Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival / Delhi
Late night arrival, meeting and assistance upon arrival as our representatives welcome you and escort you to your car.
Welcome to India, or as we say ‘atithi devo bhava’ (the guest is an incarnation of God). Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you!
Overnight at Vivanta By Taj - 5* Taj Group Hotel (Superior Charm Room)
Day 2 : Delhi
cycle rickshaws
Now these are 3-wheel cycles with a sofa seat at the back. The Rickshawalla (Rickshaw driver) sits on a small cushion in the front and two passengers on the sofa seat behind. This is a remarkable way to explore and picture the hustle and bustle as well as the colour of the narrow winding streets bursting with people and pavement shops selling wares of all description - including a laughing set of dentures. The ride would be accompanied by peals of laughter both from the passengers as well as the onlookers.
guided tour of New Delhi
New Delhi, India’s capital territory, is a massive metropolitan area in the country’s north. It is also a municipality and district in Delhi and serves as the seat of Government of Delhi. Here, we will be visiting many fascinating sights such as Humayun’s Tomb (1586) - a bright testament to the brilliant craftsmanship of the Mughal architect & their creativity. The Qutab Minar - 72 meters high and one of the perfect tower in the Persian world. The Iron Pillar which has survived the vagaries of weather for over 1500 years. We will continue our discoveries, with a drive through the Embassy area, the Government buildings (1921-1930) and Connaught Place, the heart, the soul, and main shopping district of the capital. We will also witness the majestic India Gate – a powerful tribute to our brave soldiers.
guided tour of Old Delhi
Old Delhi is one of the best places to observe the great colossal of cultural and social convergence of old and new. In one corner you might witness a group of oldies sharing their past experiences, sometimes laughing (perhaps over a joke on their spouses!!) - all happy within themselves. In the opposite corner, you might see a bunch of youngsters singing new and old Bollywood songs – Time somehow stands still in the streets of Old Delhi. Besides, on the tour, we will visit the Jamma Mosque (1650) and drive through the fabled area of Chandni Chowk (aptly translates to Moonlight Square) where the throngs of shoppers and vendors meet in the oldest area of Delhi. Later, we will visit the Raj Ghat and nearby ghats where the founder of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi and thereafter Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were cremated.
Following breakfast, we proceed on a guided tour of New Delhi.
Later, we cross the city and into the walled gates of the Old City for a guided tour of Old Delhi.
The highlight of this tour would be a ride on cycle rickshaws.
Overnight at Vivanta By Taj - 5* Taj Group Hotel (Superior Charm Room)
Day 3 : Delhi / Bagdogra (AI 879 – 1120 / 1330 Hrs) Bagdogra / Darjeeling
Darjeeling
Darjeeling, a place of the Thunderbolt often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills”, it remains just as alluring with its tiny waterfalls, little villages and a narrow gauge railway track. Surrounded by World Famous Tea Gardens and snow capped mountains, Darjeeling remains one of the most exotic destinations. Graeme Westlake in his book ‘An introduction to hill stations on India’ refers to Darjeeling as having “A view Scarcely Unrivalled on Earth”.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Bagdogra
Meeting and assistance upon arrival in Bagdogra, we will drive to Darjeeling.
Upon arrival in Darjeeling, check into your Hotel
Overnight at Hotel Windamere (Superior Room)
Day 4 : Darjeeling
Darjeeling
Darjeeling, a place of the Thunderbolt often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills”, it remains just as alluring with its tiny waterfalls, little villages and a narrow gauge railway track. Surrounded by World Famous Tea Gardens and snow capped mountains, Darjeeling remains one of the most exotic destinations. Graeme Westlake in his book ‘An introduction to hill stations on India’ refers to Darjeeling as having “A view Scarcely Unrivalled on Earth”.
Tiger Hill
It is 13 kms from Darjeeling and one can see beautiful sunrise and Himalayan Range like Kanchandzonga , Mount Everest etc. One can see the horizon changing colors just before sunrise and then the entire Himalayan range turn golden. It is truly a majestic sight.
Ghoom Monastery
This is oldest Monastery in the area which was built in 1875 and one can see the image of Mythey Buddha 15ft. height on the way back from Tiger Hill.
Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
To encourage the youngsters to learn Mountaineering and other adventure sports related to climbing, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute was started in Darjeeling. This institute is dedicated to Tenzing Norgay, the first one to climb the Everest. This inspiring institute also houses a Museum that has various equipments that was by Tenzing Norgay while climbing the Everest. Also, one can visit the Himalayan Zoological Park next to the institute where one can see Himalayan animals like the Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Tibetan Yak, Himalayan Black Bear and several varieties of birds.
Early morning we will visit the Tiger Hill and Ghoom Monastery.
Breakfast at the hotel and then proceed for the City Tour of Darjeeling
First, we will visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, and, the Tibetan Centre
Afternoon is at leisrue. You have option to walk Observatory Hill and The Mall(Chowrasta).
Overnight at Hotel Windamere (Superior Room)
Day 5 : Darjeeling / Kurseong / Goomtee
Darjeeling
Darjeeling, a place of the Thunderbolt often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills”, it remains just as alluring with its tiny waterfalls, little villages and a narrow gauge railway track. Surrounded by World Famous Tea Gardens and snow capped mountains, Darjeeling remains one of the most exotic destinations. Graeme Westlake in his book ‘An introduction to hill stations on India’ refers to Darjeeling as having “A view Scarcely Unrivalled on Earth”.
Toy Train
One of the important aspect of our tour is to bring to you the world heritage train tides on the hills of Darjeeling, Ooty, and Shimla. The trains have a unique zigzag motion of gaining height while climbing the hills. During the course of a journey, please do not be surprised to see a bicycle or a swift walker overtake your train! We are not travelling in a hurry, but, to make for a once in a lifetime journey where incredible of natural beauty become available to the traveler at every twist and turn. The stations on the way are typical, and, display a unique character of their own. An encroaching reminder of the days of the Raj.
Goomtee Resort
Goomtee Resort, a 100 year old heritage property (including a tea estate) preserved in the most genuine fashion - at an altitude of about 4150 feet. This nature’s retreat is all about clean ambience, green slopes, great sightseeing, personalized service, and a memory of a lifetime. The resort was formerly built by a British planter, Mr. Henry to promote tea plantation in India, and live in a place where the way of life is “officially Green”. The Bungalow is now being converted into a resort to give you the feel of the past, and an exclusive taste of the vintage Darjeeling tea. Besides, one can opt for a number of activities including tea tasting, or, learn about history and present practices of tea making in Darjeeling, India.
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Darjeeling railway station to board your Toy Train to Kurseong.
After breakfast, we will drive to our Hotel Goomtee Resort
Overnight at Goomtee Resort (Deluxe Room)
