DAY 1 – KOLKATA
Welcome to Bengal, and the start of your beautiful journey.
Upon arrival in Kolkata, clear Customs and Immigration, collect your baggage and proceed to the Arrivals Hall, where you will be met and transferred to the historic Elgin Fairlawn, our home for the next three nights.
Kolkata is the cultural heart of Bengal and the perfect place to begin our journey into the remarkable life and legacy of Maharani Gayatri Devi. A city of grand colonial architecture, fascinating neighbourhoods, artistic traditions and extraordinary stories, over the coming days we’ll begin uncovering the many layers that make this one of India’s most captivating cities.
For now, settle into the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure after your journey. There will be plenty of time to relax and recharge before our Bengal adventure truly begins tomorrow.
Overnight: Elgin Fairlawn, Kolkata
Day 2 – KOLKATA
After breakfast, we’ll set out to discover the fascinating contrasts of Kolkata, beginning at the colourful Mallick Ghat Flower Market beneath the iconic Howrah Bridge. One of the largest flower markets in Asia, this wonderfully chaotic corner of the city offers a vivid glimpse into everyday Kolkata life.
We’ll continue to Bow Barracks before venturing into the historic neighbourhoods of North Kolkata. Here, narrow lanes, traditional homes and grand aristocratic mansions reveal stories of the city’s extraordinary past.
Our explorations take us to Jorasanko Thakur Bari, the ancestral home of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, before continuing through the heritage precincts of Pathuriaghata and Shobhabazar, once home to some of Bengal’s most influential families.
After lunch at a contemporary Bengali café, we’ll return to the hotel for some time to relax.
This evening, we’ll dine at the historic Royal Calcutta Golf Club. Founded in 1829, it is recognised as the oldest golf club outside the British Isles and provides an elegant setting in which to conclude our first full day in Bengal.
Overnight: Elgin Fairlawn (B / L / D)
Day 3 – KOLKATA
Today we discover another side of Kolkata as we delve into the city’s contemporary art and creative scene.
With a specially curated itinerary, we’ll visit approximately two of Kolkata’s contemporary galleries, discovering the artists, ideas and creative voices shaping the city’s cultural landscape today.
For lunch, we step into a little of Kolkata’s old-world glamour at the legendary Mocambo. This much-loved restaurant evokes another era of the city and offers a glimpse into the cosmopolitan Kolkata that Maharani Gayatri Devi herself would have known.
This evening, a special dinner awaits with Bomti Iyengar, adding another memorable layer to our exploration of this fascinating city.
Overnight: Elgin Fairlawn (B / L / D)
Day 4 – SANTINIKETAN
After breakfast and check-out, we’ll make our way to the railway station to board the Shantiniketan Express for our journey from Kolkata to Bolpur.
On arrival, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before checking into Titli Resort.
This afternoon we begin exploring Santiniketan, the extraordinary centre of art, literature and learning established by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. At the heart of our visit is Patha Bhavana, the school Tagore founded in 1901 and where, during the 1930s, a young Princess Gayatri Devi and Indira Nehru, later Indira Gandhi, were both students. The school itself will be viewed from the outside.
Our guided exploration continues through the Visva-Bharati campus, including Uttarayan, Upasana Griha, Chatimtala and Rabindra Bhavana, uncovering the ideas and creative legacy that made Santiniketan such an important part of modern Indian cultural history.
This evening, we’ll experience something truly special with an intimate Baul music and storytelling experience at a local homestay. Through soulful music and stories, we’ll discover the philosophy and traditions of Bengal’s mystical wandering minstrels.
Overnight: Titli Resort, Santiniketan (B / D)
Day 5 – COOCH BEHAR
It’s an early start today as we leave Santiniketan and board the Vande Bharat Express for our journey north to New Jalpaiguri.
Arriving around early afternoon, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing by road towards Cooch Behar, a journey of approximately three hours and fifteen minutes.
Our destination holds a very special place in the story of this tour. Cooch Behar was the ancestral home of Maharani Gayatri Devi and over the next two days we’ll delve deeper into the royal history, traditions and remarkable women connected to this fascinating region.
On arrival, we’ll check into Gulmohar Royals and settle in before dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Gulmohar Royals, Cooch Behar (B / L / D)
Day 6 – COOCH BEHAR
Today is dedicated to the royal heritage of Cooch Behar and the remarkable legacy of Maharani Gayatri Devi.
Accompanied by a specialist guide, we’ll visit the magnificent Cooch Behar Palace and discover the history of the Koch-Rajvanshi dynasty, gaining a deeper understanding of Gayatri Devi’s family story and the world into which she was born.
We’ll also spend time with a young Rajvanshi cultural advocate who will introduce us to the living heritage of the community, with a particular focus on the women who have preserved its traditions through generations.
Discover the traditional Patani dress, textile heritage including Vindravani Vastra, jewellery and folklore, with an opportunity to engage more closely with traditional attire and adornment.
Later, local girls will share traditional Rajvanshi dance with us, and those who wish can join in.
Subject to availability, a particularly special experience awaits with tea alongside members of the Cooch Behar royal family. In this private setting, we’ll have the opportunity to hear stories of family history, Gayatri Devi, royal heritage and life beyond the princely era.
This afternoon, step into the vibrant rhythm of the old city on a guided walking tour through the bustling Clock Tower precinct. Wander colourful laneways alive with the scent of freshly ground spices, vibrant tie-dye textiles, gleaming jewellery, handcrafted leather goods and lacquer bangles, where every turn reveals another glimpse of everyday life.
The walk continues to Toorji Ka Jhalra, the city’s beautifully restored 18th-century stepwell. Once a gathering place for the local community, it is now surrounded by thoughtfully restored heritage buildings housing stylish boutiques, artisan galleries and carefully curated homewares. This is the perfect place to browse, linger over a coffee or simply soak up the atmosphere of one of Rajasthan’s most photogenic neighbourhoods.
This evening dinner is at leisure – time to discover your own hidden restaurant or dine in-house. The choice is yours.
Overnight: Gulmohar Royals, Cooch Behar (B / High Tea / D)
Day 7 – Siliguri
After breakfast, we’ll farewell Cooch Behar and travel by road towards Siliguri.
Our journey of approximately three and a half hours takes us through the plains and tea-growing regions of northern Bengal as the landscapes begin to shift and the foothills of the Himalayas draw closer.
On arrival in Siliguri, we’ll check into our hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
After several wonderful days filled with culture, history and discovery, this is our chance to slow the pace, relax and prepare for tomorrow’s journey into the hills of Darjeeling.
Overnight: Siliguri hotel TBC (B / L)
Day 8 – Darjeeling
Today we leave the plains behind and begin our journey into the spectacular Eastern Himalayas.
Travelling along winding mountain roads and through beautiful tea-growing landscapes, we’ll make our way towards Darjeeling, one of India’s most celebrated hill stations.
On arrival, we’ll check into The Elgin, our home for the next three nights.
This afternoon, we’ll step into a little of Darjeeling’s colonial charm with traditional high tea at the iconic Glenary’s, a much-loved institution in the heart of town.
There will also be time to soak up the atmosphere around Chowrasta and the Mall, where mountain life, historic architecture and the unmistakable character of Darjeeling come together.
This evening, we’ll gather for dinner at the hot
Overnight: The Elgin, Darjeeling (B / High Tea / Dinner)
Day 9 – Darjeeling
After breakfast, we’ll set out to discover some of Darjeeling’s most fascinating cultural and historic landmarks.
Our day begins at Yiga Choeling, also known as the Old Ghoom Monastery, before continuing to the Japanese Peace Pagoda and neighbouring Nipponzan Myohoji Temple.
We’ll then visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, renowned for its conservation work with remarkable Himalayan species including the red panda and snow leopard.
Nearby, we’ll explore the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, established in the wake of the first successful ascent of Mount Everest and dedicated to the history, spirit and skill of Himalayan mountaineering.
After our explorations, return to the hotel with the remainder of the day to enjoy at leisure.
Overnight: The Elgin (B / D)
Day 10 – Udaipur
Today is all about connecting with the people, traditions and everyday life of Darjeeling.
We’ll begin with a visit to the Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre, where traditional skills and craftsmanship continue through carpet weaving, wood carving, textiles and other handmade arts.
Then comes one of those wonderful experiences that takes us beyond sightseeing. We’ll be welcomed into the home of a local family for a specially arranged cooking demonstration and hosted meal, discovering the flavours of the region while sharing food, conversation and stories.
Later, depending on conditions and the mood of the group, we’ll enjoy either a guided colonial heritage walk through Darjeeling or a gentle forest walk surrounded by the beauty of the Himalayan landscape.
It’s a day of connection, local flavours and a deeper glimpse into life in the hills.
Overnight: The Elgin (B / L / D)
Day 11 – Glenburn Tea Estate
Today is a wonderful adventure in itself as we farewell Darjeeling and begin our journey towards Glenburn Tea Estate.
This morning, we’ll board the legendary Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, affectionately known as the Toy Train. Departing around 8.30 am, our historic little train winds its way through forests, mountain curves and hill settlements towards Kurseong.
On arrival around midday, we’ll continue by road for lunch at either Mayfair Jungpana or Margaret’s Deck Tea Lounge.
After lunch, we farewell our guide and continue towards Glenburn Tea Estate. The drive is approximately three and a half hours along slow, winding mountain roads, with the final stretch completed in an estate vehicle.
We expect to arrive after sunset, when we’ll settle into this extraordinary tea estate retreat, our home for the final three nights of our journey.
It has been a long travel day, but tomorrow morning you’ll wake surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of Glenburn.
Overnight: Glenburn Tea Estate (B / L / D)
Day 12 – Glenburn Tea Estate
Wake this morning to the tranquillity of Glenburn Tea Estate, surrounded by rolling tea gardens, forests and the landscapes of the Himalayan foothills.
Today we’ll set out on a guided estate and countryside walk, exploring the natural beauty surrounding this historic property and gaining a sense of the landscape that makes Glenburn so special.
A gorgeous experience awaits with a specially arranged riverside picnic lunch, giving us time to slow down, enjoy our surroundings and simply soak up the peaceful rhythm of estate life.
The remainder of the day is yours to relax and enjoy Glenburn at leisure.
Overnight: Glenburn Tea Estate (B / Picnic Lunch / D)
Day 13 – Glenburn Tea Estate
Today we discover the story behind one of the world’s most celebrated teas.
Accompanied by Glenburn’s experts, we’ll explore the tea gardens and learn about cultivation, harvesting and the unique terroir that gives Darjeeling tea its distinctive character.
We’ll then visit the tea factory to follow the fascinating journey from freshly picked leaf to finished tea before sitting down for a guided tasting.
With a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every cup, the remainder of the day is ours to relax and enjoy the beautiful estate.
As our final full day together unfolds, there is time to reflect on an extraordinary journey that has taken us from the cultural heart of Kolkata and the royal heritage of Cooch Behar to the mountain landscapes and tea gardens of Darjeeling
Overnight: Glenburn Tea Estate (B / L / D)
Day 14 – Farewell
Our beautiful journey through Bengal and Darjeeling comes to an end today.
After breakfast, it’s time to farewell Glenburn and begin our drive through the hills to Bagdogra Airport for our onward flights.
A packed lunch will be provided for the journey.
We leave with memories of colourful Kolkata, the artistic spirit of Santiniketan, the royal legacy of Maharani Gayatri Devi, the living traditions of Cooch Behar, the mountain charm of Darjeeling and the peaceful tea gardens of Glenburn.
Most importantly, we leave with the stories, connections and shared experiences that have made this journey so special.
(B / Packed Lunch)
