Bengal – a journey through the diversity 12 Days

This journey of 12 days will unfold the rich cultural and natural diversity of , which finds its existence in the history as early as 300BC. Our journey will start in – a center of Cultural Revolution and Renaissance then take you further south to the estuary to experience the magical and mythical Mangroves. The journey from here to the northern part in hills in will present a sharp contrast with magnificent view of valleys, tea gardens, mountains and an incredible hospitality. This tour will also include a 2/3 days hiking in the highest part of Darjeeling – the .

Highlights

|| Food & history walk ||Mangrove cruising || Rural experience || Hiking in the mountains|| Tea garden Experience ||Steam train ride ||

Places covered

Kolkata - A centre of the Indian Independence movement, and once the centre of modern Indian education, science, culture, and politics — Kolkata's recorded history began in 1690 with the arrival of Job Charnock, an agent of the English East Company, at three swampy villages named Sutanutee, Gobindapur and Kolikata. From diverse points of view Kolkata is considered a unique, bewitching city, a place riddled with contradictions between order and chaos, a place that consistently keeps attracting the tourists from near and far for it food, culture and vibes.

Sundarbans takes you to a different world surrounded by myths and mysteries. The vast mangroves in the southern part of Bengal is a natural play ground of The Royal Bengal Tiger apart from a large variety of birds, diverse collection of reptiles, mammals and fish. During your tour you will be taken to various islands through narrow creeks and canals which are only navigable with the time of tides, and you can experience myriad life forms of the great delta ecology.

Darjeeling, “The Land of Thunderbolt’ or popularly known as “The Queen of Hills” is regarded as one of the best Hill Retreats in the world for its pleasant climate, great views of the highest mountains, beautiful tea gardens producing world's finest brews, Himalayan Heritage Steam Train, old monasteries and charming people.

Sandakphu The highest point of Bengal in picturesque Singalila National Park and a fascinating hiking trail known for a vibrant Rhododendron Valley with sweeping view of a 360 degree panorama of greater Himalayan Range, which includes top mountain peaks of the world as Mt Everest and Mt Kunchenjungha.

Chamong Tea Garden, the first of the Chiabari Tea Retreats opened to the public, started out as a tea garden back in 1867 when J. A. Wernicke, the German owner the nearby Lingia estate (now a part of the Chamong Group) planted the estate around a temple to Tamsa Devi, a local deity. A perfect retreat to soak in the nature. Stay in the sprawling bungalow, walk in the tea garden, meet the local tea workers, interact with garden manager, taste different tea.

Note For Tea lovers - The garden activities are seasonal and the harvesting are closed during winter (Nov to March). However, except for the tea plucking & factory visiting, the activities like tea testing, interaction with manager, walking in the garden are still possible in other months.

Best period September through April Day wise itinerary

Day 1|| Kolkata arrival day

On your arrival at Kolkata International Airport you will be greeted warmly by our representative, who will give you a short brief on the tour and on the city and help you to get on the car. We take you to your pre booked hotel and assist you to check in.

Regular check in Time in Hotel is 2.00 PM. If you arrive early you may have to wait at the lobby for some time for the rooms to get ready. If you arrive too early you may ask us for a pre booking from the previous night.

Optional afternoon activity Choose to take lunch at your hotel or go outside in the city center and explore the traditional in the Esplanade area. Or just simply stay back at the hotel and try to get rid of the jetlag after a long flight. Or if you are in full of energy and can’t wait to hit the city, we would recommend you to go for a visit to the New Market area, the busiest market place that brings life in Kolkata, and enjoy its mazy historical shop filled alleys to get accustomed with the city life.

Overnight in Kolkata Meal --/--/--

Day 2|| Full day city tour in Kolkata

After breakfast we will try to cover most of the prominent landmarks of the old heritage city.

 Flower market at This is the largest flower market in Asia. The essence of the old Kolkata can be found at this place as you walk down the alleys full of flowers. The Flower market will steal your glances for a series of colorful street photographs that you would happily flaunt to your friends once you go back home.  Howrah Bridge The iconic Howrah Bridge on Strand Lane in Kolkata is one of the breathtaking architectures built during British India. Howrah Bridge is an example where art meets architecture for its sheer beauty and stoutness.  KumorTuli (The Potters’ village) A part of North Kolkata is filled with dingy lanes and as you stop by any of them the aroma that draws your attention at once is the rustic smell of wet clay. This is the wonderland where the Gods and Goddesses of Bengali’s are given face and shape; and the busy kumors or the potters of this locality keep the idol-making business going with ardor and allegiance.

 Culinary Walking tour in Kolkata – 3hrs

It’s not only Italians who love to experiment with spaghettis and pizzas. Or if you have been thinking that it’s French and Mexicans who’ve got a taste for various preparations then visit Kolkata for once to break the myth. Believe it or not, but food addiction of is no less impressive than that of any Italian, French, American or Mexican. From homemade preparations to street food items, Kolkatans never fail to impress you with their culinary creativity. Bengalis have always possessed a dynamic culture and the various food items found across this state showcase a unique blend of fervor with flavors.

Overnight in Kolkata Meal B / L / -- Day 3|| Kolkata to transfer by privet car 3hrs and privet cruise 1.5hr Have breakfast at your hotel and check out by 8AM. Our representative will meet you at the reception and take you to the car. Start driving to Godkhali Jetty by privet car.

The journey runs through the typical rural Bengal and small country markets. The noise of modernisation fades away as you drive along the country side road towards Sundarbans. You will have optional stopover to local tea shop and villages. Within a 3hrs of drive we reach the Jetty where our local representative will receive you and brief about the days plan. Here we board on the privet motor boat and cruise through the waterways – the communication lifeline for the local people living in the delta.

After a sailing of approx one and half hours we reach our destination village in an island. We check in at the camp resort in the island village. Hot lunch will be served here.

After lunch you have the time to get accustomed with the environment and then we take you for a cruise through the natural creeks and canals to Sajnekhali Watch Tower mainly for bird watching and animal sighting. Afternoon is ideal for bird watching as you can see many of them return to their nest in a flock and the sun sets in the horizon with a splash of colour in the river water. This is also a good time for the photographers to catch the mood of the place. Overnight in Sundarbans Meal B / L / D

Day 4|| Full day cruise and Village tour in Sundarbans You have options to stay late in the bed or go for a rewarding early morning walk to the riverside for a fabulous sunrise over the water and mangroves. The early morning light is the best for photography purpose and also for bird watching. Wait for the right moment for a lifetime shot of sunrise with the backdrop of mangroves and golden creeks that shine with the sun. This is also a good time to catch the early day village activities. The fisherman at the net or the village women bringing drinking water from the fresh water pond will definitely add a story to your photo frame. Stay at bed till 7oclock and you are surely going to miss the early morning flavour.

The day long cruise starts at 8.30AM, and guided by our naturalist explore the world’s largest mangrove delta in the best way possible. We take you to some of the most important islands – Netidhopani and Dobanki, which are mainly known for Tiger spotting. From the top of the watch towers in these two places you can try your luck to spot the majestic Royal Bengal Tigress playing with its cubs in the distant meadow. The photographs posted on the walls of the watch tower will at least give you the feel of how a playful tigress with the cubs looks like. The sight is tempting but is a rare occurrence. So we do not encourage you to expect too much.

Talk to the boatman with the help of our guide and listen to his spine chilling experience about a tiger encounter as we slowly return to our camp with another fascinating sunset in the background. The warmth of your room awaits you at the camp. Get refreshed and we serve you dinner. Get a book on the Sundarbans from the small but well stocked camp library and soak in to the natural history of the place as the night deepens with a distant call of an owl. Overnight in Sundarbans Meal B / L / D

Day 5|| Morning exploration of village and return to Kolkata Early breakfast and go for a guided village tour. Here you will have the opportunity to interact with the villagers, know about their way of lives and survival strategy. Learn how they go to the forests to earn their livings – to collect fuel wood or honey or for fishing and how they keep themselves safe from various dangers – the human ‘loving’ tigers, crocodiles, snakes and sometimes even pirates. Well, most of the times they successfully return to their family to share their experience and get ready for the next day’s survival. See their local handicraft, cuisine and even visit to a small local primary school. You may also be interested to meet the youths who have turned into environment workers leaving behind their poaching activities. Have an early lunch at the camp and we return to Kolkata (2hrs boat and 3hrs drive). Overnight in Kolkata Meal B / L / --

Day 6|| Kolkata Airport transfer and fly/drive to Darjeeling Today we complete a multi layered and multi culture tour in Kolkata and take you to airport.

Normal Hotel check out time is 11 AM and if you have an afternoon or late evening flight you can have a free day in Kolkata to explore on your own or you can ask for additional assistance from the guide and transport. We can take care of your luggage, which can be safely stored in the hotel or packed in the car.

Arrival at and Transfer to Darjeeling (Alt 6825Ft / 2050M) - 90kms in 3hrs On your arrival you will be greeted warmly by our representative, who will give you a short brief on the tour and hand you over the travel documents before taking you to the car.

The journey runs on the traditional Hill snaking its way through the Sal forests of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary and then slowly climbing up the hills to – a tea growing area dotted with lush green garden. The narrow gauge Himalayan rail track follows you as you cross several small picturesque villages on your way. You will also have the opportunity to see the toy train running on heritage steam engine. The view of the snow clad mountains in the horizon gets prominent as you climb up the hills towards Darjeeling.

On arrival we assist you to check in at Hotel.

In the evening you can go for a short walk to the Mall or to get a feel the daily buzz of local life. This is an important social gathering place in Darjeeling where the tourists as well as the local people come, meet, shop and dine. Overnight in Darjeeling Meal B / -- / D

Day 7|| Full day Darjeeling City tour Today we go for a city tour in Darjeeling and cover the following places.

 Tiger Hill tour - 3 to4 hrs by car both ways. Ideal time 4 AM to 7.30 AM To get a fascinating Sun Rise over the Highest Himalayan Mountain Peaks you must visit Tiger Hill on top of the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary. Brave a chilled morning and wake up at 3.30AM to drive to Tiger Hill in 45min drive. We will organise some hot tea or coffee at Tiger Hill to keep you warm. On a clear weather you can see the magical display of colours on the snow ridges at dawn.

 DHR (Darjeeling Himalayan Rail) Joy Ride A ride in the heritage Himalayan toy train run by 100 years old steam engine is perhaps the most lucrative experience in Darjeeling. The ride starts from Darjeeling and takes you to Ghoom with a stop to picturesque and Ghoom Station with a visit to the museum. The train runs 4 times a day but the morning shift is most attractive as it gives a nice view of the mountains passing through the tea garden, market and village houses. The train returns to Darjeeling in 1.5hrs covering a total distance of 18kms.  Ghoom Monastery If you are interested on Buddhist Gompa (Monastery) the 160years old Yiga Choeling Monastery at Ghoom is a place you must visit. This is near the Ghoom railway station on the Hill Cart Road and can be reached on your way back to Hotel from Tiger Hill or on your way to Gangtok, or Bagdogra. Built in the year of 1875 the monastery belongs to the yellow sect of Gelugpas Buddhists and holds some rare collection of scriptures and images of Lord Bhuddha.

 Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre: During the Chinese invasion in India many Tibetan family took refuge in Darjeeling and to give them a financial and social security the Govt of India established this Refugee center, where many Tibetan family earn a living by producing Tibetan handicrafts. You can see the family engaged in making garments, carpets, jewellery, paintings and can purchase them from the fare price shop attached to the center. (This center is closed on Sunday)

 Himalayan Mountaineering Institute The oldest museum on the mountaineering in India is HMI and a must to visit place for all tourists coming to Darjeeling. It holds rare collection of photographs and equipment used in the earliest expedition to Mt Everest by legendary climbers including Tenzin Norgey, Edmund Hillery and John Mallory. The institute also aims to promote the technique of climbing mountain peaks. (This center is closed on Thursday)

 Mahakal Temple and cave The oldest temple of Lord Shiva, locally known as Mahakal Temple is located on the observatory hill above Darjeeling Mall. It takes about 15 minutes uphill walk to the temple from the mall and you can see coexistence of Buddhist and Hindu religion. A walk through the thickly wooded hills is rewarding on a clear day when you can see a vast panorama with several snow peaks on the horizons. Walk down few steps and you can see the primitive cave with several Hindu idols placed inside it.

 The Mall or Chowrasta Take a stroll on the Mall or Chowrasta in the heart of Darjeeling town. It is a must to visit place for all tourists who want to take a feel of the city. The place has many old book and curio shops and some of them are more than 100 years old. Walk around the shady wooded pedestrian road and enjoy the mist and sunshine. Or just seat leisurely on the chairs lined up along the sides of Mall watching the crowd, hills and valleys. Have a cup of coffee at Caventer’s open air restaurant and watch a glorious sunset. Overnight in Darjeeling Meal B / -- / D

Day 8|| Darjeeling to Singalila National park 2hrs drive and 3hrs hike This day we go for a fascinating hiking in the highest point of Darjeeling in the Singalila National Park. We start from Darjeeling by car to Tonglu (2900M/9657Ft) in about 2hrs and from here we start hiking to kalepokhri (3081M/10260Ft),– 11kms in 3hrs. From Tonglu we descend to Tumling – a small village on the Indo- Border and then to Joubari village all along the Nepalese territory. On the way you will see the simple village people busy with their daily household work – trudging up the hills with load of fodder to feed their cattle or plowing the difficult terrine on the rugged hill slopes. Spend some time in the scenic village and meet the villagers. Another half an hour trek from here will take you down to at 2620M. Situated on a low basin like terrain with forested hills on all side Gairibans is a very important area in Singalila National Park for its rare population of Red Panda. The reach vegetation of Bamboo, oaks and chestnut forests is a natural home of this magnificent little creature. This place also shelters other rare Himalayan species like Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Goat, leopard and many species of rare birds. Satyr Tragopan, Monal Pheasant are some of the most interesting feathered creatures. Today’s accommodation is in the Trekkers hut in Gairibans. Get refreshed and after lunch roam around the forest and try to take a rare shot of a Red Panda or Tragopan in the wild. Overnight in Kalepokri Tea house Meal B / L / D

Day 9|| Kalepokhri to (3636M / 12108Ft)

Trek Distance – 10 kms in 4hrs, A chorus of birds’ chirping from the surrounded forests wakes you up in the morning. We serve you breakfast and start the days trek to Sandakphu. This part of the trek has some sharp bends as you follow the village road till Bikebhanjang at 3346M /10978ft. From here the road ascends sharply to Sandakphu as you trudge up through the prime forests of Rhododendron and Magnolia to the highest point in Darjeeling Hills. The brilliant view of the snow capped mountains stretched across the horizons will never allow you to feel the strain of walking. We reach Sandakphu by afternoon and take you to your room at a small lodge. Get refreshed and we know you are hungry. Sandakphu commands a magnificent view of the entire snow ranges of Kunchenjungha Mountains. All majore peaks of Kunchenjungha range with Mt Everest and in the far Western Nepal, Donkyala Pass and Chola Range in Tibetan Frontier with Chomlohori Range in are distinctly visible in a clear day. Watch the splendors of nature - as the day progresses mists coiling up from the valley below to form a vast see of clouds beneath your feet. It is now time to go back to your lodge to seek the warmth of room. Overnight in Sandakphu Tea house Meal B / L / D

Day 10|| Sandakphu (3636M / 12108Ft) to Srikhola (2450M/8160Ft) trek and drive to

Trek Distance – 13kms downhill in 4hrs and 3hrs drive, It is another beautiful morning at Sandakphu. Wake up early to see the magic being created over the horizons with the early rays of Sun gently touching the summit of the world’s highest mountains. If you are lucky you can see an unbelieving span of 320kms of whole snowy ridges of Nepal--Tibet and Bhutan. Spend some spellbound moments watching at the vast mountains as nature pours its colours on the snow ridges and you will forget everything else. We serve you breakfast and start for the days trek to Gurdung – a small beautiful village on a ridge surrounded by forest. After lunch at Gurdung we continue our trek to Srikhola. This part of the trek is fairly easy as it is almost a level walk until Srikhola River. In Srikhola you will get the car which will take you to Chamong Tea Garden in another 3hrs drive. Check in at the Bungalow with warm traditional tea hospitality of the garden people. Overnight in Chamong Garden Meal B / L / D Day 11|| Full day in the tea garden – relax in the retreat or explore the garden Today we explore the garden with the manager and experience the entire process of tea manufacturing with tea plucking, factory visit followed by tea testing of various blends of Darjeeling flavour. Visit Tea Factory where our Estate Manager will take you for a guided tour on how the leaf is brought in from the fields, weighed, and then taken through the processes of Withering, Rolling, Fermenting, Drying and finally, Sorting.

Walk or drive through the tea fields with one of our guides, who will give you an insight into how the tea bush is grown and looked after. Learn how to pluck the “two leaves and a bud” – that is later manufactured into the tealeaf that ends up in your teacup! During the winter season, learn about the different types of pruning that is undertaken to increase the yield of the coming season. Interact with the Estate workers as you move from one part of the estate to another. Enjoy the multitude of bird life, butterflies and flora that add to the diverse landscape that makes up a tea estate.

The day ends with a Tea Tasting Session, where one can discover the differences in aroma, flavour and appearance of tea manufactured in different ways, and during different times of the year. The session also includes tasting teas from other parts of India and the world, together with examples of flavoured and blended teas. Overnight in Chamong Garden Meal B / L / D

Day 12|| Return to Bagdogra – 55 kms in 2hrs After Breakfast we will take you to the garden where you can plant a Tea plan in your name and then we will check out from the garden. Now we drive back to the airport via Mirik – another scenic destination in Darjeeling Hills with a nice Lake guarded by forested hills on all sides. The beautiful drive also passes through some lush green tea gardens in Darjeeling.

We bid you farewell in Bagdogra and from here you can take the onward flight to Kolkata or Delhi for the international connection.

Suggested accommodation

Place Hotel Name & Link Stay Style Meal Kolkata Grand Oberoy 2 +1 N Heritage Boutique Bed & Breakfast Sundarbans Sundarbans Jungle Camp 2 N Eco Lodge Full Board Darjeeling Windermere Hotel 2 N Heritage Boutique Half Board Kalepokhri Habre’s Nest 1 N Basic Tea House Full Board Sandakphu Sunrise Lodge 1 N Basic Tea House Full Board Chamong Chamong Mountain Retreat 2 N Boutique Tea Retreat Full Board

Important note for trekking in Singalila NP The accommodation in Singalila National Park, are arranged in Privet Lodges or Trekkers’ Huts. These lodges or huts are run and maintained by the hospitable and friendly local Nepalese or Tibetan people. They offer very basic facilities with room, bed and blankets. However, you may still carry your personal sleeping bags although it is not mandatory. In most of the places the rooms are privet but the toilets are not. You will get hot water in bucket for a limited quantity. Bathing is not advised in Sandakphu and . Room does not have any heater but we provide hot bag and arrange fire in the lobby or dining room. Food is available in those lodges and we ensure a better quality and variety. To avoid littering in the National Park bottled water is not carried and drinking water is boiled instead. Electricity or telephone connection is not available in most of the places. Some of the lodges however, use generator for a specific time. Cell phone connection is available in Sandakphu and also in some other few stops on the way but not throughout. Although Sandakphu is regarded as one of the best trekking routes in the Eastern but the Top is accessible by 4W Jeep also. You may come across few vehicles riding up the hills while you are trekking. National Park authority restricts open fire, carrying weapons or explosives, or collecting/killing any flora or faunal specimen in and around the park territory. Best time to visit: April – May for flowers and October-December for clear view.