16Days Classic North & East

Price from NZD 4835 / AUD 4351 per person on twin sharing basis + Domestic flights from NZD 781 / AUD 703 per person

Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Varanasi – Kolkata – Darjeeling – Kalimpong – Gangtok - Kolkata

Combine the Golden Triangle of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra with the cultural sights of Varanasi and visit the formerly called Calcutta and now called Kolkata, capital of West Bengal state, and former capital of British India. This Sixteen day tour offers a colourful and vibrant insight into the best of North India and explores towns and cities that are full of atmosphere and character.

Tour Highlights: Taj Mahal, Amber Fort, Boat Ride on Ganges, Hawrah Bridge,Ghoom Monestary

Day 1: Delhi

Arrive in Delhi and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: Delhi (B)

Morning tour of Old Delhi visiting Jama Mosque, Red Fort and take a rickshaw ride through fabled Chandni Chowk. Afternoon visit to New Delhi visiting Humayun’s tomb, drive past Government Buildings, Connaught Place, Presidents House and India Gate.

Day 3: Delhi - Agra (B)

This morning you depart to the historical city of Agra. Afternoon tour of Agra visiting the sprawling Agra Fort and the spectacular Taj Mahal.

Day 4:  Agra – Jaipur (B)

Travel by car to Jaipur en route visit Fatehpur Sikri, the mysterious ‘ghost city’ before exploring the colourful bazaars of Jaipur.

Day 5: Jaipur (B)

Full day tour visiting the magnificent hilltop Amber Fort with its picturesque Sheesh Mahal and the Hawa Mahal, the Observatory-Jantar Mantar and City Palace.

Day 6: Jaipur – Varanasi (B)

Transfer to Jaipur airport to connect flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival check in and relax. In evening witness Aarti on the Ganges, the sacred “light ceremony”, on the riverbanks of Mother Ganges.

Day 7: Varanasi (B)

Early morning boat ride on the Ganges followed by Temple tour. After breakfast visit Sarnath.

Day 08: Varanasi – Kolkata (B)

In time transfer to Varanasi airport to connect flight to Kolkata. Meet & assist upon arrival and transfer to your hotel.

Day 09: Kolkata (B)

Full day tour visiting the India Museum with its Italian architecture, Howrah Bridge, the most famous symbol of Kolkata, Victoria Memorial, a splendid architectural structure in white marble, and St Paul's Cathedral.

Day 10: Kolkata – Bagdogra – Darjeeling (B/D)

Transfer to airport for a flight to Bagdogra. On arrival, drive on to Darjeeling and the afternoon at leisure. 

Day 11: Darjeeling (B/D)

Take a full day tour of Darjeeling including a visit to Ghoom monastery and the magnificent statue of Maitreya. Visit Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre where you can see Tibetan craftsmen making traditional items like carpet, woollen boots, wood carvings and leather goods.

Day 12: Darjeeling - Kalimpong - Darjeeling (B/D)

Drive to Kalimpong and the visit Tharpa Choling Monastery, belonging to the Gelugpa sect followed by a visit to flower nurseries. Drive back to Darjeeling in the evening.

Day 13: Darjeeling - Gangtok (B/D)

Drive to Gangtok and afternoon tour visiting Dodrul Chorten and Enchey Monastery. Also, visit the Research Institute of Tibetology and Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom; it is a centre for keeping alive the traditional arts and crafts, a veritable storehouse of exquisite carpets, blankets and shawls in Lepcha weaves.

Day 14: Gangtok (B/D)

Enjoy an excursion to Rumtek Monastery, the seat of the Kagyupa order, one of the four major Tibetan Buddhist sects. Afternoon, visit Tashi viewpoint which offers an enchanting view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Siniolch.

Day 15: Gangtok – Bagdogra - Kolkata (B)

Transfer to Bagdogra Airport to connect flight to Kolkata. Transfer to hotel and rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Day 16: Kolkata (B)

Transfer to Kolkata airport for your onward flight or extend stay in India/Nepal by choosing various add on tours we offer.

Included: Accommodation for 15 nights, private car/driver for the round-trip, sightseeing as indicated, local guides and entrance fees

Prices quoted are valid till 30 September 2024. Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in NZ Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Please read T&C before booking. Call 09 410 5060 or 0508 EXOTIC (0508 396 842) or email info@exotic.net.nz for more information.