05 February to 19 February 2027
WEST BENGAL & ODISHA TOUR
A journey which will embrace the history, culture, textiles & gastronomy of East India
05 February – 19 February 2027
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 late 1700s and early 1800s 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.
Our journey starts in Kolkata, a sometimes-chaotic city but one that buzzes with life, from here we will travel slowly north through rural Bengal. The trip will end with a few days in the neighbouring state of Odisha, where we will spend our time in a beautiful old palace and experience villages and tribal communities untouched by mass tourism.
Although not a hands-on textile tour, it is not possible to travel through West Bengal without being aware of her rich textile history and there will be plenty of opportunity to see artisans at work during the trip. For anyone who has travelled with me before they will be aware of my own interest in the textiles of India, and there are always retail opportunities during our travels!
I am delighted to be joined on this trip by Husna-Tara Prakash, the force behind the Glenburn Tea Estate and the Glenburn Penthouse in Kolkata. Husna-Tara is an accomplished historian, storyteller and guide and I am excited to be travelling with her through this beautiful and captivating part of India.
This tour follows our very successful inaugural trip in 2026; some elements have been refined but in essence the positive feedback from our earlier tour made us realise just how special this part of India can be.
The accommodation is a mix of sumptuous luxury and well-loved family homes, but all bring a distinct flavour to the itinerary. Some properties are quite simple in what they offer but more than made up for by the warmth of our hosts, or the beauty of the surroundings. India is a land of contrasts, this is what makes her special!
Outline itinerary:
February 2027
05 February | Friday
KOLKATA
Arrival day in Kolkata. Official check-in 14.00.
Welcome dinner. Overnight The Glenburn Penthouse – a luxury boutique hotel
06 February | Saturday
KOLKATA
Day sightseeing in Kolkata with lunch included. Overnight The Glenburn Penthouse
07 February | Sunday
KOLKATA
Day sightseeing in Kolkata with lunch included. Overnight The Glenburn Penthouse
08 February | Monday
KOLKATA/SHANTI NIKETAN
Depart Kolkata and drive to Shanti Niketan. Overnight Amoli – a small boutique property
09 February | Tuesday
SHANTI NIKETAN
Day spent exploring around Shanti Niketan and the Birbhum region. There will be an opportunity to visit some local artisans working with organic natural dyes and see some kantha work. Overnight Amoli
10 February | Wednesday
SHANTI NIKETAN/MURSHIDABAD
Drive north to Murshidabad, arriving in time for an afternoon boat ride on the River Ganges.
Overnight Bari Kothi – a beautifully restored nobleman’s house
11 February | Thursday
MURSHIDABAD
Day sightseeing in and around Murshidabad including a visit to a weaver’s village. Overnight Bari Kothi
12 February | Friday
MURSHIDABAD/ MAHESHGUNJ
Drive to Maheshgunj with sightseeing of the battle site of Plassey on route. Overnight Balakhana – a family-owned Indigo plantation house
13 February | Saturday
MAHESHGUNJ
Day spent exploring the area, including a visit to the terracotta temples at Kalna. Overnight Balakahana
14 February | Sunday
MAHESHGUNJ/KOLKATA
Start early as we drive back to Kolkata following the river and visit the French and Danish settlements on route.
Overnight Glenburn Penthouse
15 February | Monday
KOLKATA
Day at leisure in Kolkata for personal activities. Overnight Glenburn Penthouse.
16 February
KOLKATA/ODISHA/MAYURBHANJ
Tuesday The journey continues to the neighbouring state of Odisha. Overnight Belgadia Palace – a sumptuous family home.
17 – 18 February
ODISHA/MAYURBHANJ
The next two days will be spent exploring the area. The district of Mayurbhanj is rich in its arts and culture.
Overnight Belgadia.
19 February | Friday
KOLKATA/DEPARTURE
Return drive to Kolkata airport for international departure flight or onward travel.
End of arrangements.
Price:
INR485,000 per person based on sharing a double occupancy room with a minimum group of 10 people travelling
Single room supplement: INR139,000 per person
Price Includes:
All arrangements, transfers and transport as per itinerary
Bed & breakfast accommodation at the Glenburn Penthouse
Welcome dinner at Glenburn Penthouse inclusive of wine
Lunch whilst sightseeing on 6th & 7th
Full board accommodation whilst touring outside Kolkata
Transport in AC Innova with chauffeur
Services of Husna Tara Prakesh as accompanying guide
Monument entry fees
Local government taxes per current rate (subject to change)
Price Excludes:
4 dinners & 1 lunch in Kolkata
International flights
Domestic flights
Any surcharge due to less than 10 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
Notes on the itinerary:
1.The tour starts and finishes in 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 10 travellers plus Emma & Husna, thus allowing for a very personalized experience. We will travel in 4 vehicles (Innovas) for maximum comfort (no large buses!).
3.Whilst touring all meals are included. In Kolkata, except for the welcome dinner, an evening meal is not included to allow you some flexibility. Lunch during the sightseeing in Kolkata will be included, plus additional snacks. There are many great restaurants which we will be happy to recommend.
4.For those who have limited time it would be possible to depart on the 15th or 16th February, however I would highly recommend joining for the full itinerary. Our days in Odhisha act as an interesting contrast to what we have seen before.
Please contact us for further information:
Emma Horne - emma@emmahornetravel.com
Moumita Robinson Paul - moumita@emmahornetravel.com
Ranjeet Pal - ranjeet@emmahornetravel.com