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Private guided tour - India

The spice of North India

Highlights

  • Private guided round trip in cooperation with TeeGschwendner, our partner

  • Visit to Chamong Tea’s Tukdah Tea Garden

  • Accommodation in high-quality luxury accommodation

Description

India - a country of superlatives with 1.2 billion inhabitants and over 5,000 years of history. On this 8-day-long, private guided round trip through Delhi, Calcutta and Glenburn, you will stay in renowned luxury hotels. Exotic spices and beguiling fragrances accompany you during your stay in Delhi, where you will discover Indian cuisine. In Calcutta, we will take you back to the bygone heyday of the City of Joy. Learn all about the former capital of British India, which remains the cultural capital of the country to this day. During the subsequent stay at the Glenburn Tea Estate, you will sleep at the foot of the Himalayas and learn everything about the world of tea.

Destination

Asia

Delhi - Calcutta - Glenburn

The far north of India is actually always worth a trip, but there are two particular seasons we recommend: spring and fall.

During spring, the tea bushes awaken from their winter slumber and an emerald carpet spreads over the slopes of the Himalayas. It’s time for the first harvest of the year, the so-called ‘first flush’. The tea gardens start working and the fresh, flowery and very light spring harvest is brought in.

The more relaxed alternative to busy spring is fall: The main harvest is over, the tea plants have earned their rest and, after the rainy season (monsoon), the plants have sprouted again. Fall also offers ideal weather conditions to enjoy the breathtaking landscape of the highest mountain range in the world with clear skies and visibility for miles. How about a fresh cup of tea in the tea garden?

India is, after China, the second largest tea producer in the world. Throughout the country, there are many different growing areas, all of which have their own unique character, producing strong Assam, tangy South Indian tea and the popular, flowery Darjeeling tea.

Tea has been growing in Darjeeling since 1850. The most important export market today is Germany. Many tea gardens produce organic tea employing sustainable methods, recognizing the importance of good tea pickers and adapting working methods to the people.

The typical flowery-floral character of the tea, sometimes reminiscent of lily of the valley (spring) or hazelnut (summer), is the result of the unique conditions at altitudes sometimes above 2,000m, which influence the taste of the tea.

To get in the appropriate mood for this journey, we recommend the following organic varieties: No. 235 Darjeeling Lingia First Flush, No. 230 Darjeeling Soom First Flush or No. 240 Darjeeling Pussimbing First Flush, by TeeGschwendner.

Padhariye and welcome to India! Your guide is already waiting for you at the entrance of Indira Gandhi Airport. After the drive to your hotel, spend the the rest of the day as you wish.

Relax in your accommodation or go on your own exploration tour through the modern, pulsating metropolis and capital of India: Delhi. Numerous shopping opportunities and cultural sights are only a few minutes away on foot.

Airport - Imperial Hotel: approx. 30 minutes 15 km

2 nights accommodation at Imperial Hotel***** with breakfast in a Heritage Room, New Delhi, India

Well rested and refreshed, the exciting travel program begins for you today. After breakfast, we will take you on a sightseeing tour of the Chandni Chowk district.

The first stop of the day is at the Jama Masjid, the Friday Mosque, known as the largest and most magnificent mosque in the country. Jama Masjid is an architectural extravaganza, built in 1656 by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.

Chandni Chowk was once considered the largest market in all of India. Even today, trade goods of all kinds are offered here, such as exotic spices, juicy fruits, ornate silver jewelry, essential oils, traditional garments and, of course, food and drinks. Led by an experienced street food expert, you will visit selected traditional food stalls. At each stop, you will learn the history and culture behind the house specialties and, of course, sample them.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Qutub Minar and Humayun's tomb.

The Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the tallest brick minaret in the world at 72.5 meters. It is considered one of the earliest and most famous examples of Indo-Islamic architecture. Humayun’s Tomb was commissioned in 1562 by Humayun's wife, Hamida Banu Begum. Set amidst verdant gardens, built of red sandstone and marble, this impressive building is an example of early Mughal architecture.

We have something extraordinary planned for you this evening: Enjoy an exclusive chef's menu at Indian Accent. At this gourmet restaurant, ranked among the world's 50 best restaurants and voted India's best for five years in a row, the flavors and traditions of India receive subtle complements of international ingredients and preparation methods. Bon Appétit.

Today your journey continues to Calcutta. Your flight leaves Delhi at 09:45 a.m. and lands at your destination at 12:00 p.m.

Chaotic, lively, chronically crowded. Attractive, exciting and multifaceted. Called the "City of Joy" by its inhabitants, Calcutta is a city of contrasts. You will never forget this place of bewildering contradictions houses both glass palaces and slums.

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be chauffeured to The Oberoi Grand, where you will stay for the next two nights.

In the afternoon, you will go on a boat cruise on the Hugli River. Enjoy peace and harmony on your private river boat. As the sun slowly sets, you will discover a previously unknown side of Calcutta. You will explore the ghats, the sacred bathing places of the Hindus, and sail past the Belur Math monastery complex, the headquarters of the Ramakrishna Mission.

This is followed by the return journey to your booked hotel Oberoi Grand.

Airport - Oberoi Grand: approx. 1 hour / 20 km

2 nights at The Oberoi Grand***** with breakfast in a Deluxe Room, Kolkata, India

Before enjoying today's breakfast, Nizam's famous Kathi Rolls, embark on a short walk that takes you along the Flower Market, Maghen David Synagogue and Dalhousie Square.

In the early morning, there isn’t a lot of traffic. This way, you can learn everything about the architecture and history of the buildings unhindered. Marvel at the famous Writer's Building, the former headquarters of the infamous East India Company; the residence of Governor Raj Bhavan and the easily overlooked Charnock Mausoleum. Feel yourself be transported back to a time when the British ruled the entire Indian subcontinent from here - a time when Calcutta, was considered the second most fashionable city in the world after London.

After breakfast, you will visit the Victoria Memorial and the Jaggu Bazaar. A visit to Balram Mallick's Sweet Shop - one of the oldest sweet manufacturers in Calcutta - is also in the itinerary.

Your lunch today will be at Oh! Calcutta - the top place for fish curry and sweets. Vegetarians and meat lovers will also get their money's worth here. For example, try the Mocha Banana Flower or the curry with mutton. For dessert, we recommend the ubiquitous Mishti Doi. This is a confectionery specialty made with milk and sugar.

After this culinary experience, we will drive you to Kumortuli in the afternoon. Kumortuli is a traditional pottery district in the north of Calcutta, which houses, among other things, the Marble Palace.

Huge chandeliers, Victorian furniture and opulent busts of kings and queens, imposing marble walls and floors, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, paintings and all manner of curiosities - built in 1835 by a wealthy Bengali merchant, this gigantic white marble palace is a tribute to Calcutta's golden age.

Next to the palace is the Marble Palace Zoo - the first zoo opened in India. It now serves mainly as an aviary for peacocks, toucans, storks and cranes.

In the evening, dine at the Glenburn Penthouse. Learn about the history of tea in India during a presentation over cocktails, in a relaxed atmosphere.

In the morning, you will continue your journey to Bagdogra today. Your flight departs Culcutta at 10:45 a.m. and lands at your destination at 11:55 a.m.

As usual, you will be warmly welcomed at the airport. This will be followed by an approximately four-hour drive to Glenburn Tea Estate.

Situated above Rangit and with a view of the third highest mountain on earth, Kangchenjunga, Glenburn Tea Estate is a place of tranquility and a welcome change from the lively days in Delhi and Calcutta. Established back in 1859, today the tea estate is property of the Prakash family, who have successfully run it for many years and employ over 1,000 people in and around the estate.

Glenburn was pioneered as one of the first tea gardens to open its doors to interested tea lovers and has offered accommodation and tastings for many years.

Airport - Glenburn Tea Estate: about 3-4 hours / 80 km

3 nights full board accommodation in a suite at Glenburn Tea Estate*****, Darjeeling, India

Of course, a visit to a tea factory is mandatory on this trip! Picking, weighing, withering, rolling, fermenting, drying and sorting - the fascinating process of tea production will be introduced to you on today's tour. The question of taste remains: discover the differences in aroma, spice and appearance of the locally produced teas black, green, oolong and white, which are made in different ways and at different times of the year.

After that, it's time to get out of the factory and into nature. Walk or drive with your guide through the green tea fields. Here you will get an insight into the cultivation and care of the tea plant. The resident Glenburn Tea Picker Ladies will reveal their tricks and show you how to pick the "two leaves and a bud" that will later end up in your tea cup at home.

You will have lunch on the way in the form of a picnic at the Glenburn campsite directly on the river. Afterwards, you will be driven back to your accommodation by jeep, where tea will be served.

Today's excursion takes you just 30 km outside the center of Darjeeling town, to Tukdah Tea Estate, which stretches between 800 and almost 2000m. Founded in 1864, Tukdah has long been part of the Chamong Group, in which more than a dozen Darjeeling tea gardens have joined together to promote sustainable and fair cultivation. For many years, Tukdah has produced only organic tea, and their first flush stands out as one of the best produced in all of Darjeeling. When the weather allows it, you can also catch glimpses of the neighboring tea gardens of Rungli, Gielle or Teesta Valley.

After breakfast, you will drive back to Bagdogra airport. You will take off at 5 p.m. and land in Delhi at 7:20 p.m.

See you soon, incredible India!

Glenburn Tea Estate - Bagdogra airport: about 3-4 hours / 80 km

itravel - for that moment

Imperial Hotel*****, New Delhi, India (2 nights)

At the Imperial Hotel, you'll be staying at one of Delhi's top addresses. The colonial-style hotel has a central location and offers an outdoor pool and gym, as well as a wide range of spa services - perfect for unwinding after a long sightseeing schedule.

Spacious rooms feature thoughtful amenities and high ceilings. Flat-screen TVs, minibars, and coffee and tea accessories are provided, as well as toiletries and bathrobes.

Oberoi Grand*****, Calcutta, India (2 nights)

Another top-notch address in town is The Oberoi Grand in Calcutta. Located in the heart of the city on Chowringhee Road (in the main shopping and business district), the luxury hotel was built in the late 1880s in colonial style with modern additions. The hotel welcomes both leisure and business travelers, offering a comfortable stay with first-class service.

All rooms offer either pool or courtyard views and are equipped with a 32 -nch TV including a DVD player. A safe, a minibar and ayurvedic toiletries are also provided.

Glenburn Tea Estate*****, Glenburn, India (3 nights)

At Glenburn Tea Estate, you'll stay in a luxury hotel with immediate views of the third highest mountain in the world - Kangchenjunga. The hotel offers eight rooms divided into two bungalows. Each wing has four suites as well as gardens, verandas and common areas. The dining room serves European, Indian and Southeast Asian specialties. Much of the food is prepared with ingredients from the hotel's own garden.

Closest city: Delhi

Duration of the trip: 8 days / 7 nights

Included

  • 7 overnight stays according to the program
    • 2 nights in Delhi at the Imperial Hotel incl. breakfast

    • 2 nights in Calcutta at the Oberoi Grand incl. breakfast

    • 3 nights in Glenburn at Glenburn Tea Estate with all inclusive

  • Meals according to the program
  • All airport transfers
  • All domestic flights (Delhi-Calcutta; Calcutta-Baghdora; Baghdora-Delhi)
  • Transportation in an air-conditioned car (Toyota Innova or similar; Scorpio Car in Glenburn)
  • Excursions as per program with English speaking guide
  • Entrance fees

Not included

  • International flights
  • Visa fees and travel insurance
  • Day trips not mentioned in the program
  • Meals and drinks that are not mentioned in the program
  • Personal expenses like telephone costs etc.
  • Tips

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