Assam and Sikkim

 

Kolkata	Taj Bengal Hotel	2 nights
Kaziranga	Diphlu Lodge	3 nights
Darjeeling	Mayfair Hotel	2 nights
Gangtok	Mayfair Hotel	2 nights
Glenburn	Glenburn Tea Estate	2 nights
Kolkata	Taj Bengal Hotel	2 nights

Click on the name of the hotel for details

14 days from £2280

excluding international flights

A comprehensive journey through Assam, Darjeeling and the remote former kingdom of Sikkim

DAY 1 - Arrive Kolkata (Calcutta).

On arrival in Kolkata in the afternoon you will be met by a representative of World Discovery outside immigration and customs. You will then be taken by private car direct to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free.  Recommended flight from London: Air India from London Heathrow via Delhi (see below). If you are travelling from a country other than the UK we would be happy to give you guidance on your flight options.

DAY 2 - Kolkata.

Your World Discovery India holiday begins this morning when your guide meets you at your hotel and takes you on full day sightseeing tour of Kolkata.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

KOLKATA: UPGRADE TO THE OBEROI GRAND

For a taste of Victorian glamour and luxury there is the option of upgrading to the venerable Oberoi Grand Hotel,  which has welcomed guests to the city for more than 125 years.  We would be pleased to give a quote for the additional cost.

 

 

DAY 3 – Fly to Guwahati. Continue to Kaziranga.

In the morning take the short flight by jet Airways to Guwahati in the state of Assam. You will be met and driven through the lush valley of the Brahmaputra River to Kaziranga National Park, a long and fairly tiring journey of around 4 hours. You will arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon.
Meals included: Full breakfast, dinner.

DAYS 4 AND 5 - Kaziranga National Park.

Two days of game-viewing in Kaziranga National Park.
Meals included:Full breakfast, lunch, dinner each day.

DAY 6 - Fly to Bagdogra. By road to Darjeeling.

After breakfast drive back to Guwahati for the early afternoon flight to Bagdogra, West Bengal. From here you will driven into the foothills of the Himalaya, around the twisting hair-pin bends up to Darjeeling, located at 2,134m/7,000ft.
Meals Included: Full breakfast, packed lunch, dinner.

 

DAY 7 - Darjeeling.

Darjeeling - 'Queen of the Hills' - was one of the most famous summer retreats of the British, a place to escape the fierce heat of the plains. Darjeeling is a delightful place to spend a few days, with its exhilarating clear air and spectacular views, including if you are fortunate the towering peak of Kanchenjunga (pictured), the third highest mountain in the world. A favourite walk for visitors is to the summit of Tiger Hill to witness the sunrise over the Himalaya. You can stroll along the Mall, visit the interesting Tibetan Refugee Centre, or perhaps take a ride on the famous 'Toy Train' (Darjeeling Himalayan Railway), disembarking at Ghoom to visit the monastery.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

 

DAY 8 - Drive to the State of Sikkim.

Sikkim has long been regarded as one of the last 'Shangri-las' because of its remoteness, spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora and fauna, and its wealth of ancient Buddhist monasteries. This former British Protectorate has only been part of India since 1975 and a permit is required to enter its territory. Your World Discovery representative will organise this for you during your stay in Darjeeling. The drive this morning is slow but scenic along the winding roads to reach Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, set on a ridge above the Ranipul River at 1547m/5,075ft.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 9 - Gangtok.

A full day of sightseeing in Gangtok, including the marvellous Rumtek Monastery (pictured left) and the unique Research Institute of Tibetology.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 10 - Drive to the Glenburn Tea Estate.

Return to West Bengal for a restful stay at the charming Glenburn Tea Estate, a 150 year old plantation house situated on a small hill above the River Rungeet. This is the perfect place for those who are looking for peace and quiet, and for those who like walking. A resident guide/naturalist will organise walks in the surrounding areas, as well as birdwatching and fishing. An individual programme can be tailored to suit your requirements.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 11 - Glenburn Tea Estate.

At leisure, with a choice of activities.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 12 - Return to Kolkata.

Drive out of the hills to Bagdogra and fly to Kolkata.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

DAY 13 – Kolkata.

At leisure.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

DAY 14 – Depart.

In the morning transfer to the airport for your international flight home.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

International Flights.

There are currently no direct flights from London to Kolkata.  We recommend the services of Air India from London Heathrow via Delhi. Current timings (subject to possible change) are as follows:
Heathrow/Delhi.  Depart at 21.30; arrive Delhi at 10.35 (next day)
Delhi/Kolkata. Depart at 13.20; arrive Kolkata at 15.35
Kolkata/Delhi.  Depart at 10.10; arrive Delhi at 12.30
Delhi/Heathrow. Depart at 14.45; arrive Heathrow at 18.55

India Holidays: Assam and Sikkim (Tour Reference: WDIN016)
2013/14 Departures
Price per person based on a minimum of two persons travelling together:

Daily departures	Price
2013
Oct to Dec*	£2280
2014
Jan to 15 Apr	£2280
Oct to Dec*	£2320

* Supplements will be charged during the Christmas and New Year period.

Single Room Supplements on request.

The price includes:

• Scheduled domestic flights from Kolkata to Guwahati, from Guwahati to Bagdogra and from Bagdogra to Kolkata, including airport taxes.
• Hotel accommodation as listed above in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
• 13 full breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners as shown in the itinerary.
• Private transportation throughout.
• All sightseeing as shown (unless indicated as ‘optional’), including entrance fees.
• The services of private English-speaking drivers throughout.
• The services of private guides for the included sightseeing.
  

Not included in the price:

• International flights (see our recommendation above). We are happy to discuss the flights with you and give you further guidance.
• Optional sightseeing.
• International airport taxes.
• Tipping. We will be pleased to give guidance in this often sensitive matter.
• An Indian Visa. This should be obtained before departure from the United Kingdom. Applications should be made online through VFS Global, the official representatives of the High Commission in London - http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk/.

A deposit of £250 per person is required at the time of booking. The balance of the price for your India holiday must be paid at least 8 weeks before your departure date.