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Imagine Asia  >  Destinations  >  Calcutta and the East
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Calcutta and the East

With hill stations oozing old-world charm, mountainous regions speckled with bright monasteries, intricate temples and colonial churches, and the buzzing cultural and political hub of Calcutta, India’s north-east offers an alluring combination of cultures and landscapes. It holds an irresistible charm sure to captivate all those who explore its wonder.

When to go

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Many journeys through Calcutta and the East begin in India’s vibrant cultural capital of Calcutta. Officially renamed as Kolkata in 2001, Calcutta is a city of contrasts, with grand colonial mansions lining leafy boulevards coupled with pockets of colourful bazaars and bustling shanti tows.

Although not an ancient city, remnants of Calcutta’s rich colonial history can be found throughout the city. Once the capital of the British Raj, Calcutta’s monuments, statues and artefacts tell the story of British Empire in India at its peak, infused with classical European and Mughal influences. The Victoria Memorial is the greatest landmark of the city, and one of the most solid reminders of the Raj to be found in India. To get a feel of the city in its modern day, enjoy an early morning visit to Calcutta’s colourful flower market on the Banks of the River Hugli and watch the city come to life.

Known as a gateway to the Himalayas, Calcutta offers easy access to the other highlights of this region, including the former hill station of Darjeeling. With colourful monasteries, Christian churches, ornate temples and lush tea plantations scattered across a mountainous Himalayan landscape, Darjeeling offers a refreshing change of pace from Calcutta. As well as trying some of the locally cultivated tea for which the area is best known, the Darjeeling Mountain Train – or the ‘toy train’ – is a particular highlight. A world heritage, century-old steam engine, the toy trains chugs along at a sedate pace, offering uninterrupted, breath-taking views of the Himalayas.

In the mountainous state of Sikkim at an elevation of 1,600m lies Gangtok, a charming hill town brimming with monasteries, temples and churches against a backdrop of snowy mountain peaks. Gangtok provides convenient access to the Rumtek monastery, one of the most colourful and intricately designed monasteries in the region.

India's cuisine

Only after stepping foot in India will you realise that Indian cuisine, as you know it, just doesn’t exist. To paint both the delicate and punchy flavours of India with the same broad brushstroke overlooks the smorgasbord of dishes on offer from north to south. Tried and tested recipes balance coriander, cumin and cardamom with almost scientific precision, guaranteeing a culinary experience you will never forget.

Destinations

Calcutta (Kolkata)

Darjeeling

Gangtok

Kalimpong

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Darjeeling, Himalaya and the North, India

Fabulously set in heavenly surroundings at the foot of the majestic Kanchenjunga ranges near Darjeeling, Glenburn Tea Estate is a serene plantation retreat full of old world colonial charm and an invigorating tonic for the soul.

Glenburn Tea Estate

Kalimpong, India

The Orchid Retreat is a simple family-operated guesthouse in Kalimpong in the Darjeeling Himalaya. Offering a haven of peace and gardens filled with birds and orchids, the Orchid Retreat is perfect for nature lovers and a couple of nights of relaxation.

Orchid Retreat

Kalimpong, India

Located on the edge of Kalimpong, PaliGhar is a brilliantly run lodge that provides access to a beautiful and rural part of Northeast India. At the heart of PaliGhar are its immersive experiences, food and trekking routes, ideal for intrepid travellers.

PaliGhar

Calcutta, India

Just outside Calcutta lies the architecturally splendorous Rajbari Bawali. An 18th century palace extensively restored to its former glory, it offers a glimpse into this grand building's extravagant past, as well as a gloriously comfortable stay.

Rajbari Bawali

Gangtok, India

The Elgin Nor-Khill is a charming heritage hotel near Gangtok in Sikkim. Redolent with history and Himalayan character, the Elgin Nor-Khill is Gangtok’s loveliest place to stay, and a wonderful base for exploring Sikkim’s amazing temples and mountains.

The Elgin Nor-Khill Hotel

Darjeeling, Himalaya and the North, India

The Mayfair Hotel is a delightful colonial-style hill station retreat in Darjeeling, located opposite the Governor’s House, in an excellent location to explore the town. The Mayfair has been nicely updated and offers the best accommodation in Darjeeling.

The Mayfair Darjeeling

Darjeeling, Himalaya and the North, India

The Windamere Hotel is a Raj-era heritage hotel located on Darjeeling’s Observatory Hill. It is a wonderfully atmospheric retreat from which to enjoy the fresh Himalayan climate and scenery.

Windamere Hotel

Calcutta, India

Located in the heart of Calcutta and well over a century old, the Oberoi Grand combines classical architecture and refined modernity, making it the city’s foremost luxury hotel and a sophisticated retreat from the hustle and bustle of the City of Joy.

The Oberoi Grand

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Calcutta, Kalimpong, Gangtok, Darjeeling

Discover the delights of India’s most beguiling far-flung region, from India’s vibrant cultural hub of Calcutta to the striking Himalayan scenery that surrounds the hill stations and Buddhist monasteries that dot India’s northeast.

9 nights from $3271 per person Culture & history, Spectacular scenery, Walking & Trekking

East India Tour

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Calcutta, India

A visit to the Kumartuli potter community is a fascinating tour where you can witness the incredible skill with which clay model of gods and animals are created and painted.

Kumartuli’s Potter Community

Darjeeling, India

A tour around the Dali Monastery, one of the biggest in Darjeeling. You will explore the library and take part in evening prayers in the beautiful prayer room.

Evening prayers in Dali Gompa

Darjeeling, India

An extensive walking tour of Darjeeling, where you will see a huge number of things, from the Mahakal Dara to Royal Bengal tigers! You will enjoy breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea in local areas.

Darjeeling walking tour

Darjeeling, India

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, affectionately called the ‘Toy Train’, is a wonderful experience that gets you closer to the Himalayas.

Toy Train Ride

Darjeeling, India

A hike to Tiger Hill offers stunning views of the colossal Mount Kanchenjunga, as well as many other snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.

Tiger Hill hike

Gangtok, India

Explore Gangtok and the surrounding region, visiting the Rumtek monastery, the Institute of Tibetology, the Orchid Sanctuary and the Chorten monastery.

Gangtok and Surrounding Area Tour

Calcutta, India

A tour of the British colonial buildings that surround B.B.D Square, which allows you to explore the historical, cultural and political past of this great city and the British empire.

Colonial buildings tour

Calcutta, India

No visit to Kolkata is complete without sampling the enormous range of delicious and traditional street food on offer and it is the ideal place to sample food from all parts of India.

Calcutta Street Food tour

Kalimpong, India

A tour of scenic Kalimpong, with visits to flower nurseries, the Haat Bazaar, a monastery and the Ghandi Ashram School for local underprivileged children.

Kalimpong tour

Calcutta, India

The perfect experience for beginner and professional photographers alike. Kolkata has some of the best photography opportunities in India and this tour will help you find them.

Photography tour of Kolkata

Darjeeling, India

Enjoy watching the sunrise on Observatory Hill followed by a guided walking tour of Darjeeling, visiting the zoological park, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, the Tibetan refugee centre and then Bhutia Busty Monastery.

Darjeeling Guided Tour

Calcutta, India

Explore the fascinating city of Kolkata with a specialist guide on this half day tour. Visit the Victoria Memorial, Botanical Gardens and Mother Teresa’s Missionary of Charity.

Kolkata City Tour

Calcutta, India

An evening country boat ride, to take in the setting sun on the Hooghly River.

Kolkata sunset river Cruise

Calcutta, India

Calcutta is easily one of India's most photogenic cities and is truly a melting pot of cultures and colours. Whether you are a photographer or not, our Culture Kaleidoscope Tour, run by a local photography expert, is the perfect introduction to the city.

Culture Kaleidoscope Photography Tour

Calcutta, India

A cooking demonstration with a delicious dinner in a local and traditional Bengali home in Kolkata. Here you will learn about both the cuisine and authentic Bengali family life.

Cooking demonstration and dinner with a local family

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Inspiration

Introducing India

Toy Trains of India

India's cuisine

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