Calcutta & the Northeast
Unlike much of India, large swaths of the north and northeast are still to make their way onto the mainstream tourist trail. At Wild Frontiers that's a red rag to a bull. Northeast India is waiting to be discovered, and we intend to explore it.
Whilst the Ganges River plain, with such iconic destinations as Rishikesh, Lucknow, Varanasi and Khajuraho, are well-known to Western travellers, far away in the northeast corner of the Indian subcontinent, is a world removed from the main tourist trails. Here the lush Himalayan foothills teem with wildlife and flora that adapt and change with the geography and climate as they progress to the plains. Among the meandering bends of the mighty Brahmaputra, the forests and grasslands of the Kaziranga National Park break up the distant horizons of this enormous river valley where wild elephant and Asian rhino abound as nowhere else in the world.
The traditional bamboo houses of the tribes of Arunachal are a stark contrast to beautifully restored colonial bungalows in the verdant and immaculate tea gardens of Assam. At Sibsagar the Ahom Dynasty made their ancient capital that now lies in peaceful ruins. More recently Allied forces were based at Dibrugarh and drove the Stilwell Road across Burma to Kunming. Many of their graves can be seen at Kohima.
In this interesting part of the subcontinent also lie Sikkim and Darjeeling, where spectacular terraced paddy fields and rolling tea plantations cling to the undulating hillsides in the lee of the mighty Katchanjunga... the world's third highest peak. Here the colonial past still lingers in the architecture much of which has been converted into fine heritage hotels.
The gentle easy pace of the hills contrast starkly to the buzz and hubbub of the great Indian metropolis of Calcutta. And of course there is also the ubiquitous, wonderful mayhem and colour that are part of all India.
How to book a trip
What to do in Calcutta & the Northeast
Explore Calcutta
Calcutta
After breakfast you will be collected from your hotel by a local knowledgeable guide for your tour of the capital of West Bengal. During the course of the tour you will learn about the cultural history of the city and have plenty of opportunities for taking photos. You will visit the famed Kali Temple - Calcutta's holiest place of worship for Hindus - St Paul's Cathedral Church, the wonderfully photogenic Victoria Memorial, the Hoogly River, the lush and well kept Botanical Gardens, The Indian Museum, Mother Teresa House and the Howrah Bridge a 705 metre-long architectural icon. During the tour you will have an hour for lunch at a convenient spot, possibly along the commercial hub of Park Street.
Cruise on the Brahmaputra
Calcutta
Who could not be tempted to take to the waters of one of Asia's mightiest rivers, the mythic Brahmaputra? Rising in Tibet, crossing India, China and Bangladesh, the Sanskrit name means 'son of Brahma', and like the Ganges the lower reaches of this might waterway are sacred to Hindus. Beyond the religious myth, cruising the Brahmaputra is to touch triumphant sunsets, verdant shores - where you will visit some of the country's best wildlife parks - and sense how deeply in India a river runs through it.
Explore Darjeeling
Darjeeling
Optional early start for a drive to Tiger Hill to see the spectacular sunrise view of Kanchenjunga, India's third highest mountain. After breakfast you can resume your tour with a wander through the town's Mall before visiting the Mountaineering Institute, the Zoological Gardens and the Tibetan Self-Help Centre. After lunch in town transfer to a jeep and drive to a tea estate where you can watch every stage of the tea production from growing and picking to grading and packing.
Visit a Darjeeling Tea Plantation
Darjeeling
Darjeeling tea has traditionally been prized above all other black teas. When properly brewed, it yields a thin-bodied, light-colored liquor with a floral aroma. The flavor also displays a tinge of astringent tannic characteristics, and a musky spiciness often referred to by tea connoisseurs as 'muscatel'. No trip to Darjeeling is complete without a trip to one of the many tea plantations, where you will be able to experience the whole process from growing and picking, to grading and drying. If you are so inclined you'll even be able to have a refreshing cup!
See Tigers in the Sunderbans
Calcutta
Where the land meets the sea at the southern tip of West Bengal lies the Indian Sunderbans, a stretch of semi-impenetrable mangrove forest of great size and bio-diversity. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sunderbans is a vast area covering 4264 square km in India alone, and forms largest Tiger Reserve and National Park in the country. The name Sundarban can be literally translated as "beautiful jungle" or "beautiful forest" in the Bengali language, and is known for numerous flora and fauna, particularly the magnificent Royal Bengal Tiger. The Sundarbans have recently been enlisted amongst the finalist in the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Stay at a Tea Plantation
Calcutta
Out of the bustling mayhem of Calcutta, staying on a tea plantation is to experience another side of India. Although tea is classically associated with the British, the leaf is indigenous to Eastern and Northern India, cultivated for consumption and medicinal purposes as early as the Ramayana, around 500 BC. Since India produces 70% of the global tea crop, cultivated plantation life amid man-made lakes and gorgeous sweeps of flowering tea bushes, their brown, black and white leaves, harvested at an elegant pace in mountain country, is to find the most delicious oasis of peace, in an often over-boiling country.
Take a walking tour of Calcutta
Calcutta
From the first records of East India Company to British architectural dominance at the height of the Raj, Calcutta's indomitable civilisation has been characterised by its wondrous buildings, to which Wild Frontiers has a real road map. From the shores of Hooghly River, over Howrah Bridge, through the flower market - at times jumping on and off the only tram system in India - and culminating in a visit to those municipal triumphs, like the general post office, the Victoria Memorial and St Paul's Cathedral, walking though Calcutta takes you to the true heart of this unique urban circus..
Trek the villages of Sikkim
Calcutta
Village to village trekking in remote Sikkim is magnificent way to visit the foothills of the Indian Himalayas, and meet those that live there. Among mysterious mountain hamlets, resting at colourful wooden homes, and trekking to astounding Buddhist monasteries, walking in Sikkim is a fizzy enchantment that will once more allow you to touch the specular glory of the surrounding mountain giants.
Visit Kazaranga National Park
Assam
The Asian one-horned rhinoceros is almost common here and while tigers remain elusive, their signs are easily seen. The park lies on the flood plain of the mighty Brahmaputra and vast acres of tall grass provide grazing for herds of wild elephant, gaur, and wild Asian buffalo among many others. The nearby forests are lush green and bursting with all kinds of life, the avifauna as so often in India can be breathtaking. There is also some surprisingly good accommodation.
Visit the tribes of Nagaland
Assam
The State of Nagaland was formally inaugurated on December 1st, 1963, as the 16th State of the Indian Union. Inhabited by 16 major tribes along with other sub-tribes, each is distinct in character from the other in terms of customs, language and dress. It is also the site of the repulsion of the Japanese Army during the 2nd World War and at Kohima the beautifully tended war graves where terrible hand to hand fighting took place are a moving sight. Nagaland presents a curious mixture of traditional tribal cultural interest and modern history.
Visit the War Graves
Assam
'When you go home, tell them of us and say; That for their tomorrow, we gave our today...' This is what the epitaph at the Commonwealth War Cemetery in Kohima reads. This war cemetery is dedicated to the 10,000 Allied soldiers who lost their lives during the Japanese invasion during the World War-II. The Battle of Kohima had lasted for nearly three months and these brave hearts fighting for the Allied forces had admirably blocked the Japnese invasion right at the border of India. The cemetery has been beautifully decorated with lush green carpet grass and is meticulously maintained.
Boat Trip on the Ganges:
Varanasi
For those that like their travel to get 'up close and personal' this is a great experience as you travel by an old sailing boat, from Allahabad to Varanasi, down India's holy river. Drifting slowly along, stopping to visit remote village and temples - camping up for the night on isolated sand banks - offers something very unique and mystical. The Ganges River is the greatest waterway in India and is one of the longest rivers in the world. It begins high in the Himalayas as a pair of head streams in an ice cave in the mountains 10,300 feet above sea level, then flows across the northern corner of India until it empties out into the Bay of Bengal. The Ganges River has always been known as a religious icon in the world and represents the focus of the Hindu religion. As such while on the Ganges we must treat it with the spiritual respect it deserves. It will be a journey down the lifeline of the great subcontinent. For those with a sense of adventure, this trip is a must!
Almora Village Walks
Almora
This pioneering village walk is at the heart of Wild Frontiers visits to this stunning region, enabling you to enjoy rural life in the remote mountains, in a fun and ethically sensitive way. The Kumaon Region contains some of the most stunning mountain scenery the subcontinent can offer, from the perennially snow-capped peaks of the Great Himalaya range in the north to the pretty hill stations of Almora and Nainital in the foothills and the stunning wilderness of Corbett National Park. Walks run to and from pretty and elegantly converted village home and include a lunch or breakfast set up under an awning on the route. The walks range in duration from3-6 hours on any given day, but your guide will always vary the walks according to the fitness and interests of our guests.These are very much walks and not treks and as such they are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Designed to keep you off the beaten path and providing authentic experiences of local life, the walks are the perfect antidote to the frenetic world you may be leaving to travel on a quiet and more intimate holiday. Few people have heard of this area outside of India and these wonderful walks, in an unspoilt and off the beaten track part of India, bring a 'low-impact' tourism that benefits both the local people of the region and the guests that travel there, without a negative impact on the environment and culture. When we did this we loved it, and so have many of our clients.
How to book a trip
Where to stay in Calcutta & the Northeast
Ananda In The Himalayas
Rishikesh
This five star luxurious hotel and spa is situated in the Himalayas, 45 minutes by (winding) road from the sacred town...
Elgin Hotel
Darjeeling
Darjeeling- from 'Dorji Ling' means the 'God of Thunder', which explains the erratic weather in Darjeeling hill...
Mayfair Hotel Darjeeling
Darjeeling
Perched at an altitude of 7000 ft and once the summerhouse of the former Maharaja of Nazargunj, this building now...
Oberoi Grand
Calcutta
The Oberoi Grand, a five star deluxe hotel located in the commercial centre of Calcutta, creates a secluded haven of...
Tollygunge Club
Calcutta
Just across the road from the Royal Calcutta is the Tollygunge Club. Originally an indigo plantation, laid out in 1781,...
Vasundhara Palace Hotel
Rishikesh
Located close to the thriving heart of the sacred town of Rishikesh -this hotel is within walking distance of the first...
Windamere Hotel
Darjeeling
The charming Windamere is situated on historic Observatory Hill where Darjeeling began, and overlooks the Chowrasta,...
Glenburn Tea Estate
Darjeeling
A fantastic boutique lodging situated just outside Darjeeling, this lovely little plantation retreat lies above the...
Leti 360°
Almora
Set in a stunning location at an altitude of 2,200m, Leti 360 offers wonderful Himalayan views. The camp comprises four...
Sitla Estate
Sitla
At approximately 7,000 feet above sea level with stunning vistas all around, The Sitla Estate is a remote mountain...
Corbett Hideaway Hotel
Corbett
Corbett Hideaway is the perfect base from which to explore the stunning and exciting scenery and wildlife of Corbett...
Hideaway River Lodge
Corbett
The Hideaway River Lodge is strategically located on 8 acres of private land on the very edge of the Corbett Tiger...
Glasshouse On The Ganges
Rishikesh
Situated 23 kilometres north of Rishikesh on the banks of the mighty Ganges sits this lovely boutique riverside lodge....
Almora Village Walks
Almora
Traditional from the outside, western on the inside, these village houses dotted through the Almora region mix local...
The Himalayan Hotel
Darjeeling
Once a family home, the Himalayan Hotel is now a comfortable refuge for mountain explorers. Each of the 16 rooms has...
Sikkim Village Walk
Darjeeling
Carved from glaciers and rivers, Sikkim bears testament to the generosity of the Himalayas. Fed by over one hundred...
The Taj Gateway Ganges
Varanasi
The preferred choice of our groups that pass this way, the Taj Gateway Hotel, Ganges Varanasi is one of the best places...
Camping On The Ganges
The Ganges
The Ganges River is the greatest waterway in India and is one of the longest rivers in the world. It begins high in the...
How to book a trip
Suggested Itineraries
How to book a trip
Calcutta & the Northeast Travel Guide
Almora
Located in the central Kumaon region of Uttaranchal the town of Almora, otherwise known as the "Switzerland Of India" was founded in 1560. This picturesque hill station is known for its scenic beauty, gushing rivers and waterfalls and ancient temples. Stone slatted villages with terraced fields sit amongst the rolling hills. The area was once a key location for the freedom movement against the British and for a few years home to Mahatma Gandhi .
There are many sites to see both in and around Almora. Bright End Corner offers unforgettable sunsets, the Chitai and Katarmal temples are examples of beautiful and intricate architecture and the Martola and Kalimutt gardens give lovely views of the Himalayas.
Calcutta
Though the first time traveller to India might find the chaotic streets and bustling markets of Calcutta somewhat daunting, wander around a while and you will soon realise that this great city's stereotypical image of a decaying, squalor-ridden, mass of humanity is largely undeserved. Calcutta, the City of Joy, is in fact a thriving, colourful and extremely artistic place; described by many as India's cultural heart. Though the city is home to some of the most impressive architecture of the British Raj, it also carries a distinctly Bengali soul. Bengal is home to India's poets and writers, artists and reformers and it is from here that many of the country's political changes are born. There are also plenty of wonderful places to see and things to do. Soak up the Bengali culture at the various museums, galleries, coffee houses and fine restaurants. Explore the historical collections of the Victoria Memorial, one of India's most telling remnants of the British Raj. Stroll through the Maidan in the late afternoon and watch the heart of the city go about its business. Calcutta is a fascinating and enjoyable place to visit.
Corbett
Corbett is one of the finest National Parks in India. The park covers an area of 500 sq. km. and comprises the broad valley of the Ramganga River in the foothills of the Himalayas. This has resulted in great habitat diversity and given the park scenic charm and some magnificent sub-mountain and riverine views. One can see Himalayan animals along with numerous other animals and flora of peninsular India. The park was established in 1936 and later renamed after Jim Corbett, who spent many years in this area and wrote the book, The Man Eaters of Kumaon. The park has always been noted for its tigers and it was here that the prestigious 'Project Tiger' was launched in 1973. The wildlife of the park includes tiger, leopard, jungle cat, Asiatic elephants, a variety of deer including muntjac (barking deer), spotted deer and hog deer. Some of other mammal species found are blue bull, sloth bear, jackal, wild boar, goral, yellow. The bird life is varied in different parts of the park and is at its peak during the winter.
Darjeeling
Best known for its tea and Himalayan Railway Darjeeling is a small town in the lesser Himalayan Mountain range. The surrounding landscape provides the perfect setting for many outdoor activities including trekking and river rafting as well as stunning views of rolling tea plantations. The town has been given UNESCO world heritage status and its cool climate gives a good opportunity to cool down after the heat of the planes. Many Tibetans have settled in the town making its culture diverse and interesting and Tibetan festivals are celebrated along with the more traditional festivals that are held in the area.
Allahabad
Allahabad or City Of God is situated in the Southern part of Utrapradesh and stands at the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna Rivers. It is an important city for Hindus, as it is meant to be the site where Brahma offered a sacrifice after creating the world. So saying, the city is a major pilgrimage site and attracts Hindus from all over the world. Having been a part of the Mauryan, Gupta, Mughal and British Empires the city is a melting pot of culture, architecture and religion. It is also one of the largest cities in the area with a population of over 1,207,000 and several temples and forts to explore.
Lucknow
Lucknow, popularly known as the city of Nawabs, is a wonderful, open, airy city, with wide boulevards and a sense of order sometimes missing from the craziness of the bigger cities. The capital of Uttar Pradesh, the city rose to prominence as the as the home of the Nawabs of Avadh who were great patrons of the arts. There are a plethora of sights to enjoy and much from the British Raj era to investigate, the most famous of which is the Residency -built in 1800, it became the setting for the dramatic siege of 1857 in the First war of Independence that lasted 147 days. Bara Imambara is a famous monument of Lucknow that has historical, cultural and heritage importance. Not far from this is the Hussainabad Imambara constructed in 1832 is a fascinating complex with a watchtower and a replica of the Taj Mahal. There are many other attractions -such as the zoo, museums, La Martinere school etc, and the oldest bazaar of Lucknow (Chowk Bazaar) that make a stay here a worthwhile and interesting stop on your journey through the cultural heartland of India.
Rishikesh
Twenty-four kilometres upstream from Haridwar on the banks of the River Ganges is the holy town of Rishikesh. Literally, Rishi's (holy man) locks, this small town is the point where the holy Ganges crashes down in full glory onto huge boulders and creates long stretches of white sandy beaches. The banks are lined with ashrams, where saints and holy men rest before beginning their arduous pilgrimage up into the snow-covered land of the gods. Rishikesh is the lap of Hindu philosophy and learning, with several ashrams devoted to the understanding and propagation of the faith. Rishikesh first acquired prominence in the west when the Beatles visited to meet Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and begin their quest for spiritual salvation. During their stay they composed many of their best loved songs, including Dear Prudence. Even today, several foreign travellers besides the steady stream of Indian students visit the ashrams to study Hindu philosophy, yoga and Ayurvedic medicine.
Varanasi
Varanasi, once known as Benares, is an incredible city in northern India, sacred to Hindus and overflowing with history and culture… and a few other things besides! One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, in many ways Varanasi epitomizes the very best and most challenging aspects of India, and it can be a little overwhelming. However, the scene of pilgrims doing their devotions in the River Ganges at sunrise set against the back drop of the centuries old temples is probably one of the most impressive sights in the world. Over 60,000 people come down to the waters edge every day to take a dip in the sacred waters of the Ganges. Boat rides, especially at sunrise and sunset, are the best way to visit the ghats particularly to see the evening aarti.
Assam
Gateway to India’s north east, Assam translates as ‘peerless’ and indeed, visually and culturally, it is one of the most richly diverse regions in the country. The abode of the one-horned rhino, Assam is a land of aromatic tea plantations and tropical rainforests, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some of the most bio-diverse landscapes on earth. Fed by the waters of the mighty Brahmaputra it is one of the last wild habitats of the Asian elephant and offers a unique range of attractions, from temples and river cruises, to rafting and trekking.
Kalimpong
Kalimpong was an important trading centre when the silk routes from Tibet were still very active. Now this hill station in the Little Himalayas is mainly known for its educational institutions and horticulture. The nurseries in the town are planted with many colourful exotic species and the flower market has a wide array of Orchids and flowers found in the Himalayan region and attracts people from all over India. Striking views of Mt Kanchenjunga and the other Himalayan peaks along with the gushing rivers and waterfalls and lush scenery combine to make this a picturesque location. There are also several Monasteries and a Kali temple that can be explored.
Rishikesh
24km upstream from Haridwar on the banks of the River Ganges is the holy town of Rishikesh. Literally, Rishi's (holy man) locks, this small town is the point where the holy Ganges crashes down in full glory onto huge boulders and creates long stretches of white sandy beaches. The banks are lined with ashrams, where saints and holy men rest before beginning their arduous pilgrimage up into the snow-covered land of the gods. Rishikesh is the lap of Hindu philosophy and learning, with several ashrams devoted to the understanding and propagation of the faith. Signs of religious rituals can be seen all over Rishikesh - in the numerous temples lining the banks of the Ganges, the mythological tales that you hear about various spots and even the shops that sell books and religious objects. Rishikesh first acquired prominence in the west when the Beatles visited to meet Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and begin their quest for spiritual salvation. During their stay they composed many of their best-loved songs, including Blackbird, Dear Prudence (about Mia Farrow's sister who was also staying) and Ob-La-Dee, Ob-La Da… Life goes on! Even today, several foreign travellers besides the steady stream of Indian students visit the ashrams to study Hindu philosophy, yoga and Ayurvedic medicine.
Sikkim
Sikkim is a landlocked state in the North East of India and surrounded by the Himalayas. The population of the area is sparse but diverse due to the fact the state is bordered by Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. With lush valleys, fast flowing streams, grand mountain peaks and rolling hills the area is known for its beauty. This region offers good trekking and adventure activities combined with interesting cultural and historical sites.
Kaziranga National Park
Declared a world heritage site in 1985 Kaziranga and celebrated its one hundredth anniversary in 2005. Lady Curzon is credited with persuading the then British Indian Government to create the National Park. It is probably India’s foremost in terms of conservation success, variety and accessibility of species. The Asian one horned rhinoceros is almost common here and while tigers remain elusive, their signs are easily seen. The park lies on the flood plain of the mighty Brahmaputra and vast acres of tall grass provide grazing for herds wild elephant, gaur, and wild Asian buffalo among many others. The nearby forests are lush green and bursting with all kinds of life, the avifauna as so often in India can be breathtaking.
The Ganges
The Ganges River is the greatest waterway in India and is one of the longest rivers in the world. It begins high in the Himalayas as a pair of head streams in an ice cave in the mountains about 10,300 feet above sea level. The river then flows across the northern corner of India until it empties out into the Bay of Bengal. The Ganges River has always been known as a religious icon in the world and represents the focus of the
Hindu religion. As such while on the Ganges we must treat it with the spiritual respect it deserves. It will be a journey down the lifeline of the great subcontinent.
Nagaland
The State of Nagaland was formally inaugurated on December 1 st, 1963, as the 16th State of the Indian Union. Inhabited by 16 major tribes along with other sub-tribes, each is distinct in character from the other in terms of customs, language and dress. It is also the site of the repulsion of the Japanese Army during the 2nd World War and at Kohima the beautifully tended war graves where terrible hand to hand fighting took place are a moving sight. Nagaland presents a curious mixture of traditional tribal cultural interest and modern history.
How to book a trip
Calcutta & the Northeast Travel Information
Visa Information
UK Passport holders require a visa to visit India.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your trip, and it must have at least one blank page for each visa required. Please ensure the passport details we hold for you are correct.
Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct visa documentation when starting your trip. Country entry regulations can alter daily and it is always best to check with the relevant embassies for any changes.
The Indian visa can be obtained online either through VF Services (UK) LTD at http://in.vfsglobal.co.uk or through a visa service company such as:
Travcour (UK)
Tempo House
15 Falcon Road
Battersea
London SW11 2PJ
Tel: 020 7223 5295
Fax: 020 7738 2617
Email: info@travcour.com
Website: www.travcour.com
The visa application process is outsourced by the Embassy to VF Services, and it is strongly recommended that you complete the visa application online where you will have the option of sending your passport by post, or arranging an appointment. Please read the instructions on the homepage carefully before following the quick links on the right-hand side to the online visa application form.
Please record the reference number you are given. After completing your application you will be given the option to print the application form (if using Travcour) or pay online and print after.
You will also need:
• Your passport
• One printed application form
• Correct fee (or receipt)
• Two 50mm x 50mm sized photographs on white background
If you are travelling on a non-UK passport, please contact your nearest consulate/embassy for up to date visa information.
Insurance:
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours.
You should be aware that many standard insurance policies may not cover you adequately for all aspects of a Wild Frontiers trip and so we strongly recommend that you purchase a suitably designed insurance policy.
One such policy is the "Wild Frontiers" policy underwritten by Ace European Group Limited (ACE " firm reference 202803), which is available to EU residents (which excludes Norway & Switzerland) through our website or via the insurance company direct on 0845 345 3456. Under this policy there are two different levels of cover available.
Standard policy: a comprehensive travel insurance policy that provides cover for all Wild Frontiers activities, including trekking up to 6,000m. This policy does not provide cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel.
Elite policy: provides the same comprehensive level of cover as the standard policy. In addition the Elite policy also provides cover for travel to areas where the FCO is advising against all or all but essential travel. The policy will not provide cover for any claims arising from or relating to the reasons why the FCO is advising against travel.
If purchasing the Elite policy you also have the option to extend the cover provided by the policy to include cover for claims arising from a terrorist act in an area where the FCO is advising against travel. You can add this cover to your policy when purchasing online or over the telephone.
These policies are only available to those travelling on a Wild Frontiers holiday.
For more information and to purchase your policy online please visit the Insurance section of our website.
The cover is unde
Health and Vaccinations:
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to India though you should be up-to-date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and HepatitisA. Malaria is prevalent in parts of India and we recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
We also recommend you look at www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
