Plains of Bengal | India | Experience Travel Group

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.

This is a sample itinerary which we will tailor to suit you. Prices are dependent on destination, flights & dates but ETG holidays always include the following:

International flights (if required)
Guides, drivers & their tips
Accommodation
Specified meals & snacks
Your immersive experiences
Internal & regional transfers

Get in touch with us for your bespoke proposal
or see more on our ETG Pricing Guide

Call for a bespoke proposal 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

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.