India Adventure Holiday Packages: 8 Day North India Discovery

Highlights of the Trip

Are you looking to explore the exotic wonders of Northern India? Then look no further than the 8 Day North India Adventure, one of our best India Adventure Holiday Packages. Experience the majestic beauty of the Himalayas, ancient culture, and unique wildlife with the best of our tailor-made India tours – all within the 8-day period.

North India is home to some of the best places to travel in India – truly the country’s most breath-taking locations. Exploring these gems of North India is truly a unique and enriching experience. One of the best places to explore in North India is Bagdogra. Located on the outskirts of Darjeeling, Bagdogra is known for its beautiful tea plantations and sprawling valleys. From here, travellers can venture off to the nearby town of Kalimpong, an idyllic town nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas. Kalimpong is known for its Tibetan and Nepalese influenced art and architecture. Darjeeling is another must-visit destination in North India. This picturesque hill station is home to the heritage toy train, which takes visitors through the winding tracks of the Himalayas. Ghoom is particularly famous for its magnificent 15th century Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. To embark on an amazing journey to explore these majestic places in North India, Bagdogra is the ideal point of origin. It is a great way to see the beauty of North India in all its glory.

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Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit

Gangtok

• Research Institute of Tibetology: A scholarly institution dedicated to the study and preservation of Tibetan culture, housing a vast collection of rare manuscripts and artifacts.
• Rumtek Monastery: A sacred Tibetan Buddhist site, renowned for its intricate architecture and spiritual significance as the seat of the Karmapa Lama.
• Do Drul Chorten: A revered Buddhist stupa, adorned with prayer wheels and religious icons, offering a tranquil space for prayer and contemplation.
• Enchey Monastery: A serene Buddhist temple, dating back to the 19^th century, known for its picturesque location and vibrant religious festivals.

Kalimpong

• The Flower Nurseries: Showcasing a riot of colours, cultivating diverse and vibrant blooms, this is a delightful destination for horticulture enthusiasts.
• Zang Dhok Palri Phodang: A sacred Tibetan Buddhist monastery, offering serene surroundings and housing rare religious artifacts.
• The Mountain Bazaar: A vibrant marketplace, nestled in the Himalayan foothills. This bustling bazaar offers a diverse array of local handicrafts, traditional artifacts, and fresh produce.

Darjeeling

• Darjeeling Mall and Chaurastha: Bustling promenades in the heart of Darjeeling, offering stunning views of the Himalayas and a vibrant atmosphere with shops, cafes, and cultural activities.
• Birch Hill and the Shubbery: Providing a tranquil retreat amidst nature, featuring well-maintained gardens and scenic viewpoints for a peaceful escape.
• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: A prestigious institution known for training mountaineers and showcasing the history of Himalayan expeditions.
• Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre: A charitable organisation empowering Tibetan refugees through traditional crafts and providing insights into their rich culture.
• Ghoom (by Toy Train): Travelling to Ghoom by Toy Train is a nostalgic journey through scenic landscapes, offering a charming ride on the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
• Tiger Hill (outside Darjeeling): Famed for its breathtaking sunrise views over the Himalayas, showcasing the majestic peaks including Kanchenjunga.
• Happy Valley Tea Estate: A renowned tea plantation nestled amid the picturesque Himalayan landscape. Established in 1854, it stands as one of the oldest tea estates in the region.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Toy Train Ride to Ghoom: Enjoy this nostalgic journey, immersing passengers in the heritage of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and charming hillside villages.

Happy Valley Tea Estate: Take a guided tour to explore the verdant tea fields, witness the tea-making process in the factory, and savour freshly brewed Darjeeling tea. The estate offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, making it a serene and educational destination for tea enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The Kalimpong Mountain Bazaar: Visitors can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of this bustling market, exploring stalls filled with unique Himalayan treasures and experiencing the rich cultural tapestry of Kalimpong through its lively market scene.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in India

During this tour, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. Don’t miss the savoury delights of biryani, a flavourful rice dish often combined with succulent meat or vegetables. Indulge in the diverse flavours of curry, whether its chicken, lamb, or vegetarian options, paired with aromatic spices and herbs. Savour the iconic street food, such as chaat, a tantalising mix of tangy, spicy, and sweet flavours. Delight your taste buds with dosa, a thin, crispy rice crepe, served with various chutneys and sambar. Try a touch of sweetness too, concluding meals with the rich variety of Indian desserts such as gulab juman, rasgulla, or kulfi. Embrace the diverse regional cuisines, and your culinary journey will be nothing short of extraordinary.

Water-based Activities and Cruises

Teesta Valley River Rafting, Kalimpong: You might like to experience exhilarating river rafting in the Teesta River, known for its varying rapids suitable for different skill levels.

Boat Ride on Mirik Lake, Darjeeling: You may wish to enjoy a boat ride on the serene Mirik Lake, surrounded by lush tea gardens and forested hills.

Accommodation of this Tour

Gangtok: Elgin Nor-Khill 5* (Located minutes away from the city centre. Excellent amenities including bar, café, restaurant, massage, sauna, spa, doctor, fitness centre, children’s playroom, and library.)

Kalimpong: Elgin Silver Oaks 4* (Located in the very city of the centre, perfect to walk around the main landmarks. Excellent amenities including bar, café, restaurant, massage, spa, gym, library, children’s playroom, and barbeque area.)

Darjeeling: The Elgin 4* (Located 1km from the city centre with superb amenities, including café, bar, restaurant, massage, sauna, spa centre, children’s playroom, and library.)