Holidays to Eastern India and Calcutta: an Overview

Eastern India retains much of India's colonial architecture and atmosphere, and Calcutta is an endlessly fascinating city, but there is far more to see aside from the capital of West Bengal.

Miranda is here to help give you the inside track.

Why we think you’ll love it

Calcutta was at one time capital of the British Raj, and sits along the banks of the wide Hooghly before the river joins the Ganges and broadens to form the largest delta in the world

There's amazing wildlife to be spotted in Kaziranga National Park, which is the place in India to head if you want to see the Asian rhino or the very rare (and endangered) pygmy hog

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Calcutta had, until recently, a reputation for squalor and poverty, but in this vibrant city of 13 million inhabitants sits an important part of east India's historical heritage in buildings such as the Marble Palace, the Botanical and Eden Gardens, the Victoria Memorial, and in the museum. This delta is home to one of eastern India's many and diverse ecosystems - Sunderbans with its huge mangrove forests and tiger reserve.

Further to the north the Himalayan foothills are perfect for trekking. One of the key areas is Darjeeling, where you can stay in a lodge surrounded by rolling tea plantations and spectacular views of the Himalayas. From here you can continue north into Sikkim for a few days walking. Once an independent Himalayan Kingdom like Bhutan, the state is scattered with monasteries along what was once the main Himalayan trade route.

Another short flight from Calcutta is Assam, where we recommend joining a river cruise along the Brahmaputra river to visit Kaziranga National Park and (hopefully) see the Asian one horned Rhino. Further north and east still the forested hills are populated by tribal people more Burmese than Indian in appearance and culture.

Finally, for yet another variety of eastern India holiday, Orissa's temples and beaches are well worth exploration.

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Original Highlight

The rolling tea fields of Darjeeling are supremely beautiful, especially with the highest Himalayan peak, Kangchenjunga, as the backdrop.

Miranda, Original Traveller

A note on price

Flights to India cost approximately £570 (economy) and many airlines fly directly from the UK. Accommodation-wise, prices vary hugely: Rajasthan could cost around £3,000 per person for two weeks, whilst South Kerala would come in a lot cheaper comparatively for a luxury holiday of a similar length. A 10 night trip travelling through Eastern India will cost from £2,995. Learn more about our pricing