850 ReviewsIt’s the details that define a journey.
The intention behind each decision.
Begin with a conversation.
Begin your journey with an overnight flight from the UK to Kolkata, the cultural heart of eastern India.
Most suited for
Couples, Families
Ideal time to visit
December - May
Discover the lesser-visited areas of Sikkim and West Bengal, India’s mountain kingdom, on this immersive and slow-paced two-week visit.
With an emphasis on visiting rural towns and villages, this itinerary gets you away from the major urban areas and provides opportunities to gain a greater insight into the Sikkimese way of life.
Along the way, you will stay in small, humble properties with local staff. It’s slow-paced enough to allow you time not only to uncover the highlights with your knowledgeable guide but also space to give each fascinating destination the attention it deserves.
This discovery of Sikkim and West Bengal works particularly well for those who have ventured along the more trodden trail and want to see a different side of India and the Himalayas. Hikers and birders will particularly enjoy this scenic state.
Off-The-Beaten-Track Sikkim & West 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 - 3
Kolkata
On arrival at Kolkata Airport, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for a two-night stay. Later, venture out in an iconic Ambassador taxi to visit the memorial to Queen Victoria, the last Empress of India.
The following day, embark on a walking tour of vibrant and diverse Kolkata, widely known as India’s cultural capital. Along the way, travel by public ferry and take in the sights, sounds and aromas of markets and historic landmarks, all in the company of your knowledgeable local guide.
Days 4 - 5
Palighar Homestay
You will then be transferred to Kolkata Airport for a short flight to Bagdogra. From here, you will continue by road through remote Bengal towards Kalimpong.
Spend the next two nights at Palighar Homestay, where just two cottages sit among farmland, around 30 minutes from Kalimpong.
A stay here is truly distinctive. During your time, you will enjoy hands-on opportunities to experience rural Himalayan life, all while surrounded by natural beauty. In addition, head out on guided walks, learn about local farming practices, and take part in cooking classes. If you wish, you can also set out on a six-hour guided hike through forested landscapes and Himalayan villages, complete with a picnic lunch along the way.
Days 6 - 8
Martam
Your next destination is Martam, reached after a four-hour drive through the hills. Here, you will stay for three nights in a rustic ancestral home overlooking terraced rice fields. On your first full day, your guide will take you on a tour of Gangtok and its surroundings, beginning with a visit to one of Sikkim’s largest working monasteries. Along the way, you will pause to learn about local industries and traditional livelihoods, with opportunities to see artisans at work.
A stay at Martam Village Resort focuses on the area’s natural beauty. On your second day, you can enjoy peaceful walks through the rice terraces. Alternatively, simply relax in the calm, laid-back setting of the property.
Days 9 - 11
Biksthang Farmhouse
Journey for around five hours along Sikkim’s winding roads to Biksthang Heritage Farmhouse. This Sikkimese ancestral home has been thoughtfully converted into a rural farmstay. Set among pine and fruit trees, the peaceful Himalayan hamlet offers an ideal place to unwind for three nights.
During your stay, you will experience both the natural beauty and the local way of life. In addition, the family who run the property share deep knowledge of Sikkim’s history and traditions. Spend your time exploring the area on foot, with walks ranging from gentle strolls to uphill hikes to a nearby monastery. Alternatively, relax by the pool, enjoy fresh meals made from farm-grown produce, or even try your hand at cooking for yourself.
Day 12
Namchi
You will then journey for around two hours to Namchi, a lively commercial town, where you will stay overnight. As evening approaches, head up to the vast Char Dham Temple overlooking the town.
Here, take part in a memorable puja ceremony set in a striking and unusual location, providing a fitting end to your Himalayan adventure.
Days 13 - 14
Kolkata & Fly home
The journey back to Kolkata takes around five hours in total, beginning with a four-hour drive to Bagdogra followed by a one-hour flight.
Stay overnight in Kolkata, giving you time to rest before your onward flight home the following morning.
Unforgettable India
From northern India amazing landmarks and the warmest people to Kerala in the south. Totally different but still the warmest of people and amazing sites. There attention to detail from the beginning was spot on. Taking our needs in to consideration and making our holiday so memorable.
Discodiva
23 April 2025Excellent
850 Reviews
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What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included is shaped around ease. We take care of the practical details that can distract from the experience itself, so you’re free to relax into the journey and enjoy it as it unfolds.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
All flights (unless you’ve booked your own)
Carefully selected guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transport
Gratuities
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout
Pricing:
Each journey is shaped around you, so costs vary depending on season, flight choices, accommodation and how much is built in.
As a guide, most of our two-week trips fall between £5,000 and £10,000 per person.
Some fall below that, particularly for families or travel outside peak periods. Others go beyond it when the brief includes business-class flights, longer stays, or more ambitious hotel choices.
We discuss budget early, so everything is clear from the start.
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.
“The beauty of this trip lies in how far it takes you from the expected. You’re not following the usual routes, but uncovering a quieter, more authentic side of India, where misty mountains, hidden monasteries and local life unfold at their own gentle pace.”
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.
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 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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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.
