Day 01 : Kolkata
Meet on arrival at Kolkata airport/railway station and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon, a half day city tour of Central Kolkata, visiting the main relics of the city's colonial past such as the Chowringhee lane and the meadow or the Maidan. Shahid Minar, Raj Bhavan, Victoria Memorial and Fort William are situated around the Maidan. Other places of interest include the Assembly, High Court, Town Hall, St. John’s Church, Writers’ Building, St. Andrew’s Church, Asiatic Society and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Kolkata is the gateway to Eastern India. A city with a rich heritage, bustling streets and bewildering variety of facets. From October to March, Kolkata wears a radiant look. Sunshine, mild winter, lights, colours, fairs, festivals, galas and excursions, the mood is infectious and spirit sweeping. The City was founded 300 years ago out of 3 villages namely Sutanati, Gobindapur and Kolikata. Kolkata, on the east bank of river Hoogly, retains the aura of days long gone, weaving the past and the present, the intense and the fun-loving into a charming fabric.

Overnight stay at Kolkata.

Day 02 : Pune – Shirdi by road (220 km/4-5 hrs)
A full day excursion along the Hoogly River to visit the heritage colonial settlements of Serampore, Chandernagore and Bandel. Overnight stay at Kolkata.

The heritage trail of West Bengal leads to the district of Hooghly, 47 km north of Kolkata. This historical district abounds in relics of foreign settlers – the British and Portuguese at Hooghly, the Dutch at Chinsurah, and the French at Chandannagore.

Serampore
Serampore formerly known as Fedricnagar, located 25 km north of Kolkata, is now a suburb of Kolkata. It was the center of Danish colonialism (1793-1834) till the East India Company took over in 1845.

The house of the Danish Governor, the Roman Catholic Church and St Olaf Church (1808) are known for their architectural excellence. The first Bengali book and newspaper were published from Serampore. The Serampore College, established in 1818, has a museum which exhibits information about its founders.

Bandel
Bandel, a former Portuguese colony, located 48 km north of Kolkata was built by the Portuguese in 1537. It is known today for the 'Church of our Lady of Bandel,' built in 1599. Destroyed by Shah Jahan in 1640, it was rebuilt in 1660 by Gomez de-Soto. It is the oldest Christian Church in West Bengal. Chandernagore or Chandernagar or Chandannagore, a former French colony is located 30 kilometers north of Kolkata. The highlight spots here are the Chandannagore Strand, a superbly decorated pavement studded with lights surrounded by lush green trees, along the banks of the river Ganga. Chandannagore Museum and Institute is one of the oldest and finest museums of the entire region. It boasts of a beautiful collection of French antiques (like cannons used in Anglo-French war, wooden furniture of 18th century). The Sacred Heart Church, over two centuries old and the Underground House (Patal-Bari) are examples of the advancement in architectural knowledge and the aesthetic sense of people in that era. The lowest floor of the Patal-Bari is submerged in the River Ganga. The Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore frequently visited the place. Nandadulal Temple, built in 1740 by Indranarayan Roychoudhury presents an excellent example of ancient Indian sculptures. There are many other temples devoted to Kali, Shiva and other deities which show marks of brilliant craftsmanship and artistic taste.

Day 03 : Kolkata – Sonakhali by road (120km/2 ½ hrs) – Camp by boat (2 hrs)
Morning, proceed from Kolkata to Sonakhali. On arrival at Sonakhali, transfer to the camp by an exclusive boat (approximately a 2 hrs cruise). Tea/coffee is served on board. On this journey, you get to spot many species of birds.

Lunch on arrival at the resort. After a short rest, at 3.30 pm departure by boat to the Sajnekhali Tiger Project Area for viewing wild life, Sajnekhali Museum & Watch Tower. This sightseeing would take approximately 2 hrs. Evening is free for individual leisure activities. During the winter season there may be a folk dance by local artists and a bonfire followed by dinner. Overnight stay at the Sunderban camp.

Sunderbans National Park and Tiger Reserve
Sunderbans National Park and Tiger Reserve is located in the Ganges delta in West Bengal, spanning the Hooghly in the west and Teulia River in the east, Sunderbans was declared a National Park in 1984. The park covers a vast stretch of mangrove swamp, lush forested islands and small rivers near the Bay of Bengal. Most of the region comprises estuarine mangrove forests and swamps which support an ecosystem specially adapted to great salinity.

Sunderbans is home to the magnificent Royal Bengal tiger, the park holds more tigers than any other tiger reserve. Crocodiles and the Gangetic dolphin are to be found aplenty in the Raimgangal River. A number of heronries form here during monsoon as well as during winter. It is also a home for Trans-Himalayan migratory birds.

Day 04 : Sunderbans
Morning a boat cruise around the creeks and dense forest, visiting a couple of watch towers, breakfast is on board the boat. This sightseeing would take approximately 4 hrs. If you are lucky, you may spot a crocodile or the Dolphin. Return to the camp for lunch.

Evening, a visit to the neighboring villages, to interact with the local community to understand their local culture and way of life. Later, a wildlife movie at the resort followed by dinner. Overnight stay at the Sunderban camp.

Day 05 : ACamp – Sonakhali by boat (2hrs) – Kolkata by road (120km/ 2½ hrs)
Morning could be spent either on individual leisure activities or another attractive option is to visit a nearby village, where you can observe the local residents conducting their every day chores- fishing, weaving and boat-making. An option for a short cruise in a country boats along the narrow canals can complete the Sunderbans experience. After lunch depart to Kolkata. Evening is free for leisure activities. Overnight stay at Kolkata.

Day 06 : Kolkata
Morning is free for individual leisure activities. Afternoon a sunset cruise on the river Hoogly to visit the Belur Math. The evening Aarti (light ceremony) is worth watching here. We sail past the Dakshineshwar Kali temple situated across the river. Later return to the hotel. Overnight stay at Kolkata.

Calcutta Belur Math
Calcutta Belur Math was founded in 1938 by Swami Vivekananda, the disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa. It is situated at a distance of about 6.4 kms from Howrah Station on the banks of the Hooghly River. Belur Math is based on the principle of religious fraternity; this is reflected in the architectural design of Math, which exhibits a blend of temple, church and mosque patterns. Belur math has an amazingly big prayer hall, where you can find a statue of Sri Ramakrishna. Not only is the ride across the Ganges memorable, the reverential ambience and the evening rituals which culminate in a spell-binding Aarti are not to be missed. Dakshineshwar Temple, built by Rani Rashmoni in the 19th century is very revered and dedicated to Goddess Kali. The holy Ramakrishna Paramhansa - the spiritual guru of Swami Vivekananda, worshipped the Goddess here, it is place of pilgrimage for many. The Dakshineshwar Temple complex comprises an imposing Central temple and a group of 12 Shiva temples.

Day 07 : Kolkata to Vishnupur by road (174 kms/ 05 hrs)
Early morning drive to Vishnupur, once the capital of the Malla Kings. On arrival at Vishnupur, check into the guest house (only basic hotels available at present). After freshening up, leave for a sightseeing tour of the unique terracotta temples. Rest of the day at leisure to explore the town which is famous for its “Baluchari saree” and metal bell works. Overnight stay at Vishnupur.

Vishnupur
Vishnupur is known for its exquisite terracotta temples. Some of the famous temples are – Rasmancha, the oldest brick temple, built in the late 16th century by King Beera Hambira. The temple has an unusual elongated pyramidal tower, surrounded by hut-shaped turrets. Pancha Ratna Temple of Shyam Rai was built in 1643 by King Raghunath Singha. The walls are richly decorated with terracotta carvings featuring aspects of Lord Krishna’s life. Jorebangla Temple of Keshta Rai was built by King Raghunath Singha Dev II in the 17th century. The ornate terracotta carvings are offset by the roof in the classic chala style of Bengal architecture. Madanmohan Temple was built by the King Durjana Singh Deva in 1694 AD in the ekaratna style. It is a square flat-roofed building with carved cornices, surmounted by a pinnacle. Impressive carvings on the walls depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas.

Apart from the temples, terracotta pottery, artifacts and even jewellery made in this very traditional material is famous. Vishnupur is also famous for its "Baluchari sarees" made of tussar silk.

A school of music, root of the Vishnupur Gharana, was established here in 1370 A.D.

Day 08 : Vishnupur to Shantiniketan University by road (160kms/4hrs)
Morning, proceed to Shantiniketan University, upon arrival check-into the hotel. Later a rickshaw tour around the university is carried out. Overnight stay at Shantiniketan.

Shantiniketan
Shantiniketan (the abode of peace) is a small university town about 210 km from Kolkata famous for the Visva-Bharati University founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. It started as a small open-air school and gradually evolved into a large university offering the best of Eastern and Western thoughts with an emphasis on humanity’s relationship with nature. It is surrounded by a forest and a deer park which makes its setting very beautiful. Within Shantiniketan are various colleges – Kala Bhavan (the art college), Vidya Bhavan, the institute of Humanities, Centre for Rural craft – which are considered the best in the field by many. Shantiniketan hosts several cultural festivals and events where folk artistes perform throughout the year. Shantiniketan is also very famous as Rabindranath Tagore lived and wrote some of his most acclaimed works here. His home is a place of historical importance.

Day 09 : Shantiniketan to Kolkata by road (213km/7hrs)Morning a tour through the university campus. Later drive back to Kolkata.

Overnight stay at Kolkata

Day 10 : Kolkata
Drop to the airport/railway station