Epic East India

Of Bengal and Beyond

Sacred Dot Journey Ideas

Epic East India

Erstwhile Capital of the British Raj, the third largest metropolis in India, this port city of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) has been crucial in the nation’s economy, human rights, and freedom.

Home to philosophers, scholars, scientists, musicians, celebrity playwrights, novelists and poets, not to mention Nobel laureates, and occasional saints, this is where the local soccer club Mohun Bagan beat the East Yorkshire Regiment to win the IFA Shield in 1911. This gave a fresh impetus to India’s freedom struggle against the Raj.

One could either discover the nuances of this epic city leafing through the pages of history, literature, poetry and drama, or by meandering through its prolific lanes, and ghosts of a glorious past. Every nook and cranny has a story to tell. From the filthy rich times of the Mughal empire to the ‘loot’ (as William Dalrymple puts it), during the colonial period, to abject poverty following the Great Bengal famine in 1770, the city has seen it all.

Known by many names the nickname ‘City of Joy’ came from its inherent capacity to celebrate. It celebrates food, culture, art, Durga Puja, Christmas, Chinese New Year, you name it.

Imprints of several cultures – Buddhist, Chinese, Anglo-India, Thai, Malacca, other than Mughals, and Colonial, can be found in this region comprising parts of West Bengal, the North East, and Odisha. These are evident in the architecture, places of worship, food, art and literature.

Darjeeling, at approximately 7,000 ft (2134 mts) is dotted with Buddhist monasteries, trekking trails, tea estates and inspiring mountain views. This summer getaway of the British Raj provides breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world.

Nestled in the lush greenery of the Himalayas is Gangtok, the small capital city of Sikkim, where Buddhist prayer flags flutter. It’s a place of exotic orchids, Buddhist Monasteries and stunning views of the Eastern Himalayas.

Puri, in the State of Odisha is the holy land of Lord Jaganath. Located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, it is famous for its annual Ratha Yatra, the Festival of Chariots. The sheer size of Lord Jaganath and the wooden chariot inspired the term ‘juggernaut’ in the English language. The Konark Sun Temple, or ‘Black Pagoda’, built in the 13th century is in the shape of a gigantic chariot with elaborately carved stone wheels, pillars and walls.

Bhubaneswar nearby is known as ‘The Temple City’, once boasted of more than 2000 temples. Also to be explored are the Udaigiri and Khandagiri Caves.

The food in this region is exquisite. From a hundred ethnic varieties to cuisines from many neighboring and faraway cultures are to be savored. Kolkata incidentally is also regarded as the dessert capital of India.

Highlights
  • Visit the Historic City of Kolkata and learn of its multicultural heritage
  • Watch idol making at Kumartuli
  • See the sun rise over Mount Kanchenjunga;
  • Take the Toy train up to to Ghoom and visit the Ghoom Monasteryl
  • See amazing orchids in the nurseries at Kalimpong
  • Visit the Jagannath Temple at Puri and learn how the word Juggernaut emanated from here

This idea is just an example of what we offer. It is a starting off point from where we build your personally curated holiday – with you.
All our itineraries are bespoke.

Sacred Dot Destinations

Need Some Inspiration?

India

India

India is a confluence of peoples, cultures, and religion. It is a grand fusion of colors, sounds, flavors, food, architecture, spirituality and cultural practices that have their roots dating back to tens of millennia. India is a life changing experience.…

Other Popular Journey Ideas

Temples of the South

Temples of South India

Explore ‘Gateway to South India’ (Chennai) to ‘God’s Own Country’ (Kerala) the stretch happens to be home to many gods, deities, saints, and spiritual icons. Madurai’s 17th century Meenakshi Temple is the largest temple complex in the country. Some Shore…
a Journey Through Bhutan

A Journey through Bhutan

Bhutan is a one-off experience especially for the first timers. As you arrive in Paro you start breathing the cleanest air possible, in the happiest land of all. Bhutan is all about trekking, biking, and appreciating the environs. With a…
Classical India & Nepal

Classical India and Nepal

This trip is right out of a fantasy adventure movie that takes you from one era to another, across different kingdoms, through spiritual lands to the highest mountain in the world. The experience is unmatched in this classic kaleidoscopic journey.…
An oman Discovery

An Oman Discovery

Oman is a fusion of cultures from across the Arabian Peninsula. This is where the contemporary and traditional meet. Sultan al Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat is a perfect blend of modern architecture and traditional icons. One of the…

Sacred Dot Services

Let us do the hard work!

Group1

Group Tours

Sacred Dot plans finely detailed group tours to cater to its audiences. Be they reunions, family gatherings, affinity groups, women groups, or just liked minded people who are looking to explore new destinations. …
Sacred Dot Logo

Sign up to our Newsletter!

Subscribe to our newsletter now to stay updated with what's new with Sacreddot!
Sacred Dot Logo

Thank you for signing up to our Newsletter!

Look out for news, advice, travel ideas and much, much more!
And remember you can unsubscribe at any time by contacting us at [email protected]