Highlights of North East India

Explore Dalhousie Square with landmarks like St.John’s Church, the imposing High Court, the Governor’s House surrounded by vast gardens, General Post Office and Writer’s Building which is the seat of the state government. Visit the iconic Victoria Memorial, on top of which a charming one-winged fairy is perched forever, and St. Paul’s Cathedral that offers an oasis of calm amidst the bustle. Visit Mother Teresa’s House, where many devotees pay respects at this most-revered nun’s tomb. Examine the Indian Museum with its many objet-d’-arts. Embrace Bengali high art at the famous Tagore House where the late Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore composed some of his many great works. (Full Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy; Mother Teresa House closed On Thursdays & National holidays, Victoria Memorial & Indian Museum closed On Mondays & National holidays.)

Take in the highlights of Darjeeling on this private tour. Start with an early morning drive to the trailhead at Tiger Hill. Once you reach, follow your guide on a short but steep hike to an elevation of 8,200 feet. As the sun rises, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga massif bathed in golden light. On a clear day, you may be able to spot the snow-capped Mount Kanchenjunga and Mount Everest peaks as well. Drive back for breakfast, and then head to the railway station for a ride aboard the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, better known as the toy train. As you chug along, take in scenic mountain views before stopping at Ghum station, located at an altitude of 7,408 feet. Visit Yiga Choeling Gompa, a serene spot with ancient murals and a 15-feet statue of the Maitreya Buddha. Next, check out the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) with its indoor and outdoor climbing walls and an obstacle course. There is also a museum with mountaineering exhibits and displays. End the day with a trip to the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, where you can see high altitude and endangered species including Tibetan wolf, blue sheep and red panda. (Duration: full day; Private activity & transfers; Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Please note that Tiger Hill pickup is at 0400 hrs; Tiger Hill tour involves a steep hike of around a quarter mile that takes 30-45 mins from the parking lot; HMI and zoo closed on Thurs)

Discover the beauty and serenity of the Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Gangtok and drive you to the monastery, which lies on a hill facing the city. The monastery is the largest in the state and is thought to be a replica of the original Tsurphu Monastery of the Kagyupa order in Tibet. Your guide will take you around the temple complex. See the stone courtyard where the monks hold ritual lama dances and admire the traditional architecture. Note the gold sculpture on the roof peak that is known as a ghanzira. It symbolizes the five Tathagata (Buddha) families. Wander through the decorated Main Shrine Hall, with its tall red pillars, silk banners, and traditional painted tapestries or cloth scrolls known as thangkas. At the far end of the hall, you will find a 10-foot tall statue of the Shakyamuni Buddha. After the tour, return to your hotel. (Duration: 2 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Meals are not included)

Explore Gangtok’s iconic attractions on this private tour. Meet your guide at your hotel and drive to the Tibetan Rumtek Monastery, home to an ornate golden stupa or dome. See the beautiful Buddhist murals, thangkas or scroll paintings, and miniature sculptures of the Buddha. Then, visit Do-drul Chorten that sits surrounded by 108 prayer wheels. Nearby is the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, with its museum and extensive library dedicated to Tibetan language and culture. Next, check out the collection of exquisite handicrafts, carpets and furniture at the Directorate of Handicraft and Handloom. At this training center, people are taught various craft forms including thangka painting, Lepcha hat-making and wood carving. Afterward, stop by the flower show to view colorful flora including orchids and Himalayan flowers, and then head back to your hotel for a short break. As evening falls, head out with your guide to the popular Mall Road and Lal Bazaar. As you walk in the pedestrian-only shopping areas, listen to interesting stories and mingle with the locals. (Duration: half day; Private activity & transfers; Fitness level: easy; Please note that Research Institute of Tibetology, Directorate of Handicraft & Handloom, and flower show are closed on weekends and public holidays)

Visit the historic temples of Guwahati to understand the spiritual past of the state of Assam. Start with the famous Kamakhya Temple which is dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya. An important pilgrimage destination, especially for tantric worshipers. Stroll around the complex, with a beehive-shaped architecture, which houses smaller temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and the Mahavidyas as well. Set on the Nilachal hilltop, savor breathtaking views of the city from here. Drive up to the ancient Navagraha temple situated on Chitrachal Hill where celestial bodies of the Hindu astronomy are worshipped. Observe the nine Shivalingams (phallic symbols of Lord Shiva) clad in different colors, representing the astronomical bodies. End the day at the 18th century Shiva temple of Sukreswar nestled on the banks of the Brahmaputra River atop Sukreswar or Itakhuli Hill. Walk down the steps leading to the river for a peaceful sunset, watching groups of people performing evening aartis (pujas). (Private Activity; Private Transfers; Fitness Level: Moderate)

Set off on an early morning jeep safari into one of the zones of Kaziranga National Park. This is the perfect opportunity to get up close with the wild inhabitants of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Stay alert as your local expert guides you to spots known for sightings of the reclusive one-horned Indian rhinoceros, which is an endangered species. Encounter elephants, monkeys, deer, jackals, raptors, wild water buffaloes, and even tigers as you make your way through the sprawling expanse of grassland dotted with swampy lagoons. Try to spot as many as possible of the numerous migratory and domestic bird species that inhabit the region. Capture stunning pictures of the wildlife and the scenic landscape for memories to last a lifetime. ( Time of Day: 0700 hrs ; Duration: 2 hrs ; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please note that safaris are not conducted during May-October.)