HIDDEN GEMS OF NORTHEAST INDIA

Day 1 Arrive Kolkata

Arrive into Kolkata and transfer privately to The Penthouse, a stylish new boutique hotel in the heart of this chaotic and beguiling city. Spend the afternoon exploring the local area.

Overnight: The Penthouse, Kolkata

Day 2 - 3 Kolkata

Kolkata is an easy place to fall in love with. One of the country’s artistic and intellectual beacons, it’s unquestionably the most soulful city in India. Visit the Hooghly River, a tributary of the Ganges and once vital for bringing muslin, opium and jute into Kolkata; check out the bazaars and markets; call in at a 75-year-old tea house, where tea is organic and hand rolled; and shop for traditional Bengali gifts to take home. To see the city in sharper focus, take a photo tour and discover the little details you might otherwise have missed.

Overnight: The Penthouse, Kolkata

Day 4 Kolkata

Another day at leisure. We highly recommend a visit to the magnificent Victoria Memorial, built at the beginning of the 20th century, as well as a stroll down College Street, Kolkata’s university quarter. Definitely not to be missed are Flurys Bakery, famous for its delicious cakes and savouries, and Bomti’s, a restaurant in the heritage home of Surajit ‘Bomti’ Iyengar. Bomti is a true vivant and avid art collector and you can admire his substantial collection as you savour his authentic Bengali cuisine.

Overnight: The Penthouse, Kolkata

Day 5 Kolkata - Darjeeling

On arrival into Bagdogra, meet your private driver from Glenburn Tea Estate and travel three hours or so into the foothills of the Himalayas. You’ll pass through villages, catching glimpses of local life, before arriving at Glenburn, a 1,600-acre tea estate surrounded by rolling hills and incredible views of the mighty Kanchenjunga mountain.

Overnight: Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling

Day 6 Sikkim

Today you will have the opportunity to visit Monitor Suspension Bridge. A 4WD vehicle will drop you at Simon Forest, from where you will continue on foot to the bridge, suspended more than 100ft above the River Runlet. On the other side lies the old royal kingdom of Sikkim where you can stroll around Monitor Village and stop for a brew in one of the local tea shops. Take a delicious pre-prepared lunch down to the ‘river beach’ before following the same route back.

Overnight: Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling

Day 7 Darjeeling

After breakfast, travel to Ghum where you will board the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also knows at the Toy Train. The train, which has UNESCO World Heritage status, travels from here to Darjeeling, its steam engine pulling the tiny coaches up steep inclines, through breathtaking landscapes and around seemingly impossible bends. On arrival in Darjeeling, spend the afternoon with your guide. Visit the market, stop at the famous Glengarry’s for a pastry and perhaps have lunch at Kanga, run by the same local family for two decades. When you are ready, return to Glenburn for a home-cooked meal and excellent hospitality.

Overnight: Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling

Day 8 Sunrise at Tiger Hill

You will be leaving at 5am sharp this morning for Tiger Hill, where you will watch the dawn break over a 250km stretch of Himalayan horizon. Tiger Hill is a relatively commercial spot but with good reason: the view from here is truly spectacular. After a simple breakfast, return to Glenburn and enjoy the rest of the day relaxing.

Overnight: Glenburn Tea Estate, Darjeeling

Day 9 Darjeeling - Varanasi

Bid farewell to Darjeeling and travel back to Bagdogra by road before your flight via to Delhi to Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest cities. Your home is the magnificent Brijrama Palace, which is an imposing structure on the banks of the Ganges and the oldest heritage building.   Enjoy a two night stay in one of the 32 comfortable rooms, some of which offer excellent views of the river, delicious street food, high tea and a complimentary sunrise boat experience.

Overnight: Brijrama Palace

Day 10 Varanasi

Rise early to watch the sunrise and to observe life is lived out on the banks of the Ganges. You will see pilgrims bathing, performing rituals and worshiping the sun. Return to your hotel to relax for the afternoon then meet your guide in the early evening for the Ganga Aarti – a spectacle involving thousands of locals and pilgrims gathering together to offer their prayers to Mother Ganges. The unforgettable experience will be a magnificent end to your Indian adventure.

Overnight: Brijrama Palace

Day 11 Depart Varanasi

After checking out of the Nadesar Palace, transfer to the airport for your flight home.