Dates: Oct. 7-18, 2026
India: Calcutta & Himalayan Retreat, Darjeeling
Cultural Immersion in Calcutta, Himalayan Retreat in Darjeeling, Whiskey Tasting, Tea Estate Hikes, Art & Photography Sessions.
- Begin the day with a guided tour led by a Glenburn Expert Host, exploring Calcutta’s historic architecture, vibrant markets, and flavorful local cuisine.
- Walk through Dalhousie Square, a colonial-era district with:
- Jewish synagogues and churches
- The Writers’ Building (former East India Company HQ)
- The Governor’s House
- Charnock Mausoleum — a symbol of the city’s colonial past
- Pause for a Glenburn tea break at St. John’s Church.
- Visit two iconic landmarks:
- Park Street Cemetery – a hauntingly beautiful graveyard capturing the lives of early society.
- Victoria Memorial – a grand museum with British and Indian art, plus a permanent gallery on Calcutta’s history.
- Enjoy lunch at your choice of:
- Eau Chew, a 90-year-old family-run Chinese restaurant
- A local Bengali restaurant near the Star Theatre
- Park Street café or Nizam’s for authentic Kathi Rolls
- Optional afternoon visit to the Indian Museum — one of the oldest in the country, with a renowned sculpture gallery, ancient Indian artifacts, and exhibits on botany and natural history.
Today offers a glimpse into the spiritual, artistic, and mercantile heart of historic North Calcutta, beginning with early morning rituals along the river and culminating in opulent 19th-century mansions.
- Morning:
- Start your day along the banks of the River Hooghly as the city awakens. Walk through the vibrant flower market, where garlands for temples and homes are sold in bursts of marigold and jasmine.
- Observe locals performing their morning cleansing rituals on the river steps, offering a quiet insight into Kolkata’s daily spiritual rhythm.
- Late Morning:
- Travel to North Calcutta, often referred to as “Black Town” during colonial times, where Bengal’s elite built stately homes influenced by European styles.
- Visit the Jain Temple Complex, a shimmering cluster of four ornate temples adorned with Belgian glass, mirrors, and ceramic tiles imported by wealthy merchant families.
- Continue to the Marble Palace, a lavish 19th-century mansion built by Raja Rajendra Mullick. The house features marble floors, crystal chandeliers, Western statuary, and an eclectic private art collection.
- Stroll the surrounding gardens and view remnants of India’s first private zoo, which still houses exotic birds and deer.
- Lunch:
- Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant—your guide will recommend options ranging from traditional Bengali cuisine to colonial-era clubs, depending on your location and pace.
- Afternoon:
- Return to the Glenburn Penthouse or take time to explore more of the city on your own.
- Optional add-on: Stop at Kumartuli, the artisan quarter, where sculptors prepare elaborate idols for upcoming festivals.
- Evening at Leisure:
- Unwind with afternoon tea on the rooftop terrace.
- Dinner on your own, or coordinate with your host for reservations at one of Kolkata’s celebrated restaurants.
Today offers a flexible schedule to explore Kolkata’s vibrant culture, from botanical gardens and book markets to textiles, art, and shopping. Choose your own adventure with these curated options
- Morning Highlights:
- Botanical Gardens Across the River: Wander among global flora and visit the world’s largest Banyan tree in this peaceful green escape.
- College Street & Indian Coffee House: Browse books, soak in the intellectual energy, and enjoy a nostalgic cup at this legendary café.
- Textile and Art Option:
- Rangeen Textile Factory Tour: Watch artisans demonstrate weaving, dyeing, and block printing—plus learn the powerful history of Indigo.
- Weavers Studio & Art Gallery: View handcrafted textiles and visit the in-house gallery showcasing emerging local artists.
- Meet Shamlu Dudeja & Explore Kantha Art: Visit the home of Kantha revivalist Shamlu Dudeja and see how this traditional embroidery has transformed lives and fashion.
- Art & Shopping Options
- Explore CIMA or the Experimenter for exhibitions and art.
- Discover Bengal’s best: handloom textiles, kantha embroidery, artisan jewelry, local bazaars, and designer boutiques.
- The Asiatic Society & More
- Add in a visit to heritage sites and cultural institutions for deeper context on the city’s colonial and intellectual legacy.
- Evening at Leisure
- Reconnect with fellow travelers over dinner and swap stories from your personalized day in Kolkata.
ITINERARY:
Fly north to Bagdogra, then enjoy a scenic drive into the Himalayas, complete with a riverside picnic en route. Arrive at Glenburn Tea Estate, where your suite awaits in a restored colonial bungalow. Wind down the day with cocktails by a bonfire and a warm, home-cooked dinner.
- Morning: Transfer to the airport for a short domestic flight (approx. 45 minutes) from Calcutta to Bagdogra, the gateway to the eastern Himalayas.
- Upon arrival, begin a scenic 4-hour drive to Glenburn Tea Estate, winding through the lush foothills of North Bengal.
- En route, stop for a beautifully arranged picnic lunch at a panoramic viewpoint, surrounded by tea gardens and river valleys.
- Arrive at Glenburn Tea Estate in the late afternoon and check in to your suite in a restored colonial bungalow.
- Take time to relax on the verandah with a warm cup of Glenburn tea or a cocktail as the sun sets over the mountains.
- Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner hosted by the Glenburn team—featuring a sit-down, four-course meal with locally inspired dishes served fireside or in the elegant dining room.
ITINERARY:
These days are yours to enjoy the serene beauty and enriching experiences of Glenburn Tea Estate. Choose from a menu of included excursions and activities that connect you with nature, culture, and creativity:
- Hikes & River Picnics: Take your pick of half- or full-day hikes through forests, tea fields, and riverside trails. Stop for a gourmet picnic, dip in a mountain stream, or stay overnight at the rustic Glenburn Lodge.
- Glenburn Tea Tour & Tasting: Follow the journey of ‘two leaves and a bud’ from field to cup. Visit the tea factory, interact with tea pickers, and end with a tasting session of Glenburn’s aromatic black, green, and white teas.
- Painting en Plein Air: Join a local artist for a guided open-air painting session. Capture the Himalayan landscape on canvas while learning traditional techniques and creative inspiration from the region.
- Photography Session: Embark on a visual storytelling walk with Glenburn’s staff. Learn how to frame the perfect shot, discover hidden viewpoints, and document the rich textures of daily life and nature.
- Whiskey Tasting: Enjoy a guided tasting of Indian-made whiskeys with Glenburn’s manager. Compare flavor profiles while learning about the country’s unique approach to crafting fine spirits.
- Darjeeling Town Visit: Ride the vintage ‘toy train,’ visit Ghoom Monastery and the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, and explore Darjeeling’s colonial past with time to shop and stroll the famous Mall Road.
Whether you hike, paint, sip tea, or simply gaze at the Kanchenjunga range from the verandah, this part of the journey is yours to savor.
For those who wish to continue exploring India’s rich cultural and architectural heritage, an optional 4- to 5-day Golden Triangle extension is available upon request. This immersive journey connects three of India’s most iconic destinations—New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur—each offering a distinct window into the country’s past and present.
- 30% due at booking
- Final payment due 60 days before departure
- 20% of trip price if canceled 60+ days before departure
- 50% of trip price if canceled 30-59 days before departure
- 100% of trip price if canceled within 29 days of departure
