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Victoria Memorial, Kolkata, India

Eastern India

An alternative India, off the beaten track

Eastern India tailor-made holidays

Introduction

Eastern India is a land of temples, stupas, wildlife parks, spiritual cities and the snow-covered summits of the Himalayas. The sacred River Ganges draw pilgrims from across the world, while Kolkata enchants and excites with its bustling street life and grand colonial monuments.

Kolkata (Calcutta)

The capital of western Bengal is a fascinating mix of imperial edifices, teeming bazaars, hipster coffee shops and elegant hotels. And, as the former capital of British India, it still retains much of its colonial character – the Victoria Memorial and the St John and St Andrew churches are among a host of Raj-era buildings. Take it all in, but be sure not to miss out on the local tradition of adda – the art of intellectual conversation and debate, which takes place in coffee houses across the city – the famous Indian Coffee House on College Street is the most popular.


Sikkim

Until as recently as the mid-1970s, Sikkim was an independent kingdom – a land of subtropical woodlands and verdant, rhododendron-studded valleys watched over by the snow-dusted might of the Himalayas. Now part of India, it's home to a disparate selection of peoples, from Tibetan exiles to Nepalis both Buddhist and Hindu. It's a diversity showcased in its rich and varied selection of monasteries, temples and shrines and, as such, is a truly fascinating place to explore. And, when the clouds part in the early morning to reveal views of Kanchenjunga – the world's third-highest peak – it's a truly magical place to be.


Kaziranga National Park

In India's remote northeast, where the Brahmaputra wends between wetlands and forests before spilling out into the Bay of Bengal, the Kaziranga National Park offers one of of the most off-the-beaten-track wildlife experiences on the Subcontinent. The best way to explore is on a river cruise, taking in Assam's remote towns and villages before arriving in the national park itself. Here, one-horned rhinos and rarely seen tigers share the wild terrain with water buffalo, swamp deer and over 1,000-strong population of elephants. 



 

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Special offers in Eastern India

Taj Mahal India

India's Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges

15-day luxury river cruise holiday from £6,195 pp incl. flights

Exclusive
cruise offer

Exclusive offer: save up to £1,500 pp & cruise upgrade
Book by: 31 March 2024

Join Uniworld for a luxury river cruise holiday to northern India. Created for culturally curious travellers, you'll enjoy a truly immersive experience, combined with stays at three opulent Oberoi hotels.

Eastern India holiday ideas

Kaziranga National Park, Assam, India

Indian river cruise: the Brahmaputra

11-day luxury river cruise from £2,915 pp incl. flights

Head off the beaten track with a luxury, small-ship cruise through India’s northeast, taking in unique wildlife, stilted villages and ancient island cities with a range of included excursions, from elephant-backed safaris to cooking courses.

Tea Plantation, Darjeeling

India's Hill Stations & Tea Plantations

13-day tailor-made holiday from £3,800 pp incl. flights

This luxury holiday takes in the colonial gems of Kolkata followed by the beautiful hill stations of India's eastern Himalayas, from the monasteries of Sikkim to Darjeeling, where you'll learn about the art of tea production.

Victoria Memorial, Kolkata

Lower Ganges Cruise with Pandaw

12-day tailor-made cruise from £4,395 pp incl. flights

This spectacular itinerary will see you travel in traditional style on the RV Kalaw Pandaw as you explore the incredible Lower Ganges.

Top places to stay in Eastern India

Maharajas' Express

The Maharajas’ Express

Luxury train

The Maharajas’ Express combines some of India’s most enticing destinations with a raft of Raj-like experiences, from champagne breakfasts at the Taj Mahal to travelling by canopied camel cart for sundowners in the sand dunes of Bikaner.

Taj Ganges Hotel, Varanasi

Taj Ganges, Varanasi

Accommodation

Situated in the ancient city Varanasi, the Taj Ganges is regarded as one of the top five-star hotels in the city, complete with two restaurants, comfortable rooms and a gym and spa

Suryauday Haveli

Suryauday Haveli, Uttar Pradesh

Historic hotel

Hidden away in the labyrinthine alleys that fringe the Ganges in Varanasi lies this gem of luxurious tranquillity right in the middle of one of India’s most vibrant and spectacular landmarks. Formerly a retreat, the hotel has been lovingly refurbished to provide a boutique space amongst the bustle.

Meet our Eastern India experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0798

Meet the team

Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0798 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

Expert advice & support

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Let our travel specialists curate the perfect holiday:

  • Inspirational ideas based on experience
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Every step of the way

Every step of the way

Our services are with you from start to finish:

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  • Care and guidance pre, post and during holiday
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