Best of Bhutan & Bengal

India | Bhutan

Experience the culture and landscapes of India & Bhutan

15 days £4,295 pp This is the per person group tour price, based on 2 sharing. The price is subject to change with exchange rate and flight cost fluctuations.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Come join us on an incredible journey spanning two different worlds. Commencing your trip from Kolkata - the old seat of the British Raj near the Bay of Bengal - north to the mystical Land of the Thunder Dragon, our Best of Bengal and Bhutan is sure to take you to a higher place, both literally and figuratively.

As you climb from sea level into the Himalayas, you’ll experience a magical realm where trains are toys and monasteries are devoted to fertility. Along the way you’ll smell the chamomile of Darjeeling’s famous tea plantations. You’ll traverse the India-Bhutan frontier at Phuentsholing. You might even pinch yourself at the sight of the fertile Punakha Valley extending away beneath you. Wander lost and found in a land steeped in Buddhist chant. The trek up the one such Bhutanese monastery, the perched Tiger's Nest, will enlighten you one way or another.

This being an overland trip involving road and rail, we’ve striven to put sustainable travel at the heart of what we do. By keeping our ecological footprint light, the idea is to intensify your overall experience in nature. That way, the greens of the gorgeous Paro Valley stay greener, and the taste of lunch with a local Bhutanese family is altogether more wholesome.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Discover the rich history of Kolkata
  • Durga Puja festivities in Kolkata
  • Toy train ride in Darjeeling
  • Bhutanese art & culture in museums of Thimphu
  • Discover rich Buddhist culture – dzongs, monasteries & welcoming monks
  • Visit the Temple of Fertility in Punakha
  • Sacred sites in Paro valley
  • Hike up to the iconic Tiger's Nest monastery

Places Visited

Kolkata - Siliguri - Darjeeling - Phuentsholing - Thimphu - Dochula Pass - Punakha - Paro

What's Included

Group arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks
All rail tickets

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Itinerary & Map
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Overview Itinerary Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1 : Kolkata

Arrival into Kolkata. You will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. After refreshing, what better way to get acquainted with India’s second city than a sunset boat ride on the river Hooghly? Return to hotel. 

Note:  a shared group transfer is provided on arrival. If you are arriving at a different time from the group then a private transfer would have to be arranged at an additional cost.

Overnight in Elgin Fairlawn Hotel, Kolkata

Meal plan: n/a

Often labeled the "Cultural City of India", Kolkata is India's second biggest city and one of its major ports, located on the east bank  of the Hooghly River. Previously named 'Calcutta', it was the former capital of the British Indian Empire until 1911 and originally designed in the style of a grand European capital. As a result, Western influences can be seen throughout the city within its colonial-era architecture: Raj Bhavan, the state governor's residence, imitates Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire, the Indian Museum is built in the Italian style, while the Victoria Memorial Hall attempts to combine classical Western and Mughal architecture. Kolkata was also the centre of the Indian independence movement, and to this day still plays an important role in contemporary state politics.

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Day 2 : Kolkata

We kick off the day with a city tour of Kolkata. Filled with sights that might astound you with an exotic feel of the familiar, this city tour will incorporate names closer to home, such as the iconic Victoria Memorial, Fort Williams, Esplanade, St. Paul's Cathedral, Potter's Village and College Street. End the day with coffee in one of Kolkata’s famous coffee houses. The evening you spend at your leisure.

You will witness Durga Puja celebrations, which take place between 20-24 October.
 

Overnight in Elgin Fairlawn Hotel, Kolkata

Meal plan: Breakfast

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Day 3 : Kolkata

Before a well-earned breakfast at an iconic local restaurant, get a taste for a different fragrance, by exploring Kolkata’s sprawling flower-market on the banks of the river Hooghly. After breakfast, it’s time to talk a stroll in and around Dalhousie Square to see a blend of heritage and pre-independence buildings. In the afternoon you will visit the vegetable and spice market, and then we put theory into practice with lunch at a Bengali family home. Again, your evening is at leisure.

Overnight in Elgin Fairlawn Hotel, Kolkata

Meal plan: Breakfast

Col. Mark Wood's Map: Dalhousie Square Walk
Retrace the steps of Lt. Col. Mark Wood's detailed map of European settlement in Kolkata, made in 1784. Explore streets and buildings while learning about Kolkata's history between 1757 to 1807, when it emerged as the 'Second City of the British Empire'. Beginning at the General Post Office, the 2.5 hours walk will end at popular food joint, Kaka Tea, where you can enjoy tea and snacks.

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Day 4 : Kolkata - Siliguri

Today is a travel day. An early morning transfer to Howrah railway station will find us connecting with the all-new Vande Bharat train to New Jalpaiguri. The Vande Bharat stands as one of the finest short-haul trains on India’s vast rail network. The service departs Howrah at 05:55, reaching New Jalpaiguri at 13:25. Meals served onboard. Transfer to your hotel in Siliguri. In the afternoon, take in the sights and sounds at your leisure. 

Overnight in Mayfair Tea Resort, Siliguri

Meal plan: Breakfast

The stunning city of Siliguri is located in the foothills of the Himalayas, by the banks fo the Mahananda River. The third largest city in the state of West Bengal, it spans the town of Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts. Famous for it's tea plantations, Siliguri is also home to several iconic monasteries, including the Salugara monastery and ISKON temple. Additionally the Hong Kong market is a particularly popular with tourists, offering unique imported goods and commodities at cheap rates.
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Day 5 : Siliguri - Darjeeling

Following breakfast, we take the narrow gauge toy-train from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling. Enjoy the experience of winding up the foothills of the Himalaya. This UNESCO Heritage train ride starts its slow ascent at 10:00, reaching Darjeeling at 17:30. Packed lunch shall be provided. Transfer to hotel and evening to relax.

Note: train timings are subject to change. 

Overnight in The Elgin, Darjeeling

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

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Day 6 : Darjeeling

Today sees a marked shift in our itinerary, in both altitude and feel of the overall experience. Its name forever synonymous with tea, today will be your first day in one of India’s most well-known hill stations. Our visit takes in the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Zoological park, Mall road, and local market.

Overnight in The Elgin, Darjeeling

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Now a town in the state of West Bengal, Darjeeling was once part of Nepal but was annexed to India by the British. It is most famous for its tea industry, especially its delicious black tea. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway connects the town with the plantations and has one of the few steam trains still operating in India. Full of beautiful colonial architecture, the town’s British-style public schools attract students from all over India and neighbouring countries. It is also regarded as a centre for music and playing instruments is a popular pastime amongst residents.

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Day 7 : Darjeeling

Today we take the iconic steam toy train to Ghoom monastery. A journey through this high country would be incomplete without seeing at first hand the tea plantations that lent Darjeeling its fame. This educational tour includes tasting, leaf-plucking and the other various process involved in producing export-quality tea. You’ll lunch on the estate before returning by evening to your hotel.

Overnight in The Elgin, Darjeeling

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

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Day 8 : Darjeeling - Phuentsholing

After breakfast, we embark on a day's drive through the tea gardens, dense temperate forests, and babbling rivers of the Dooars. Our journey continues toward the Bhutanese border. With customs and immigration formalities over, we end this day officially in Bhutan, staying in the frontier town of Phuentsholing.

We'll stop en route for lunch. Evening at rest with dinner included. 

Overnight in Hotel Druk, Phuentsholing

Meal plan: Breakfast & dinner

Now a town in the state of West Bengal, Darjeeling was once part of Nepal but was annexed to India by the British. It is most famous for its tea industry, especially its delicious black tea. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway connects the town with the plantations and has one of the few steam trains still operating in India. Full of beautiful colonial architecture, the town’s British-style public schools attract students from all over India and neighbouring countries. It is also regarded as a centre for music and playing instruments is a popular pastime amongst residents.

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Day 9 : Phuentsoling - Thimphu

Today we go from the border town of Phuentsoling to Bhutan's capital, Thimphu. Your first sight of Bhutan proper, the journey by road takes us on an ascent through regal Himalayan scenery towards Thimphu, with lunch en-route. The evening is set aside for a leisurely stroll through Thimphu. 

Overnight in Hotel Norpheling, Thimphu

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Phuentsholing is a border town in southern Bhutan  which adjoins the Indian town of Jaigaon in west Bengal. The border clearly separates two very different peoples and cultures. Jaigaon in West Bengal (India) is typical of many large Indian cities, which are large, bustling and loud, and is popular with Bhutanese traders and shoppers. Phuentsholing is uniquely more urban than other Bhutanese towns as it is the Bhutan financial, industrial and trading capital. It has been influenced a little by its louder neighbour, but is still distinctly quieter and more orderly. 

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Day 10 : Thimphu

Commencing our first full day in the ‘land of the thunder dragon’, we launch into a fulfilling morning schedule, which includes Buddha Dordenma, the Postal Museum, and the Textile Museum. After lunch, we shall visit the centenary farmers market, Zilkha nunnery, and the  Pangri Zampa monastery. We end the day with a visit to Trashichhoedzong.

Overnight in Hotel Norpheling, Thimphu

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan and its governmental, religious and commercial centre.  It is nestled in the Wang Chuu river valley and is abundant in natural splendour, wildlife and culture.  Thimphu is a very unique city with an unusual mixture of modern developments alongside ancient traditions. With a population of about 100,000 people, it is perhaps the world’s only capital city without traffic lights. In fact, there are no traffic lights in the whole of the country. Here, policemen stand in decorated pavilions in the main intersections and direct traffic using hand gestures in a conscious effort to save their culture from modern influences. Every building is still decorated with Dzong-style features and Buddhism influences every part of daily life. There is a variety of cafes, bars, nightclubs and restaurants, and Thimphu is one of the few places in Bhutan to have ATM machines. Altitude: 2,320m.

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Day 11 : Thimphu - Dochu La Pass - Punakha

Today we move towards Punakha Valley. En route, we will cross the 3088m Dochu La Pass. Enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes and then continue your journey to Punakha. Reward your getting there with an afternoon at leisure. 

Overnight in Four Boutique, Punakha

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Dochula Pass is located on the way from Thimphu to Punakha. The pass is a popular location as it offers a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days, with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass. Known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens - the construction of these 108 chortens was commissioned by the eldest Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. The pass is also popular spiritual destination for both locals and tourists because an important temple is located at the crest of Dochula pass. 

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Day 12 : Punakha

After breakfast, we explore on foot the administrative capital of the region, the Punakha Dzong. Later we visit Chimi Lakhang - also know as the temple of fertility. This afternoon you are  invited to take a  2 hour gentle hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten. Personal effort brings great reward, as you’ll see from the top, with outstanding views of the entire Punakha valley.

Overnight in Four Boutique, Punakha

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The majestic Punakha Dzong, known as the Palace of Great Happiness, used to serve as Bhutan's religious and administrative centre until the 1950s. The inside courtyards and religious statuary hint at a deep historical and spiritual tradition. It is quite large, 
measuring over 180m long by 70m wide and has a six-story, gold-domed tower. The dzong sits at the junction of the Pho chhu and Mo chhu rivers and was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, a Tibetan Buddhist lama. Arguably the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan, it was the second to be ever built in the country. Bhutan's most treasured possession, the Rangjung ('Self-Created') Kharsapani image of Chenresig is kept here, but is closed to the public.  

The Chimi Lhakhang temple is commonly known as the Temple of Fertility. It sits on a hillock in the centre of the valley, a site that was blessed by the 'Divine Madman'. This is the maverick saint Drukpa Kuenleyis that was famously obsessed with his 'magic thunderbolt of wisdom'. Therefore it is not unusual to see phalluses (symbol of fertility) painted on the outside of houses! It is widely believed that if couples who do not have children pray at this temple, they are blessed with a child very soon. Besides its fertility blessings, the temple also works to fulfill other religious needs. The trail to the temple leads across rice fields through the tiny settlement of Pana, which means ‘field’. A walk through this village will give you a rare glimpse into the daily life of the Bhutanese.

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Day 13 : Punakha - Paro

After breakfast we set off back towards Thimphu and further on to Paro. The afternoon will be well spent visiting Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong. Evening is at leisure.

Overnight in Hotel Olathang, Paro

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Paro is the second largest town in Bhutan although small in size and population. Its main street is lined with buildings richly decorated in traditional architecture that house a scattering of shops and restaurants. Paro is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding attractions, such as Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). After Bumthang, the valley is amongst the most beautiful in Bhutan. Altitude: 2,280m.

The Ta Dzong was originally built to be a watchtower, but it now houses the National Museum. Its extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons, armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

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Day 14 : Paro

The day starts with a fascinating excursion to Taktshang Monastery, famously known as the Tiger's Nest. Reaching the monastery, sitting about 900m above the Paro valley, takes  no more than 5 hours and back on foot. On return we shall drop into a Bhutanese farm house for lunch. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Paro centre.

Overnight in Hotel Olathang, Paro

Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, the Taktshang Monastery is perhaps the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries and is perched precariously on the side of a cliff, 900m above the Paro Valley. It is said that Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism and the Buddha of our time, came here on the back of a tigress to meditate, hence the name. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and was even visited by the Tibetan Buddhist Lama, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, in 1646. All Bhutanese people visit this monastery at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building, but it has now been restored to its original splendour. 

The hike to the monastery is a 2-2.5 hour strenuous walk uphill. This can be broken down into three stages and a donkey can be used to ride up to two-thirds of the way. The first stage is trekking to the  rocky outcrop across a ravine from the monastery, which takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Lunch will be served here later today.  The second stage is walking from the cafeteria to the lookout opposite the monastery, which takes close to one hour. The third stage is climbing down 475 steps in the cliff face to the bottom of the ravine, crossing over a stream and waterfall and climbing up another 300 steps to the entrance of the monastery. You will spend up to an hour here and view the cave where Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal meditated. 

Cameras are not allowed inside the monastery. 

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Day 15 : Departure

All good things must come to an end. Transfer to airport and fly from Paro, either to Kolkata, Delhi or Kathmandu. Connect with your onward flight home or extend in either India or Nepal.

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

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Elgin Fairlawn Hotel

Kolkata (3 nights)

Steeped with colonial charm and history, Fairlawn Hotel offers unique accommodation in the heart of Kolkata. Escape from the bustle of the city amidst the lush greenery of the landmark Sudder Street garden area and drift off to any period in the last 200 years. Wi-fi access available. 

Visit hotel's site
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Mayfair Tea Resort

Siliguri (1 night)

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The Elgin

Darjeeling (3 nights)

The Elgin Hotel in Darjeeling is situated in the heart of Darjeeling. The luxury heritage hotel oozes colonial charm with over 125 years of history and was once the summer residence of the Maharaja of Cooch Behar, The hotel's classically elegant interiors with wood panelling, pillars and chandeliers date back to the Raj era. The hotel has 25 tastefully decorated rooms all laid with Burmese teak wood. Most of the rooms have views across the valley and the Himalayas.

Visit hotel's site
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Hotel Druk

Phuentsholing (1 night)

Situated at the gateway of Bhutan, Hotel Druk is a comfortable and modern hotel in Phuentsholing. It offers 32 well-appointed rooms including 2 junior suites and 1 presidential suite. There are a range of decent dining options in the restaurant. The hotel is also located close to the main city and shopping area.

Visit hotel's site
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Hotel Norpheling

Thimphu (2 nights)

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Four Boutique

Punakha (2 nights)

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Hotel Olathang

Paro (2 nights)


Hotel Olathang enjoys a prime position on a hill amidst 28 acres of beautiful blue pine forests. Built over 40 years ago to accommodate the guests at the coronation of the 4th King of Bhutan, the heritage design lends the hotel a unique Bhutanese feel. The hotel features a multi-cuisine restaurant and a spa. Guest rooms are spacious and comfortable, with views over the Paro Valley.


Visit hotel's site
Extensions

Nubra Valley Extension (5 days)

Remote villages & jaw-dropping scenery

On The Tiger Trail (9 days)

On the tiger trail through Bandhavgarh and Kanha

The Golden Triangle (5 days)

Marvel at India's most incredible forts and palaces

Kolkata & Sunderbans (6 days)

Discover colonial Kolkata and the Sunderbans Tiger Reserve

Wildlife of Tadoba & Pench (9 days)

A real life Jungle Book.

Kolkata & Darjeeling Snapshot (7 days)

Ideal extension to Bhutan

Himalayan Extension: Ladakh to Kashmir (5 days)

Travel across the spectacular Himalayan Highway

Beaches (1-7 days)

After exploring the busy cities, there's no better place to relax than one of India's paradisiacal beaches

Treks & Walks (1-12 days)

Himalayan treks, village walks and more

Hill Stations & Mountains

Escape the city and unwind among some of the most breathtaking mountain and hill scapes the world has to offer.

City Extensions (1-4 days)

Visit the must-see sights and the hidden depths of India's most vibrant cities.

Highlights of the Subcontinent (22 days)

Discover iconic sights of India, Nepal & Bhutan

Journey through the Indian Himalayas (20 days)

Travel through the Himalayan foothills via Shimla & Amritsar to Ladakh

Monks, Tribes & Rhinos (20 days)

Himalayan mountains, unseen tribes & amazing wildlife

Classic Bhutan & Assam Cruise (18 days)

Experience Bhutan's rich culture, colonial Kolkata and rural life in Assam

Himalayan Silk Road & Tak Tok Festival (16 days)

Travel India's forgotten Silk Road from Kashmir to Ladakh

Glimpse of India & Nepal (16 days)

Golden Triangle and the Himalayas

Textile Tour of India (16 days)

Textile tour of Gujarat & Rajasthan including the Mewar Festival

Big Six of India (15 days)

Spot tigers, lions, leopards, buffalo, rhino & elephants

Treasures of Maharashtra (15 days)

Mighty sea fortresses, rock-cut cave temples, and verdant hill stations

Best of Bhutan & Bengal (15 days)

Experience the culture and landscapes of India & Bhutan

Nagaland: Festival of the Headhunters (15 days)

Aoling Festival, wildlife in Assam & natural beauty of Manipur

Taste of South India (15 days)

Experience the flavours and exotic spices of South India

Journey Through Rajasthan (15 days)

Discover Rajasthan's forts, palaces and rural villages

Kerala & Karnataka Explorer (14 days)

Idyllic backwaters, tropical forests & ancient temple towns

Spirit of South India (14 days)

Temple towns of Tamil Nadu to backwaters of Kerala

Himalayan Wildlife of Ladakh (14 days)

Track the Himalayan brown bear & snow leopard on a once-in-a-lifetime trip

Roof of the World - Ladakh to Kashmir (14 days)

Experience dramatic Himalayan scenery, Buddhist and Islamic cultures

Best of Assam & Meghalaya (14 days)

Wildlife, diverse cultures & rural life in hidden North East India

Birds & Wildlife of Rajasthan (14 days)

Uncover the regal wildlife of Rajasthan

Heart of India (14 days)

Take in the highlights of central India

Glories of Gujarat (14 days)

Tribal villages, temples, salt flats & the world's last Asiatic lions

Hampi and Beyond (14 days)

Discover Karnataka's stone temples, wildlife and coffee farms

Tribes & Temples of Eastern India (14 days)

Visit remote tribal villages of Orissa & Chhattisgarh

Taj, Tigers & Temples (14 days)

Perfect mix of classic sights and off-beat places for first-timers to India

Assam & Nagaland Hornbill Festival (14 days)

Wildlife, tribes & rural life in Assam and Nagaland

Kerala Calling (14 days)

Charming towns, spice plantations & idyllic backwaters

Best of Bengal & Sikkim (14 days)

Colonial Kolkata, Darjeeling toy train & Buddhism

Tribes of North East India (14 days)

Remote tribal cultures in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam & Nagaland

Delicacies of North India (14 days)

Discover the huge diversity of North India's cuisine

Wildlife of North East India (14 days)

Diverse wildlife in Assam and the Sunderbans

Kerala - Trekking the Western Ghats (13 days)

Explore this UNESCO biodiversity hotspot on foot

Hidden Rajasthan (13 days)

Rural villages, grand forts & wildlife

Big Cats of India (13 days)

Track India's tigers, leopards & lions

Gujarat's Tribes & Wildlife (13 days)

Gujarat's Asiatic Lions, Salt Flats & Textile Villages

Maha Kumbh Mela Festival (13 days)

Once in 12 years - the largest gathering of humanity on earth

The Himalayan Silk Road with Sophie Ibbotson (13 days)

Expert-led trip through Kashmir and Ladakh

High Indus Valley of Ladakh (12 days)

Attain lofty heights over soul-soothing Ladakh

Glimpse of India (12 days)

Golden Triangle, tigers & exotic Kerala

Markha Valley Trek (12 days)

Set foot in Ladakh's hidden Himalayan valleys

Essential Rajasthan (10 days)

Discover the forts, palaces, villages and desert of Rajasthan

Living Bridges of Meghalaya (7 days)

Waterfalls, hills and living bridges in North East India

Classic Kerala

Tea, spices, backwaters & beaches

Reviews

Thanks for organising such a great trip to NE India Rahul - everything went seamlessly! We loved the fact that we could book an individual tour but still have flexibility with our itinerary once we were there, enabling us to take in the Si Donyi Festival at Daporijo and also be the first guests to stay overnight in a local village hut with our hosts in Papi, which was fantastic. Our guide was super. He had a wealth of knowledge and a great sense of humour! It’s hard to pick a highlight as the whole trip was both fascinating and at times, humbling. We’ll never forget the amazing people, scenery & culture we experienced whilst there and are glad we had the opportunity to visit such an intriguing part of the world. We would certainly consider travelling with you again in the future.

Hazel Fairall , Tribes of North East India, India

I`m very pleased with the way the trip was arranged for me, it was well organised and went very well. The itinerary was just the right pace to enjoy everything without rushing too much. It was never going to be cheap for 1 person travelling alone but I thought it was very reasonably priced.

Dewi Evans , Tailormade North East India

This trip was very well put together and ticked all the boxes that we had requested. The accommodation throughout the tour was of a high standard and our experiences in the national parks was wonderful spotting many different animals including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, lions, jungle cat plus countless number of birds. Thank you Rahul for tailoring this trip to our requirements.

Nigel & Margaret Turner , Tailormade India Wildlife & Birding tour

We went on the Spirit of South India Tour and had a great time on our honeymoon. There was a good variety of places visited and the hotels, drivers and guides were all very good. We would definitely recommend this tour.

Rachel , Spirit of South India, India

I would highly recommend Travel the Unknown to anyone visiting India. The service we received both prior to, during and following our travels was always timely and excellent. We were able to customize our trip to our liking and to enjoy a wide variety of activities. The guides in every location were outstanding! Honestly. Having travelled through much of the world I can truly say that we have never been more impressed with the quality of the guides arranged for us in each location, as well as the service we received. Similarly, the hotels were excellent and allowed us to live very comfortably while, at the same time, enjoy an authentic Indian experience. If you haven`t already booked your trip with Travel the Unknown, then either do so now....or at least give them a chance to show you what they can offer.

Tracey & Gary , Tailormade India

This was my first experience of using Travel the Unknown having enjoyed small group adventure holidays for many years. I was attracted to the company because it seeks out the more unusual and lesser known areas of a country and I was not disappointed by my visit to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. There is a clear contrast between the people and the scenery of these two regions and we saw very few western tourists particularly in Arunachal Pradesh. The tour was well organised with plenty to see and do.

Keith Lewis , Monks, Tribes & Rhinos, India

This was a very varied and interesting trip to a forgotten part of India. If you like off the beaten track travel it is definitely worth the effort but go with an open mind and keep a smile on your face.

Richard Williams , Monks, Tribes & Rhinos, India

Thank you for organising our holiday in Kerala. I certainly wouldn`t have had the time or the knowledge to put together such a trip. Munnar was my favourite and the accommodation throughout was excellent.

Vik , Kerala Calling, India

A really well planned trip. We experienced life in Northeast India in just the way we wanted to. We loved the game reserves and saw a rock python which thrilled our guides as it is even rarer than the tiger! We visited villages and were able to interact with local people and loved the busy markets in Delhi and Calcutta. A special highlight was the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland; shown to us by our very own Naga guide Kezo. Kezo accompanied us for 15 days of our trip and ensured that we had many very special experiences - even taking us to the home of one of his Aunts where we spent a couple of hours sitting by the bonfire chatting.

Ann Holgate , Tailormade India

What an excellent service! Rahul adapted, extended and improved our trip so many times without a qualm and we ended up with the trip of a lifetime. The destinations are unusual and interesting but everything has been checked out by the team and works brilliantly. I can`t wait to do another trip.

Penelope Smith , Assam & Nagaland Hornbill Festival, India

The tour was an amazing experience for our first visit to India. The country, its people and its cuisine were friendly,delightful, colourful and exceeded all our expectations. Travel the Unknown have put together a superb unique package that we have no hesitation in recommending to anyone with an interest in food and culture.

Elaine & Neil Smith , Delicacies of North India, India

I`m sure I could not have found a better operator for the type of complicated Indian tour I wanted to undertake on a limited budget. India is an intimidating country to visit, and I suspect that some operators look down on the first time visitor, or disparage their requirements. Travel the Unknown, by contrast, helped me all the way, and their local guides were superb.

Andrew Martin , Tailormade North East India
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