Cultural East India Tour

Day 01Arrive Delhi

Arrive in Delhi. Upon arrival, you will receive a traditional ‘Swagat’ (welcome) and assistance at the airport, followed by transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Delhi, the capital of India, is a vibrant metropolis that beautifully blends ancient heritage with modern development. Its strategic location made it the seat of power for several dynasties. The city is believed to have been the site of ancient Indraprastha, mentioned in the epic Mahabharata. Over centuries, rulers such as Qutub-ud-din Aibak, Alauddin Khilji, the Tughlaqs, Humayun and Shah Jahan contributed to its architectural legacy, including the walled city of Shahjahanabad.

In the early 20th century, much of New Delhi was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens, creating a grand administrative capital during British rule. The contrast between Old Delhi and New Delhi reflects distinct lifestyles and historical eras.
Overnight Hotel – Delhi (B)

Day 02Delhi

Today, enjoy a guided tour of Old Delhi, the 17th-century walled city of Shahjahanabad. Visit the magnificent Jama Masjid, built in 1656 by Emperor Shah Jahan. Walk or take a rickshaw ride through the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, the historic marketplace, and proceed to the iconic Red Fort.

In New Delhi, visit Raj Ghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. Drive past India Gate and President’s House. Continue to Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an early example of Mughal architecture, followed by Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world and another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight Hotel – Delhi (B)

Day 03Delhi – Bhubaneswar

Proceed to Bhubaneswar, the ancient temple city of India and former capital of Kalinga. The city is renowned for its rich heritage and exceptional examples of Odishan temple architecture spanning several centuries.

Half Day City Tour

Visit the magnificent Lingaraja Temple, an outstanding example of pure Hindu temple architecture. Continue to Mukteswara Temple, noted for its exquisite carvings and architectural elegance, followed by Parashurameshwara Temple, one of the oldest surviving temples in the region.
Overnight Hotel – Bhubaneswar (B)

Day 04Bhubaneswar – Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri & Udaigiri

Enjoy a full-day excursion to Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri & Udaigiri, collectively known as the Diamond Triangle of Odisha. These sites are significant centers of Buddhist learning and monastic life.

Explore the ancient ruins, stupas, monasteries and sculptural remains that reflect the flourishing of Buddhism from the early centuries AD. The region also highlights influences from the Gupta period and Emperor Ashoka’s patronage of Buddhism.
Overnight Hotel – Bhubaneswar (B)

Day 05Bhubaneswar – Puri

Drive to Dhauli, where Emperor Ashoka embraced Buddhism after the Kalinga War. Visit the Shanti Stupa and ancient rock edicts. Continue to Konark to explore the magnificent Sun Temple, a masterpiece of Odishan architecture. Proceed onward to Puri.
Overnight Hotel – Puri (B)

Day 06Puri – Bhubaneswar – Calcutta

Travel to Calcutta (Kolkata), the cultural capital of India, situated along the Hooghly River. The city is celebrated for its literary, artistic and intellectual heritage and has been home to many eminent personalities.
Overnight Hotel – Calcutta (B)

Day 07Calcutta

Half Day Tour
Visit the iconic Victoria Memorial, a grand marble monument dedicated to Queen Victoria. Continue to Nirmal Hriday, founded by Mother Teresa, a home that offers dignity and care to the destitute.
Overnight Hotel – Calcutta (B)

Day 08Calcutta – Bagdogara – Darjeeling

Proceed to Darjeeling, known as the Queen of the Hills. This charming hill station is famed for its scenic beauty, colonial-era architecture and lush tea gardens.
Overnight Hotel – Darjeeling (B, D)

Day 09Darjeeling

Early morning visit to Tiger Hill for breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayan peaks. En route, visit Ghoom and the nearby monasteries. Later, enjoy a heritage ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit the Mountaineering Institute, Tea Gardens and Observatory Hill, a site sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus.
Overnight Hotel – Darjeeling (B, D)

Day 10Darjeeling – Gangtok

Drive to Gangtok, the picturesque capital of Sikkim, surrounded by mountain landscapes and rich Buddhist culture.

Visit the Research Institute of Tibetology, renowned for its rare collection of manuscripts, artifacts and Buddhist studies.
Overnight Hotel – Gangtok (B, D)

Day 11Gangtok

Excursion to the sacred Tsongo Lake. Visit Do Drul Chorten and the renowned Rumtek Monastery, the main seat of the Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

Later, explore the Himalayan Zoological Park, Government Institute of Cottage Industries and vibrant Lal Bazaar.
Overnight Hotel – Gangtok (B, D)

Day 12Gangtok – Kalimpong

Drive to Kalimpong, a scenic hill town known for its monasteries, colonial history and diverse cultural influences.
Overnight Hotel – Kalimpong (B, D)

Day 13Kalimpong

Visit Thongsa Gompa, the oldest monastery in Kalimpong, followed by Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Gompa and Tharpa Choeling Monastery. Continue to Dr. Graham’s Home, a historic mission school founded in 1900.
Overnight Hotel – Kalimpong (B, D)

Day 14Kalimpong – Bagdogara – Delhi, Departure

Drive to Bagdogara and continue onward to Delhi. Upon arrival, transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Tour Concludes. We thank you for your patronage and wish you a pleasant onward journey.