Depart on your flight to Kolkata.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
December- May
This itinerary captures the spirit of Bengal: from the cultural pulse of Kolkata to the tranquil riverbanks and timeless towns that line the Ganges.
An intriguing holiday that will appeal to India second-timers who want to explore a fascinating and off-the-beaten-track region. Spend time on The Ganges, explore multicultural Kolkata, take in some incredible monuments, and discover the rich history of the area. You’ll explore the sights with knowledgeable guides and, while staying in heritage hotels, you’ll likely encounter fascinating owners who have a passion for the life and history of Bengal.
The Plains of Bengal
As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We will create a bespoke package which will be completely unique for you.
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Day 1
Your adventure begins
Days 2 - 4
The Contrasts of Kolkata
On arrival at Kolkata Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for a 3-night stay. Venture out in the afternoon in an iconic Ambassador taxi to visit the memorial to Queen Victoria, the last Empress of India.
Spend the following two days discovering the vibrant and diverse city by public ferry, car and on foot. You’ll take in the captivating sights, sounds and aromas at the markets, historical monuments and landmarks in the company of your knowledgeable local guide. Explore different neighbourhoods and the street food stalls of Gariahat Food market – a fascinating window into Bengali culture.
Days 5 - 6
Bari Kothi
Depart Kolkata on the train out of Howrah Station, bound north through West Bengal. On arrival at Murshidabad, transfer to Bari Kothi for a 2-night stay. The property itself is part of the region’s heritage. During your time here a Sheherwali lunch is a must – think vegetables prepared using lotus pods and banana flowers, regional chutney, steamed rice dumplings and mango pudding. You’ll be in for a delectable feast of cuisine distinct to this particular part of Bengal.
Sit back and take in local life with a boat ride on the Ganges complete with afternoon tea. Disembark to explore the Char Bangla Temples and to take a walk around the nearby ghats. There’s also time to explore the heritage and monuments of Murshidabad.
Days 7 - 8
Shantiniketan
From Bari Kothi, you’ll transfer southwest to Shantiniketan for a 2-night stay. The town is known primarily as the former home of artist, writer and educationalist, Rabindranath Tagore who founded a school and later a university with a focus on the arts, humanities and philosophy. Shantiniketan has leafy lanes and an artistic ambience. Spend time getting acquainted with the history and monuments.
Day 9
Bishnupur
Today head south to Bishnupur often referred to as the ‘Temple City’ on account of a large number of intricately decorated terracotta temples. Your accommodation here is a simple option that provides the best base from which to explore the 16th and 18th Century relics.
Days 10 - 12
Bawali
A long drive south to your accommodation at Rajbari Bawli, a recently restored palace with beautiful architectural motifs, breezy balconies and graceful colonnades. Rajbari Bawli is a great place to slow down amidst traditional Bengali village life.
While staying here, you can relax by the pool, use the spa or settle down in common spaces dotted around the grounds.
The hotel can arrange visits to the local village, and five local Krishna Temples dating back 500 years. There are Bengali cooking demonstrations to enjoy too. And you’ll be able to finish your day off by seeing the palace gloriously lit up at night! If the owners are there, they’ll be more than happy to talk you through the fascinating history and renovations of the property – they are great hosts.
Day 13
Fly home
Depart Bawali for the drive to Kolkata where you’ll board your flight home.
Highlights of East India
We had a wonderful trip to Calcutta, Sikkim and Darjeeling. ETG know their stuff and it goes without saying that they get all the logistics just right... But above all Sara was careful to explore what it was that we wanted from our trip and then to use her expertise and knowledge of the destination to develop a mix of interest, exploration and relaxing comfort which went beyond expectation.
Judith
11 December 2018Excellent
850 Reviews
850 Reviews
What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp
Meet Our India Experts
With over a decade of experience, Sara knows how to blend India’s vibrant energy with luxurious, personalised touches. Her itineraries balance historic cities, serene countryside retreats, and cultural experiences that stay with you forever.
Sara
Regional Expert
Explore Our Hotels & Villas
Wherever you go, and whatever you do, at the end of every day you can always be sure of a comfortable rest. Every location on our list of hotels is handpicked, and in its own way, shares the history, the hospitality, and the soul of the destination. Below are some examples of the different hotels we use.
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West Bengal, India
Bari Kothi
Overlooking the Hooghly River in Murshidabad, Bari Kothi is an 18th-century palace lovingly restored into a boutique heritage hotel. Once the residence of a prominent zamindar family, today it offers guests a unique chance to step into Bengal’s forgotten royal past.
Highlights
Highlights
Riverfront sunsets,
Historic architecture
Best for
Couples,
Solos,
History Enthusiasts
Gallery
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Kolkata, India
Glenburn Penthouse
Perched above the bustle of central Kolkata, Glenburn Penthouse is a refined, colonial-style hideaway with sweeping views over the city, including the Victoria Memorial and the Maidan. Designed as an urban retreat by the owners of the Glenburn Tea Estate, this elegant property offers a blend of old-world charm, impeccable service and modern comfort.
Highlights
Highlights
City views,
Rooftop pool
Best for
Couples,
Solos,
Heritage Enthusiasts
Gallery
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West Bengal, India
The Garden Bungalow
Set in the cultural heartland of Santiniketan, The Garden Bungalow is a peaceful heritage retreat surrounded by three acres of exotic gardens. Built with sensitivity to local aesthetics, the property is steeped in the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore and offers an atmospheric base for exploring this fascinating university town.
Highlights
Highlights
Heritage garden setting
Best for
Couples,
Solos,
Culture Seekers
Gallery
See More
West Bengal, India
The Rajbari Bawali
A regal retreat just two hours from Kolkata, The Rajbari Bawali is a peaceful sanctuary steeped in heritage. Once the grand seat of the Zamindars, this 300-year-old palace has been lovingly restored and now offers a unique blend of faded opulence, rural charm, and cultural immersion.
Highlights
Highlights
Restored palace,
Rural tranquillity
Best for
Couples,
Families,
Culture Seekers
Gallery
The ETG Guarantee
We guarantee you an experience no one else has ever had.
The travel magic you’ll remember won’t be found on a well-trodden – or over-Instagrammed – itinerary. It will be the surprises, discoveries and secrets that you’ll uncover along the way with us.
Do you ever feel like people aren’t listening to you?
We get it. And we will – that’s a promise. Your holiday starts with with a proper, no-pressure call to understand what you want, what you don’t want, and what matters to you. From there, we create a completely unique adventure, inspired by our conversation together.
And because of our long-standing relationships with trusted partners across Asia, you’ll have access to experiences you can’t find on Google. The kind of special experiences that are literally impossible to find on your own.
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Kolkata, India
The Kolkata City Experience
On this tour you will start with a visit to Kolkata’s most famous monument, the Victoria Memorial, which is set in beautiful grounds. You’ll then take a walking tour of the vibrant and diverse city of Kolkata, starting at BBD Bagh, formerly known as Dalhousie Square. Much of Kolkata’s finest colonial architecture is in the BBD Bagh area, which houses the secretariat of the state and is the central business hub of the city.
Then visit the Writer’s Building, the General Post Office, St John’s Church and several other Raj-era buildings. Next, drive north to visit a traditional bazaar in “Black Town”, as well as the potter’s colony of Kumartuli. Lunch will be at a fantastic local restaurant, after which you will take a short journey on the historical tram, which is the oldest operating electric tram in Asia, running since 1902. The carriages are basic and you can stay on for as little or as long as you like.
Kolkata is a town to experience, rather than just tick off the sites.
Important FAQs about India
India is a place of contrasts and deep cultural richness, and travelling here with ETG ensures you experience it in a way that is authentic, seamless, and meaningful.
We craft holidays that go far beyond the typical tourist trail: think hand-picked boutique hotels, private guides with expert local knowledge, and immersive experiences that give you genuine insight into India’s diverse traditions and landscapes. From the calm of rural Rajasthan to the chaotic charm of Delhi, our holidays are designed to be both inspiring and stress-free, with 24/7 in-country support so you can focus on the magic of the moment.
India is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on the region and your interests. For most of northern India, the cooler, drier months from October to March are ideal for exploring cultural sites, cities, and wildlife reserves. The southern states, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are also wonderful during these months, while the Himalayan regions are best visited in the warmer months from April to June. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, travelling in the shoulder seasons—September or April—can offer a great balance of pleasant weather and quieter
Every ETG holiday to India is designed to feel seamless, immersive and stress free. We’ll arrange international flights (if you’d like us to), your drivers and guides, and stays in characterful hotels we know and trust.
You’ll experience India in a way that’s completely bespoke to you – from quiet moments to big adventures – all planned by our India specialists. And while you’re away, our local team is on hand 24/7, so you’ll always feel well looked after.
