WEST BENGAL TOUR INCLUDING HISTORIC HUGHLI CRUISE & THE GLENBURN TEA ESTATE

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, and indeed still referred to as such by many, is the gateway to East India.  Starting out as a British trading post in the 17th century, at one time Kolkata became a showpiece of British Power in India.  Over the years the city also became the home of many Indian intellectuals, including Rabrindranath Tagore, and in the 19th century saw the birth of the Bengal Renaissance.  

In the first half of the 18th century Murshidabad, in West Bengal, contributed 5% of the world’s GDP. This wealth attracted traders from all over India and the world, leading to a rich investment in architecture, culture and art, all of which flourished during this time.  

In February 2026 we ran our inaugural West Bengal trip travelling by land north of Kolkata through the countryside.   It was a fascinating journey, enjoyed but our group and we are repeating it in February 2027.   However, the tour did include a lot of road travel and a variety of accommodation experiences, some of which are relatively simple.  For next season we have decided to offer an alternative journey which covers much of the highlights but from the comfort of the beautiful ABN Rajmahal.  Travelling on the Ganges you meander north to Farakka, before returning to Kolkata by train.    The main advantage of this trip is being based on a comfortable boat for 7-nights, no packing and unpacking!

The days in Kolkata at the beginning of the trip coincide with the Kolkata Literary Meet, a vibrant and stimulating exchange of international and local authors (22 – 26 January).  Sightseeing and visits in Kolkata will be included but for anyone that has visited the city before this could be an interesting combination.    

After the cruise head to the beautiful Himalayas to the charming Glenburn Tea Estate, situated outside Darjeeling this is the ideal location explore the area, or simply relax and enjoy some Himalayan views, 

 

Outline itinerary:

January/February 2026

 

24 January | Sunday

KOLKATA

Arrival day in Kolkata. Official check-in 14.00. Rest of day at leisure.

Overnight The Glenburn Penthouse – a luxury boutique hotel

For those wishing to fully appreciate the Kolkata Literary Meet we do recommend arriving on the 24th, however if this is not a main priority arrival on the 25th will fit the itinerary.

 

25 January | Monday

KOLKATA

Day to visit the Kolkata Literary Meet. Alternative arrival day in Kolkata. 

Overnight The Glenburn Penthouse. 

 

26 January | Tuesday

KOLKATA

Day sightseeing in Kolkata with lunch included. Alternative visit to the Literary Meet.  

Overnight The Glenburn Penthouse.

 

27 January | Wednesday

KOLKATA

Day sightseeing in Kolkata with lunch included. Overnight The Glenburn Penthouse.

 

28 January | Thursday

KOLKATA/BOARD SHIP

Collected from hotel and transfer to the ABN Raj Mahal for a 7-night cruise on the Hooghly River.

Overnight on-board Raj Mahal. 

 

29 January - 03 February

CRUISE

River cruise – stops will be made for sightseeing on route – see full itinerary below.  

Overnight on-board Raj Mahal.

 

04 February | Thursday

SHIP/KOLKATA

The cruise ends in Farakka, transfer to the station for the train to Kolkata. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel.

Overnight Glenburn Penthouse.

 

05 February | Friday

KOLKATA/BAGDOGRA/GLENBURN TEA ESTATE

Transfer to airport for flight to Bagdogra, met and driven to the Glenburn Tea Estate.

Overnight Glenburn Tea Estate.

 

06 – 08 February

GLENBURN TEA ESTATE

Time spent exploring in and around the Glenburn Tea Estate.

Overnight Glenburn Tea Estate.  

 

09 February | Tuesday

BAGDOGRA/DEPARTURE

Return drive to Bagdogra for onward flight to Kolkata or Delhi to connect with international departure flight or onward travel.      

 

End of arrangements.

 

Price:

INR795,000 per person based on sharing a double occupancy room based on minimum of 6 people travelling 

 

Single room supplement: INR350,000 per person 

 

Price Includes:

All arrangements, transfers and transport as per itinerary

Bed & breakfast accommodation at the Glenburn Penthouse

Lunch whilst sightseeing on 26th & 27th  January

Full board accommodation on cruise and at Glenburn Tea Estate

Transport in AC Innova with chauffeur 

Services of English speaking guide in Kolkata and accompany guide on cruise

Monument entry fees

Economy air ticket from Kolkata to Bagdogra 

Cruise inclusions – see below

Glenburn Tea Estate inclusions – see below

Local government taxes per current rate (subject to change)

 

Price Excludes:

5 dinners & 1 lunch in Kolkata

International flights

Additional domestic flights  

Any surcharge due to less than 6 people travelling

Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, personal gratuities, insurance, visa fees, camera fees

Extra costs incurred due to change of itinerary due to 

circumstances beyond our control

 

Cruise price includes:

Accommodation on-board

All excursions and entry fees as per the itinerary

All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary on a shared basis

Full board

Unlimited drinks during lunch & dinner (Indian origin local beer, local wine and soft drinks only)

Service of an English-speaking guide on-board and during excursions

Train transfer between Kolkata and Farakka as per the cruise itinerary

Port charges

 

Glenburn price incudes:

Chauffeur-driven car from Bagdogra Airport, New Jalpaiguri Station, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Gangtok, Pelling, Rinchenpong to and from Glenburn Tea Estate

Transport and local guide for all activities. Please book this on arrival.

Accommodation

All meals – including picnics/barbeques, refreshments throughout the day

Complimentary tea, coffee, Reverse Osmosis filtered water, fresh juice and soft drinks

All laundry, shoe polishing and sewing services

Personal tours of the tea estate and factory, and a tea tasting session

Optional overnight stay at Camp Glenburn Log Cabin (2 bedrooms) on river bank

Nature and bird walks through private forest areas, along river fronts, followed by picnic lunches- Day trips to Darjeeling town and Kalimpong (car, driver and local guide only, expert guide costs on request)

 

Notes on the itinerary:

1.The tour starts in Kolkata and ends in Bagdogra.  From Bagdogra there are flights to Delhi and Kolkata.    If required we can assist with arrangements pre and post tour, to fit your international flight schedule.   

2.The tour is based on a limited number of 6 travellers plus Emma, thus allowing for a very personalized experience.   We will travel in Innova vehicles (maximum 3 per car)  for added comfort (no large buses!).   

3.Emma will accompany the group in Kolkata and on the cruise.   She will not be with you for the trip to Darjeeling but you will be well looked after by the team at the Glenburn Tea Estate.

4.After the cruise we have added 4 nights in the mountains at the Glenburn Tea Estate, which is a fitting contrast to what you will have experienced from the river.   These nights are optional and if required you can finish the tour after the cruise.    If you wish to reduce the time at Glenburn to 3 nights that can also be arranged.

5.As mentioned,  the tour is designed to coincide with the Kolakata Literary Meet, but if this is not of interest you have the option to arrive on either the 24th or the 25th January, the main sightseeing and touring will begin on the 26th.   

6.The dates of the Literary Meet are 23 – 27 January so for those with a deeper interest you may wish to arrive earlier.   

7.Please note the cruise price is based on the current ROE of the rupee to the US$, if there is any great fluctuation in the exchange rate there may be an adjustment to the final amount due.   

8.In essence there is a certain amount of flexibility with this tour and we can top and tail the cruise as required and the quote will be adjusted accordingly.    

 

Please contact us for further information: 
 

Emma Horne - emma@emmahornetravel.com   

Moumita Robinson Paul -  moumita@emmahornetravel.com 

Ranjeet Pal -   ranjeet@emmahornetravel.com