India with the Tea Centre - 17 days
FROM USD $3,449
The Tea Centre has teamed up with On The Go Tours, to offer a colourful 17-day holiday to the sub-continent. Getting you to the heart of India, exploring mouthwatering sites like the Taj Mahal and the Pink City of Jaipur, we also visit the tea plantations of Darjeeling and Assam, staying at authentic tea bungalows too.
We also offer a 12 day version of this tour starting in Kolkata. Ideal for those who are short on time or have already travelled the Golden Triangle. Please see the bottom of this page for details.
Day 1: Delhi
Friday. Namaste! Welcome to India. We will be there to collect you as you arrive into New Delhi for your transfer to the hotel. Overnight - Delhi
Days 2 - 3: Delhi Old & New
Over the next 2 days we will explore all that Old and New Delhi have to offer. Modern New Delhi is a striking contrast to the unorganised chaos of the Old City although both are just as appealing. Our tour of Old Delhi begins with a visit to Raj Ghat, a quiet and simple memorial that pays homage to the Mahatma Ghandi and marks the spot where he was cremated. We continue on to Red Fort, a magnificent complex overlooking the Jamuna River. Next we jump aboard local rickshaws and make our way to Jama Masjid, one of Asia’s biggest mosques.
Later on we visit the famous Khari Baoli Spice & Food Grain Market where we have the privilege of a short interactive session with a local spice and grain merchant who will explain to us lots of interesting facts about spices and tea in India.
On day 3 we explore New Delhi, kicking off with Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India before paying a visit to Humayun’s Tomb – the first garden tomb in the Indian subcontinent and inspired the construction of the legendary Taj Mahal. We finish off the tour with a trip to India Gate, the Parliament building and Rastrapathi Bhawan – the President’s residence.
This afternoon we relax at The Atrium in the Hotel Imperial and enjoy a delightful Afternoon Tea. Overnight - Delhi (B:2)
Later on we visit the famous Khari Baoli Spice & Food Grain Market where we have the privilege of a short interactive session with a local spice and grain merchant who will explain to us lots of interesting facts about spices and tea in India.
On day 3 we explore New Delhi, kicking off with Qutub Minar, the tallest stone tower in India before paying a visit to Humayun’s Tomb – the first garden tomb in the Indian subcontinent and inspired the construction of the legendary Taj Mahal. We finish off the tour with a trip to India Gate, the Parliament building and Rastrapathi Bhawan – the President’s residence.
This afternoon we relax at The Atrium in the Hotel Imperial and enjoy a delightful Afternoon Tea. Overnight - Delhi (B:2)
India with the Tea Centre - 17 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Day 4: Agra & the Taj Mahal
Delhi - Agra. This morning we travel to Agra, home of the Taj Mahal! Our first stop of the day is the Tea Lounge at the Radisson where we will indulge in an exquisite tea and coffee afternoon. Later on we visit the lofty Agra Fort, an impressive red sandstone structure that surrounds the beautiful Pearl Mosque. From here you will be able to see your first glimpses of the Taj.
In the early evening we make our way to India’s most popular tourist attraction, the Taj Mahal. Constructed over a period of 21 years, this beautiful monument was built as a memorial for Shah Jehan’s wife Mumtaz Mahal. We spend our time here exploring the fabulous monument whilst enjoying a gorgeous Indian sunset at night draws in. Overnight - Agra (B)
In the early evening we make our way to India’s most popular tourist attraction, the Taj Mahal. Constructed over a period of 21 years, this beautiful monument was built as a memorial for Shah Jehan’s wife Mumtaz Mahal. We spend our time here exploring the fabulous monument whilst enjoying a gorgeous Indian sunset at night draws in. Overnight - Agra (B)
Day 5: Fetehpur Sikri
Agra - Jaipur. After breakfast we start our journey to Jaipur, stopping at Fetehpur Sikri en route. This sprawling sandstone city was built in the 16th Century and housed Emperor Akbar, his 3 wives (one Muslim, one Hindu and one Christian), his many staff and endless concubines.
This afternoon we drive to the final part of the Golden Triangle, the fabulous Pink City of Jaipur. Overnight - Jaipur (B)
This afternoon we drive to the final part of the Golden Triangle, the fabulous Pink City of Jaipur. Overnight - Jaipur (B)
Day 6: Jaipur - the Pink City
We start the morning with a visit to striking Amber Fort. Arriving into the fort in style atop an Indian elephant, just as the royal families would have done.
This afternoon we embark on a city tour taking in the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal and Birla Hindu before being treated to High Tea at the beautiful Rambagh Palace which was the home to generations of royals for nearly two centuries and is now a luxury hotel, fondly referred to as the 'Jewel of Jaipur'. Overnight - Jaipur (B)
This afternoon we embark on a city tour taking in the City Palace, Jantar Mantar, Hawa Mahal and Birla Hindu before being treated to High Tea at the beautiful Rambagh Palace which was the home to generations of royals for nearly two centuries and is now a luxury hotel, fondly referred to as the 'Jewel of Jaipur'. Overnight - Jaipur (B)
Day 7: Dibrugarh
Jaipur - Dibrugarh. Today we take a flight to Dibrugarh via Delhi and Guwahati. Dibrugarh is known as The Tea Capital of Assam, being the gateway to three of the largest tea producing districts. Overnight - Dibrugarh (B, D)
Days 8 - 9: Assam's tea estates
We spend the next 2 days touring tea factories and tea gardens. We begin with a visit to a tea factory that uses the CTC (Crush, Tear and Curl) method of producing tea.
We also visit the Mancotta Tea Estate which practices the orthodox method of producing tea. Whilst here we take a walk around the plantation, visit the tea factory and sample the different types of tea that Mancotta produces. Overnight - Dibrugarh (B:2, D:2)
We also visit the Mancotta Tea Estate which practices the orthodox method of producing tea. Whilst here we take a walk around the plantation, visit the tea factory and sample the different types of tea that Mancotta produces. Overnight - Dibrugarh (B:2, D:2)
Day 10: Guwahati
Dibrugarh – Guwahati. Early this morning there is the opportunity to take an optional horse ride through the lush green tea plantations of Ethelwold and Jalaangar Tea Estate before we fly onward to Guwahati, the capital of the Assam region. The evening is free for you to explore this beautiful city. Overnight - Guwahati (B)
Days 11 - 12: Darjeeling - home of tea
Guwahati – Bagdora - Darjeeling. This morning we fly to Bagdora and transfer to Darjeeling – probably the most famous tea region in India.
We will visit the Tea Factory and partake in a spot of tea tasting with a local expert as well as enjoying High Tea at the Tea Lounge at the New Elgin Hotel. However, Darjeeling isn’t just all about the tea. The famous Sherpa Tenzing Norgay is from here and given its close proximity to the Himalayas means it is home to the Everest Museum, the Mountaineering Institute and the Mountaineering Museum, all of which we will visit.
There is also a Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre to visit, which has been set up to help rehabilitate refugees from neighbouring Tibet, who have fled since the Chinese invasion, as well as a Zoological Park. The park houses a whole host of local animals including the Siberian Tiger and the Red Panda. Overnight - Darjeeling (B:2, D:2)
We will visit the Tea Factory and partake in a spot of tea tasting with a local expert as well as enjoying High Tea at the Tea Lounge at the New Elgin Hotel. However, Darjeeling isn’t just all about the tea. The famous Sherpa Tenzing Norgay is from here and given its close proximity to the Himalayas means it is home to the Everest Museum, the Mountaineering Institute and the Mountaineering Museum, all of which we will visit.
There is also a Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre to visit, which has been set up to help rehabilitate refugees from neighbouring Tibet, who have fled since the Chinese invasion, as well as a Zoological Park. The park houses a whole host of local animals including the Siberian Tiger and the Red Panda. Overnight - Darjeeling (B:2, D:2)
Day 13: Makaibari & Salim Hill
Darjeeling – Salim Hill Estate. After breakfast we visit the Makaibari Tea Estate for a morning tea experience before continuing on to Salim Hill, a sprawling organic tea estate. At Salim Hill we spend some time in the tea garden and the factory. In the evening we take a leisurely stroll along the tea gardens to sunset point. We also have the opportunity to visit one of the Tea Picker’s homes in the local village. Overnight - Darjeeling (B, L, D)
Day 14: Dam Dim Tea Estate
Salim Hill - Dam Dim Tea Estate. After breakfast we travel to Dam Dim Tea Estate in the foothills of the eastern Himalayas, for a tea experience followed by a Planter style lunch at Dam Dim tea bungalow with delicious local recipes carefully handed down through generations. We then visit the tea gardens and a large commercial tea factory including the tea packing units. Overnight - Dam Dim Tea Estate/Zurantee Tea Bungalow (B, L, D)
Days 15 - 16: Kolkata city tour
Dam Dim – Jalpaiguri – Kolkata. On day 15 we spend the morning at leisure before travelling to New Jalpaiguri train station for an overnight train to Kolkata – India’s bustling capital of culture.
Upon arrival on day 16 we enjoy some sightseeing around this colourful city, including visits to the imposing marble Victoria Memorial, the Indian Museum, which houses one of the best collections of Indian art and the beautiful Jain Temple. Overnight - Overnight train (1), Kolkata (1) (B:2, L:1)
Day 17: Kolkata
Your tour concludes after breakfast and onward transfer to the airport. (B)
12 Day Tea Centre Tour - Starts/End: Kolkata
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We also offer a 12 day Tea Centre tour. For more information and to book this tour please contact us. Arrangements are as follows: Day 1 - Arrive Kolkata Upon arrival at Kolkata International Airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax. Overnight - Kolkata Day 2 - Kolkata to Dibrugarh Transfer to Kolkata Airport for your flight to Dibrugarh where you will join the India & Tea Centre 17 day tour group. Days 3 - 12 - Tea Time! Arrangements as per days 8 - 17 of the itinerary above. |
The Tea Centre - Australia
Established in Sydney in 1993, the Tea Centre is now one of Australia’s leading retailers of speciality teas and accessories and offers over 180 varieties of tea along with personalised service and recommendations to help you enjoy your cuppa to the full! Unlike many commercial brands their quality teas contain no artificial flavours or preservatives and they also stock a unique range of Beaming with Health teas created by well-known Naturopath and author Mim Beim.
On The Go Tours is proud to have teamed up with the Tea Centre, bringing you a unique holiday to India, combining some of the best tourist attractions with top tea plantations in Darjeeling and Assam too.
Click here to visit their website.
Tour Details
- Starts in: Delhi / Ends in: Kolkata
- Departs: 3 dates a year. See 'Price/Dates' tab
- No local payment required
- Breakfast:16, Lunch: 3, Dinner: 7
- Hotel Rating: 3 - 4 star and tea bungalows and estates
- Tour Guide: Yes
Special Offers
- 10%
off - 10%
off
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