The Plains of Bengal

Day 1  Depart the UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Kolkata.

Day 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.

Day 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.

Day 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.

Day 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.

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
• 24-hour in-country backup while away
• Your dedicated travel expert in the UK