Flight: EK570 Dubai - Kolkata 02.00 - 07.40

Meet & greet, transfer to hotel: Welcome to India! You will be met on arrival in Kolkata by a local representative and introduced to your private driver. Together they will take you to your city hotel to check in.

Walking tour of Kolkata: This afternoon, as a ‘warm up’ to the city, you will be taken for a walking tour of Kolkata’s little known ‘confluence of cultures’. Kolkata, or Calcutta, has witnessed many more cultures in its past than most other cities have in this globalised, and multi-cultural, present day. The walking tour will trace the origins and remains of the varied communities that hung up their boots and called Kolkata home. You will visit such migrant communities as the Chinese who thrive in China town, the dwindling Parsis or the Zoroastrians, the Armenians who gave the city its oldest surviving Christian church, the Anglo-Indians, the Muslims, the Marwaris, the Biharis and many more that made this city a great melting pot of diverse cultures. Afterwards return to your hotel to relax for the rest of the evening.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Calcutta Bungalow (Standard Room)

Half day guided tour of Kolkata: This morning, you will be picked up from the hotel by your guide and you will set out to explore Kolkata, one of India's most famous cities. Start with a visit to the Victoria Memorial, which is the greatest landmark of the city and one of the most solid reminders of the Raj to be found in India. This huge piece of architecture is a strange combination of classical European architecture with Mughal influence, and a resemblance can be seen between the Taj Mahal at Agra and St. Paul's Cathedral at London. The portraits, statues, paintings and other artefacts here tell the story of British Empire in India at its peak. Afterwards head to the west bank of the Hooghly River where you will find the extensive Botanical Gardens. This 273 acre park was set up in 1787 by Colonel Robert Kyd of the East India Company. It has a variety of interesting botanical specimens, but the park's prime attraction is a 200 year old Banyan tree, said to have the second largest canopy in the world. After time to look around the gardens you will end the tour with a visit to the Missionary of Charity, a foundation set up by the city's most famous daughter - Mother Teresa. Afterwards return to the hotel to enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Calcutta Bungalow (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Private transfer: After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Kolkata Airport for your flight to Jorhat.

Flight: 6E5989 Kolkata - Jorhat 10.30 - 12.00

Transfer to Kaziranga National Park: On arrival in Jorhat airport, you will be met and immediately transferred by road to Kaziranga National Park. This journey will take around 2.5 hours. You will arrive in early afternoon and have some time to relax and settle into your lodge before an afternoon game.

Afternoon game drive: In the late afternoon, you will be taken into the Kaziranga National Park for a dusk game drive. Located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, the reserve covers a huge area and is home to the largest number of endangered Indian one-horned rhinoceros in the sub-continent. With a largely flat and open grassy terrain, Kaziranga gives the visitors a chance to see the fauna at fairly close quarters. An alarming depletion in Rhino numbers due to hunting and poaching led to the conservation of this area in 1926, then later declared as a sanctuary in 1940. Though illegal poaching still constitutes a major threat to the rhino population, their numbers today are healthy. A day’s outing is more than sufficient for visitors to see the major species here. As the rising sun touches the hills in the distance, herds of barasingha and wild buffalo are seen in the marshes. The most ferocious bovine in the world, the massive wild buffalo is impressive and often weighs up to 900kg. Rhinos browse unconcernedly as the visitors pass by and an occasional herd of elephants or wild boar is also sighted. The grasslands are raptor country and the crested serpent eagle, the Pallas fishing eagle, and grey-headed fishing eagle can be seen circling the marshes. The water-bird variety includes swamp partridge, bar-headed goose, whistling teal, the Bengal florican, storks, herons and even pelicans.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Wild Grass (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Morning and afternoon game drives: Early this morning, and later again towards dusk, you will be taken into the Kaziranga National Park for two game drives. Located on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, the reserve covers a huge area and is home to the largest number of endangered Indian one-horned rhinoceros in the sub-continent. With a largely flat and open grassy terrain, Kaziranga gives the visitors a chance to see the fauna at fairly close quarters. An alarming depletion in Rhino numbers due to hunting and poaching led to the conservation of this area in 1926, then later declared as a sanctuary in 1940. Though illegal poaching still constitutes a major threat to the rhino population, their numbers today are healthy. A day’s outing is more than sufficient for visitors to see the major species here. As the rising sun touches the hills in the distance, herds of barasingha and wild buffalo are seen in the marshes. The most ferocious bovine in the world, the massive wild buffalo is impressive and often weighs up to 900kg. Rhinos browse unconcernedly as the visitors pass by and an occasional herd of elephants or wild boar is also sighted. The grasslands are raptor country and the crested serpent eagle, the Pallas fishing eagle, and grey-headed fishing eagle can be seen circling the marshes. The water-bird variety includes swamp partridge, bar-headed goose, whistling teal, the Bengal florican, storks, herons and even pelicans.

Your dawn and dusk game drives will be usually in open-top jeeps, shared with a small number of fellow guests. Time in between the game drives is to be spent at leisure back at the lodge. You may like to spend this time relaxing, or you could organise an extra activity locally - options include visits to local villages, driving up to nearby tea plantations, or hiking in the surrounding forest.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Wild Grass (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Road journey to Guwahati: After breakfast, you will be transferred by road on to Guwahati, the largest city in Assam. This journey will take around 4 hours. On arrival in Guwahati, you will be taken straight to your hotel to check in.

Afternoon tour of Guwahati: Later in the afternoon, you will be taken on brief tour of Guwahati. The premier attraction is the Kamakhya Temple, which sits atop Nilachal Hill. Revellers come here to worship the Goddess Kamakhya, as well enjoy a majestic view across the city and down to the mighty Brahmaputra river. Another interesting temple is the Shiva Temple, which sits in the middle of the river on the island of Umananda - you should be able to make this out from Kamakhya, or on a walk along the city riverfront. Time-willing, you may also be able to explore the vibrant markets of Guwahati, particularly well-known for their excellent silk.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Vivanta by Taj (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Private transfer: After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Guwahati Airport for your flight to Bagdogra.

Flight: 6E6054 Guwahati - Bagdogra 11.30 - 12.35

Road journey from Bagdogra to Kalimpong: You will be met on arrival in Bagdogra by a private guide and driver. Together you will set off on the drive to Kalimpong, a journey of around 3 hours, climbing out of the West Bengal plains and up into the foothills of the Himalayas.

Visit a local village: After some time to settle in and freshen up, dinner will be served. Later in the evening, you will be taken to visit a nearby village, where you will gain an insight into local village life, and also have a chance to visit the village temple.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Pali Ghar Farm Stay (Cottage)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Full day exploration around Kalimpong: After breakfast, you will be taken for a walk around the property. As well as exploring the farmland, you will be taken through the adjoining villages and past a monastery and a local school. The walk will introduce you to a rural, rustic and peaceful life far detached from life in the in the hustle and bustle of a city. This is an opportunity for you to interact with local communities and gain some knowledge on their traditional lifestyle, history and culture - as well as a chance to learn about the flora and fauna of the surrounding landscape.

In the afternoon, you will continue your exploration of the area, largely on foot, walking through a setting which is best described as 'peri-urban': agricultural, existing on the edge of an expanding town. Make a first stop at Dr Graham’s Homes (DGH), a 116 year old school, which was founded by an English Missionary with a vision to spread quality education in the hills. From DGH, take a short drive to Dealo Hill, the highest point of Kalimpong. On reaching Dealo, you can walk across the ridge and - if the weather is favourable - take in the view of the majestic Kanchenjunga ranges. From this point, it is a downhill walk to 12th Mile Point, where you can visit a nursery which specializes in cacti, cymbidiums and cut flowers. Your vehicle will collect you from here for the drive back to your accommodation.

Please note: today's itinerary will be organised in conjunction with your hosts at Pali Ghar and is extremely flexible. Walks can be tailored to your abilities and interests, or alternatively, conducted mostly by vehicle should you wish to explore a wider area. There will also be plenty of time in the day to join in farming activities should this be of interest.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Pali Ghar Farm Stay (Cottage)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Road journey to Gangtok: After breakfast, you will check out and head off by road towards Gangtok. Crossing over into Sikkim, this will be a journey of approximately 3 hours including time for rest stops. You will be travelling along mountain roads which will be very windy in places, but views will frequently be excellent.

Afternoon at leisure: On arrival in Gangtok, you are at leisure for the rest of the day. You may like to take a walk into the nearby markets which are good places to hunt for Sikkimese souvenirs.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Elgin Nor Khill (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Guided tour of Gangtok: Today, you will be taken out to explore Gangtok and the surrounding area. Begin with an introduction to the Buddhist character of the city, with a visit to the Rumtek monastery, the largest in the area. The first monastery was built in 1717 AD, but sadly crumbled to ruins. It was later rebuilt in 1960’s under instruction from the late 16th Gyala Karmapa, who took refuge in Sikkim following the Chinese annexation of Tibet. Traditional in design, it is a close replica of the original in Tibet with beautiful murals and religious artefacts. The monastery is also an important centre for Kagyu teaching: devoted Lamas, robed in crimson, chant ancient mantras to the rhythm of drums and trumpets while soft light flickers from decorative lamps.

Continue to visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, the only one of its kind in the world. It was established to promote research on the language and traditions of Tibet as well as into Mahayana Buddhism. Close to the institute is the Chorten and Monastery, a shrine surrounded by prayer-wheels. Surrounding the chorten is the Orchid Sanctuary, where one can see as many as 454 species of orchids. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon to relax.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Elgin Nor Khill (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Road journey to Darjeeling: After breakfast, you will check out of your hotel and head off by road towards Darjeeling. This journey will take you back into West Bengal, and will be a journey of approximately 4 hours. You will be travelling along mountain roads which will be very windy in places, but views will frequently be excellent. On arrival, you are at leisure for the rest of the day.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Windamere Hotel (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Guided tour of Darjeeling: This morning, you will be collected from your hotel and taken to the local station, where you will enjoy a short train ride to Ghoom. The 'toy train' of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), given heritage status by UNESCO, covers the distance of 88 km between New Jalpaiguri station and Darjeeling. This fascinating narrow gauge steam engine train still operates with the original steam engine and the loops and the zig-zags along the route are remarkable feats of engineering. You will leave the train at Ghoom, where you will visit the local monastery. Return to Darjeeling by road.

Later, you will be taken on a sightseeing tour of Darjeeling, which includes Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which houses an excellent museum dedicated to the region, and the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre. The latter was established in 1959 as an oasis for thousands of fleeing Tibetans. It is now a self-sustained commune preserving their indigenous culture and heritage in a home away from home. Finish your tour with a stop at Gundree Bazaar, the main town square and centre of commerce for locals across the Darjeeling region. Return to the hotel to relax.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Windamere Hotel (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day at leisure: You have today at leisure to soak in the highland air. The Windamere boasts some excellent views overlooking Darjeeling. Further excursions or sightseeing can be arranged locally through the hotel.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Windamere Hotel (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Road journey from Darjeeling to Bagdogra: After a leisurely breakfast, you will be collected from the hotel and transferred back to Bagdogra in time to check in for your onward flight. This journey will take around 2-3 hours.

Flight: G8154 Bagdogra - Delhi 13.55 - 16.05

Private transfer: You will be met on arrival in Delhi and taken to the nearby Aerocity complex to spend a final night at leisure.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at Pullman New Delhi Aerocity (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast