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The Plains of Bengal

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Experience Travel Group

The Plains of Bengal

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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.

Highlights include:

  • Stay in fabulous characterful properties such as a recently refurbished palace that evokes a bygone era
  • Explore a wide array of well-maintained monuments dating back hundreds of years
  • Discover a rich tapestry of history from the varied colonial rulers of Bengal
  • Experience an array of flavours with delicious local cuisine and afternoon tea on the Ganges

Your holiday will include private transport and guides which gives you a level of flexibility and spontaneity. We believe our guides are some of the very best and will bring your travel to life.

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We can tailor it completely to suit your budget, pace, and style. Get in touch to find out how this suggested itinerary could inspire your trip.

 

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.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, our holidays typically cost between £4,000 and £6,000 per adult depending on trip length and time of year as well as the hotels and flights involved. We offer child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

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 

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Bari Kothi

Bari Kothi, Murshidabad

Unique and comfortable riverside heritage property.

Glenburn Penthouse

Glenburn Penthouse, Kolkata

Located above the bustling streets with an elegant, colonial style and fantastic views from the rooftop and rooms.

The Garden Bungalow

The Garden Bungalow, Santiniketan

Sensitively restored heritage property in a 3-acre exotic garden.

The Rajbari Bawali

The Rajbari Bawali, Bawali

A fully restored 300 year-old property filled with local art in West Bengal.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'The Plains of Bengal'

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Your next adventure
starts with a conversation
~

Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.

Not sure what you’re looking for? Let us inspire you...

Get in Touch

Call us 020 7924 7133

ETG - immersive holidays that give back, since 2004.
Don’t just see Asia - feel Asia.

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