Intriguing India

Explore Kolkata

Full Day Tour

Join an expert guide for a day discovering Kolkata’s historic architecture, bustling markets, local gastronomy and interesting local residents. Highlights include a heritage walk around the historic Dalhousie Square, the famous Writers’ Building, the Governor’s House and the Charnock Mausoleum. Enjoy a cup of Indian tea at St John’s Church, before continuing to the poignant Park Street Cemetery and the majestic Victoria Memorial. Then, glimpse how locals live as you enjoy lunch of authentic Bengali cuisine at the home of Mr Surojit ‘Bomti’ Iyenger, a local art collector, socialite and eccentric. The tour ends with a private river boat ride past the River Hooghly’s ‘Ghats’ (sacred stone steps), enjoying the view that greeted adventurers in the 19th century, while sipping on delicious Darjeeling tea.

Historic Kolkata

Full Day Tour

Learn more about the Bengali Renaissance and the 19th century awakening of modern India, beginning on the banks of the River Hooghly, where trade battles of Europe have been fought throughout history. Head here in the morning to watch the city wake up, before a visit to the riverside flower market. Next, head north to the “Black Town”, where a European culture flourished among the pioneering families of Bengal. Visit the Marble Palace mansion here, built by a wealthy merchant in 1835 and still showcasing a kitsch collection of paintings, sculptures and Belgian glass. Other tour highlights include the Bengali Quarter where you can enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, before visiting Kumartuli (or the Potters’ Market) where religious idols are created for the city’s many festivals. On your way back into town, stop at Mother Theresa’s home and view her modest tomb, before enjoying tea at Flury’s Tea Room, an old Calcutta institution on Park Street, close to the impressive Oxford Bookshop.

Hike to the Cluny Sisters Convent, Lamahatta Orange Orchard and Gorkhay Daara Viewpoint

Half Day Excursion

While based at the Glenburn Tea Estate amid the Kanchenjunga mountain range, a short 15-minute drive followed by a gentle uphill walk for 30 minutes, leads to a charming local church and convent school, which is run by the Irish Cluny Sisters. Explore their school, meet the children that board with them, and play with the baby animals that they look after. There is also the opportunity to sponsor children to help with their vital education. Next, explore the picturesque Glenburn Lamahatta Orange Orchard, where oranges are grown to make the marmalade served at the hotel, as well as various other fruits, vegetables and flowers. A further uphill walk takes you to the Gorkhay Daara viewpoint, from which you can enjoy stunning views of the green peaks of Sikhhim and snowy Mount Kanchenjunga. Then, start your descent back to the main track where your jeep awaits you to take you to the hotel.

The Miracle of the Ganges

Early Morning Tour

Arise early and board a decorated Bajra (boat) for a sunrise cruise between the famous Ghats (stone steps) of the Ganges River in Varanasi. Witness traditional cremation rituals beside the water, watch locals practice yoga and absorb the captivating colours of orange and red as the sun rises. Then, walk through the maze of narrow streets of this charming old city, home to over 2,000 shrines and temples – of which you will visit the Durga and Tulsi Manas Temples. Then, visit the Benares Hindu University, founded as a centre of education in Indian art, culture and music, as well as for the study of Sanskrit. Your final stop is the Bharat Mata Temple, dedicated to “Mother India” and boasting a marble relief map of the country, rather than traditional images of deities.

Sarnath - The Birthplace of Buddhism

Half Day Excursion

Around 10 kilometres from central Varanasi, Sarnath is often cited as the birthplace of Buddhism, where Buddha first spoke of his philosophy. An impressive stupa marks where Buddha stood amid the deer park complex, while the area also boasts various other Buddhist structures and magnificent monasteries. Unsurprisingly, Sarnath is considered very sacred to Buddhists and is one of the four major pilgrimage destinations for the religion.

Ganges Twilight Cruise and Aarti Ceremony

Evening Excursion

Experience the sacred Ganges River at twilight with a boat cruise to the iconic Dashashwamedh Ghat, dating back thousands of years. Here, experience the spectacular daily sunset “aarti” ceremony, during which thousands of Hindu devotees gather on the steps of the Ghat, lighting oil lamps, clanging bells, burning incense and chanting bhajans (devotional prayers). Feel the magic of the river and immerse yourself in local life as you watch flowers and lamps float along the water in this unforgettable experience.

Bombay City Discovery

Half Day Tour

Like any great and soulful city, Bombay is both captivating and overwhelming. This city tour will introduce you to the complexities of India's second largest city, built at the height of the British Raj, that later became home to the Indian freedom movement. It's a city of textile factories and fishing villages, Islamic mosques and Hindu temples, the elegance of Marine Drive and the shocking paucity of the slums.

You will be driven along the Mahalakshmi road bridge which overlooks Dhobi Ghat - a huge public laundry facility unique from laundries anywhere in the world, a visit to which is truly an exciting and unique experience. You'll then head southwards towards Malabar Hill, an exclusive residential area in Mumbai city, passing the Jain temple, built at the turn of the century, as well the Hanging Gardens. Continue along Marine Drive to the impressive architectural vestiges of the Raj - the High Court, the Bombay University and the Raja Bhai Clock tower to the Victoria Terminus railway station. However, arguably the most impressive landmark in Bombay is the Gateway of India, often dubbed "Bombay's Arc de Triomphe" and built to commemorate the visit of King George V in 1911.

Visit the Slums of Dharavi, Mumbai

Half Day Excursion

Head into the Dharavi slum of Mumbai – the setting of the award-winning movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’. Dharavi consists not only of residential space, but is also a major economic hub representing the city's vast underground manufacturing sector, home to a variety of recycling industries that turnover a staggering USD 1 billion per year. With a slum social worker, visit one of these thriving small businesses – whether producing leather, pottery or poppadums – to meet with the local community and learn more about life here. Then, head back into Mumbai for a refreshment and talk on slum rehabilitation in India by your accompanying guide.