Cultural East India Tour

Duration : 14 Nights / 15 Days
Destinations covered : Delhi - Bhubaneswar - Puri – Kolkata - Bagdogara - Darjeeling - Gangtok - Kalimpong
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Tour Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrive Delhi
Your flight will land at Delhi International Airport sharp in the morning after which you will be transferred to the hotel. The first day you will be exploring the historical walled city of Delhi. the sightseeing tour of Delhi will include the venues like Qutab Minar, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate, President House, Parliament, Red Fort, and Jama Masjid. In the evening you will roaming through the shopping streets in Cannaught place, where you will have the opportunity to buy number of handicraft items brought from all over country. Overnight Hotel - Delhi

Day 02: Delhi - Bhubaneswar (By Morning Flight)
Today we take a flight to Bhubaneswar, the temple city of India. Once the capital of ancient Kalinga, the city has a long history & is today a bustling centre for commerce & religious activity. These temples are unique in themselves, not only in their architectural beauty but also in the wonderful sculptures. These temples epitomize a comprehensive history of Orissan style of temple architecture from its very inception to perfection spreading almost to 2000 years from 3rd century BC to 16th Century AD.

Afternoon we take a tour of Bhubaneswar visiting Lord Shiva Lingaraja Temple, the 11th century temple of Bhubaneswar has been described as “truest fusion of dream & reality.” A rare masterpiece, the temple has been rated one of the finest examples of purely Hindu temple. Every inch of the 55 m-high Lingaraja temple is covered with elaborate carvings. Sculpture & architecture fused elegantly to create a perfect harmony. Next we visit Mukteshwara Temple, a 7th-8th century AD is one of the most ornate temples in Bhubaneswar. The intricate carvings of the deities stand testimony to the influence of Hindu, Buddha & Jain style of architecture. The carvings on the roof are specially striking. We also visit Parashurameshwara Temple, a small but richly decorated shrine of Shiva that was built in the 7th century. It is one of the best examples of the Orissa style of temple architecture. Overnight Hotel – Bhubaneswar

Day 03: Bhubaneswar - Excursion to Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri & Udaigiri
Today we take a same Day excursion to Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri & Udaigiri, famous for Jain & Buddhist Monasteries. We first visit Lalitgiri, earliest Buddhist Complex dating back to the 1st century AD forms an important node of the Diamond Triangle ie Lalitgiri & Ratnagiri & Udaigiri. The majestic ruins of the huge brick monastery, the remains of the chaitya hall, a number of votive Stupas & a renovated stone stupa at the apex of a small rugged sandstone hill dominate the rural greenery around. Next we visit Ratnagiri, famous for many significant Buddhist sculptures scattered around in the hill range. The excavations have revealed the relation of this place with the Gupta Dynasty, dates back to 6th Century AD. The huge monastery showing that Buddhism spread through these areas in the later part, especially due to the influence of the great King Ashoka.

Later we visit Udaigiri & Khandgiri caves, largest Buddhist Complex in Orissa & famous for the caves, these hills provide some solid examples of Jain & Buddhist art of the 2nd Century BC. There are monasteries, Chaitya & Stupas that represent a vibrant culture that flourished in these hills. Overnight Hotel – Bhubaneswar

Day 04: Bhubaneswar - Puri (56 kms - 2 hrs)
Today we drive to Puri, en-route visiting Dhauli and Pipli villages. Dhauli is where Mauryan Emperor Ashoka the Great, renounced bloody warfare and embraced the teachings of Buddha after victory over kingdom of Kalinga. We visit the Peace Pagoda known as the Shanti Stupa built in early 1970 by Japanese. We also stop at two ancient rock edicts, today eclipsed by the presence of the Pagoda. Dating from 260 BC they outline Ashoka's detailed instructions to his administrators to rule with gentleness and fairness. The sculpted elephant atop the edict signifies the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism after his Kalinga victory. Our next stop is the colorful village of Pipli where we can see Orissan Handicrafts, the specialty is applique work.

Afternoon drive to Konark. In Konark, visit to the Temple - Chariot of The Sun God, built by King Langula Narasimha Deva in the thirteenth century A.D. in the golden era of Orissan art. This crowning piece of Orissan architecture and sculpture is sheer poetry in stone. Everyday the Sun rises from the lap of the blue ocean close by and casts its first gentle rays on the sanctum sanatorium and then circles the temple during the course of the day, illuminating the three magnificent images of the morning Sun, the mid-day sun and the setting sun. Later we drive to Puri. Overnight Hotel – Puri

Day 05: Puri
Puri is one of the four most important pilgrimage points for Hindus. Today in the morning we visit the Jagannath Temple of Puri. The temple of Lord Jagannath (God Vishnu), who is considered the preserver of the world in Hinduism, attracts thousands on feast every day, particularly at the time of 'Rath Yatra' (the car festival). The Jagannath temple is also referred as the white Pagoda and it accommodates 5000 priests in its premises. It's an experience to observe the activities of the pilgrims visiting this unique temple. It is one of the most sacred temples in India. Towards afternoon we visit Puri beach. It is also known as one of India's finest beaches and it attracts millions of travelers to India with its strategic setting and religious importance. Overnight at hotel - Puri

Day 06: Puri - Bhubaneswar (56 kms - 2 hrs) - Kolkata (By afternoon Flight)
Today we to Bhubaneswar to take a flight to Calcutta (Kolkata), located in eastern India on the east bank of the River Hooghly. The city served as the capital in India during the British Raj until 1911. Referred to as the Cultural Capital of India, The City of Processions, & the "City of Joy", Kolkata has been home to luminaries such as Rabindranath Tagore, Subhas Chandra Bose, Mother Teresa, Satyajit Ray, Satyendranath Bose, Swami Vivekananda & many others. A vibrant city with a distinct socio-political culture, Kolkata is noted for its revolutionary history, ranging from the Indian struggle for independence to the leftist & trade union movements. Overnight Hotel – Kolkata

Day 07: Kolkata
Today we will visit following places :
Kali Temple - On the Eastern bank of Hooghly in South Kolkata, it is believed that Lord Shiva dropped Sati's right toe here while carrying her burnt remains back from Daksha's Yagna. An important pilgrimage site, Kolkata derives its name from here as well.

Birla Planetarium - The headquarters of Ramakrishna Mission on The Hooghly bank, conceptualized by Swami Vivekananda, disciple of Ramkrishna Paramhansa, the temple was completed in 1899. It is one of the finest specimens of temple architecture in India. The display includes Swami Vivekananda's room, meditation bed, belongings etc. the temple offers a panoramic view of the holy river Hooghly.

Indian Museum - Spread over 10000 sq ft, constructed in 1878, it is India's largest and oldest museum with over sixty galleries af art, archaeology, anthropology, geology, zoology botany section

Howrah Bridge - A marvel of British engineering, this huge cantilever bridge, strung on 270 feet high pillars connects Calcutta from Howrah. Its four traffic lanes are daily used by over a lakh vechicles. the newly constructed Vidya Sagar Setu is also a cable suspended bridge meant to reduce traffic on the old Howrah Bridge. Ferry rides are available near the bridges. Overnight Hotel – Kolkata

Day 08: Kolkata - Bagdogara (By Indigo Flight @ 10:45 – 11:55) - Darjeeling (110 kms - 3 hrs)
Today, we take a flight to Bagdogara, upon arrival drive to Darjeeling, Queen of India's hill stations. Its setting is one of incomparable beauty. A Victorian town of old world charm 'discovered' by the British. It is surrounded by fragrant tea gardens which seem to flow over the layered slopes like emerald swells on a rough sea. Overnight Hotel - Darjeeling

Day 09: Darjeeling
Morning we visit Tiger Hill, famous for its magnificent view of Kanchenjunga, Mt. Everest & other eastern Himalayan peaks especially at the time of sunrise. On our way back we first visit Ghoom, as the name suggests it is gloomy & clammy with perpetual fog. A Tibetan village, one can hear the foghorn-like sounds of Buddhist monks blowing their giant Gyeling pipes from the rooftops of the nearby Yiga-Choling ' Yellow Hat' Buddhist Temple. Later we visit the two Buddhist monasteries Chholing & Darli.

After some rest we take a ride of toy train of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also visit the Mountaineering Institute, created by the late Tenzing Norgay, the Sherpa who conquered Mt Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary. A display of equipment used on the climb is one of the highlights.. Next we visit the Tibet Handicraft Centre & the beautiful Tea gardens. In the evening visit the Observatory Hill known locally as Makal-Babu-Ko-Thaan. According to legend, a Red Hat Buddhist Monastery called Dorje Ling, or 'place of the Thunderbolt', stood at this very spot. The Nepalese destroyed it in the 19th century, now the Shivas & Buddhists share the temple that stands there today. Overnight Hotel - Darjeeling

Day 10: Darjeeling - Gangtok (95 kms - 3 hrs)
Today we drive to Gangtok, a fairytale capital in the clouds, balances precariously on Steep Mountain slopes, Surrounded by lush rice terraces, swifts flowing rivers & distant snow views. It is situated in the lower Himalayas & was a small hamlet until the construction of the Enchey Monastery in 1840 made it a pilgrimage center. It became a major stopover between Tibet & British India at the end of the 19th century. It is also a centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture & learning with numerous monasteries & religious educational.

Afternoon we take a tour of Gangtok, visiting Research Institute of Tibetology, organization dedicated to furthering Tibetan studies, Buddhist philosophy & region. It attracts scholars from all over the world. It houses a rare collection of 30,000 books, Tantric documents, rare manuscripts written in gold on the bark of a poisonous tree, antique thanks & 200 icons, all prized objects of art for the Buddhism. Overnight Hotel – Gangtok

Day 11: Gangtok
Today we visit Do Drul Chorten, are two exquisite Stupas, the Dul-dul-Chorten, was built to commemorate the victory of good over evil. The Jhang Club Chorten was built to perpetuate the memory of a great spiritualist of today. Thrul-Shik Rinpoche an ardent devotee of Buddha and one of his best interpreters died in 1962, the stupa immortalizes Rinpoche in the land of his birth. Next we visit Rumtek Monastery, meandering roads through emerald green rice terraces, lays Rumtek, the main monastery of Kagyud or 'Black Hat' sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Built in 1959 by His Holiness the 16th Reincarnated Gyalwa Karmapa, it is a replica of Tsurphu Monastery from the Kham region of Tibet.

Later we visit Himalayan Zoological Park also known as Bulbuley. It has paved cement path that passes by fenced open air enclosure housing the Red Pandas, barking deer & bears in a semi natural habitat. Next Government Institute of Cottage Industries (GICI), which produces crafts in authentic Sikkimese designs. Hand woven Tibetan carpets sprout dragons in natural dyes, Sikkimese-style tables called Choktse are expertly carved & colored in red & gold. Also explore Lal bazaar, melody of colour. Various ethnic groups from different villages gather to haggle, bargain, gossip their wares. Overnight Hotel - Gangtok

Day 12: Gangtok - Kalimpong (80 kms - 4 hrs)
Today we drive to Kalimpong, an incredible stunning backdrop of towering snow capped peaks. This exotic town of beautiful people, mystical & enchanting, with a rare ethnic blend of hill people. It also houses several Buddhist monasteries which hold a number of rare Tibetan Buddhist scriptures. It was ruled by Bhutan for 155 years & was annexed by the British only in 1865, after which it flourished as a centre of wool trade with Tibet. Here Buddhism rubs shoulders with Hinduism & Christianity. Gumpas, unusual churches, temples & missionaries coexist in a jovial society. Overnight Hotel - Kalimpong

Day 13: Kalimpong
Today we visit Thongsa Gompa also known as the Bhutanese Monastery. It is the oldest monastery in Kalimpong & was founded in the year 1692. Though the old structure was destroyed by the Gorkhas, it was rebuilt on the same site. Next visit the Zong Dog Palri Fo- Brang Gompa, which is on the Durpin hill & is famous for the Tibetan wall paintings. It also has a religious debating society along with a school of Tibetan medicine. Later we visit Tharpa Choeling Monastery founded in 1937 & belongs to the Gelugpa (yellow hat) sect of Tibetan monastery. This Monastery houses many old scriptures & literary works. Next Dr Graham's Home, mission school was founded by Scottish missionary Dr. John Anderson Graham in 1900. The purpose of the school was to educate children of the tea garden workers & poor laborers. We also visit few nurseries around town. Overnight Hotel - Kalimpong

Day 14: Kalimpong - Bagdogara (75 kms- 2 hrs) – Delhi (By Late Afternoon Flight)
Today we drive to Bagdogara to take a fight for Delhi. This is a wonderful drive & initially you follow the turbulent Teesta. Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to hotel. Overnight Hotel - Delhi

Day 15: Delhi Departure
Today we transfer to airport to board the flight for onward destination.

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