8 days in Eastern India Itinerary

Situated in the eastern Himalayan range, state capital Gangtok combines a modern, resort town style with ancient spiritual beliefs and an impressive natural heritage.

Kick off your visit on the 28th (Thu): take in the dramatic scenery at Kyongnosla Waterfall, contemplate the waterfront views at Tsongmo Lake, and then contemplate the long history of Nathula. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: don't miss a visit to Baba Harbhajan Singh Temple and then take a stroll through MG Marg.

Before you visit Gangtok, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Gangtok is an approximately 9.5-hour combination of flight and taxi. You can also do a combination of flight and car. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Dubai to Gangtok. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Fri) so you can go by car to Darjeeling.

The train, the tea, and the hills bring visitors to Darjeeling, one of India's most famous and well-preserved Raj-era hill stations.

On the 30th (Sat), meet the residents at Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, make a trip to Batasia Loop, and then get great views at Tiger Hill.

To find traveler tips, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Darjeeling planning website .

Traveling by car from Gangtok to Darjeeling takes 4 hours. In November, plan for daily highs up to 34°C, and evening lows to 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Sat) to allow time to travel to Kolkata (Calcutta).

Nestled on the banks of the Hooghly River, Kolkata is a booming metropolis, India's second largest city, and the country's cultural hub, known for being the birthplace of major artistic and literary movements.

Kick off your visit on the 1st (Sun): see the interesting displays at Victoria Memorial Hall, then get a new perspective on nature at Indian Museum (Jadu Ghar), then look for gifts at Kumortuli, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Dakshineswar Kali Temple. Here are some ideas for day two: steep yourself in history at Sri Sri Iswar Madan Mohan Jew, then take in the views from Howrah Bridge, and then get the lay of the land with Walking tours.

For where to stay, reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Kolkata (Calcutta) day trip planning website .

Do a combination of taxi and flight from Darjeeling to Kolkata (Calcutta) in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and train. Expect a bit warmer evenings in Kolkata (Calcutta) when traveling from Darjeeling in November, with lows around 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Mon) so you can travel to Puri.

An important place of Hindu pilgrimage, Puri features a wealth of holy and historic sites that draw in believers and tourists alike.

Start off your visit on the 3rd (Tue): don't miss a visit to Jagannath Temple, then stroll through Balighai Beach, then kick back and relax at Puri Beach, and finally admire the landmark architecture of Konark Sun Temple. Here are some ideas for day two: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Govardhan Peetham, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Baliharachandi Temple, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Konark Beach.

To find photos, traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Puri day trip website .

You can do a combination of flight and taxi from Kolkata (Calcutta) to Puri in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. December in Puri sees daily highs of 34°C and lows of 18°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Wed) early enough to travel back home.