Charismatic Sikkim and Rajasthan Tour

01 Day: Arrive: Kolkata

Welcome to the memorizing land of India! Meeting and assistance on arrival at the Kolkata International airport, you meet our representative who welcomes and escorts you by ac car and transfers to the hotel, whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would hand over the documents and brief the tour programme to you. Rest of your day is free for relaxation. Incase if your arrival is by morning flight you may take a short sightseeing tour of the city or choose to just relax yourself. Overnight at the hotel in Kolkata.

Kolkata: Grown from mangrove swamps, Kolkata is the largest metropolis in India. Kolkata's role in the national economy is of crucial importance as the Gateway to Eastern India. Ships were the beginning of Calcutta's history & the river Hoogly was the key to the city's fortunes. Vishnupur is famous for the exquisite 17th & 18th century terracotta temples, Seat of classical music. The Stylized, "Bankura horse" symbolic of excellence in rural handicrafts is native to this district. Belur Math is a modern temple within the grounds of the Ramakrishna Mission. Dakshineshwar Temple, dedicated to Kali is built in the architectural style of Bengal.

02 Day: Kolkata

After a leisure breakfast, start your day with a sightseeing tour of the city visiting the High Court Building, built in 1872 and the oldest Catholic Church in Calcutta, St. Mary’s. The Howrah Bridge, built in 1943 – the bridge is crossed by approximately two million people every day; the Botanical Gardens, the oldest and largest of their kinds in India; Victoria Memorial: The symbol of Calcutta built between 1906 and 1921 at a cost of Rs. 7.5 million and is a reminder of the might of British India and has been often compared to Taj Mahal. It was conceived by Lord Curzon as both tribute to Queen Victoria and a triumphant depiction of her reign in India, St. Paul Cathedral, Indian Museum, Kali temple of Kalighat, Birla temple, Dalhousie Square & Tagore House. Overnight at the hotel.

03 Day: Kolkata – Bagdogra (By Air) – Kalimpong (75 kms: 3 hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to the airport to board the schedule flight for Bagdogra. Meeting and assistance on arrival at Bagdogra Airport, and drive to Kalimpong, a quiet hill station in Eastern Himalaya. Kalimpong is famous for its Orchids & Nurseries and some of the rarest cacti & Orchids can be seen. Oak, Maple and Chestnut stretch up the ridge as far as the eye can reach. On arrival, check in to the hotel. Evenings if free for relaxation and individual activities. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Kalimpong: Situated at an altitude of 1250 meters it enjoys temperate climate throughout the year. Somewhat secluded and tucked away in the corner under the big Darjeeling umbrella, Kalimpong offers a quiet and relaxed holiday against the backdrop of Kanchenjunga. Located on a ridge overlooking the Teesta River, is a tourist destination owing to its temperate climate and proximity to popular tourist locations in the region. Horticulture is also important to Kalimpong: it has a flower market notable for its wide array of orchids. Nurseries, which export Himalayan grown flower bulbs, tubers and rhizomes, contribute to the economy of Kalimpong.

04 Day: Kalimpong – Pelling (90 kms: 4 hrs)

After morning breakfast, check out from the hotel and take a half day sightseeing in & around Kalimpong covering Durpin Dhara, Zong Dong Palri Fo-Brong Monastery and flower & Orchid Nurseries and Kalimpong Market. Later drive to Pelling, located at an altitude of 6,800 ft, Pelling is a very small Himalayan Town in West Sikkim. Pelling is the nearest motor able point from Mt. Kanchendzonga, worlds 3rd highest peak, offers a good sunrise and all day long view of Kanchendzonga and the entire Eastern Himalayan range. On arrival in Pelling, transfer to the hotel. Evening is free for leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Pelling, situated at an altitude of 6,800 ft. it offers a good view of the entire mountain ranges and due to this locational advantages, many hotels and lodges have mushroomed in and around Pelling offering various categories of accommodation facilities. The Himalayas and the Kanchenjanga may be viewed at close quarters from Pelling. Pelling also forms the base from where trekkers and other peripatetic adventurers undertake the strenuous and arduous treks in West Sikkim.

05 Day: Pelling

After breakfast take a full day sightseeing in and around Pelling, visiting Changay Falls Singshore Bridge (Worlds 2nd highest hanging bridge) Dentam Bazaar – a beautiful Sikkimese village & Pemayangtse Monastery – the 2nd oldest monastery of Sikkim. Rimbi Falls, Sacred Khechodpalri Lake, the water in this lake is placid and crystal clear. Not even a leaf can be seen floating on the water surface, Kanchendzonga Falls & Rimbi Power Project. Also visit Rabdantsay Ruins which is the 2nd Capital of Sikkim & Sunset Point. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Pemayangtse Monastery: Pemayangtse monastery at an altitude of about 7,000 ft is situated about 6kms from Gyalshing town. It is the most important monastery of the Nyingmapa order and first built as a small temple in the late seventeenth century by Latsun Chembo. The monastery houses numerous religious idols and other objects of worship, most of which are priceless because of their antiquity. On the top floor of the monastery there is a wooden sculpture portraying the Mahaguru's Heavenly Palace Sangthokpalri. The main festival of the monastery is on the 28th and the 29th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar which normally corresponds to the month of February.

06 Day: Pelling – Gangtok (130 kms: 5 hrs)

Early morning after breakfast check out of the hotel and drive to Gangtok. The drive is long but offers some scenic views of rivers, valleys, narrow gorge, falls and small towns. Our drive through Teesta bazaar is mostly along the beautiful river Teesta till we reach a small town of Ranipool, from where we gradually climb up for 30 mins towards the capitol of Sikkim. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. In the evening, take a walk through the bazaar of Bangkok through the area of old palace and return back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Gangtok: The capital city of Sikkim. The snow-capped peaks of the Kanchenjunga envelopes the town and offers spectacular view. Amidst the whipping prayer flags, brightly painted pagoda houses, hums of prayers in the background, coupled with smiling people against the beautiful scenic backdrop of the Gangtok, this truly becomes a place worth visiting. It is a heavily forested region bounded by the rivers Tista and Tolung, and surrounded by the mountain ranges of Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Narsing, Simvo and Siniolchu. The Stupas, the monasteries, all reach out with full mysticism to attract a large number of people to this magical land every year.

07 Day: Gangtok – Tsongo – Gangtok (Excursion: 32 kms one way)

After breakfast take an excursion tour to Tsongo Lake one of the picturesque lake in Lap of Himalayans Mountains–The cool water of the lake is perfectly attuned with the scenic beauty around and enjoy the Yak ride and Tibetans dish momo. Later drive back to the city, en route you may opt to visit Hanuman Toka temple of God Hanuman, worshipped by the Hindus. Besides offering prayers, one can enjoy the scenic beauty of Gangtok and Tashi View Point built by the late King of Sikkim Sri. Tashi Namgyal, this site offers a breathtaking panorama of the majestic Mt.Kanchandzonga and surrounding hills. Return back to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Tsongo: It is literally known as "source of the lake” in Bhutia language. Just about 40 kms. away from Gangtok, the capital of the state, this serene lake is situated at an altitude of 12,000 ft on the Gangtok Nathu La highway. It falls in the restricted area and hence an inner line permit is required by Indians to visit this place. Foreign nationals are not permitted to visit this lake without special permission. The lake is about 1 km. Long, oval in shape, 15 meters deep and is considered sacred by the local people. It is also a home of brahminy ducks. It's cool, placid water harmonizes with the scenic beauty around. A small temple of lord Siva is constructed on the lakeside. This placid lake remains frozen during the winter months up to mid-May.

08 Day: Gangtok

After an early breakfast, take sightseeing tour of Gangtok, visiting Research Institute of Tibetology on a hilltop which was established in 1958 to promote research on Tibet and Mahayana Buddhism. Here we will see the biggest collection of Tibetan scripts and an excellent collection of rare bronze and cult objects. Later visit Orchid sanctuary: This sanctuary contains over 450 indigenous species. Sikkim is considered paradise for orchid lovers. Also visit Banjhakari Water Park and Ranka Monastery. Later return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

09 Day: Gangtok – Darjeeling (100 kms: 4 hrs)

Early morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Darjeeling, Darjeeling is famous for tea gardens, magnificent view of the Himalayas, Kanchenjunga peak, beautiful valleys, trekking to high altitude and famous toy train. It is a superlative combination of fern-filled valleys, snow-capped peaks and tea-scented air. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Rest of the evening is free for rest and relaxation and to enjoy the local surrounding. You can take a walk down the Mall road, famous for shopping. Dinner and Overnight at the hotel.

Darjeeling popularly known as the "Queens of Hill Stations" offers a picturesque view of the Himalayan panorama. It is a superlative combination of fern-filled valleys, snow-capped peaks and tea-scented air. Until the beginning of the 18th century the Darjeeling belonged to the rajas of Sikkim. In 1780 they lost Darjeeling to Gurkhas. A series of wars were fought between the Gurkhas and East India Company, eventually leading to the defeat of the Gurkhas. Now after freedom Darjeeling had developed a lot and numerous tea gardens had been established. Its beauty attracts the tourist from all over the world.

10 Day: Darjeeling

Early morning take an excursion to Tiger hill to enjoy the breathtaking view of colour changes during sunrise over snow-capped peaks of Mt. Kanchendzonga Range. Return to hotel for breakfast; later take a sightseeing tour of Darjeeling visiting Batasia Loop, Ghoom Monastery, and the monastery belongs to the Yellow Sect of Buddhists. Tibetan Self-Help Refugee Centre, established in 1959, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park. Afternoon take Toy Train Joy Ride, heritage toy train of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. It's not about just the heritage and the history; it's also about experiencing one of the engineering marvels where many amazing loops and zig zags had to be created to negotiate the steep gradients in the mountains. After ride take walk towards hotel to enjoy the local surrounding. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

11 Day: Darjeeling – Mirik – Bagdogra (105 kms: 5 hrs) – Delhi (By Air)

After breakfast check out the hotel and followed by excursion tour to Mirik, this places is surrounded by lake, mountains, forests, flowers and it is a very peaceful place. Here there is floating fountain in the middle of the lake is a joy forever and very often you may find the glory of Kanchenjungha reflected in the lake waters. Alone or in company, you are sure to enjoy a boat-ride in the lake. Afterwards drive to Bagdogra airport, to board scheduled flight for Delhi. Assistance on arrival in Delhi; transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

Delhi, the towering capital city of the independent and largest democratic country in the world: India. Delhi is located and sprawled on both banks of Yamuna River. The city is enriched with culture, architecture and human diversity, Delhi city is a blend of the ancient past of India with the vibration of the modern world. The city designed by the British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944) & is tree-lined & spacious. Legend has it that the Pandavas of epic Mahabharata, the august heroes, founded Delhi around 1200 BC & the name of the city was Indraprastha.

12 Day: Delhi

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Old Delhi: the majestic Red Fort, a marvel in red sandstone, Jama Masjid, the largest and most splendid mosque in India, Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, where he was cremated. The sightseeing continues to explore New Delhi including President House, India gate; built to honour and pay a tribute to the Indian soldiers who sacrificed themselves during the Afghan war, Birla Mandir (Laxmi Narayan Temple), Humayun’s Tomb, lotus shaped Bhai’s Temple, Qutub Minar; built by Qutub-ud-din Aibek of the Slave Dynasty. Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, generally known as the ISKCON Delhi temple. You can opt for a cycle rickshaw ride through the lively and colourful market of Chandani Chowk. Later in the evening visit to see Light and Sound Show at Red fort. The show exhibits wonderful history of the city in a very interesting way. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Light and Sound Show: A spectacular show at the Red Fort. Which makes the 5,000 years old history of the city come alive. Amidst the harmony of the splendidly panoramic and historic environs of the Red Fort, select episodes from the annals of Delhi's historic and majestic past are vibrantly brought to life. Special effects combine with the exceptional character to make this show an impressively memorable experience.

13 Day: Delhi – Sikandra – Agra (210 kms: 5 hrs)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Agra, on the way stop over at Sikandra to see the Tomb of Mughal Emperor Akbar, after visit continue to proceed to Agra, on arrival transfer to the hotel. In the evening, if time permits, must visit Oswal Emporium to watch the replica of Taj Mahal it took 10 years for the artists to build this artistic epitome, also enjoy light and sound show “Mohabbat-the-Taj: the saga of love”, the only show of its kind in India! Later return to the hotel overnight stay.

Agra is famous as being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Taj Mahal. A pleasant town with a comparatively slow pace, Agra is an old city and it is said that its name was derived from Agrabanad, a forest that finds mention in the epic Mahabharata. Agra is known for its superb inlay work on marble and soapstone by craftsmen who are descendants of those who worked under the Mughals. The city is also famous for its carpets, gold thread embroidery and leather shoes. Agra and Fatehpur Sikri, both are conveniently located close to Delhi. Agra Fort, Sikandra, Ram Bagh and Itmad-Ud-Daulah are some of the noteworthy places to visit apart from the famous Taj Mahal.

14 Day: Agra

Early morning visit world’s most popular and beautiful monument: Taj Mahal with its’ fabulous view at the time of sunrise. Taj Mahal, a beautiful architectural monument is one of the 7 wonders of the world. This historical masterpiece is an illustration of the fusion of diverse architectural styles. Taj Mahal is the crown of all the lovely buildings in the world and a symbol of eternal love. The tour continues with a visit to Agra Fort. The fort was built in 1576 AD by great Mughal Emperor Akbar, structured and designed with red stoned barricaded; here you will find the splendid Pearl Mosque and various other classic example of art: Jahangir Mahal, Moti Masjid, Macchhi Bhawan, Nagina Masjid, Diwan-i-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-e-Am, and Meena Bazaar and Musamman Bhurj. Emperor Shahjahan imprisoned by his rebellious son Aurangzeb in the Musamman Bhurj, would see his love reflecting through the Taj Mahal, where his dear wife was cremated. Afterwards visit Tomb of Itamad-ud-Daula, 35 kms from Agra, built by Empress Noor Jahan daughter of Shahjahan, this monument a tribute to her great father. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Note: Taj Mahal is closed on every Friday.

15 Day: Agra – Fatehpur Sikri – Jaipur (240 kms: 5 - 6 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Jaipur. Enroute stop over at Fatehpur Sikri, the old deserted town of the Mughal kingdom, built in red sandstone in honour of Saint Salim Chisti who blessed birth of 3 sons to Emperor Akbar. It is an example of robust stability combined with originality. Each important structure here represents a type by itself. Notable among them is the Diwane e Khas; Punch Mahal, the Tomb of Salim Chisti, and the Buland Darwaza, one of the largest and tallest gateways in the world. Also stop over at Abhaneri near Jaipur, and visit Step Well, it was built by King Chanda of the Chauhan Dynasty, and was dedicated to Hashat Mata, Goddess of Joy and Happiness upon completion. Afterwards continue drive to Jaipur. On arrival, transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

Jaipur is widely known as the ‘Pink City’ of India. The walls, houses and buildings of the entire city were washed with pink colour for a grand and royal welcome of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria of Britain, who visited Jaipur in 1853 A.D. This splendid city as was founded in 1727 A.D by one of the greatest ruler Jai Singh II. Jaipur is surrounded by hills on three sides. Jaipur is the only city in the world, which is designed in accordance with Hindu architectural science called Shilpa Shastra. The city had been designed in rectangular shape of 9 blocks, depicting the 9 partition of the universe.

16 Day: Jaipur

Today morning after breakfast, explore the Pink City with an excursion to splendid Amber Fort, situated just outside the city, built in the 15th Century by Rajput King Man Singh. Later visit another mighty and majestic Nagargarh fort, close to Amber fort. Drive back to the main city to visit the imperial City Palace - present residence of the royal family of Jaipur. The incredible Jantar Mantar was innovated and constructed by Jaipur King Swai Jai Singh. Splendid Hawa Mahal, also known ‘Palace of Winds’ Birla Temple, with its white shimmering marble glittering in the night. You can visit to Amber fort to see the Light and Sound Show: holds the history of a citadel, pulsating with a legendry past of 600 years & 28 kings of the Kachhwaha dynasty, before their capital moved to Jaipur. Later you can explore the bustling market by hoping onto a cycle rickshaw ride. Enjoy your evening at the most authentic and ethnic village resort: called Chokhi Dhani, designed on the theme of an ethnic village of Rajasthan with lots of traditional environment with entertainment like folk dances, puppet shows, astrology, music, camel ride, Here you can enjoy the traditional Rajasthani food. Afterwards return back to hotel for overnight stay.

17 Day: Jaipur – Pushkar (135 kms: 3 hrs)

After breakfast drive to Pushkar is well-known for the world’s largest cattle fair every year in the month of November, with glorious celebration. Visit the Brahma temple is an important pilgrim centre for the Hindus. The temple is one of very few existing temples dedicated to the Hindu creator-god Brahma in India and remains the most prominent among them. It is nestled in the Pushkar valley which lies beyond Nagaparvat and the Anasagar Lake. This place, full of natural beauty, holds a special place in the hearts of Indians for it is believed that Lord Brahma, together with all the gods and goddesses, performed a Yagya here. Also visit the Pushkar Fair site, which is right opposite the Pushkar Lake. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Pushkar: According to the Hindu scripture Padma Purana, Brahma saw the demon Vajranabha (Vajranash in another version) trying to kill his children and harassing people. He immediately slew the demon with his weapon, the lotus-flower. In this process, the lotus petals fell on the ground at three places, creating three lakes: the Pushkar Lake or Jyeshta Pushkar (greatest or first Pushkar), the Madya Pushkar (middle Pushkar) Lake, and Kanishta Pushkar (lowest or youngest Pushkar) lake.

18 Day: Pushkar – Jodhpur (210 kms: 4 - 5 hrs)

After an early breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Jodhpur. On arrival transfer to the hotel, after refreshment take an excursion to Bishnoi Village 25 kms: 45 min one way. The villagers coming from the Bishnois caste are believed to be the guardians of animals. Then visit to the local handicrafts viz shoe makers, pottery hand weaving watching men in their traditional attire, women clad with ancestral silver Jewellery, en-route watch and photograph the beautiful wildlife - black buck, chinkaras, peacock etc. liberally moving in plenty of care by the local villagers. After visit drive back to Jodhpur you can explore the local market, visiting various authentic restaurants. You may choose ‘On the rocks’ an open air restaurants with Rajasthani hospitality, offering authentic food and folk music and dance. Later return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Jodhpur: The home of Rajpoot, (Rathors) – The awesome significant city of Rajasthan. Founded in 1459 A.D. by Rao Jodha, today Jodhpur is one of the largest and flourishing city of Rajasthan, known as white city of Rajasthan. Jodhpur was once upon a time was the capital of Marwar state (Northern Part of Rajasthan). Mehrangarh fort, the crowning old palace is major tourist attraction of Jodhpur. Another pride of Jodhpur is Umaid Bhawan Palace; this grand palace is now converted into heritage hotel and present residence of the Royal family of Jodhpur.

19 Day: Jodhpur – Ranakpur – Udaipur (257 kms: 6 – 7 hrs)

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting massive the Clock Tower, the massive Mehrangarh Fort, magnificent Jaswant Thada (Mausoleums of the great Rajput King: Jaswant Singh), Umaid Bhawan Palace and museum – India’s one of most imposing and regal palaces. Later check out the hotel and drive to Udaipur, en route take a halt at Ranakpur, visit the ancient Jain Temples, built in the 12th Century, you may opt to enjoy lunch at Maharani Baugh: (on your own) an authentic heritage hotel. After visit continue to drive to Udaipur. On arrival, check into the hotel. In the evening enjoy a boat ride in Lake Pichola; you may opt to have dinner (of your own) at Lake Palace Hotel, located amidst the lake. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Udaipur: One of the most romantic and beautiful city of North India, the city was founded in 1568 AD by Rajput King Udai Singh., located on the banks of the shimmering Pichola Lake, is one of the most romantic city of Rajasthan. Udaipur is cuddle up in lush green Aravali mountain range. It is a kaleidoscope of wonderful lakes, enchanting temples, lake side gardens, amazing forts and palaces and narrow lanes of the old city with historical past, Udaipur characterize chivalry and velour of the Rajpoot clan who had ruled this city for years and valor and chivalry.

20 Day: Udaipur

After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Udaipur visiting the wondrous City Palace complex – a significant landmark of the town. The palace is a splendid white marble historical home of the Rajpoot Rulers. Here you will see notable places like the Durbar Hall, Palace Museum, Crystal Gallery and Jagdish temple, followed by Sahelion Ki Bari, a beautiful recreation garden for queens and princes of the rulers. Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal is an ethnic exhibit of traditions and culture of Rajasthan, ethnic ornaments traditional outfits, puppets, masks, dolls, classical paintings, fold musical instruments. In the evening visit to Lake Bageela 22 kms, for a sightseeing tour of the ancient Eklingji and Nagda Temples. Overnight at the hotel.

21 Day: Udaipur – Chittourgarh – Delhi (By Air) – Hometown

After breakfast, check out the hotel and visit to Chittourgarh city, to visit mightiest and largest historical fort of India: Chittourgarh, this crowning historical Fort stands a jaded reminder of the characteristic and bravery of Rajpoot Clan in Rajasthan, sprawled over 700 acres, area, the fort houses historical monuments: Tower of Victory, Rani Padmini Palace, Man Mahal, Mira Temple and several ruins of temples of Shiva. A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular 'chhatris' in the fort vicinity visit Kirti Stambha, Rana-Kumbha Palace, Padmini Palace, Meera Temple and Kumbha Shyam Temple and Kalika Mata Temple, State Archaeological Museum. Afterwards continue drive to Udaipur airport to board the schedule flight for Delhi, on arrival transfer to the international airport to board the scheduled flight for onwards journey, on departure the tour concludes with happy memories.

Chittourgarh, the town known for its massive fort atop hill, crowned on a 6 kms long hill, covers an area of 280 hectares with fortifications, temples, towers and palaces. The city can be singled out for its glorious past and valor, unique to the Rajput tradition. Chittourgarh is a fortified settlement, with a history of witnessing a number of sieges, but refusal to bow before foreign invaders. Tales of the Princess Padmini are told here who was known for her chivalry and beauty.