Konark West Bengal Tours

01 Day: Arrival Bhubaneshwar
Meeting and assistance on arrival at the airport, our representative welcomes and escorts you by a private car and transfer to the hotel, whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would hand over the documents and brief the tour programme to you. Overnight at the hotel.

Bhubaneshwar ('The Lord of the Universe') is the capital of Orissa. In Bhubhaneshwar, Shiva is known as Tribuhuvaneswara or “Lord of the Three Worlds", from which the city derives its name. Besides being the capital of ancient Kalinga, Bhubhaneshwar is known as Temple Town and Cathedral City on account of its many temples in the extravagant Orissan style. Modern Bhubhaneshwar is delightfully rural for a state capital that administers the affairs of 25 million Orissans.

02 Day: Bhubaneshwar
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Bhubhaneshwar city visiting Lingaraj temple, the Parsurameswar temple, the Mukteswar temple and the Rajarani temples all bearing testimony to the magnificence of Orissan architecture expressed through the sculptures and exteriors of the temples famous for its hot sulphur springs and the Hatakeswar Temple and visit to state museum house to see some of finest collections of paintings and palm leaf etchings. You will then enjoy some free time in the bustling colourful markets shopping for some exquisite Orissan handicrafts. Overnight at the hotel.

03 Day: Bhubhaneshwar – Konark – Puri (65 kms: 2 hrs)
After breakfast check out of the hotel and drive to Puri. Enroute visit Konark - Renown for Sun Temple probably remains as the last remnant of the glorious temples of Orissa an extant example of the architectural excellence of the times. Built in the 13th Century, here a colossal image of the chariot of the Sun, drawn by seven horses and 24 wheels symbolizes the divisions of time. It also houses a Natamandira or dancing hall. Only two subsidiary temples out of the 22 exist today. The Vaishnadevi Mayadevi Temple stands to the West. The Sun temple of Narasimhadeva is a depiction in stone of the life of those times – royal, social, religious and military. Later proceed to Puri. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. In the evening, prayer at the temples and exploring beaches. Overnight at the hotel.

Konark: Renown for Sun Temple probably remains as the last remnant of the glorious temples of Orissa an extant example of the architectural excellence of the times. Built in the 13th Century, here a colossal image of the chariot of the Sun, drawn by seven horses and 24 wheels symbolizes the divisions of time. The Konark Sun Temple also houses a Natamandira or dancing hall. Only two subsidiary temples out of the 22 exist today. The Vaishnadevi Mayadevi Temple stand to the West it. The Sun temple of Narasimhadeva is a depiction in stone of the life of those times – royal, social, religious and military. The intricate carvings on the walls and wheels of the chariot are unprecedented in history.The fine sculptures depicting court life, hunting, scenes and celestial deities are epitomes of precision and grace. Graceful sculptures from the world of the Kamasutra, epic of eroticism also adorn the structures. The Sun Temple standing in solitary splendor is the relic of a great past.

04 Day: Puri
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Puri, this city by the sea is one of the four main Hindu pilgrim centers in India and is famous for its Jagannath temple. Millions of devotees flock to this holy place every year to participate in the Rath Yatra or "Car festival", take a visit to the famous Jagannath Temple, enjoy a stroll through the temple bustling bazaar and visit the main temple complex. The rest of the afternoon is free for shopping or for relaxing on beach. It is a pleasure to swim here, as the sea is shallow for almost a mile. Very near the beach huge waves come rolling in ideal for surf riding. This annual ritual spreads over the entire summer and monsoon seasons making the most fruitful period to visit Puri. Overnight at the hotel.

Puri is a city in the Indian state of Orissa, which is famous for having a Jagannath Temple. Puri is situated on the coast of Bay of Bengal and is a popular beach resort. Religiously, Puri became famous in modern times from the time spent here by Caitanya Mahaprabhu in the 16th century. Puri is the site of one of the four cardinal "Peetham's" established by Sri Adi Shankaracharya, the others being those at Sringeri, Dwaraka and Jyotirmath. Puri is also famous for its annual Ratha Yatra, or "Festival of Chariots", when the deities Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra, are brought out of the temple, and placed in a chariot procession. This festival occurs on various dates of the Gregorian calender, typically in the June or July months.

05 Day: Puri – Bhubhaneshwar (65 kms: 2 hrs) – Kolkata (By Air)
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Bhubhaneshwar. On arrival, transfer to the airport to board the flight for Kolkata. Assistance on arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Later day is free for individual activities and exploring the town. Overnight at the hotel.

Kolkata: Grown from mangrove swamps, Kolkata is the largest metropolis in India. Kolkata's role in the national economy is of crucial importance as the Gateway to Eastern India. Ships were the beginning of Calcutta's history & the river Hoogly was the key to the city's fortunes. Vishnupur is famous for the exquisite 17th & 18th century terracotta temples, Seat of classical music. The Stylized, "Bankura horse" symbolic of excellence in rural handicrafts is native to this district. Belur Math is a modern temple within the grounds of the Ramakrishna Mission. Dakshineshwar Temple, dedicated to Kali is built in the architectural style of Bengal.

06 Day: Kolkata
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of the city visiting the High Court Building, built in 1872 and the oldest Catholic Church in Calcutta, St. Mary’s. The Howrah Bridge, built in 1943 – the bridge is crossed by approximately two million people everyday; the Botanical Gardens, the oldest and largest of their kinds in India; Victoria Memorial: The symbol of Calcutta built between 1906 and 1921 at a cost of Rs. 7.5 million and is a reminder of the might of British India and has been often compared to Taj Mahal. It was conceived by Lord Curzon as both tribute to Queen Victoria and a triumphant depiction of her reign in India, St. Paul Cathedral, Indian Museum, Kali temple of Kali ghat, Birla temple, Dalhousie Square & Tagore House. Overnight at the hotel.

07 Day: Kolkata – Bagdogra (By Air) – Darjeeling (90 kms: 3 hrs)
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to the airport to board the flight for Bagdogra. Assistance on arrival and drive to Darjeeling through an uncommon route via Mirik - a small scenic tourist spot at an altitude of 5100ft (1761m) with a beautiful lake surrounded by forested hills on all sides with the back drop of Mt Kanchenjunga. The drive to Mirik runs through some fascinating tea gardens and pine forests. Enjoy a break to breath in the fresh air near the lake and proceed to Darjeeling. Darjeeling- the Queen of hills - greets you with all its grandeur: the great view of mountains and valleys dotted with tea gardens and forests, and a blend of traditional heritage and modern cultures. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Evening get refreshed and have free leisure. Optionally take short walk around the mall to enjoy the typical hill life of Darjeeling town in a painted landscape. Overnight at the hotel.

Darjeeling popularly known as the "Queens of Hill Stations" offers a picturesque view of the Himalayan panorama. It is a superlative combination of fern-filled valleys, snow-capped peaks and tea-scented air. Darjeeling is famous for tea gardens, magnificent view of the Himalayas, Kanchenjunga peak, beautiful valleys, trekking to high altitude and famous toy train. As it is Darjeeling attracts botanists, ornithologists, adventurers, photographers and holidaymakers alike. With its array of scenic wonders and a rich folk culture, Darjeeling has something for everyone. The name Darjeeling is a composition of 'dorje' meaning 'thunderbolt' and 'ling' meaning 'place' ... 'the Land of Thunderbolt'. Until the beginning of the 18th century the Darjeeling belonged to the rajas of Sikkim. In 1780 they lost Darjeeling to Gurkhas. A series of wars were fought between the Gurkhas and East India Company, eventually leading to the defeat of the Gurkhas. Campbell (from British) built the district and laid the foundation of the, now multi-million dollar tea industry in 1841. Now after freedom Darjeeling had developed a lot and numerous tea gardens had been established. Its beauty attracts the tourist from all over the world.

08 Day: Darjeeling
After breakfast, take a sightseeing tour of Darjeeling visiting Batasia Loop, Ghoom Monastery, the monastery belongs to the Yellow Sect of Buddhists. Tibetan Self-Help Refugee Centre, Established in 1959, the centre comprises a home for the aged, and orphanage, school, hospital and craft workshops that produce carpets of pure ladakhi wool, woodcarving, leather work and wool items Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, The Mountaineering Museum contains a collection of historic mountaineering equipment, specimens of Himalayan flora and fauna and a relief model of the Himalaya. Padmaja Naidu Zoological Park. This zoo was established in 1958 with the objectives of study, conservation and preservation of Himalayan fauna. The animals are well cared for by dedicated keepers. Enter into the world famous tea gardens to watch the tea plantations. Evening walk around the Mall Area, the heart of the town. Overnight at the hotel.

09 Day: Darjeeling
Early morning take an excursion to Tiger hill to enjoy the breathtaking view of colour changes during sunrise over snow-capped peaks of Mt. Kanchendzonga Range. Return to hotel. Later visit, Lebong Race Course, Peace Pagoda and Rock Garden – Gangamaya Park. You may also opt to take the famous toy train ride. Evening is free for leisure and individual activities. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

10 Day: Darjeeling – Gangtok (115 kms: 4 hrs)
After early breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After some relation you may opt to take a sightseeing tour of Gangtok visiting take sightseeing tour of Gangtok visiting Research Institute of Tibetology on a hilltop which was established in 1958 to promote research on Tibet and Mahayana Buddhism. Here we will see the biggest collection of Tibetan scripts and an excellent collection of rare bronze and cult objects. Later visit Orchid sanctuary which is lying south of the institute. This sanctuary contains over 450 indigenous species. Sikkim is considered paradise for orchid lovers. After the visit of sanctuary we walk through the bazaar of Gangtok through the area of old palace and visit the Gylwa monastery. The Gyalwa Karmapa built this monastery in 1960 in strict accordance with the traditional designs of the monastery in Tibet. Overnight at the hotel.

Gangtok:Situated at an elevation of 5600 feet, on the flank of the ridge, lies 'High Hills' alias the capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok. With about 30, 000 people inhabiting it, it is the largest town in the city. The snow-capped peaks of the Kanchenjunga envelopes the town and offers spectacular view. Amidst the whipping prayer flags, brightly painted pagoda houses, hums of prayers in the background, coupled with smiling people against the beautiful scenic backdrop of the Gangtok, this truly becomes a place worth visiting. It is a heavily forested region bounded by the rivers Tista and Tolung, and surrounded by the mountain ranges of Kanchenjunga, Pandim, Narsing, Simvo and Siniolchu. The Stupas, the monasteries, all reach out with full mysticism to attract a large number of people to this magical land every year.Gangtok, apart from being the second smallest state of India, is also host to some of the important Buddhist religious sites. The small town itself is a beautiful place to be moving around, apart from Gangtok housing many other tourists' attractions. A peaceful blend of traditionalism and modernity, Gangtok is truly a snow covered, fun paradise

11 Day: Gangtok
After breakfast take an excursion tour to Tsomgo Lake – 32 kms, situated at a height of 3,780 meters with an average depth of 50 ft. The cool water of the lake is perfectly attuned with the scenic beauty around and enjoy the Yak ride and Tibetans dish momo. Baba Later drive back to the city, en route visit Hanuman Tok a temple of God Hanuman, worshipped by the Hindus. Besides offering prayers, one can enjoy the scenic beauty of Gangtok and Tashi View Point built by the late King of Sikkim Sri. Tashi Namgyal, this site offers a breathtaking panorama of the majestic Mt. Kanchendzonga and surrounding hills. Evening at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

12 Day: Gangtok – Teesta – Kalimpong (75 kms: 3 hrs)
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Kalimpong. The road winds its way through the hillside following the Teesta all along the way passing through some of the most beautiful countryside in this region. Kalimpong is a bustling and rapidly growing town, though relatively small and is set amongst the rolling foothills and deep valleys of the Himalayas. The lifestyle of the local people reflects the social and religious influences of its neighboring nations Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Later take a sightseeing tour of Kalimpong visiting the Tharpa Choeling monastery at Tripai which houses a library of Tibetan manuscripts and Tankhas. It belongs to the yellow Hat sect. Later drive up to Darpin Dara, the highest point in Kalimpong with superb views over the plains. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Kalimpong is well known for its many educational institutions, which attract students from all over North East India, West Bengal, Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. In recent times, Kalimpong has become an important tourist destination owing to its temperate climate and proximity to popular tourist locations in the region. Kalimpong is also famous for its flower market, especially the wide array of orchids. It also houses several Buddhist monasteries which hold a number of rare Tibetan Buddhist scriptures.A beautiful hill town in North Bengal which can be reached from either Siliguri or Darjeeling. KALIMPONG – means king’s minister’s strong hold – a Bhutanese word. It is also called Kalimpong in local dialect meaning "black spur". As per Lepchas Kalimpong means ‘ridge where we play’. It is said that these local tribesmen used to organise field sports while not engaged in agricultural pursuit – hence the name.Situated at an altitude of 1250 metres, it enjoys temperate climate throughout the year. Somewhat secluded and tucked away in the corner under big Darjeeling umbrella, Kalimpong offers a quiet and relaxed holiday, against the backdrop of the Kanchenjunga.

13 Day: Kalimpong – Bagdogra (75 kms – 3 hrs) – Hometown (By Air)
After breakfast check out form the hotel and drive to Bagdogra. On arrival transfer to board the scheduled flight for hometown. Tour concludes here with happy memories.