manicured gardens is famous for its ornate deul (temple spire). 

Following our Heritage trail, we will proceed on a local market tour of Bhubneshwar. Few regions of India retain as rich a diversity of traditional art forms as Odisha.

Overnight at Mayfair Lagoon, Bhubaneswar (B)

After breakfast, we will proceed for an excursion to Pipli, Konark and Puri. 

We will first visit the village of Pipli which has the monopoly on appliqué, and other craft rooted in the Jagannath cult. Geometric motifs and stylized birds, animals and flowers are cut from brightly coloured cloth and sewn onto black backgrounds. 

Next, we proceed to visit the famous Sun Temple at Konarak. The grandest of Orissa’s temples is Konark Sun Temple. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is 66 km (41 miles) from Bhubaneswar and best visited en route to the nearby town Puri, on the east coast. 

Later, we will proceed to Puri. As the home of Lord Jagannath and his siblings, Puri ranks among Hindu India’s most important sacred sites, visited by a vast number of pilgrims each year. The crowds peak during the monsoons for Rath Yatra, the famous “Car Festival”, when millions pour in to watch three giant, multicoloured chariots being drawn up the main thoroughfare. 

We will also visit Raghurajpur Pattachitra Crafts village.Located around 12 kms from Puri, Raghurajpur is the home to around 500 Chitrakars (artists who are expert in Pattachitra painting). Each household has at least one Chitrakar who is highly skilled and immensely creative. Raghurajpur is famous for Pattachitra paintings on a piece of cloth.

Overnight at Mayfair Lagoon, Bhubaneswar (B)

After breakfast, we will drive to Mayurbhanj. 

Mayurbhanj in Odisha has an interesting past and a present that is any explorer’s dream. During the reign of the British, the Bhanjja Kings pioneered the upliftment of the region and it was regarded as one of the most progressive states. 

Upon arrival in Mayurbhanj, check into your palace hotel, the Belgadia Palace. 

This 18th-century Victorian bungalow stands as a testament to the venerable history of Mayurbhanj. A part of what once served as the ancestral palace of the erstwhile royal family has now been transformed into a heritage homestay. The palace is a fine specimen of a seamless blend of Greek and Victorian architecture with beautiful courtyards. Surrounded by the lush greenery of mango orchards and gardens, the palace provides a look into the life and times of the royal family.

As evening descends, you have the choice of dining by yourself or family-style around a large dining table, in the company of the royal family. The cuisine is mainly homestyle Indian and regional delicacies, using a variety of locally grown vegetables and grain.

Overnight at Baripada Palace (All Meals)

This morning, following our leisurely breakfast, we can proceed to visit a local Handicraft Village. Mayurbhanj is famous for sabai-based handicrafts and furniture (The scientific name of Sabai grass is ‘Eulaliopsis Binata’, which consists of long leaf fibers, available in the forests of the Mayurbhanja). Here, we will witness the sabai grass crafts being made by the local artisans. These clusters are formed by all women artisans weaving different crafts like bowls, trays, table mats and wall hangings. 

Return to the comforts of your Palace, and have a quiet afternoon.  

Evening, we will witness a Chhau performance which offers visitors an insight into this folk dance that flourished under the patronage of the Mayurbhanj rulers. The dance ranges from celebrating martial arts, acrobatics and athletics performed in festive themes of folk dance, to a structured dance with religious themes found in Shaivism, Shaktism, and Vaishnavism. 

Overnight at Baripada Palace (All Meals)

This morning, we will proceed for an excursion to the nearby Simlipal National Park & its surrounding waterfalls. One of India’s most famous wildlife parks and UNESCO Biosphere - Simlipal National Park with intensively dense forested lands, green vegetation and unique wildlife.

Later, we will drive back to Belgadia Palace. 

Following a little rest and relaxation, we have the option for a tour of Mayurbhanj for a better understanding of its Colonial History. 

Overnight at Baripada Palace (All Meals)

After breakfast, we will drive to Bawali Rajbari (Royal Palace) where life is undisturbed & kind. There, we will witness the royal past as well as the greener side of Bengal. 

Upon arrival, check into the 300-year-old palace previously belonging to the Zamindars (Landlords) of Bengal during the British Raj - the Bawali Rajbari. Situated in the verdant country around Kolkata, this is where you can relax, unwind, and rejuvenate yourself. 

Self-exploration with resort staff (No guide). 

Later in the afternoon, we will walk through the countryside around Bawali Rajbari where you will get to hear the different echoes coming from far & wide, and also you will witness the ancient temples, the generous ‘pukurs’ (small fish ponds), the village sounds of temple bells, and, the hustle of evening chores. 

Overnight at Bawali Rajbari (Classic Room) (B)

Self-exploration with resort staff. (No guide)

The Rajbari Bawali is surrounded by 5 Krishna temples that date back to about 500 years. This morning, following our breakfast; we will proceed to witness these beautiful temples and experience the sound of bells, drums, chants, and the smell of freshly lit incense sticks. A truly uplifting experience.

 Optional: A late afternoon cruise on country made boats on the Hooghly to catch sunsets and visits to local textiles are not to be missed.

As we return to our palace, every evening at Bawali Rajbari begins with the ‘sondhya arti (traditional ritual)’ at dusk to the roll of drums and chants, and continues onwards to various performances like dances by a local dance troupe, of singing by the wandering Bauls of the region and a display of the energetic Bengal drums. 

Overnight at Bawali Rajbari (Classic Room) (B)

Morning, we will drive to Kolkata.

Upon arrival in Kolkata, check into Oberoi Grand.

After rest and relaxation, we will have an excursion to Belur Math and Dakshineswar Kali Temple. At first, we drove to Belur Math, a beautiful temple ashram built by Swami Vivekananda in loving memory of his teacher Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa who preached for the unity of all religions and redefined the idea of each one of them. Following our uplifting experience in BelurMath, we will now visit Dakhineswar Temple. This temple has many interesting legends and stories attached to it. The construction of this fabulous temple was initialized in the year 1847 and was completed in 1855. The atmosphere here is simply magical as you witness and experience the sound of bells, drums, chants, and the smell of freshly lit incense sticks.

Overnight at Oberoi Grand, Kolkata (B)

This morning, you will be collected from your hotel to embark your ship by 11:00 AM. This once in a lifetime cruises are all about visits to villages, towns, temples and monuments in a little-known but fascinating and culturally rich part of India.

Sail upstream past the Old Dutch settlement of Chinsura before landing to visit the imposing Imambara at Hooghly. With verses from the Koran written on its walls, the Imambara is an opportunity to step back in time and relive a slice of Islamic history in Bengal. 

After the visit, re-board your cruise and start sailing, leaving urban sprawl behind. 

Overnight abode Assam Bengal Navigation Ganges Cruise (B, L & D)

Sail upstream and, after breakfast, land at the country town of Kalna and take cycle rickshaws to see a group of some of Bengal’s most attractive terracotta temples, as well as the unique Shiva temple with concentric rings made up of 108 shrinelets. 

Continue on through the countryside to Mayapur to visit the vast new ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) temple which dominates the skyline. 

Overnight abode Assam Bengal Navigation Cruise (B, L & D)

This morning, sail downstream and visit a saree-weaving village before continuing on to Chandernagore, a French possession until 1950, to visit the 18th century church as well as Dupleix’s House, the erstwhile Governor-General of French India. 

Later, sail on down to Kolkata.

Overnight abode Assam Bengal Navigation Cruise (B, L & D)

After breakfast, disembark and transfer back to your hotel, Oberoi Grand.

(Though check in time is 2pm, every effort would be made to ensure an as early as possible check in - subject to availability)

Rest of the day is at leisure for your independent activities.

Overnight at Oberoi Grand, Kolkata (B)

After breakfast, we will proceed on a special tour of Kolkata that will highlight the cultural potpourri of this city that is affectionately known as “City Of Joy”. Then, we will have a Bazaar Tour where you get to feel the warmth of the people, the passion, and, the love for their city. The highlight of our tour would be a visit to the Flower Market, beneath the east end of Howrah Bridge; this is eastern India’s largest flower market with hundreds of stalls and people sitting on the ground. 

Following our Bazzar tour, we will be visiting the Synagogues of Kolkata including the Maghen David Synagogue. Built in 1884, Maghen David literally means the Shield of David. Later, we will also visit the St. Paul’s Cathedral, known as the first Episcopal Church of the eastern world. It is an Anglican cathedral of the Church of North India. Next, we will be visiting The Park Street cemetery. It is one of the first non-church cemeteries in the world. In the 19th century, it was known as the ‘Great Christian Burial ground’ in Asia. 

We will also be visiting the Victoria Memorial, the exquisite marble building of Victoria Memorial stands tall in all its glory. As beautifully it is designed as carefully it has been curated and looks picturesque during the dusk as well as in the sunrise. 

Later, following our tour, we will also visit Mother Teresa’s 'Missionaries of Charity'. Kolkata, apart from housing several worship places, also houses the sacred sanctum of social work, called 'Missionaries of Charity'. It is essentially a Roman Catholic religious order, founded in 1950, by Mother Teresa in Kolkata (then Calcutta), which works for the poor and destitute. 

Overnight at Oberoi Grand, Kolkata (B)

Early morning, transfer to the airport to board the flight to Bagdogra. 

Meeting and assistance upon arrival drive to Kurseong. 

Upon arrival in Darjeeling, check into hotel Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa. 

Overnight at Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa (B)

Moring we will drive to Darjeeling.

Upon arrival, we proceed for city tour including Himalayan Mountaineering Institute/Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Tibetan Self- Helf Centre Or Refugee Centre (Closed On Sunday),

We would have an opportunity to ride on the exquisite Toy train from Darjeeling to Ghoom – a truly fascinating experience as the train clings on to the hills. Upon arrival, we will visit the Ghoom Monastery (If time allows) and Tiger Hill.

Overnight at Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa (B)

Day free for independent activities and to soak in the luxury of your incredible resort. There are several interesting options (not included) that you can indulge in as below:-

- Morning ritual - Yoga and meditation at the Yoga Deck

- Curated day trips to Kurseong, Darjeeling & serene tea gardens

- Visit to Makaibari Tea Factory for tea plucking &tasting with the resort’s Tea Master

- Guided bird watching, forest treks and trails led by the resort's naturalists.

Overnight at Taj Chia Kutir Resort & Spa  (B)

After breakfast, we will drive to Gangtok.

Upon arrival, check into the hotel, Mayfair.

Day is at leisure for your independent activities.

Overnight at Mayfair, Gangtok (B)

After breakfast, proceed on a tour of Gangtok. The capital of the Sikkim State, Gangtok occupies the West Side of a long ridge flanking the Ranipool River. The scenery is spectacular and there are excellent views of the entire Kanchanjunga range from many points in the vicinity. It contains the perfect mix of the popular, the cool, and some of the most beautiful places in Gangtok you can find. Here, we will be visiting different tourist spots to explore the city of Gangtok.

Overnight at Mayfair, Gangtok (B)

After breakfast head out for Tsomgo Lake (12,313 ft) - Tsomgo Lake, also known as Tsongmo Lake or Changu Lake, is a glacial lake in East Sikkim, some 40 kilometres from the capital Gangtok.

We will also visit Baba Mandir- Major "Baba" Harbhajan Singh (August 3, 1941 – October 4, 1968) was an Indian army soldier who died in 1968 near the Nathu La in eastern Sikkim, India.

(Optional Nathula Pass – Indo China Border is included in the package. It may close due to the snowfall/Monday & Tuesday Closed)

Overnight at Mayfair, Gangtok (B)

Morning, we will drive to the Bagdogra airport to board the flight to Kolkata.

Transfer to the International airport for your onward flight.