Depart your home country on your flight to Kolkata.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
December- May
Little visited and often overlooked, East India is an incredible place: from the spellbinding contrasts of Kolkata to the sleepy waterways of the Sundarbans, the Buddhist culture of Sikkim and the mighty Himalayas.
This journey will enable you to explore Kolkata in-depth, before heading south for a lovely tranquil experience in the Sundarbans National Park. While you’re unlikely to spot one of the park’s many tigers, there is a lot of wildlife here, and it’s a lovely place to spend a few days.
Then it’s back up to Kolkata for an overnight train deep in the Himalayas. East India is an incredible region: the heart of Buddhist culture in India, a land of monasteries, sleepy hill towns, welcoming friendly people and breathtaking views.
Highlights of East India
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
Day 2
Kolkata
Arrive in Kolkata and transfer to your hotel. After lunch and a chance to relax and recuperate, your guide will meet you for a visit to the memorial to Queen Victoria, last Empress of India. It is situated in the centre of Kolkata surrounded by 64 acres of beautiful gardens. It also has a museum which houses paintings, manuscripts and sculptures dating back the British Raj.
Day 3
Kolkata
This morning you will start with a walking tour of the vibrant and diverse city of Kolkata. It’s a fascinating way to explore this city where slums and shopping malls are interspersed with beautiful colonial architecture, lively markets and streets teeming with friendly people. After lunch you will take a short journey on the oldest operating electric tram in Asia, running since 1902.
Day 4
The Sundarbans
You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Gothkali by road. From here, you will board a boat for a journey of around 90 minutes to your camp.
After you have settled into your cottage at the Sunderban Tiger Camp, take a small boat to the Sajnekhali Tiger Project area. The park’s size makes spotting tigers an unusual occurrence. However, it’s an incredibly diverse area, rich in all kinds of flora and fauna, so there is plenty more to see and explore.
Day 5
The Sundarbans
This morning you will continue to explore the incredible Sundarbans area, starting with a visit to the Sudhanyakhali Watch Tower, close to a small pond where many animals come to drink. You will then take a cruise around the vast network of winding backwaters, streams and creeks of the Sunderbans region.
This afternoon you’ll be transferred back to Kolkata again by a combination of boat and road. There are some interesting stops which can be made en route if you choose.
Day 6
Kolkata
Early this morning we suggest visiting the Mulik Ghat Flower Market, where 2000 flower sellers arrive every morning to sell their blooms. A riot of colours and smells. The rest of the day is free, before an early evening cruise on the River Ganges. Following that you’ll transfer to Kolkata station for your overnight train journey to New Jalpaiguri.
Day 7
Kalimpong
You will be collected from New Jalpaiguri train station and driven to a local hotel where you have the opportunity to have breakfast, wash and change. Transfer to Kalimpong which roughly takes 3 hours. After lunch and check-in and a chance to relax, there is time for a short hike to Deolo Hill to experience the first of many incredible viewpoints.
Day 8
Kalimpong
The hill station of Kalimpong has plenty of dramatic scenery, with colourful Tibetan monasteries clinging to forested hillsides. Today you will visit some of the most picturesque and historically fascinating monasteries in the region.
Day 9
Pelling
Today you will transfer by road to Pelling, visiting Tashiding Monastery en route. The journey with stops will take around six and a half hours. Tashiding Monastery is perched on top of the hill rising between the Rathong River and the Rangit River with breath-taking views of the scenery below. We suggest that you walk uphill to visit the secluded buildings; the walk is beautiful and passes through small villages, surrounded by prayer flags and chortens.
Stay overnight in Pelling, which is as close as you can get to the mighty mountain of Khangchendzonga without leaving creature comforts behind. At a lofty 1,900m, life in Pelling moves at a relaxed pace, with a few monasteries and local traditions such as music, dancing and handicrafts to discover.
Day 10
Pelling
Further explore the Buddhist heritage of Sikkim today with a visit Pemayngtse, one of the largest and most treasured monasteries in Sikkim and the ruins of Rabdentse, once the second capital.
Days 11 - 12
Gangtok
Another long mountain drive today to Gangtok, meaning “hilltop” in Tibetan. It’s a small and relaxed hill station town with a comfortable buzz and friendly vibe, popular for those heading off on treks into the Himalayas. There is much to see and enjoy locally, including the Phodong Monastery which is one of the six most important monasteries in Sikkim with a rich collection of ancient murals.
Days 13, 14 - 15
Darjeeling
A 5-hour drive today to reach the heady hill station of Darjeeling. The town is flanked by emerald-green tea plantations and snow-capped Himalayan peaks, with a jaw-dropping view whichever direction you turn in. Best enjoyed, of course, over a steaming cup of Darjeeling tea.
A few days to relax here which you’ll deserve after all the walking and travelling you’ll have done over the past few days. There is plenty to do should you wish to and we’d recommend some gentle walks, discovering the tea estate, taking the famous ‘Toy Train’ and even a cooking class. Mostly though, you’ll want to relax and soak in the magnificent views.
Day 16
Kolkata
Drive to Bagdogra, wave goodbye to your guide and driver and fly to Kolkata for an overnight stop.
Day 17
Fly home
Transfer to Kolkata airport for the onward flight.
Immersive India
A relaxed yet comprehensive introduction to India's many different shades, customs, history, beliefs, cuisine and societal strata. Meeting people from all walks of life and trying different foods. A well-thought-out tour offering a range of environments all backed up by fabulous hotels and supportive team.
Charles
24 October 2024Excellent
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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.
“East India is a region that surprises and delights at every turn. With Kolkata’s vibrant heritage, the remote beauty of the Sunderbans, and Sikkim’s mountain monasteries, this itinerary is perfect for travellers seeking something truly different.”
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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Darjeeling, India
Glenburn Tea Estate
Set on a hillside overlooking the River Rungeet and with jaw-dropping views of Kanchenjunga, Glenburn Tea Estate is an atmospheric and intimate retreat in the Darjeeling hills. Owned and run by a passionate family, it combines colonial charm with thoughtful service and curated experiences that showcase the surrounding natural beauty.
Highlights
Highlights
Tea estate setting,
Kanchenjunga views,
Outdoor activities
Best for
Couples,
Families,
Nature Enthusiasts
Gallery
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West Bengal, India
Sunderban Tiger Camp
Surrounded by mangrove forests and tranquil waterways, Sunderban Tiger Camp is a simple yet characterful base for exploring the magical Sundarbans. It’s not flashy, but it’s full of heart and perfectly placed for nature-led discovery.
Highlights
Highlights
Mangrove boat safaris,
Birdwatching on the private lake
Best for
Families,
Couples,
Solos
Gallery
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West Bengal, India
The Elgin Nor Khill Hotel
Nor Khill means “house of jewels”, and this charming heritage hotel in central Gangtok lives up to its name. Cosy and welcoming with rich Sikkimese décor, it combines traditional elegance with a convenient location. Nestled at 1,500 metres, it’s a restful retreat with easy access to the region’s lively capital.
Highlights
Highlights
Mountain views,
Central Gangtok location,
Relaxing spa
Best for
Families,
Couples,
Culture Seekers
Gallery
See More
West Bengal, India
The Elgin Silver Oaks
Tucked in the Himalayan hills of Kalimpong, The Elgin Silver Oaks is a characterful heritage retreat with sweeping valley views. On clear days, the Kanchenjunga range steals the show, while inside, period furnishings, old books, and charming details create a timeless, peaceful atmosphere.
Highlights
Highlights
Mountain views,
Colonial charm,
Central Kalimpong location
Best for
Couples,
Culture Seekers,
Solos
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.
