Tea Gardens, wildlife and culture in East India
Plan your East India vacation around the top things to do in East India.
From verdant tea plantations high up in the mountains to endangered rhinos in lush green national parks, there’s much to see and do in East India. Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, is a melting point of diverse cultures and home to an eclectic cuisine. See the mangroves of Sundarbans, savor the hill station charms of Darjeeling, explore the dramatic landscapes of the Himalayas, immerse yourself in the serenity of Gangtok – there are so many things to do in East India.
If you are wondering when is the best time to visit East India and which cities and attractions you should not miss, our destination experts are waiting to craft your perfect vacation. Here is a list of the top ten things to do in East India that should definitely be part of your India vacation!
1 Discover the Temples of Bhubaneswar
In the city of Bhubaneswar, there are hundreds of ancient Hindu temples built between the 7th and 15th centuries, little wonder then that the city is often referred to as the Temple City of India!
The city is home to the striking Mukteswara Temple, the Parasurameswara Temple that was built in the 7th century and the Raj Rani Temple, which is built of sandstone.
2 Revel in the Charm of Tea Plantations
Visit the tea plantations of Darjeeling and learn all about the cultivation and production of one of the best tea varieties in the world. Enjoy high tea, a tribute to the region’s colonial past, as you sit surrounded by verdant tea bushes and stunning views of the lofty Himalayas.
When in Darjeeling, don’t forget to go on a ride on the narrow meter gauge Himalayan toy train!
3 Soak in the Serene Ambiance of Gangtok
The monastery town of Gangtok houses some of the most important Buddhist monasteries, including the Rumtek Monastery and the Labrang Monastery.
Immerse yourself in the spiritual aura that the town is bathed in as you soak in stunning views of the Himalayas!
4 Enjoy a Stay in Quaint Kalimpong
In the picturesque Himalayan town of Kalimpong, you will find colorful flower gardens, lush green tea plantations and a fantastic mountain panorama.
On your tour of Kalimpong, don’t miss its many flower nurseries as well as a trio to the popular Glenburn Tea Estate.
5 Discover Colonial Kolkata
The lively colonial city of Kolkata was once the heart of the British Empire. Embrace impressive palaces and villas, spacious parks and, of course, the famous Victoria Memorial.
Go on a cruise on the Hooghly river and enjoy feasting on authentic Bengali cuisine on your Kolkata tour!
6 Visit the Sunderban Delta Region
On a boat trip through the Ganges Delta in the Sunderbans, experience rich mangrove forests and Indian tigers living wild.
The region is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is also home to diverse birdlife.
7 Go Hiking in Yuksom
The picturesque Yuksom is a paradise for hikers. From here you can visit the unspoiled mountain world and the mystical Dubdi Monastery.
It is believed that the sleepy town was the birthplace for Buddhism in Sikkim and several Buddhist gompas (monastery or temple) can be found here. today it a hotspot for trekkers, keen to explore the beauty of the surrounding mountains.
8 See Dolphins and Rhinos at Kaziranga
Take a look at Ganges Dolphins on a boat trip within Kaziranga National Park. The reserve houses a host of other wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and elephants. There is a wide variety of birdlife in the park as well.
Go on a jeep safari as you try and spot the magnificent Indian one-horned rhino! Confined to the northeastern part of India, Bhutan, and Nepal, few of these ponderous beasts remain in the world. Track them with experts on a jeep safari in Assam!
9 Visit Puri’s Jagannath Temple
Watch the colorful hustle and bustle around the Jagannath Temple in the pilgrimage town of Puri and at the Konark Sun Temple nearby.
You must also visit the Atharnala Bridge, an example of 13th century Indian engineering.
10 Go on a Safari in Corbett
On a safari in Corbett National Park, the oldest wild animal reserve in India, you can observe majestic pachyderm, swamp crocodiles and numerous bird species. You can also go angling in this expansive park.
Experience the hidden jewel of India on your East India tour. Our specialists will be pleased to advise you.
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Popular Trips to India
Embark on an enchanting journey to uncover north-east India’s fascinating history and culture. At Kolkata, delve into India’s colonial past as you explore landmarks such as the majestic Victoria Memorial and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Breathtaking views of the Himalayan foothills and tea plantations await you at Darjeeling, which is rightly known as the ‘Queen of…
Explore some of the most pristine destinations in India! Set in the far east, the states of Assam, Nagaland, and Meghalaya offer lush green hill landscapes, picturesque towns and villages and unique cultures of their own. From Shilling, visit Cherrapunjee, the second wettest spot on our planet, and enjoy a warm cup of purest Assam…
Take a memorable cruise down the mighty Brahmaputra River in East India, one of the largest in the country, as it meanders past scenic landscapes, wildlife sanctuaries and quaint little villages. In this largely untouched part of India, you will also explore lush green Balipara, one of the best sources of Assam tea, as well…
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Best Places To Visit
Best Time To Visit
India’s vast size means that there are numerous weather patterns. As with the rest of Southeast Asia, the best time to visit for warm, dry and sunny weather is between October and March.
Safety
India is by and large a very safe country that will leave you mesmerized and mystified. However stimulated, inspired, awe-struck or overwhelmed you might feel while in the country, it is always important to remain alert on your India tours.
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