North East India – Tea Estates, Heritage & Wilderness 14 Days

Today marks the beginning of your extraordinary journey through the tea country, heritage landscapes and wilderness of North East India.

Upon arrival in Kolkata, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel.

Known as the City of Joy, Kolkata is one of India's most fascinating cultural destinations. Once the capital of British India and today the capital of West Bengal, the city offers a remarkable blend of colonial heritage, vibrant street life and artistic traditions. Over more than four centuries, Kolkata has evolved into a unique meeting place of cultures, religions and communities. Grand colonial buildings, bustling markets, historic cafés and elegant avenues reflect the city's rich history, while contemporary life unfolds all around them.

The remainder of the day is yours to relax after your international journey and enjoy your first impressions of eastern India.

→ Accommodation: The Oberoi Grand 5 ★, Kolkata
→ Meals: No

After breakfast, discover the many faces of Kolkata, India's cultural capital and former seat of the British Raj.

Begin the day at the vibrant Flower Market beneath the iconic Howrah Bridge before exploring the colonial architecture of Dalhousie Square and the legendary College Street Book Market.

Enjoy a traditional Bengali lunch before continuing to the sacred Kalighat Temple, one of India's most important Shakti pilgrimage sites. Along the way, experience the nostalgia of Kolkata's historic tram network and visit architectural landmarks including St. Paul's Cathedral and the magnificent Victoria Memorial, often referred to as the "Taj of the Raj".

The day concludes at Mother House, the spiritual home of the Missionaries of Charity and the legacy of Mother Teresa.

→ Accommodation: The Oberoi Grand 5 ★, Kolkata
→ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, transfer to Kolkata Airport for your flight to Jorhat, the cultural heart of Assam and the historic centre of India's tea industry.

Upon arrival, continue to one of Assam's elegant heritage tea bungalows, surrounded by rolling plantations and tranquil landscapes. Once the last capital of the Ahom Kingdom, Jorhat is today regarded as the Tea Capital of India and home to the country's leading tea research institutions.

Later, immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Assam tea with a visit to a working tea estate. Stroll through endless tea gardens, observe the traditional harvesting process and gain exclusive insights into the journey from leaf to cup. A private tea tasting introduces you to the distinctive flavours and aromas that have made Assam one of the world's most celebrated tea regions.

As the sun sets over the plantations, enjoy the timeless atmosphere of your heritage tea retreat and the refined hospitality for which Assam's tea country is renowned.

→ Overnight: in Jorhat
→ Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After an early breakfast, journey to the banks of the mighty Brahmaputra River and continue by private boat to the legendary island of Majuli, the world's largest inhabited river island and one of North East India's most remarkable cultural treasures.

Surrounded by the ever-changing waters of the Brahmaputra, Majuli has long been regarded as the spiritual heart of Assamese Vaishnavite culture. Founded in the 15th century through the teachings of the revered philosopher and reformer Srimanta Sankardeva, the island remains home to ancient monasteries, living traditions and a way of life that has changed little over generations.

Explore the island's peaceful villages, cultural heritage and unique atmosphere before returning to the mainland and continuing through the landscapes of Assam towards Kaziranga National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kaziranga is one of Asia's most celebrated wildlife reserves and home to nearly two-thirds of the world's population of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. Vast grasslands, wetlands and forests shaped by the Brahmaputra create one of India's most spectacular natural environments.

Upon arrival, settle into your luxury jungle lodge and enjoy the tranquil surroundings as anticipation builds for the safari adventures ahead.

→ Overnight: Diphlu River Lodge 4 ★, Kaziranga
→ Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Begin the day before sunrise with one of India's most extraordinary wildlife experiences — an early morning elephant safari through the mist-covered grasslands of Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the world's largest population of the rare one-horned rhinoceros.

As the jungle awakens, keep watch for wild elephants, water buffalo, swamp deer, hog deer and an impressive variety of resident and migratory bird species. With a little luck, you may even spot the elusive Royal Bengal tiger hidden among the tall elephant grass.

Following breakfast, visit the Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park, an inspiring local conservation initiative showcasing the remarkable biodiversity and cultural heritage of Assam. Discover colourful orchids, traditional village architecture, local handicrafts and the indigenous traditions of North East India.

In the afternoon, embark on an exclusive jeep safari through the renowned Central Range of Kaziranga. Explore vast floodplains, wetlands, tropical forests and river landscapes shaped by the mighty Brahmaputra River, creating one of Asia's most important wildlife habitats.

→ Overnight: Diphlu River Lodge 4 ★, Kaziranga
→ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, depart to Guwahati, the cultural gateway to North East India and the vibrant capital of Assam, beautifully situated along the banks of the legendary Brahmaputra River.

Known as the "City of Temples", Guwahati offers a fascinating blend of spirituality, history and contemporary life. Subject to time availability, visit Sankardeva Kalakshetra, an important cultural institution dedicated to the life and legacy of the revered Assamese scholar, philosopher and reformer Srimanta Sankardev.

As evening approaches, experience one of the highlights of your journey — an elegant dinner cruise on the majestic Brahmaputra River. As the sun slowly sets over the water and the city lights begin to shimmer along the riverbanks, enjoy fine cuisine and unforgettable views during one of India's most atmospheric river experiences.

→ Overnight: Vivanta by Taj 5 ★, Guwahati
→ Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, transfer to Guwahati Airport for your flight to Bagdogra, the gateway to the Eastern Himalayas. Upon arrival, continue your scenic drive through rolling hills, mountain valleys and lush landscapes to the charming Himalayan town of Kalimpong, renowned for its colonial heritage, peaceful atmosphere and spectacular mountain scenery.

For generations, Kalimpong has been celebrated for its flourishing orchid nurseries, exotic flowers and rare Himalayan plants. The region's unique climate and fertile hillsides have made it one of India's most important centres for orchid cultivation and horticulture.

After checking into your carefully selected heritage hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Relax in the refreshing mountain air, stroll through the charming hill station or simply admire the panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and distant Himalayan peaks.

→ Overnight: Mayfair Himalayan Spa Resort 5 ★, Kalimpong
→ Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast, explore the charming Himalayan town of Kalimpong. Visit the panoramic Durpin Dara View Point and the peaceful Zong Dog Palri Fo-Brang Monastery before discovering the region's famous orchid nurseries and the traditional Gangjong Handmade Paper Factory, where ancient Himalayan paper-making techniques are still preserved today.

Continue to St. Teresa's Church, a unique blend of Christian and Tibetan architectural influences, before enjoying a stroll through the colourful local market.

In the afternoon, travel through scenic mountain landscapes to Darjeeling, the legendary "Queen of the Hills" and home of the world-famous Darjeeling tea. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

→ Overnight: The Windamere Hotel 4★, Darjeeling
→ Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Today discover the colonial charm and Himalayan heritage of Darjeeling. Visit the renowned Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre.

Later, enjoy time to explore the historic Mall Road and local market at your own pace.

For an additional experience, an optional ride on the famous UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, affectionately known as the "Toy Train", is highly recommended.

→ Overnight: The Windamere Hotel 4★, Darjeeling
→ Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Today your journey continues to the exclusive Glenburn Tea Estate, one of India's most iconic plantation retreats nestled amidst the Himalayan foothills. Established in 1859, Glenburn enjoys a spectacular setting above the banks of the Rungeet River, framed by the magnificent Kanchenjunga mountain range.

Combining colonial heritage, refined hospitality and timeless tranquillity, the estate offers an authentic immersion into the world of Darjeeling tea.

Spend the remainder of the day relaxing amidst rolling tea gardens and enjoying the serene atmosphere of this extraordinary Himalayan retreat.

→ Overnight: Glenburn Tea Estate 3★, Glenburn
→ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Wake to breathtaking views of rolling tea gardens and distant Himalayan peaks.

Discover the fascinating journey of Darjeeling tea from leaf to cup during a guided visit to the estate and its tea factory, where traditional craftsmanship continues to shape the production of one of the world's most celebrated teas. A carefully curated tea tasting introduces the delicate aromas and distinctive character that have earned Darjeeling tea its reputation as the "Champagne of Teas".

The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure amidst the peaceful surroundings of Glenburn Tea Estate.

→ Overnight: Glenburn Tea Estate 3★, Glenburn
→ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, bid farewell to the tea-covered hills of Darjeeling as you travel to Bagdogra Airport for your flight to Kolkata.

Upon arrival, continue to the beautifully restored Rajbari Bawali, an extraordinary heritage estate located amidst the rural landscapes of Bengal. Originally built over 300 years ago, this magnificent palace has been carefully transformed into one of Eastern India's most distinctive luxury heritage retreats, offering a unique glimpse into the grandeur of Bengal's aristocratic past.

Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure and immerse yourself in the timeless atmosphere of this remarkable property.

→ Overnight: Rajbari Bawali 4★, Kolkata
→ Meals: Breakfast

After an unforgettable journey through the tea estates, wildlife sanctuaries and heritage treasures of Eastern and North East India, transfer to Kolkata International Airport for your onward flight.

Your memorable journey with Travel Mart TM comes to an end, leaving you with lasting memories of India's tea heritage, colonial elegance and Himalayan landscapes.

→ Meals: Breakfast