Learn more
Five reasons you should visit Eastern India
From the historic, frenetic city of Kolkata to the peaceful Buddhist monasteries of the Himalayas, Eastern Indian presents a diverse, fascinating slice of the country.
Here are five reasons you should visit.
1. Kolkata culture
Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) will likely be your arrival and departure point in Eastern India. It’s a cultural hub, one of the largest Indian cities and packed with things to see and do, speaking to its time under the Bengal Sultanate, as capital of British India during colonial rule, and today as a buzzy, hustling, creative city. It’s been home to many famous people throughout the years, too – including a raft of Nobel Prize winners, from writer, artist and polymath Rabindranath Tagore to Mother Theresa. A couple of days here are a must for any itinerary.
Explore the extensive historic collections at the Indian Museum (the country’s biggest museum) and wander the lush Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden. Visit the grand Victoria Memorial, a stately marble building surrounded by reflecting ponds and gardens; stroll around Dalhousie Square, with its Victorian and Georgian architecture; and cruise down the Hooghly River at sunset. Oh and don’t miss the riot of colour at the famous Mullik Ghat Flower Market.
2. Trekking in the Himalayan foothills
After some days in Kolkata, Kalimpong will feel like a breath of fresh air (literally). The town is in the Himalayan foothills of West Bengal, tucked between Bhutan and Nepal, and a popular base for trekking around the region’s lush slopes and valleys.
PaliGhar is a wonderful place to stay just outside Kalimpong, owned by a Nepali family whose ancestors have lived here since the early 1900s. Their farm stay has just two cottages, so you’re guaranteed a peaceful, quiet experience. Learn about the farm, visit nearby villages and takes walks through this beautiful part of the world.
.jpg)
3. Flower nurseries
Kalimpong is also well known for its flower nurseries. The climate is perfect for many species of plants and locals have capitalised on this, creating nurseries of orchids, cacti, gladioli, pelargoniums and azalea hybrids to sell domestically and internationally.
While you might not be able to bring any home with you, it’s well worth visiting to admire the blooms and learn about the industry.
4. Mountain monasteries
The mountainous region of West Bengal is full of monasteries you can visit. Kalimpong is surrounded by hillside Tibetan monasteries and home to Zang Dhok Palri Phodang, which safeguards several rare Buddhist texts.
Roughly a 3.5-hour drive from Kalimpong, the capital of Sikkim state Gangtok is a centre of Tibetan Buddhism, with views of the world’s third tallest peak, Kangchenjunga. Rumtek Monastery is the largest in Sikkim and sits on a hillside outside Gangtok – a truly special place to visit. While in Gangtok, you can also pop into the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology to brush up on your knowledge of Tibetan culture.
.jpg)
5. Darjeeling tea plantations
You’ve probably heard of Darjeeling tea – now you know where it comes from. This West Bengal town is surrounded by tea plantations, Tibetan monasteries and mountain vistas. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway steam train is known as the “toy train” and it’s a particularly cute way to journey through this immensely scenic area.
Glenburn Tea Estate was founded by a Scottish company in 1859 and is now owned by the Indian Prakash family. Stay here for sensational views of the surrounding peaks and tours around the estate’s fields and tea production factory – with a tasting session at the end, of course. Glenburn also run social programmes that help with teaching in local schools, sponsor students and fund the Glenburn Kalakendra Academy for performing arts.
.jpg)
Read next
Meet our experts
Speak to our experts to help you plan your trip
Dreaming of a journey that’s truly your own? Our specialists take the time to understand what excites and inspires you, then craft a holiday that goes far beyond the ordinary. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a perfect balance of both, we’ll design something that’s completely yours. Ready to start planning? Get in touch and let’s create your ideal escape.
Choose your adventure
Speak to one of our team to get started. After all, your travel journal won’t write itself.
