North East & Andaman Tour (15 Days / 14 Nights)

KOLKATA – DARJEELING – PEMAYANGTSE- GANGTOK – KALMIPONG – PORT BLAIR – HAVELOCK ISLAND

Enshrouded by the pristine mountain and rolling valleys of the Himalayas, North East India is the least explored, mystic and one of the most beautiful places in India. Encompassed by pure natural beauty, this small but captivating region offers a spectacular view of mighty Kanchenjunga. Even though it’s not much established on the traveller’s map, the North Eastern India has its own charm that will sweep you off your feet. Sandy white beaches that give way to Indian ocean, which has the most interesting marine life, and coral gardens are the reasons to visit the beautiful Andaman Islands. Andaman and its crystal clear blue water is so soothing that one can fall in love with the place. The topography of islands has blessed the island with a variety of flora and fauna which cannot be found anywhere in the country. It is a paradise of unparalleled natural beauty

Day 1  Kolkata

Arrive in Kolkata. Welcome at the airport and transfer to hotel.
Kolkata, previously known as Calcutta and nicknamed as the city of joy, city of Rabindranath Tagore, city of Satyajit Ray, city of intellectuals, city of football, city of procession, city of political movements, city of arts and theatre is truly called cultural capital of India.
Take a sightseeing tour of the city of Joy.
Visit the Victoria Memorial. Built between 1906 and 1921, the Victoria Memorial is a huge marble building signifying the commemoration of Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee. The architecture has a huge influence of both English and Mughal culture. The statues of King George V facing his wife, Mary; the soaring central chamber remains in the hallway are very imposing.
Indian Museum has been an important establishment in terms of cultural development of India. Established in 1814, the museum is the earliest and the largest multipurpose museum in Asia Pacific. The museum houses the rare collection of antiques, fossils, skeletons, armor, ornaments, and Mughal paintings.
Mother Teresa’s home features a huge Mother Teresa’s sober tomb. The museum displays the sandals used to be worn by her and battered enamel dinner bowl. On the floor above is the room where she used to sleep and work. The room has been well preserved in all its simplicity with her bed.
Overnight stay.

Day 2 – Kolkata–Bagdogra–Darjeeling (Flight – 1 ¼ Hours + 95 KM – 3 Hours)

Morning transfer to airport to board flight to Bagdogra.  Arrive and transfer to hotel in Darjeeling
Darjeeling is a beautiful hill resort located in the eastern Himalayas and has earned the title of Queen of Hills. This small hill resort is cuddled up modestly on the lap of the Eastern Himalayan ranges and boasts rivers, lush green meadows, flowering valleys, gushing waterfalls, majestic mountains and the main attraction – gleaming peak of Mount Kanchenjunga. During the British Raj, the hill resort was the popular summer resort.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight stay.

Day 3 – Darjeeling

In the morning, drive to tiger hill by jeep to get a wonderful view of the sunrise on the Himalayas. Tiger Hill is located at the distance of 11 km from Darjeeling and provides a spectacular view of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.
In the afternoon take a city tour of Darjeeling.
Visit the Mountaineering Institute. Established in 1954, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling was set up to encourage mountaineering as a sport. The institute was built to commemorate the success of Tenzing so that he could impart his skills to all those who were interested in mountaineering. The complex comprises of a Swiss stylized house for Sherpa trainers, residential school for mountaineering students, a well-equipped museum which displays mountaineering artifacts and many expedition displays.
Then visit the Lebong Race Course, the highest racecourse in Asia. It is beautifully nestled in the lap of the Himalayas and aromatic tea gardens.
Darjeeling is known as the Mecca of Tea and boasts of sprawling tea estates. There are around 80 tea gardens In Darjeeling. You can spend time in the tea gardens, visit the tea factory, don the role of a tea taster, talk to tea pickers and taste fresh brewed tea.
Overnight stay

Day 4  Darjeeling – Pemayangtse – Pelling  (125 KM – 5 Hours)

In the morning leave for Pelling.
Pelling is a beautifully located hill covered with lush green jungle. This small village has become a famous tourist destination in the country for its scenic location. The village is known for the closest view of the third highest peak in the world, Mount Kanchenjunga.
Arrive at Pelling and check in at hotel.
Later, visit Pemayangtse monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim founded by Lama Lhatsun Chempo in 1705. The monastery follows the Nyingma Order of Tibet Buddhism. The walls of the three story structure portray paintings and statues of saints and Rinpoches. The main attraction of the monastery is the statues of Padmasambhava.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 5 – Pelling – Gangtok

After breakfast depart for Gangtok.  On arrival check in at hotel.
Gangtok, the capital city of Sikkim, is a perfectly landscaped town which is nestled in the lap of nature flourishing within some spectacular sceneries and glorious snowcapped hills. Gangtok became a popular tourist pilgrimage because of the magnificent and extraordinary Buddhist monasteries. Due to these beautiful monasteries Gangtok has earned the title of “Land of Monasteries”. Gangtok is also the land of bright sunrise and lush greens, which inspires, impresses and enchants all.
Later take a sightseeing tour of Gangtok.
Directorate of handicrafts and handlooms is a major centre for learning in Sikkim. The centre preserves the languishing tradition of a culture through its vibrant art and craft. Established in the year 1957, the centre is a hub of activity, development and progress. Some of the items that can be found in the centre are Thangka paintings, wooden carvings, carpets, handlooms, cane and bamboo works.
Visit the Enchey Monastery. Established in 1909, Enchey monastery belongs to the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism. The monastery is located over a stunning ridge of a hill. The monastery provides a wonderful view of Mount Kanchenjunga. The monastery house number of images of gods, Goddesses, and religious objects, topped with shining golden cupola. Buddha, Loki Sharia and Guru Padmasambhava are worshipped in the monastery.
Overnight stay.

Day 6 – Gangtok

Take a city tour of Gangtok. Visit Do Drul Chorten which is the most popular stupa in Sikkim. It was constructed in 1945 by Trulshik Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist. It is surrounded by 108 prayer wheels on which Buddhist mantras have been engraved. It is also famous for The gold plated steeple atop the Chorten.
Later go on an excursion to Rumtek Monastery which is perched on a hill located opposite to Gangtok. It is the largest monastery in the Indian state Sikkim. Established in the 16th century the monastery was constructed by the Karmapa. It is also reckoned as Dharma Chakra centre as it comprises of the beautiful shrine temple and monastery for monks. It is one of the colourful monasteries in Sikkim and offers an interesting insight into the glorious past.
Return to Gangtok city. Rest of the day is free to relax.
Overnight stay.

Day 7 – Gangtok – Kalimpong  (75 KM – 3 Hours)

In the morning leave for Kalimpong. Perched on a Himalayan crest enclosed with lush green forests and overlooking the meandering Teesta River, Kalimpong is a captivating hill station near Darjeeling. Kalimpong is a tranquil town situated in the lap of Nature from where the skyline of mountains resembles a green ocean and Kanchenjunga offers a day an imposing start when one gazes at it from Deolo Hill.
Arrive and check in at hotel
Drive to old Ruins where an old monastery stood.
Haat Bazaar in Kalimpong is a local village market that is set up on every Wednesday and Saturday. It is a scenic market as you can experience the lifestyle and culture of local people. You can savor the taste of local food such as momos, alu thukpa, and phambis. Rishi Road offers you to buy wonderful items such as Dallay Khorsani, Kalimpong cheese and lollipops, handmade paper products, Tibetan art and crafts.
You can shop here for interesting souvenirs too.
Overnight stay.

Day 8  Kalimpong–Bagdogra–Kolkata – (65 KM – 2 Hours + Filght – 1½ hours)

Morning transfer to Bagdogra airport to board a flight to Kolkata.
Arrive and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day is free to explore Kolkata on your own.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 9 – Kolkata – Port Blair  (By Flight – 2 Hours)

Early morning transfer to airport to board a flight to Port Blair.
Blessed with fascinating natural beauty and rich history & cultures, Port Blair is the only tourist city in Andaman Islands. With its lush greens and the blue of the sea, the picturesque beaches and golden sunsets, Port Blair lures the tourists to visit all the adjoining islands, monuments and sink in its serenity and spend some lovely time so close to nature.
Transfer to hotel.
Then proceed for a sightseeing tour of Port Blair.
Pay a visit to Cellular Jail. The episodes of India’s independence struggle can be closely observed in Death House along with tools of torture. In the history of colonial rule of India, cellular jail is one of the murkiest chapters of India’s independence as every brick of the Cellular jail has got a heart rendering story of resistance, sufferings and sacrifices.
Chatnam Sawmill was Asia’s largest saw mill situated in Port Blair. Imposing walls of this structure reveal the intriguing tales from the past. A visit to saw mill is an interesting experience which should not be missed as you will observe, the journey of wood being brought in boats, sorted, cut and stored in warehouses and then being transformed into final wooden planks.
Managed by the forest department, Forest Museum is a guide, explaining and providing information about forest habitat and plant species endemic to the area. The information is provided through interesting art pieces made from different materials. It even houses zoological garden. The museum even provides information about the history of mill and products of woods.
Samudrika is a naval marine museum. History, geography, anthropology and marine life of the Arabian Sea has been beautifully brought together in Samudrika. The museum was divided into five sections, each of which displays a different facet of Andaman and Nicobar islands. When you will enter the museum, you will be greeted by the massive blue whale skeleton. The aquarium in the second room will be a delight as you will observe various kinds of fishes. The third room is famous for coral reef which is the main attraction of the island. There is an extensive display of shells can be observed very well in the fourth room. The Unique tribal life of Andaman can be observed at fifth room. The museum is worth a visit as it is a perfect blend of past and present.
Situated near the Rajiv Gandhi Sports complex, Fisheries Museum exhibits species of marine which are peculiar to the islands and found in Indo Pacific and Bay of Bengal. More than 350 species of marine life have been beautifully preserved in the museum.
Water Sports Complex is a unique sports complex that offers a great adrenaline rush with its exciting water sports. It is really an exhilarating experience as you can opt for Sailboats, Para sailing, water scooters, rowing boats, kayaks, paddle boats, and water skiing facilities. It is renowned as the unique water sports complex in India.
In the evening, enjoy a light and sound show at Cellular Jail.
Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 10  Port Blair

Morning tour to Ross Island.
Situated 2 km east from Port Blair, Ross Island is one of the important islands of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It was the administrative headquarters of Andaman and Nicobar Islands before the earthquake in 1941. Here in the island you can observe the grand past of in the ruins of a Church, chief commissioner’s residence, grand ballroom and swimming pool. Indian navy manages a small cemetery and Indian museum, repository of old records.
Later proceed for a cruise of the harbour, including a trip to Viper Island.
Situated near port Blair, Viper islands is a serene tourist destination attracting many tourists from across the globe. The island is known for its ancient jail, which was used by the British to house convicted prisoners. The picturesque surroundings offer numerous picnic spots.
Return to Port Blair for overnight stay.

Day 11 – Port Blair – Havelock Island  (By Ferry Boat)

Transfer by ferry boat to Havelock Island, which takes about 3 hours.
Arrive at Havelock and transfer to resort.
Relax, unwind and enjoy a remote island experience.  Havelock Island is the perfect paradise. It is one of the few islands that is inhabited, replete with white sandy beaches, coral reefs with a colourful array of aquatic life, palm trees, as well as dense forests in the interiors.
Overnight stay at resort.

Day 12  Havelock Island

The full day is at leisure to relax on the beach. The two famous beaches here are Radha Nagar Beach and Elephant Beach. Interestingly, the beaches on Havelock are numbered. Not that they don’t have individual names. For instance, Beach #7 is the Radhanagar Beach, which is also the most gorgeous of all is named Asia’s best beach by Time Magazine in 2004 and listed as one of the top 100 beaches in the world, this beach is Andaman’s most prized possession.
Overnight stay.

Day 13  Havelock Island

In Havelock Island, Scuba / Snorkeling can be enjoyed in pristine blue waters which are best anywhere in India. One can hire a bicycle; a scooter and move around the Island or can just enjoy walking around. The full day is at leisure to relax on the beach.
Overnight stay.

Day 14  Havelock Island – Port Blair  (By Ferry Boat)

Morning transfer by boat to Port Blair and transfer to hotel.
The rest of the day is free for independent activities.
Overnight stay.

Day 15  Departure

Transfer to Port Blair airport to board a flight to onward destination.