Tuesday, 10 February 2026
We will fly out of UK on an overnight flight to Kolkata with a change in Delhi.
Wednesday, 11 February
Arrive Kolkata and after clearing immigrations, collecting bags, you’ll be welcomed by the Darjeeling Tour Manager and then transferred to the hotel.
Afternoon visit to a Kantha embroidery centre. Derived from the Sanskrit word kontha, or “rags” – embroidery is applied on quilts, bags and other textiles made from reused fabric. Although kantha embroidery originated in undivided Bengal through the influence and patronage of Portuguese traders in the region.
We’ll venture out to the jetty point for a ferry ride on the Hooghly river to experience the breath-taking views of the sunset over the stunning Howrah Bridge. A gentle welcome to the ‘City of Joy’. (D)
Thursday, 12 February
Today morning we have a guided two hour heritage walk, an incredible experience! Kolkata is indeed a city brimming with rich history and culture.
Witnessing British-era architecture! Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, was the capital of British India until 1911. You'll see a mix of colonial structures such as Victoria Memorial, St. Paul's Cathedral, and many more.
We will also visit Mother’s House, where Mother Teresa lived and worked, is such a heartfelt and humbling experience.
It's a peaceful place that honours her legacy of love and care.
We then visit the idol-making colony of Kumartuli, famous for its exquisitely crafted clay idols, especially those for Durga Puja. It’s incredible to see the artists at work, shaping intricate forms with such skill and dedication.
A chai and a butter bun stop at a local eatery: Don’t miss out on the local delicacies. Kolkata’s street food is legendary!
The whole day will be an amazing journey through the heart and soul of Kolkata. (B,D)
Friday, 13 February
Today, we’ll take an excursion to Shantipur, which is renowned for its rich heritage in handloom weaving and the exquisite craftsmanship of its weavers. Visiting the West Bengal State Handloom Weavers' Cooperative Society Ltd and workshops, interact with weavers to get to know their stories and take their views on this artform and livelihood.
Idea is to witness Shantipur’s intricate designs in the centuries-old traditional weaving, it’s superior quality and ‘Tangail’ saree’s unique pattern & vibrant colours. The Tangail sarees often feature jacquard designs and ‘Butidar’ patterns. The Shantipur – Fulia region has over 125,000 handlooms, producing Shantipuri, Tangail, and Jamdani handloom sarees in a variety of yarns like cotton, tussar and silk. Dhotis, dress materials, stoles and scarves are also woven
It is one of the foremost handloom centres in India, famous for its production of cotton sarees, known as Shantipuri sarees. The weaving tradition dates to the 15th century when weavers from Dhaka's Dhamrai were invited by Gaur king Lakshmana Sen to settle in Shantipur, bringing their expertise and skills and has flourished through the Mughal and Nawab periods.
After India gained independence in 1947, many Bangladeshi weavers migrated to Shantipur and the neighbouring area of Phulia. These weavers brought with them their traditional weaving techniques, contributing to the diversity and richness of the handloom industry in the region. Shantipur weaving is special because it represents a beautiful blend of history, artistry, and tradition, all woven together to create exquisite textiles that are cherished by people around the world. (B,D)
Saturday, 14 February
Today we will fly into the northeast Indian state of ‘Assam’, famous for its tea. The state is one of the world's largest tea producers, and visiting the verdant tea gardens is a delightful experience. Transfer to the lush green Kanchanjuri tea estate where our resort is situated and will be our base for five nights.
Assam saw the rise and fall of several ancient kingdoms, including the Kamarupa Kingdom, which flourished between the 4th and 12th centuries. Ahom Dynasty was the most significant period in Assam's history that began with the arrival of the Ahom people in the early 13th century. They crossed the Patkai Range from Myanmar (Burma) and established the Ahom Kingdom, which ruled Assam for nearly 600 years. Other dynasties ruled after that period and leading to a rich tapestry of cultural & political influences.
Assam became part of British India after the Treaty of Yandabo in 1826. The British annexed Assam, integrating it into their colonial empire and introducing new administrative systems and economic activities, including tea plantation. Assam became a state of India in 1950, following the country's independence in 1947. (B,D)
Sunday, 15 February
Today we will visit a local village on the outskirts of Kaziranga National Park where we’ll have a weaving workshop with village tribal ladies and get to learn their skills & patterns. You will get to interact with the locals and learn about their lifestyle.
Not to be missed the Bamboo cane hand-made home products and Sitalpati. Both fascinating examples of traditional craftsmanship. Sitalpati, also known as "cool mats," are traditional mats made from the soft slips of the Maranta dichotoma plant, locally known as Murta. The process of making Sitalpati involves several steps:
Sitalpati is traditionally used for sleeping and sitting, but it has also evolved to include items like bags, folders, hats, and table mats.
These crafts not only provide a source of income for rural communities but also help preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainable living. If you're interested in exploring or purchasing these products, you can find them on various online platforms and local markets.
Back at the resort, we’ll arrange for a traditional barbeque dinner setup in a ‘machan’ with home grown rice beer & wine. (B,D)
Monday, 16 February
We will have a morning safari on top of an elephant back in the Kaziranga National Park to sight the one Horned Rhinos and other wildlife. Approximately 430 square kilometres (about 166 square miles). This vast expanse encompasses a diverse range of habitats, including grasslands, wetlands, and tropical broadleaf forests, providing a thriving environment for its rich biodiversity. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to two thirds of the world's population of one-horned rhinoceros and including elephants, tigers, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer. It is also an Important Bird Area (IBA), with numerous bird species, both resident and migratory.
Rest of the day at leisure. We will also have some Garden Time. A conducted session of Tea Plucking. Get to learn the fine art of tea plucking, while you soak in a view of the exquisite journey that tea takes on its way to your tea pot in the morning! (B,D)
Tuesday, 17 February
Free morning to enjoy a walk in the resort’s expansive gardens and walking trails.
Afternoon jeep safari in Kaziranga National Park for another chance to get up close with the one horned rhinos and other animals in their natural habitat. (B,D)
Wednesday, 18 February
Day at leisure to take in the nature and tea plantation walks at your own pace.
We’ll also have time to do some stitching and enjoy a workshop conducted by our textile expert.
Thursday, 19 February
Driven to Guwahati (185 kms / 4 hrs). Enroute we’ll visit a tea estate and factory. We will have an exclusive home-made lunch cooked and served in a heritage tea planter’s bungalow.
The estate is spread over 1782 acres of tea plantation employing over 500 dedicated workers and boasts an impressive annual capacity of over 10,00,000 kilograms of tea.
Traditionally the factory had been manufacturing CTC tea exclusively. We will have a relaxing walking tour of the estate which runs through wilderness where wild elephants can also be spotted, leading us to the factory where we’ll get to witness the tea making process followed by a tea tasting session.
Overnight in Guwahati. (B,L,D)
Friday, 20 February
After breakfast we will transfer to Sukreshwar Ghat to board a small private cruise to Sualkuchi. During the cruise our expert guide from Sualkuchi will brief us about the products through various slide & video presentations to have a better idea about products we are going to witness.
The cruise will be approximately two hours with refreshments served on board. Sualkuchi, situated on the banks of the river Brahmaputra, is a weaving village producing some of the best quality of silk in the state. There are about 17000 silk looms in Sualkuchi producing different range of silk products. It’s also said to be largest village in the world producing/weaving silk.
Frequently known as ‘Manchester of the East’ due to the large number of looms and increasing output from them. Almost every house has an adjacent shed (karkhana) that houses the traditional bamboo looms, the gentle click-clacking of which can be heard from the streets.
Muga silk and Pat Silk along with Eri and Endi cloth from this region are famous for their quality. Mekhela chadors and Gamosas made from these indigenous materials are in demand throughout Assam as well as other parts of India. We will arrange visits to local and government silk units and a museum.
Ethnic lunch will be served at a beautiful restaurant inside the village.
Our coach will meet us at the village from where we’ll return to our hotel in Guwahati by road. (B,L,D)
Saturday, 21 February
A late morning start to Guwahati airport to check-in for a direct afternoon flight to Delhi and transferred to your hotel. (B,D)
Sunday, 22 February
We will start our day with a guided visit to old Delhi’s busy bazaar and enjoy the same on a cycle rickshaw ride including the Kinari Bazaar (Dress material) lane, Chandni Chowk (Silver Square), Khari Baoli (spice market lane), National Crafts Museum.
Visit the Humayun’s Tomb, a 16th century Mughal era white & red sandstone tomb followed by a relaxing walk through the adjacent Sundar Nursery. (B,D)
Monday, 23 February
We’ll have the day out to the annual Surajkund International Crafts Mela which is more than an exhibition. It is an experience that lingers in memory, whether you’re indulging in authentic crafts, being mesmerized by folk performances, or savouring global flavours. The Mela was conceived primarily to promote the pool of skilled artisans, who used indigenous technology, but were suffering due to the cheaper machine-made imitations. This is an earnest effort by Surajkund Mela Authority & Haryana Tourism to provide a platform for crafts persons and wavers to directly market their wares by eliminating the middlemen. To preserve the languishing arts & crafts of India, Surajkund Crafts Mela was hosted for the first time in 1987.
The Mela ground is spread over 40 acres and houses about 1000 work huts that host crafts persons and weavers. Surajkund International Crafts Mela offers its visitors a lifetime experience as it unfolds a wonderful range of textiles, paintings, wood stock, ivory work, pottery, terracotta, stonework, lac lacquerware, cane and grass products. (B,D)
Disclaimer: Surajkund Crafts Mela dates 2026 dates are not decided by the respective authorities at the time of finalising these tour dates. Generally, it is scheduled for first half of February month. So, hoping for the best!
Tuesday, 24 February
Transfer to Delhi airport to board a direct flight to London Heathrow. (B)
What’s included?
Optionals Not Included as may be suggested or mentioned in the programme above.
On a daily basis, meals provided are shown with the following key: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.
Prices
Per Person on twin/double sharing basis.
Ground only price: £ 4,500
Single supplement: £ 950
We will fly out of UK on an overnight flight to Kolkata with a change in Delhi.
Wednesday, 11 February
Arrive Kolkata and after clearing immigrations, collecting bags, you’ll be welcomed by the Darjeeling Tour Manager and then transferred to the hotel.
Afternoon visit to a Kantha embroidery centre. Derived from the Sanskrit word kontha, or “rags” – embroidery is applied on quilts, bags and other textiles made from reused fabric. Although kantha embroidery originated in undivided Bengal through the influence and patronage of Portuguese traders in the region.
We’ll venture out to the jetty point for a ferry ride on the Hooghly river to experience the breath-taking views of the sunset over the stunning Howrah Bridge. A gentle welcome to the ‘City of Joy’. (D)
Thursday, 12 February
Today morning we have a guided two hour heritage walk, an incredible experience! Kolkata is indeed a city brimming with rich history and culture.
Witnessing British-era architecture! Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, was the capital of British India until 1911. You'll see a mix of colonial structures such as Victoria Memorial, St. Paul's Cathedral, and many more.
We will also visit Mother’s House, where Mother Teresa lived and worked, is such a heartfelt and humbling experience.
It's a peaceful place that honours her legacy of love and care.
We then visit the idol-making colony of Kumartuli, famous for its exquisitely crafted clay idols, especially those for Durga Puja. It’s incredible to see the artists at work, shaping intricate forms with such skill and dedication.
A chai and a butter bun stop at a local eatery: Don’t miss out on the local delicacies. Kolkata’s street food is legendary!
The whole day will be an amazing journey through the heart and soul of Kolkata. (B,D)
Friday, 13 February
Today, we’ll take an excursion to Shantipur, which is renowned for its rich heritage in handloom weaving and the exquisite craftsmanship of its weavers. Visiting the West Bengal State Handloom Weavers' Cooperative Society Ltd and workshops, interact with weavers to get to know their stories and take their views on this artform and livelihood.
Idea is to witness Shantipur’s intricate designs in the centuries-old traditional weaving, it’s superior quality and ‘Tangail’ saree’s unique pattern & vibrant colours. The Tangail sarees often feature jacquard designs and ‘Butidar’ patterns. The Shantipur – Fulia region has over 125,000 handlooms, producing Shantipuri, Tangail, and Jamdani handloom sarees in a variety of yarns like cotton, tussar and silk. Dhotis, dress materials, stoles and scarves are also woven
It is one of the foremost handloom centres in India, famous for its production of cotton sarees, known as Shantipuri sarees. The weaving tradition dates to the 15th century when weavers from Dhaka's Dhamrai were invited by Gaur king Lakshmana Sen to settle in Shantipur, bringing their expertise and skills and has flourished through the Mughal and Nawab periods.
After India gained independence in 1947, many Bangladeshi weavers migrated to Shantipur and the neighbouring area of Phulia. These weavers brought with them their traditional weaving techniques, contributing to the diversity and richness of the handloom industry in the region. Shantipur weaving is special because it represents a beautiful blend of history, artistry, and tradition, all woven together to create exquisite textiles that are cherished by people around the world. (B,D)
Saturday, 14 February
Today we will fly into the northeast Indian state of ‘Assam’, famous for its tea. The state is one of the world's largest tea producers, and visiting the verdant tea gardens is a delightful experience. Transfer to the lush green Kanchanjuri tea estate where our resort is situated and will be our base for five nights.
Assam saw the rise and fall of several ancient kingdoms, including the Kamarupa Kingdom, which flourished between the 4th and 12th centuries. Ahom Dynasty was the most significant period in Assam's history that began with the arrival of the Ahom people in the early 13th century. They crossed the Patkai Range from Myanmar (Burma) and established the Ahom Kingdom, which ruled Assam for nearly 600 years. Other dynasties ruled after that period and leading to a rich tapestry of cultural & political influences.
Assam became part of British India after the Treaty of Yandabo in 1826. The British annexed Assam, integrating it into their colonial empire and introducing new administrative systems and economic activities, including tea plantation. Assam became a state of India in 1950, following the country's independence in 1947. (B,D)
Sunday, 15 February
Today we will visit a local village on the outskirts of Kaziranga National Park where we’ll have a weaving workshop with village tribal ladies and get to learn their skills & patterns. You will get to interact with the locals and learn about their lifestyle.
Not to be missed the Bamboo cane hand-made home products and Sitalpati. Both fascinating examples of traditional craftsmanship. Sitalpati, also known as "cool mats," are traditional mats made from the soft slips of the Maranta dichotoma plant, locally known as Murta. The process of making Sitalpati involves several steps:
- Harvesting: The Murta plant is harvested, then stems are split into fine strands.
- Processing: The strands are soaked in rice water and boiled to soften them.
- Weaving: The softened strands are woven into intricate patterns, often featuring
Sitalpati is traditionally used for sleeping and sitting, but it has also evolved to include items like bags, folders, hats, and table mats.
These crafts not only provide a source of income for rural communities but also help preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainable living. If you're interested in exploring or purchasing these products, you can find them on various online platforms and local markets.
Back at the resort, we’ll arrange for a traditional barbeque dinner setup in a ‘machan’ with home grown rice beer & wine. (B,D)
Monday, 16 February
We will have a morning safari on top of an elephant back in the Kaziranga National Park to sight the one Horned Rhinos and other wildlife. Approximately 430 square kilometres (about 166 square miles). This vast expanse encompasses a diverse range of habitats, including grasslands, wetlands, and tropical broadleaf forests, providing a thriving environment for its rich biodiversity. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to two thirds of the world's population of one-horned rhinoceros and including elephants, tigers, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer. It is also an Important Bird Area (IBA), with numerous bird species, both resident and migratory.
Rest of the day at leisure. We will also have some Garden Time. A conducted session of Tea Plucking. Get to learn the fine art of tea plucking, while you soak in a view of the exquisite journey that tea takes on its way to your tea pot in the morning! (B,D)
Tuesday, 17 February
Free morning to enjoy a walk in the resort’s expansive gardens and walking trails.
Afternoon jeep safari in Kaziranga National Park for another chance to get up close with the one horned rhinos and other animals in their natural habitat. (B,D)
Wednesday, 18 February
Day at leisure to take in the nature and tea plantation walks at your own pace.
We’ll also have time to do some stitching and enjoy a workshop conducted by our textile expert.
Thursday, 19 February
Driven to Guwahati (185 kms / 4 hrs). Enroute we’ll visit a tea estate and factory. We will have an exclusive home-made lunch cooked and served in a heritage tea planter’s bungalow.
The estate is spread over 1782 acres of tea plantation employing over 500 dedicated workers and boasts an impressive annual capacity of over 10,00,000 kilograms of tea.
Traditionally the factory had been manufacturing CTC tea exclusively. We will have a relaxing walking tour of the estate which runs through wilderness where wild elephants can also be spotted, leading us to the factory where we’ll get to witness the tea making process followed by a tea tasting session.
Overnight in Guwahati. (B,L,D)
Friday, 20 February
After breakfast we will transfer to Sukreshwar Ghat to board a small private cruise to Sualkuchi. During the cruise our expert guide from Sualkuchi will brief us about the products through various slide & video presentations to have a better idea about products we are going to witness.
The cruise will be approximately two hours with refreshments served on board. Sualkuchi, situated on the banks of the river Brahmaputra, is a weaving village producing some of the best quality of silk in the state. There are about 17000 silk looms in Sualkuchi producing different range of silk products. It’s also said to be largest village in the world producing/weaving silk.
Frequently known as ‘Manchester of the East’ due to the large number of looms and increasing output from them. Almost every house has an adjacent shed (karkhana) that houses the traditional bamboo looms, the gentle click-clacking of which can be heard from the streets.
Muga silk and Pat Silk along with Eri and Endi cloth from this region are famous for their quality. Mekhela chadors and Gamosas made from these indigenous materials are in demand throughout Assam as well as other parts of India. We will arrange visits to local and government silk units and a museum.
Ethnic lunch will be served at a beautiful restaurant inside the village.
Our coach will meet us at the village from where we’ll return to our hotel in Guwahati by road. (B,L,D)
Saturday, 21 February
A late morning start to Guwahati airport to check-in for a direct afternoon flight to Delhi and transferred to your hotel. (B,D)
Sunday, 22 February
We will start our day with a guided visit to old Delhi’s busy bazaar and enjoy the same on a cycle rickshaw ride including the Kinari Bazaar (Dress material) lane, Chandni Chowk (Silver Square), Khari Baoli (spice market lane), National Crafts Museum.
Visit the Humayun’s Tomb, a 16th century Mughal era white & red sandstone tomb followed by a relaxing walk through the adjacent Sundar Nursery. (B,D)
Monday, 23 February
We’ll have the day out to the annual Surajkund International Crafts Mela which is more than an exhibition. It is an experience that lingers in memory, whether you’re indulging in authentic crafts, being mesmerized by folk performances, or savouring global flavours. The Mela was conceived primarily to promote the pool of skilled artisans, who used indigenous technology, but were suffering due to the cheaper machine-made imitations. This is an earnest effort by Surajkund Mela Authority & Haryana Tourism to provide a platform for crafts persons and wavers to directly market their wares by eliminating the middlemen. To preserve the languishing arts & crafts of India, Surajkund Crafts Mela was hosted for the first time in 1987.
The Mela ground is spread over 40 acres and houses about 1000 work huts that host crafts persons and weavers. Surajkund International Crafts Mela offers its visitors a lifetime experience as it unfolds a wonderful range of textiles, paintings, wood stock, ivory work, pottery, terracotta, stonework, lac lacquerware, cane and grass products. (B,D)
Disclaimer: Surajkund Crafts Mela dates 2026 dates are not decided by the respective authorities at the time of finalising these tour dates. Generally, it is scheduled for first half of February month. So, hoping for the best!
Tuesday, 24 February
Transfer to Delhi airport to board a direct flight to London Heathrow. (B)
What’s included?
- Accommodation in 5-star hotels in well-appointed rooms.
- Buffet breakfast and dinner daily and two lunches included.
- All transport by deluxe airconditioned vehicles with experienced drivers.
- Airfare for the domestic sector of Kolkata – Jorhat, Guwahati - Delhi in economy class.
- Workshop and visits as listed in the itinerary above.
- Kaziranga Jungle safaris by elephant & jeep with entrance fees.
- General entrance fees to museums and places of visits.
- UK Textile expert accompanying the tour.
- Services of a Darjeeling Tours Limited Tour Manager.
- All tips throughout the tour (except for the Tour Manager) are included and will be dealt with on your behalf.
- Personal and incidental expenses are not included.
Optionals Not Included as may be suggested or mentioned in the programme above.
On a daily basis, meals provided are shown with the following key: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.
Prices
Per Person on twin/double sharing basis.
Ground only price: £ 4,500
Single supplement: £ 950