DARJEELING...
Darjeeling is the tea capital of the world and is where the British made their base for many months of the year. Clinging to a mountain ridge, it sprawls out in tiers from ‘The Mall’ which still retains many relics from the Raj. Almost every hill is covered in tea bushes, interspersed with tea factories and plantation bungalows. We suggest staying at the charming Mayfair Hotel, a colonial style ‘country house’ hotel or at the Windamere Hotel in the centre of town. This quirky old home has great character and has been a favourite with many for years. Alternatively, stay outside town at the wonderful Glenburn Tea Estate (see Walking in India page for further details).
Darjeeling is accessed by air from Delhi or Kolkata (Calcutta) to Bagdogra followed by a 3 hour drive or by road from Pelling, Gangtok, Kalimpong, Phuntsoling (Bhutan) and Samthar.
GANGTOK...
Gangtok is the small capital of Sikkim and has a high Buddhist and tribal population. Not really exploited by the British, it boasts fascinating monasteries and some of the finest views of the Kangchendzonga Mountain to be found. Tashi Delek is a small hotel in the centre of town which is run by a friendly Tibetan family, of which there are many in Gangtok. This town also provides an excellent base from which to start a trek into the high mountains that rise up to the north.
Gangtok is accessed by air from Delhi or Kolkata (Calcutta) to Bagdogra followed by a 5 hour drive or by road from Pelling, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Phuntsoling (Bhutan) and Samthar. |
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KALIMPONG...
Kalimpong lies in West Bengal
and is known for its endless flower nurseries that dominate the surrounding area. A small town with only one main street, it comes to life each year during the flower festivals and in spring the rhododendrons are phenomenal and its weekly markets are great fun to visit. We suggest staying at the Himalaya Hotel, a small, cosy hotel with wooden beams, which is run by a charming lady and her family. Alternatively, the Silver Oaks hotel is more modern but has good rooms and excellent views.
Kalimpong is accessed by
air from Delhi or Kolkata (Calcutta) to Bagdogra followed by a 3 hour drive or by road from Pelling, Darjeeling, Gangtok, Phuntsoling (Bhutan) and Samthar.
ASSAM...
Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya are states which have only recently been fully opened to tourism and restrictions can still be imposed from time to time. They make up one of the last truly unspoilt wilderness. With limited roads and accommodation, a journey to this area is not for those keen on 5 star comforts but it will enthrall anyone with a more pioneering and adventurous approach. It is home to variety of fascinating tribal cultures, the incredibly beautiful Kaziranga National Park (which is one of the few habitats left on earth where you will find the great Indian one-horned rhinoceros), and small capital cities. |
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The varied scenery ranges from mountain peaks and forested hills to isolated valleys, vast tea estates and tropical grassland bisected by the mighty Brahmaputra River. Spend time exploring the area, include a cruise down the Brahmaputra.
These states are accessed by air from Delhi or Kolkata (Calcutta) to Guwahati, Jorhat, Dibrughar, Imphal and Kohima and are interlinked by road.
BHUTAN...
Bhutan is a small kingdom lying in the northern reaches of the Himalayas. Tourism continues to be strictly controlled by the king and it remains one of the least visited countries in the world, however a new generation of luxury retreats is emerging. Surrounded by smiling people, colourful prayer flags, robed monks, extraordinary gompas (monasteries) perched on hilltops or nestled in valleys, it is a feast for the eye. We suggest visiting Paro, the capital Thimpu, Punakha, Tongsa and the central valleys of Bumthang.
Bhutan is easily accessed by air from Delhi, Kolkata (Calcutta), Kathmandu and Dacca and can also be accessed from West Bengal by road via Phuntsoling.
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NEPAL...
Nepal is a stunning mountain kingdom which straddles the Himalaya, to the north of India and to the south of Tibet. Walk well-trodden paths through villages and valleys in the low hills or you may venture into the high mountains for some testing trekking to various base camps. For culture, the Kathmandu Valley abounds with small, medieval cities, temples and ancient monuments, all set against a backdrop of distant mountain peaks. Nepal’s many rivers, crashing down from the mountains, also offer excellent and well organised rafting opportunities. This is the perfect place to go game viewing either on elephant back, by jeep or by boat, all the while staying in comfortable lodges or tents either in Chitwan National Park or in the more remote Bardia National Park. The variety of game is huge and there is a high tiger and rhino population in each park.
Nepal is accessed by air from Delhi, Varanasi, Kolkata (Calcutta) and Lhasa. |
