Calcutta and the East

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.