What Makes it Special?
- Walk through Kolkata’s colourful flower market at sunrise.
- Visit Rumtek Monastery, the heart of Tibetan Buddhism in Sikkim.
- Ride the steam-powered toy train to Ghoom.
- Wander Kalimpong’s monasteries and hidden trails.
- Dive into Tibetan culture at the Institute of Tibetology.
- Sip Darjeeling’s finest brews overlooking the Himalayas.
Your tailor-made holiday will be as unique as you are. These itineraries are just a starting point, a bit of inspiration to show what’s possible. Your own trip all starts with a conversation with one of our India experts, who’ll take the time to understand what matters most to you and design the perfect holiday to match.
Our North East Explorer itinerary is designed with returning visitors to India in mind. This region of Northeast India has a strong Tibetan influence, as many of the towns and villages were on an important trade route to Tibet. You'll love this India trip if you've got a keen love of scenery and the outdoors, and you'll be in your element if you've an interest in Tibetan Buddhism. The journey includes the former British capital of Calcutta (now known as Kolkata), a journey by train to Darjeeling's UNESCO tea plantations, visits to numerous colourful and very active temples and monasteries, as well as plenty of time to amble around, explore and relax. We think it's a wonderful and unique journey, which makes a nice change and pace from classic routes through Rajasthan and Kerala.
8.5 hours from London
When to go
- October to December
Average temperature
- 32°C
Average rainfall
- 61mm/month
Itinerary at a Glance
Day by Day
Here's a summary of what you might get up to day-to-day on this India holiday. As always, this is just an idea. Every single day of your trip will be tailored to suit you.
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Your adventure through India's northeast begins today with an overnight flight from the UK to Kolkata. You'll have to transfer somewhere along the way, but we'll be sure to find the best flight option for you.
This morning, you'll arrive in Kolkata, where you'll be met by your private car and friendly driver. They'll whisk you straight off to your accommodation, where you can spend the remainder of your day relaxing and shaking off the long journey. Kolkata, once known to the British as Calcutta, was the former capital of the Raj. It still retains its colonial character and is a centre for art and education. It's a wonderful city to explore!
For your first full morning in India, you'll head off for a visit to the colourful flower market, the first of many assaults on your senses! After taking in the blooms, take a walk in Dalhousie Square and grab a spot of lunch. This afternoon, you'll head off on a guided Kolkata City Tour with your brilliant local guide who will help to bring the city to life.
Today you'll catch a flight to Bagdogra, where you'll be met and driven to Kalimpong, a journey that stretches 75km and should take 2.5 hours. Kalimpong once belonged to Sikkim and later Bhutan. Today, though, it offers a colourful market, fantastic walks, and some important temples and monasteries to explore.
Today, you'll head off on a guided adventure around Kalimpong. Your local guide will make sure you experience all of the highlights, as well as some local treasures and sharing plenty of stories and historic tales along the way.
Today, you'll continue your journey by road as you head to Gangtok. This journey is approximately 80km, and should take around 3 hours. Check into your accommodation and head out to explore the local area. Chat to us if you'd like some recommendations on where to eat this evening!
Today, you'll enjoy a guided tour of Gangtok. Famed for its Rumtek Monastery, along with the Institute of Tibetology, you guide will make sure you visit all of the highlights!
From Gangtok, you'll head southwest to Darjeeling with your driver, which should take around 4.5 hours. Perched at a higher altitude, Darjeeling provides the ideal environment for tea growing, and for centuries, it was a cool getaway for the British elite. It's a beautiful region ideal for relaxing and or/walking. There are some lovely trails, chat to us for some recommendations if you'll be packing your walking boots.
Today, you'll head off on a Darjeeling City Tour with your local guide. You might visit Tiger Hill for the spectacular views over the Kanchenjunga and Himalayan peaks. The Japanese Peace Pagoda and Himalayan Mountaineering Institute are highlights!
Today, you'll enjoy a one-of-a-kind toy train ride between Darjeeling and Ghoom. Operated by steam, this railway has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and riding the rails here is a real experience not to be missed.
Today, your driver will drive you to Bagdogra airport, ready to catch your flight back to Kolkata. On arrival in the city, you'll be met by your private driver and taken to your city accommodation for your final night in India.
Today, your India holiday comes to an end as it's time to head back to the airport in time for your morning flight home. Until next time, India!
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What You're Saying
“
First time clients of Holiday Architects and what a memorable trip they planned and delivered for us. Lisa and Clare put together 5 weeks of criss-crossing Sri Lanka and Rajasthan in India, whilst their excellent partners on the ground made sure we had the best experience possible. What made it so special were the quirky places we stayed, the unique experiences scheduled just for us and above all the generosity of our drivers and the many guides willing to share their personal insights on local customs and culture. It goes without saying we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Holiday Architects if you are planning that special trip and thank you Lisa and Clare, we loved it all!
Debbie O'Shea
”
“
We recently booked a holiday to India; we were helped all the way by Clare, who put together a wonderful itinerary for us. Whilst in India, we were really well supported by the local team. Our driver was fabulous and really looked after us. India is a truly amazing country with so much rich history, culture, wildlife and scenery. Above this, the people we met were friendly, interesting and interested, and a joy to meet. Thank you for a truly memorable trip.
HA India client
”
“
We have just returned from India and it was honestly the best holiday we have had! The itinerary was brilliant, Holiday Architects were so helpful while booking the holiday and the information and help before we travelled was great. When we arrived in India we couldn't have felt more looked after. I highly recommend this company. We really can't fault anything. Thank you for the memories.
Nicky Edwards
”
Holiday Gallery
Meet our India expert
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our expert Clare is dedicated to all things India and is here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Clare Burkey
Destination Manager
Clare’s travelled all over India and loves nothing more than planning holidays that reflect you. Whether it’s temples, tea, trains or tucked-away towns, she’s got the experience (and enthusiasm) to make it unforgettable.
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