Discover Darjeeling

10 Nights / 11 Days

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tea heritage of India in picturesque Darjeeling, a spectacular region of plantations established in the 1860s. A visit to a local plantation, to learn about the tea-making and growing process is an absolute must during your stay, with a selection of prominent estates, such as Glenburn, offering not only tours but heavenly little places to stay.

Nothing quite encapsulates the tranquillity of the region like enjoying a delicious cup of tea whilst taking in the views of River Rungeet, Sikkim and the mighty Mt Kanchenjunga. Other adventures in the region include hiking excursions, day trips to Darjeeling, or Kalimpong, and birdwatching.

Epicureans, cultural and nature enthusiasts will fall in love with this 11-day India tour that travels through some of the country’s most vibrant destinations, in search of its mouth-watering menus and historical attractions. This adventure includes explorations of Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and The Glenburn Tea Estate, just outside of picturesque Darjeeling.

Explore the bustling Chandni Chowk market to immerse yourself in its vibrant street food culture. Visit the Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb, spend an evening at an award-winning eatery hosted by a culinary expert, take a private cooking class and master an authentic Hyderabadi dish, venture to awe-inspiring palaces, stop off at museums, hike through flourishing forests and learn about India’s fascinating tea heritage – the adventures are seemingly endless.

Day 1-2: Delhi

Take a rickshaw ride through the Chandni Chowk, once the grandest of markets in India.
Explore the Spice Market in Old Delhi which has been in operation since the 17th century.
Visit the Jama Masjid, the principal mosque of the region, commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1644.
Stop at Agrasen ki Baoli, an ancient ‘haunted’ stepwell which is a protected monument.
Discover Rajpath, also known as the Kings Way, flanked on either side by ornamental ponds.
Drive past Rashtrapati Bhawan (Presidential House) – the official residence of the President.
Stop at the India Gate for photographs, the 42 metre stone arch.
Visit Humayun’s Tomb, a complex of buildings that were built to house his body.
End your day with a stop at the Qutub Minar, a 72.5-meter tower, the world’s tallest brick minaret.

Day 3-5: Hyderabad

Embark on guided tours of the Falak Numa Palace as well as the Grand Chowmahalla Palace, rich in history.
Walkthrough the beautiful Laad Bazaar, famous for its sparkling bangles of semi-precious stones, pearls, and jewellery.
Stop at the spectacular Charminar Monument and visit the Salarjung Museum, the third largest museum in India. Here, you will have the opportunity to view the largest private collection of antiques in the world.
Stop at the home of Mrs Vinita Pittie, an eccentric fashion designer, for a cup of tea and insightful conversation.
Enjoy privately guided tours of the Golconda Fort, Qutb Shahi Tombs, Charminar and Mecca Masjid.
Visit the home of Mrs Mumtaz Khan and immerse yourself in the authentic preparation of Hyderabadi Cuisine. Her home was once visited by young girls on the verge of matrimony, seeking her help in creating mouth-watering menus.

Day 6-7: Kolkata

Set off on a magical sunset boat cruise on the River Hooghly, offering views of the happenings on the river’s ‘Ghats’.
Enjoy a wonderful Bengali dinner at Bomti’s with a presentation on the Story of Tea and history of India.
Embark on a tour of the city’s vibrant flower market, and synagogues, followed by a meal of delicious Kathi rolls.
Enjoy a heritage walk through the Dalhousie Square, a World Heritage Site, enjoying the architecture and history of the city’s many unique and spectacular buildings.
Take in the magnificent Victoria Memorial, followed by a stop at the Jaggu Bazaar and the Balaram Mallick sweet shop.
Tuck into a delectable lunch at Oh! Calcutta, famous for its sensational fish curries, before embarking on an afternoon tour of north Kolkata. Your adventure includes visits to the Kumartuli, the Marble Palace and the Jain Temples.

Day 8-10: Darjeeling

Take a scenic 4×4 nature drive and walk through the Simbong Forest to the River Rung Dung
Brave the Manjitar Suspension Footbridge, about 200 feet across, and at least 100 feet above the river.
Explore the local villages, stopping at the popular tea shops, visiting the local temples and shopping for crafts and antiques.
Explore tea factories and learn about the process of tea production coupled with a few tea tasting sessions.
Interact with the Glenburn tea pickers and learn how to pluck the “two leaves and a bud” used to produce the perfect cup.
Enjoy the variety of birdlife, butterflies and flora that add to the diverse landscape that makes up a tea estate.
Take a ride on the famous Darjeeling Hill Railway (now a World Heritage Site) through the local towns.
Enjoy a delightful cooking class at the Glenburn Estate.

Day 11: Departure

Today, we wave a fond farewell as you are collected for your flight to Bagdogra Airport, where you will catch a flight to Delhi, for your onward flight home.

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