Day 1 Bagdogra >> Siliguri >> Darjeeling
On arrival at the Bagdogra airport or the Siliguri railway station, drive to the scenic hill station of Darjeeling, ( Distance from Bagdogra – about 90 kms / Distance from Siliguri – about 80 kms )
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DARJEELING is one of the most magnificent hill resorts in the world. This heavenly retreat is bathed in hues of every shade. The flaming red rhododendrons, the sparkling white magnolias, the miles of undulating hillsides covered with emerald green tea bushes, the exotic forests of silver fir-all under the blanket of a brilliant azure sky dappled with specks of clouds, compellingly confounds Darjeeling as The Queen of Hill Stations the name is derived from the Tibetan word ‘Dorje’ which means the precious stone or ecclesiastical sceptre, which is emblematic of the thunderbolt of Indra, and ‘ling’ - a place, hence the land of the thunderbolt. The sceptre of Indra is believed to have fallen at a place where now stands the Observatory Hill. Straddling a ridge at 2134m and surrounded by a tea plantations, Darjeeling has been a popular hill station since the British established it as an R&R centre for their troops in mid-1800s.
( The real fun in coming to Darjeeling is on the toy train. Darjeeling toy train takes six to seven hours to cover a distance of 80 kms.
On arrival in Darjeeling, check into the hotel booked for you. Overnight at the hotel in Darjeeling
Day 2 In Darjeeling
Early morning depart for a full day sightseeing tour. Visit the Tiger Hill (accessible by jeep only). From here the great Mount Everest is visible on clear days. Also visit the Ghoom monastery. Some of the other sightseeing options are - Lebong village, which has the highest race-course in the world, the Mountaineering Institute House of Tensing Norgay and the Botanical Gardens. In the evening visit the tea gardens.
Overnight in Darjeeling.
Day 3 Darjeeling >> Gangtok ( approx 118 kms )
This morning depart for Gangtok by surface.
The hill resort of Gangtok is the capital of the eastern Indian state of Sikkim. Gangtok is located in the south of the district of East Sikkim. The hill resort covers the western side of a long ridge flanking the Ranipul River. The hill resort of Gangtok is a popular travel destination in India. A tour of the hill resort of Gangtok reveals that the Himalayas in the backdrop of the town. The entire Kanchenjunga Range is worshipped as a local deity. The unspoilt natural beauty of Gangtok and its peaceful Chortens/Stupas offer a truly unique traveling experience in India.
On arrival in Gangtok, check into the hotel booked for you. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Gangtok.
Day 4 In Gangtok
This morning after breakfast, depart for a half-day sightseeing tour
Sightseeing options include the Rumtek Monastery, Research Institute of Tibetology, Garden Sanctuary and Buddhist Monastery. Also see the Deer Park and drive through the colourful bazaar. Overnight in Gangtok.
Day 5 Gangtok >> Kalimpong ( approx 90 kms )
This morning after breakfast, check out of the hotel and depart for Kalimpong
Kalimpong is a remote and pretty hill station, which has been a meeting point of the once 'three closed lands' on the trade route to Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan. A beautiful town with majestic Himalayas in the background and gently rolling hills around, it offers excellent and quiet holiday opportunities. It has a relaxed and unhurried air about it. The trip to Kalimpong passes through forests, crosses the Teesta River Bridge and affords fabulous views of the confluence of the Teesta and Rangit rivers.
The origin of the name Kalimpong has been traced to various sources. In Tibetan, Kalim means 'King's Minister' and Pong means 'Stronghold'. It is also called Kalibong or Black Spur by the hill people. The most likely one, however, is the Lepcha meaning, 'ridge where we play'. It is said that the local tribesmen used to organise field sports in the area, when not engaged in agricultural pursuits.
On arrival in Kalimpong, check into the hotel booked for you. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Kalimpong
Day 6 In Kalimpong
This morning after breakfast proceed on a half day sightseeing tour. Visit the different 'Gompas' which are Tibetian-Buddhist Monasteries
Some of the other sightseeing options are: Dr. Graham's Homes, Deolo View Point & Lake, Durpin Dara, Kalimpong Bazaar, and the flower nurseries.
Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Kalimpong.
Day 7 Kalimpong >> Bagdogra ( approx 80 kms )
Today, check out of the hotel and drive to the Bagdogra airport to board your flight for your onward journey . |