DAY 01
Arrival in Darjeeling
On arrival at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station (70.3 km) / Bagdogra Airport (65.3 km) / Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand (61.9 km), meet our Travel Astu representative who assists you while you take a transfer to Darjeeling.
Set at an elevation of 2050 m, Darjeeling is a beautiful hill town in West Bengal, popular for its tea plantations. Home to Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this tranquil town makes every visitor experience spectacular views of the Majestic Himalayas. The pleasing weather and soothing ambience of the place promises to leave every visitor mesmerized.
On reaching, check-in to the hotel. Step out to explore the Mall or shopping area of Darjeeling in the evening. Later, come back to the hotel for overnight stay.
DAY 02
Sightseeing tour in Darjeeling
Wake up early this morning and start driving towards the famous Tiger Hill (11 km) to experience a sunrise like never before. As you pass through, thick forests of oak and magnolia, get ready to enjoy a sunrise over Kangchenjunga Peak (subject to clear weather). Tiger Hill is famous to offer a panoramic view of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga together. As the first rays of the sun hit the place, you get to see the twin peaks of Kanchenjunga painted in shades of pink and orange.
After enjoying this breathtaking sunrise, head back to Darjeeling. En-route, visit Ghoom Monastery, War memorial and Batasia Loop. An age old monastery, Ghoom Monastery is known for its spiritual ambience, beautiful thangkas and alluring surroundings. The monastery holds much importance for Buddhists as it preserves some of the rare Buddhist manuscripts. Batasia Loop is the perfect host to Darjeeling Himalayan toy train, which passes through the place in a loop-like pattern. Near Batasia loop, there is a war memorial dedicated to the brave soldiers who lost their lives for the country during wars and operations after independence.
On reaching the hotel, have your breakfast and go for your next round of sightseeing. Start with a visit to Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park, which is well-known for its exotic flora and fauna. Visit Peace Pagoda, another major tourist attraction of Darjeeling. The place is believed to be a symbol of peace and spirituality. There is a Buddhist temple and monastery located near Peace pagoda. Done up in traditional Japanese style, they offer a serene ambience to meditate.
With that spirit of mountaineering, you really can’t miss visiting the famous Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (Closed on Thursday). Enjoy the beautiful views of the tea plantations and snow-capped peaks with a Cable Ride that takes you to the beautiful Rangit Valley from Darjeeling. Explore the true beauty of Darjeeling, which lies in its Tea Estates and pick the best tea for yourself. Also, visit attractions like Tensing Gumpo Rock, Tibetan Refugee Self Help Center (Closed on Sunday) and Natural History Museum (Sunday Closed).
Head back to the hotel and enjoy a stroll around the mall in the evening. Stay overnight at the hotel.
DAY 03
Transfer to Gangtok & Half Day Sightseeing
Munch some healthy breakfast in the morning and then take a transfer to Gangtok, located at a distance of 96 km from Darjeeling.
A well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site, Gangtok is nestled amid the high peaks of the Himalayas. Set at an elevation of 1600m, the place allures tourists from all over the world to explore its untouched beauty. Lakes, gardens, monasteries, Gangtok has something for every tourist. Gangtok experiences pleasant weather all throughout the year, this is why, people throng the place to enjoy some time amid natural beauty all through the year.
On reaching, check-in to the hotel and go for sightseeing at major tourist attractions of Gangtok. Do Drul Chorten Stupa is one of the most important Stupas in Sikkim. The stupa features intricate architecture which leaves every visitor mesmerized.
Set on a scenic hill above Gangtok, Enchey Monastery is one of the major attractions of Gangtok. It is believed that the monastery belongs to the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism. The location where the monastery is located is believed to be blessed by Lama Drupthob Karpo, who was an expert in tantric art of Buddhism. Enchey Monastery is beautifully decorated and features alluring images of the deities Buddha, Loki Sharia, and Guru Padmasambhava. One can find a number of masks in the monastery which are used during the annual religious dances. Do visit other attractions like Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, Research Institute of Tibetology, White Hall and Flower Show. Later, return back to the hotel. Enjoy the evening at leisure. Stay overnight at the hotel.
DAY 04
Excursion to Tsomgo Lake & Baba Mandir
This morning, after having your breakfast, leave for your excursion to Tsomgo Lake (38.5 km) and Baba Mandir (54.6 km).
A tranquil and scenic lake, Tsomgo Lake is one of the most popular attractions of Gangtok. Set at an elevation of 3780 m, this glacial lake is considered holy by Sikkimese people. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the lake. The place is a paradise for bird watchers as get to spot a number of Brahmini ducks and migratory birds near the lake.
Located at a distance of around 16 km from Tsomgo Lake is Baba Mandir. A popular pilgrim center, Baba Mandir is believed to possess wish fulfilling powers. The shrine is built in the memory of Baba Harbhajan Singh, who was an Indian Army soldier and lost his life near Nathula Pass. It is believed that he is still ‘on duty’ for the Indian Army and he guards the lives of soldiers posted on the India- China border.
You have an option of visiting Nathula Pass, which is located 20 km from the shrine. Later, head back to Gangtok. In the evening, go for a stroll around the Mall road or any of the local shopping centers. Stay overnight at the hotel.
DAY 05
Gangtok to Kolkata by flight
Kolkata - Sundarbans National Park
Pack your bags and post breakfast, check out from the hotel and Gangtok. You would be transferred to Bagdogra airport for your journey to Kolkata.
Once you arrive, you are taken to the jetty at Sonakhali. The ride that last for two and a half hours takes you across the rural landscape of Bengal consisting of villages and colorful markets. Soon you will be boarding the lovely river launch of MB Sundari, you sail down several rivers like the Hogol, Gomor, Gumdi and more. While you relax and enjoy the ride sipping your cup of tea, the resident guide explains you the mysteries of the Sundarbans.
You get to witness many exotic birds and plants, there are varieties of them in this area. In some hours, you reach the Sundarbans Jungle Camp on the Bali island. Lunch is served soon after your arrival, you are to stay at cottages which are well maintained. Post lunch, you move down to Sajnekhali where you visit the Mangrove Interpretation Center and on the way back stop by the Sudhyanakhal watchtower. Dinner awaits you on your arrival at the resort.
DAY 06
Sundarbans National Park
After breakfast, you spend the whole day cruising. You proceed to the canopied walk at Dobanki and further to Netidhopani, here you can see the ancient excavations and watch a game from the height of the watchtower. You can spot some animals from there, mostly the tigers as they are in abundance here.
There is a great possibility to witness the Estuarine Crocodiles and the Dolphins of Irrawady. Lunch is served on board and late in the evening you return to the resort after watch the beautiful view of the setting sun. Then the local villagers are ready with their performance based on the old popular Myth. Your day ends with your retiring for the day.
DAY 07
Sundarbans National Park – Kolkata
Kolkata to Patna by Flight
Today after breakfast you will be transferred to Kolkata. After reaching you will do Half day city sightseeing of Kolkata.
In evening time Travel Astu driver and representative will drop you to Airport for your flight to Patna.
Night stay in Patna.
DAY 08
Patna
Breakfast at hotel. Free day for visit Patna City.
Evening visit to Takht Sri Patna Sahib is a Gurdwara in the neighborhood of Patna Sahib, India. It was built in remembrance of the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs on 22 December 1666.
Overnight in Patna.
DAY 9
Patna
Morning breakfast at hotel.
DAY AT LEISURE FOR YOUR OWN ACTIVITIES OR YOU CAN VISIT PATNA
Overnight in Patna.
DAY 10
Patna to Varanasi by road (250kms/6hrs)
Morning after breakfast drive to Varanasi.
Reach Varanasi and check into the Hotel.
Varanasi, the city of temples and Ghats, is an utmost travel destination of the country over the centuries. It is one of the oldest living cities in the world. Varanasi attracts tourist who come to enjoy the mystical divinity. It is believed that one who takes his or her last breath gets the freedom from the complicated cycle of life and death so it is regarded as the Holiest cities for Hindus in the country. It is believed that the place has magical spells, but it is not faint hearted.
When sunset begins to set, we shall witness Aarti at the Ghats of Varanasi. The chants of religious hymns by priests, the sound of conch shells, bells, gongs, the smell of camphor and incense sticks will mesmerize you as you sit by the dark waters of the ancient river. Your guide will be on hand to explain the proceedings and the significance of the Vedic hymns recited by the priests.
Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 11
Varanasi Sightseeing Tour
Varanasi to Delhi by Flight
Like an early bird we shall start our day with a drive to Daswamedh Ghat and take a boat ride on the holy water of River Ganga. We explore Cremination Ghats to speculate the live rituals of the world’s most important religions.
For you to enchant the beauty of this holy city we shall board you off on the banks of River Ganga.
Board the boat with your guide and you will be in the middle of the river and here you speculate the sun, unfolding its sight of sunrise in front of you. And at the background you will experience thousands of pilgrims worshipping sunrise and having a bath in the holy waters.
We return at Ghat and walk through the paved streets of the banks of River Ganga.
Experience the death ceremony rituals.
Time for the shops to open, the market becomes a beehive of activities with the flood of tourist.
Return for breakfast to the hotel.
Stroll around famous sari markets of the city. Board yourself for a rickshaw ride from the city to the Chowk witnessing the main markets of the city.
We get down at Chowk and shall explore various markets by strolling in the streets.
We shall cover:-
• The wedding market (Kinari Bazaar)
• Kachori Galli (lane of kachoris, these are deep-fried snacks very popular in Varanasi)
• Khoa Galli (this lane sells milk products including paneer and condensed, sweetened milk)
• Vishwanath Galli (the most famous of all lanes in Varanasi).
Next we stop at Benaras Hindu University covering the area of 400 acres and is the largest residential universities in Asia. The complex features an art gallery and a mosque of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
After we shall move forward to Sarnath, a well-known Buddhist site and a popular tourist destination that is worth a visit. The place got its fame after Buddha delivered its first sermon after attaining enlightenment after 2500 years. It is one of the holiest place in Asia.
We shall explore a museum that features antiquities dating back to 3rd century BC.
We even visit the textile village where will discover artisan with their set up and daily activity.
Evening we will transfer you to Varanasi airport to board flight for Delhi.
On arrival at Delhi we will be in airport to transfer you to hotel.
DAY 12
Delhi - Departure
Enjoy leisurely breakfast in the hotel.
If you will interest, we shall take you for architectural visit of Akshardham temple or else you can explore the Delhi lanes, do shopping and immortalize them in photographs.
Akshardham temple is a Hindu temple complex, which portrays Hindu religion and Indian cultures, architecture and spirituality. The temples lay down its foundation near the banks of Yamuna and attract a majority of tourist visiting Delhi. This stone crafted temple exhibits the life story of Swami Narayan as well as displays the history of India.
Enjoy your last day shopping in India
As per the flight timings of International flight; you will transfer back to your sweet home town with unforgettable memories of India.
TOUR ENDS!!!
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