Day 01: Arrive New Delhi
Welcome on arrival at Indira Gandhi International airport, New Delhi by Trail Blazers Expeditions representative in Indian tradition style with garlands and transfer by air-conditioned Car/Coach to the pre-booked hotel to relax from Jetlag.
Day 02: New Delhi – Kolkata
After breakfast on time transfer to domestic airport to board the flight to Kolkata. On arrival met and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Later proceed for guided tour of Kolkata which starts with the iconic Tram Ride of Kolkata upto one of the biggest flower market, Hooghly river (Ganges), Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, Fort William, Kali Mandir and Belur Math. Evening at relax or stroll around on the Park Street area.
Day 03: Kolkata – Bagdogra (by air) – Kurseong
After breakfast on time transfer to Kolkata domestic airport to board flight to Bagdogra. On arrival met and driven to Kurseong (40 kms / 2 hrs). Kurseong is a hill station, situated in Darjeeling District of West Bengal, India. Located at an altitude of 1458 mt. The Monarch of Sikkim ceded Kurseong to the British Empire in 1835. Later in 1880, this small hamlet became a tourist destination for the colonial authorities. Upon arrival at Kurseong check-in to a colonial tea bungalow overlooking tea plantation.
Day 04: Kurseong – Darjeeling (by toy train)
After enjoying a delicious breakfast proceed for a guided visit to the local tea estate and if possible a tea factory as well. Later transfer to Kurseong railway station to board the toy train to Darjeeling. Arrive around 1750 hrs. at Darjeeling. On arrival met and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 05: Darjeeling
After breakfast meet your guide and proceed for an interesting sightseeing of Darjeeling visiting the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) – which is dedicated to the great ‘Sherpa’ Tenzing Norgay who first climbed Mt. Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary, Zoological park where you may have an opportunity to see the Himalayan animals & birds. Further visit the Tibetan Refugee Centre complex – setup by the Tibetan refugees in Darjeeling on October 2, 1959. Return back to your hotel and enjoy a cup of fresh Darjeeling tea. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06: Darjeeling
Early morning wake up and proceed for an excursion to Tiger hill for a view of the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga peak along with a chance to view the Mt. Everest (subject to weather condition). Return to hotel enroute visiting the Ghum monastery, famous for its 10-foot idol of the ‘Maitreya Buddha’ (the Coming Buddha). Reach hotel and enjoy your breakfast. Later the day free to explore the beauty of nature on your own.
Day 07: Darjeeling – Gangtok
After breakfast drive to Gangtok – capital and largest town of Sikkim. Gangtok is located in the eastern Himalayan range, at an altitude of 1,800 mts. Gangtok is popular as Buddhist pilgrimage site after the construction of the Enchey Monastery in 1840. In 1894, the ruling Monarch, Thutob Namgyal, transferred the capital to Gangtok. In the early 20th century, Gangtok became a major stopover on the trade route between Lhasa in Tibet and cities such as Kolkata, India. After the independence of India in 1947, Sikkim chose to remain an independent monarchy, with Gangtok as its capital. Stopover for lunch enroute and continue your drive to Gangtok. On arrival check-into the hotel. Later stroll around the MG Marg – country’s first litter and spit free zone, no vehicle is allowed on this road.
Day 08: Gangtok
After breakfast, proceed for sightseeing of Gangtok city visiting Namgyal Research institute of Tibetology it is the most prestigious research institute of its kind in the world, NIT is a treasure of vast collection of rare Lepcha, Tibetan and Sanskrit manuscripts, statues and rare colourful tapestries used in Buddhist liturgy.Enjoy a short Gondola ride (Rope way / Cable car) it takes the passenger to the highest point of the city of Gangtok, covering the distance of about 1 km in only seven minutes. In the late afternoon visit The Rumtek monastery, a replica of the Tsurphu monastery of Kham region of Tibet. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09: Gangtok – Bagdogra – Kolkata – Bhubaneswar (flight)
After packed/early breakfast drive to Bagdogra to board a flight to Bhubaneshwar via Kolkata. Bhubaneshwar is the capital of the Orissa and is a thriving centre of art and culture, once the heart land of erstwhile Kalinga Kingdom. Bhubaneswar, literally means the BHUBAN (Universe) ESWAR (Lord), so collectively it means Lord of Universe. Met and transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 10: Bhubaneshwar
After a delicious breakfast, meet your expert guide in the hotel lobby and proceed for the city tour to visit Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, which are the caves of archaeological, historical and religious importance near the city of Bhubaneswar in Orissa, India. The caves are situated on two hills Udayagiri and Khandagiri, mentioned as Kumari Parvat in Hathigumpha inscription and face each other across the road. Evening enjoy a short walk to local market to see the local handicraft & articles. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 11: Bhubaneswar – Konark Sun Temple – Puri
After breakfast drive to holy city of Puri enroute visiting Konark Sun Temple. It is a 13th century Sun Temple (also known as the Black Pagoda) at Konark. Constructed from oxidized and weathered ferruginous sandstone by King Narasimhadeva I (1238-1250 CE) of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The temple is one of the most renowned temples in India and is a World Heritage Site. The temple takes the form of the chariot of Surya (Arka), the Sun God, and is heavily decorated with stone carving. Continue your journey to Puri, It is a holy city of the Hindus as a part of the Char Dham pilgrimages.
Day 12: Puri
After breakfast day free to relax at the beautiful scenic beaches of Puri. Puri beaches are considered as the best beaches for swimming.
Day 13: Puri – Bhubaneswar – Delhi – Onward destination
After breakfast drive to Bhubaneswar airport to board the flight for Delhi to further connect to your international flight for onward destination with sweet memories of India Tour.