India is the seventh largest country in the world. It covers about 3,287 thousand sq kms. approx. the same area at the whole of Europe. This is the largest democracy in the world. India occupies a strategic position in Asia, looking across the seas to Arabia and Africa on the West and to Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesian Archipelago on the east. Geographically the Himalayan ranges keeps India apart from the rest of Asia
India is bordered on the north by Nepal, Pakistan, China, and Bhutan. At one point, ‘Lands End’ at Kanyakumari, three seas meet - the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. The sights, sounds, and scenery of India are unique and amazing with grandiose temples, lush paddy fields and stunning beaches. In the north, Shrub-land and desert create a sublime backdrop and a visit to the ‘Golden Triangle’ (Delhi/Agra/Jaipur/Delhi) will take your breathe away. It is divided into 26 states and 6 union territories, and has 17 major languages with 844 dialects, making this country and its people culturally diverse.
Sikkim, Darjeeling, Gangtok called the 'Queen of Hills' of the India. In a limited period of time you can visit most places of interest, the scenic beauty, the flora & fauna and the people and the rich cultural heritage of the this lost Himalayan Kingdom.
India is a land of varied culture, people and landscapes with hundreds of fairs and festivals all through the year. The country is so vast that it is often referred as an continent than a country.
By air
Bagdogra is the nearest airport 124 Km from Gangtok. Indian airlines and Jet airways operates flights from New Delhi and Calcutta & Guwahati. From Nepal Biratnagar and Bhadrapur are the nearest airports to the border town Kakarvitta, which is 154 Km from the capital town Gangtok.
Rail
New Jalpaiguri (NJP) 4 Kms away from the main city of Siliguri (NJP station) has regular trains from many parts of the country (Delhi, Calcutta, Varanasi etc.) Trains to Calcutta take about 8 –10 hours, to Delhi between 17 – 26 hours depending on the train.
By Road
The road in the region is fairly good, passing through very picturesque tea gardens, forests and hamlets. With flowers lending added charm. Jeeps or small coaches are provided on your Tours. Distance chart is provided for your reference.
FROM TO Distance (Kms.) TIME TAKEN (approx)
- Bagdora Siliguri 13½ hr
- Bagdora Darjeeling 90 3½ hrs
- Bagdora Kalimpong 83 2½
- Bagdora Gangtok 124 5 hrs
- Bagdora Kakarbhitta (Nepal) 43km 1 hr
- Darjeeling Gangtok 5hr
- Darjeeling Pemayangtse 105 5hrs
- Darjeeling Kalimpong 53 3 hrs
- Gangtok Kalimpong 75 5hrs
- Gangtok Pemayangste 112 6hrs
- Gangtok Siliguri 114 5½ hrs
- Siliguri NJP (New Jalpaiguri) 4 15 min.
- Siliguri Phuntsholing (Bhutan) 150 3½hrs
- Kakarbitta (Nepal) Bhadrapur (Nepal) 1/2hrs
- Kakarbitta (Nepal) Biratnagar (Nepal) 3 hrs
- Gangtok Chhangu lake 40 2 hrs
- Yuksom Pemayangste 43 2½ hrs
Besides the entry permits, special permits, are required to trek in the territory of Sikkim. We will arrange your permits and for this we need your passport details including, the 2 PP Size photos must reach us at least with one week working days in hand along with your reservations. We prefer fully camping trek although some of the places, some resorts or trekkers huts are available. For the fully catered camping packages, horses/ Yaks will be used to carry luggage in Sikkim and porter too in Darjeeling. However some short treks can be done with accommodating this such of huts, where you will be accommodated, however tents will also be carried along in case of unavailability. All meals will be served fresh as practical.
Entry formalities (PERMITS)
Along with the Indian Visa, foreigners are required to obtain Inner Line permits for Sikkim, which are valid for 15 days at a time and can be extended for a further 15 days once in Sikkim. However no special permits are required for travelling to Darjeeling & Kalimpong. The permits are available at all Indian Missions / Consulates abroad and Sikkim Tourism Offices at Delhi, Calcutta, Siliguri and Gangtok. Recently Sikkim has introduced issuing permits at its’ border (in Rangpo) valid for 3 days. While applying locally you must provide 2 passport size photographs and photocopies of the passport pages with the copy of valid Visa. We advise you to obtain this before departing for India to avoid wasting valuable holiday time here.
Visa
Except for nationals of Bhutan and Nepal, all foreigners need to possess a valid Passport and obtain a Visa for visiting India. A Tourist Visa is valid for 6 months from the date of issue and is usually a 90-day visa. A Tourist Visa does not permit the holder to do business or academic or research work in India. Extension of tourist visa may be granted by the Foreign Registration Officer. Tourist staying for more than 90 days has to register themselves with the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer or the Superintendent of Police of the district within a period of one week from their arrival. They also have to report changes of address and any intended absence from the given address for 15 days or more.
Foreigners in India need to get special permits to visit various restricted and protected areas in some states.