Join us as we travel through Eastern India's culinary gems and Central India's forests.
The Eastern part of India is fertile, mysterious and still untouched by the impact of over tourism. A stay at the restored boutique hotels in the countryside of Bengal is an opportunity to visit and experience this area at your pace and interest. There are tribal cultures to be seen, traditions to be experienced, food to be savored and rural vignettes to be photographed.
Pench National Park in Central India, named after a river that cuts through the heart of the jungle and creates a dramatic setting with large boulder like rocks, dotted with teak and ancient varieties of fig trees.
Airfares - Once we issue the domestic flights, the cancellation fee will be applicable in case of any cancellation.
15% retention on the total tour costs, if cancelled 90 days prior to arrival date.
25% retention on the total tour costs, if cancelled 90 to 60 days prior to arrival date.
100% retention on total tour costs, if cancelled 60 days prior to arrival date.
Please refer to our website at https://www.eatsmartguides.com/terms.html for our general Terms and Conditions.
Please refer to our tour operator's website http://www.travelscopeindia.com/terms-condition/ for their detailed Terms and Conditions.
FOR A MINIMUM OF 8 PARTICIPANTS, MAXIMUM OF 12 PARTICIPANTS
$9,465 per person
$12,665 per person, single occupancy
Optional Extension to Agra to see the Taj Mahal
$810 per person
$1020 per person, single occupancy
25 % Deposit Required:
Non-refundable deposit* in Double Occupancy - $2,366 per person
Non-refundable deposit* with Single Supplement - $2,914 per person
*Your deposit is refundable until you have been notified that the tour has been filled and your deposits have been sent to our India tour operator, at which point your deposit is non-refundable.
Balance due 90 days prior to departure.
Itinerary may change.
Accommodation sharing a double/twin room for a total of 15 nights, as per itinerary.
Rates are inclusive of breakfast plus meals as indicated in the itinerary.
Ground transportation using private air-conditioned Force Urbania including International Arrival & Departure transfer.
All airport transfers will be provided with the assistance of a representative.
All sightseeing and excursions detailed in the itinerary, with the services of an English- speaking Host/ Escort.
Domestic airfare Kolkata – Bhubaneshwar, Kolkata – Nagpur and Nagpur – Delhi OR Mumbai in Economy class based on discounted rates available as on date which is subject to change.
Exclusive Jeep safaris at Pench National Park.
Our cost does not include Visa fees.
Personal expenses such as alcoholic / non-alcoholic beverages, internet expenses, phone calls, laundry, in-room dining and other expenses of a personal nature etc.
Expenses arising out of voluntary or involuntary re-routing of your itinerary due to situations beyond our control.
Open available to pre-pay tips and gratuities
Trip interruption, travel and health insurance. Options will be available to purchase travel insurance through Travel Smart by Design.
Not included unless requested and deposit paid. Price subject to change based on final number of guests who express interest and pay their deposit.
Arrive at Kolkata’s International Airport. Our representative will meet you on arrival and will then transfer you to hotel in private vehicle for the transit night.
Check in and relax in the comforts of your hotel.
Overnight in Kolkata.
Meals Included – None
Hotel check-in time – 2 PM
Flight: Indigo Airlines, 6214, departing at 11:10 AM & arriving at 12:20 PM. After breakfast, our representative will meet you for transfer to the airport for your flight to Bhubaneshwar, the capital city of Odisha.
Upon arrival, you will be met and assisted with a check-in at the hotel.
Enjoy lunch at the hotel.
Later in the afternoon, you will be driven to the outskirts of the city, to visit the partly natural, partly man-made Khandagiri and Udayagiri caves for sunset. These caves once served as residences for Jain monks. The double-storyed dwellings, perhaps commissioned by Orissa’s first ruler, King Kharavela were undertaken in the 1st century BC and his queen, a patron of the arts, was perhaps responsible for the impressive sculptural decoration of the caves. The honeycomb caves with their numerous inscriptions and sculptures offer an insight into the lives of the monks and the patronage of rulers – and the secular traditions of ancient India.
Return to the hotel for a welcome dinner tonight.
Overnight in Bhubaneshwar.
Meals Included – Breakfast, Lunch & Welcome Dinner
Today, you will explore the temple city of Bhubaneshwar with visits to some of its most remarkable structures.
The city has an astonishing 600 documented temples, and the Temple Trail will showcase a few, each with a distinct style of architecture. Of the many temples, the finest is the 11th century Lingaraja Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the destroyer in Indian mythology. The temple trail will continue on to Mukteshwar Temple, the Rajarani Temple of red-gold sandstone, the Parashurameswar Temple, built in 650 AD, is one of the oldest temples existing in Bhubaneshwar, among others – offering a glimpse of the pantheon of gods worshiped across the country.
On the way, learn about the local Odia snacks like Koda Khai (a local version of caramelized popcorns) and the pious bhoj 'temple meal’ being prepared in large vessels.
End the walk at herbal garden learning about local medicinal plants.
You will also visit Kala Bhoomi Odisha Crafts Museum, that celebrates the craftsmanship of Odisha’s artisans. The museum exhibits an array of masterpieces in its two blocks - the display area and the live section. Within its galleries, the display area showcases traditional hand loom weaving, pottery, terracotta art, metalwork, and Dhokra art.
After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the hotel for some time at leisure.
Late afternoon, drive in the wilderness in the outskirts to arrive at Svanir homestay for a cooking session and meal with a host. The host will curate a typical Odia menu inspired by the indigenous communities of the region. In the cooking experience, learn about patrapora (vegetables, egg or fish wrapped in banana leaves and then pan fried in the fire) and more. This will be followed by an early dinner before you return to your hotel.
Overnight in Bhubaneshwar.
Meals Included – Breakfast, Lunch, Culinary Experience & Dinner
After breakfast, proceed on a full-day excursion to Puri and Konark.
En route visit Raghurajpur Heritage Village situated amidst groves of coconut, palm, mango, and jack fruit. The main village has two streets with over 120 houses, most decorated with mural paintings, where the painters reside and practice their Pattachitra craft. Pattachitra paintings are drawn on special, hand-made, tamarind seed paper. The paints are derived from extracts of flowers and fruits, mixed with powdered seashells for an unusual effect.
The village folk also practices an array of arts & crafts, including traditional masks, stone idols, Papier Mache, sculptures, and wooden toys, that you can see on your walk. Considered one among the seven most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, Puri has been long since known for its 12th century Jagannath temple, with shrines to an unusual crowd of gods among the Hindu pantheons.
Visit the Jagannath Temple dedicated to The Lord of the Universe. The extraordinary form that Jagannath assumes, according to the legend, is the unfinished work of the craftsman god Viswakarma, who in anger left this portrayal of Lord Vishnu incomplete. This majestic temple and its chronicles attract devotees from all over the world. You will view the temple from outside, as non-Hindus aren’t allowed
inside the sanctum sanctorum. Also, try the freshly prepared Chhena Gajaa, a golden color, crispy sweet made with cottage cheese.
After lunch at a local restaurant, proceed to Konark temple dedicated to the sun god, Surya – unquestionably one of India’s finest UNESCO World Heritage monuments.
The temple is designed in such a way that the first rays of the morning sun
illuminate the main sanctum. The temple complex is rich in symbolism, representing the passage of time, the wheels of the chariot denoting the 12 months, and the seven horses representing the days of the week. Poet- author Rabindranath Tagore wrote of the monument - “Here the language of stone surpasses the language of man.”
Late evening, return to your hotel.
Overnight in Bhubaneshwar.
Meals Included – Breakfast, Lunch
Journey: 5 hours’ approx. After breakfast, drive to reach Baripada. En route stop to visit Lalitgiri Caves, a Buddhist heritage site dating back to 1st century. Situated in the quaint rural settings of Mayurbhanj in Odisha, Baripada is a mélange of rich cultural heritage and natural beauty and holds its own distinct charm and historical significance.
Check into your hotel on arrival. A palace hotel in Odisha run by two dynamic young princesses, the 18th century Victorian-era style Belgadia Palace is a genuinely personal and warm experience.
Later in the afternoon, take a walk around the hotel with a royal family member to discover its hidden treasures and secret stories discussing history, architecture, and focusing on the way of life in a bygone era.
Thereafter, enjoy a cultural performance called Mayurbhanj Chhau, a semi classical Indian dance with martial, tribal, and folk elements intertwined in one. Originally a tribal dance from the forest dwellers of Mayurbhanj in the 18th -century, it received the status of a martial art form in the 19th century and is today an endangered dance form. The performance is followed by dinner.
Overnight in Mayurbhanj.
Meals Included – Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Today, proceed to visit the rural village haat (market), for an immersion into the region's heritage, farm produce, crafts and trade.
Embark on a walk that offers a slice of the town, the history of the royal family as well as an insightful understanding of the local culture and way of life. Visit the Council Hall, former Mayurbhanj State Palace, Jagannath Temple, old steam engine
and the Rani Dharamshala.
Driving to the outskirts of the town, you will visit a village to see Sabai grass crafts being made by the local artisans. These clusters are formed by all women artisans weaving different crafts like bowls, trays, table mats and wall hangings. You can engage with the artisans to learn how the handicrafts are made.
Return to your hotel.
In the evening, enjoy a cooking demonstration learning about the
bamboo chicken, red ant chutney - authentic indigenous cuisine from the region followed by dinner.
Overnight in Mayurbhanj.
Meals Included – Breakfast, Lunch, Culinary Experience & Dinner
Journey – 4.5 hours’ approx. After breakfast, proceed on a drive to Kolkata.
En route, stop to visit the Jhargram Palace for a tour to know about the heritage followed by lunch.
On arrival, check-in to the hotel and spend some time at leisure.
Later in the afternoon, take a leisurely walk around the bustling New Market, the neighborhood of your hotel and visit the Indian Museum, one of the earliest museum in the Indian Subcontinent and an epitome of art and culture of the country.
Overnight in Kolkata.
Meals Included – Breakfast, Lunch
Get acquainted with the history and architecture of Kolkata through the 18th and 19th century in this interesting walk around Dalhousie Square. The Dalhousie Square area was once called Lal Dighi—one of the three villages which later grew into the metropolis of Kolkata. It was here that the British first built a mud Fort around
1700 and started their trading warehouses.
Also, visit the Park Street Cemetery and Victoria Memorial – two great institutions left behind by the British.
Lunch at Sienna Café, a stylish store and café.
In the afternoon, spend some time shopping or choose to visit Mother Teresa’s home and the center of her Missionaries of Charity. Her modest tomb and the Spartan room where she lived and died, embodies her life’s work, with its simplicity and dedication to only helping the poor and needy.
In the evening, enjoy a home hosted dinner with an Art Collector and learn about the Kolkata way of life as you enjoy home cooked food and lots of interactions about cultural heritage of the city.
Overnight in Kolkata.
Meals Included – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Start your day with a visit to a colorful amalgamation of morning energy, bringing the cityscapes to life at the famous Flower Market.
Continue to Kumartuli, the Potters’ Market where giant life-like religious idols are created.
Enjoy Tea and snacks at Flury’s, an age-old tearoom, which is a must visit when visiting Kolkata.
Return to the hotel for some time leisure.
In the afternoon, proceed on a walk and learn about the historical trends that
influenced the food culture of this city. Explore the regional, religious, historical
and cultural influences on Kolkata’s culinary heritage. Try from famous hawkers, heritage eateries, exquisite restaurants and more.
Overnight in Kolkata.
Meals Included – Breakfast, Snacks & Food Sampling
Journey: 2 hours’ drive. Today, after a leisurely breakfast, you will be driven to Rajbari Bawali.
Your arrival at Rajbari Bawali will be quite a memory! Red and white saree clad ladies welcome you to the auspicious blowing of the conch, a cool tilak on your forehead and a ‘powerful’ garland of red hibiscus.
Check-in and relax in the comforts of your hotel.
Sail through the River Hooghly (Gangetic dolphins live in this part of the river) on a boat enjoying refreshments and witnessing a small ritual offered to the river Gods.
Return to the hotel to witness the rituals of Sandhya Aarti, the evening prayer on the regal steps of The Rajbari Bawali, a tradition of the village where a member of the Mondal family chants Sanskrit Slokas for your well being with the sound of conch
shells and the Bengali Dhak (Drums) playing in the backdrop.
Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Bawali.
Meals Included – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walk around the village of Bawali, through the simple life and functional art of a village, market, sweet shops, hawkers, women working around their homes.
End the walk with a local-style Bengali breakfast.
Spend the rest of the morning in comforts of your room. Take a dip in the pool or read a book.
Enjoy a culinary experience with the chef and learn recipes that make up a perfectly balanced Bengali starter and curry, you can take away with you.
Get transported back in time to the Zamindari era, and learn to drape a
magnificent, colorful, and vibrant saree as the woman of the Zamindari household or a Kurta Pyjama for the men.
Enjoy a dinner with cultural performance tonight to relive the memories of the East.
Overnight in Bawali.
Meals Included – Breakfast, Culinary Experience & Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy the facilities at your hotel this morning. At noon, check-out from your hotel and proceed to the city for some shopping opportunities.
In time, you will be transferred to the airport for your late evening flight to Nagpur. Journey: 2.5 hours to the airport. Flight: Indigo Airlines, 862, departing at 8:25 PM & arriving at 10:20 PM.
Upon arrival in Nagpur, you will be driven to your hotel.
Transit night in Nagpur.
Meals Included – Breakfast, Lunch
Journey: 3.5 hours. After breakfast, you will be driven to your luxurious jungle lodge at Pench National Park.
Today is the HOLI , the biggest festival of colors in India. You will celebrate the festival with locals and reach the lodge for lunch.
In the evening, sharpen your sense of hearing the sounds of the jungles and their echoes in the forests. Spend some time with the naturalists for a discussion on the Central Indian forests.
Enjoy an outdoor cooking experience of local cuisine with an organic meal for dinner.
Overnight in Pench.
Meals Included – Breakfast, Lunch,
Dinner
Your morning and afternoon private jeep safaris will cover different zones of Pench National Park: Jamtara Gate, Turia Gate, and Karmajhiri Gate.
The key wildlife to look out for while visiting the park is: The Indian Leopard, the Royal Bengal Tiger, Dhole (Wild dog), Chausingha or the Four Horned Antelope, Russell Viper and Four Species of Vultures: White Rumped Vulture, Long Billed Vulture, King Vulture and the Egyptian Vulture and the Royal Bengal tiger.
Overnight in Pench.
Meals Included – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take another private jeep safari in the national park this morning.
Unwind for the rest of the day at the lodge.
You may want to proceed on a village walk - interact with the village folk and explore the farmlands with insights into the making of local produce such as corn and jaggery.
Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at the lodge, the ingredients at the lodge are locally sourced and the chefs have created a diverse menu for the meals.
Overnight in Pench.
Journey: 3.5 hours to Nagpur airport for onward flight to Delhi or Mumbai for international departure
Pack your bags and in time, you will be assisted with a transfer to the airport for
your flight back home or to our extension to Agra.
Meals Included – Breakfast
MON 17th MARCH | to DELHI
Flight from Nagpur to Delhi
This morning you will be driven to the Nagpur airport for your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to an airport hotel for an evening at leisure.
Overnight at The Roseate.
TUE 18th MARCH | to AGRA
Journey: 3.5 hours’ drive approx.
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will be driven to Agra in the morning. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel. Later today, visit the Agra Fort - on the right bank of the Yamuna River, is one of the most important and robustly built strongholds of the Mughal rulers, embellished with several richly decorated pavilions. Let your guide tell you the rich, evocative history of Agra Fort, where emperors like Akbar, and his grandson Shah Jahan, take center stage.
Overnight at Tajview Hotel.
MON 17th MARCH | to DELHI
Journey: 3.5 hours’ drive approx. to Delhi airport
Meals Included – Breakfast
Today, visit Taj Mahal at sunrise, the magnificent mausoleum, which the emperor Shahjahan had built for his queen, Mumtaz and India’s own jewel in the list of 7 Wonders of the Modern World. Beat the crowd to watch the Taj in the subtle early morning light at sunrise. As you walk towards the entrance, your expert guide will share stories of its creation and subtle nuances of its architecture. And then comes the breath-taking moment when you walk through the passage and get your first
glimpse of this most beautiful monument. While we give you time to admire its beauty in the subtle morning light, it is natural that you would also want to get into that ideal spot for a picture with the Taj in the background.
Later after breakfast, check-out and drive to the Delhi airport for your international departure. A representative will assist you with the check-in at the airport.
