Tigers, Tea & Mother Teresa
11 to 26 February 2027
Special Interest
A Small Group Tour Led by Rev. Mark Woodrow
Tigers, Tea & Mother Teresa A Small Group Led by Rev. Mark Woodrow 11 to 26 February 2027 Special Interest
Your invitation to join Revd Mark Woodrow on an Odyssey of Spirit and Wildness: Tigers, Tea & Mother Teresa
Prepare yourself for a journey that defies the ordinary – a 16-day expedition through the less travelled region of North East India, a tour which balances the roar of the wild with the profound quiet of the spirit. Led by The Rev. Mark Woodrow, this is more than a tour; it is an immersive “Journey of Discovery” designed for those who seek to see India not just with their eyes, but with their hearts, souls, and their tastebuds!
Led by Rev. Mark Woodrow
From Colonial Grandeur to Sacred Earth
We begin in Kolkata, a city of living history. You’ll walk through the architectural echoes of Dalhousie Square and feel the enduring legacy of compassion that defines the city’s heritage, spending time at the home of St. Teresa of Kolkata (Mother Teresa) and the mother house of the Missionaries of Charity.
Seven Nights on the Mighty Brahmaputra
The heart of our adventure lies upon the water. We board the MV Mahabaahu, our well-appointed, yet intimate (only 23 cabins) ship, for a downstream cruise that serves as a floating sanctuary.
The Call of the Wild and the Peaks of Darjeeling
The “Tigers” of our title beckon at Kaziranga National Park. We will embark on a “once-in-a-lifetime” dawn elephant back safari where we may be fortunate to see one of the Royal Bengal Tigers, we will also jeep excursions through one of India’s most magnificent wildlife habitats and refuge for one horned rhino.
Finally, we ascend into the clouds to Darjeeling. Here, the rhythm shifts to the chug of the famous UNESCO Toy Train and the breathtaking sight of Mount Kanchenjunga (and, weather permitting, perhaps even Everest) at dawn from Tiger Hill. We’ll walk through tea gardens, visit ancient monasteries, and find peace at the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre.
Why This Journey?
This isn’t just a checklist of monuments; it’s a curated experience of “Tea Country” and the “Mighty Brahmaputra”. With stays at iconic heritage properties like The Elgin Fairlawn and The Elgin Darjeeling, you will be wrapped in history at every turn.
16 days from £5,399.00 per person
- Explore Kolkata, a city of living history & spending time at the home of St. Teresa of Kolkata
- 7nights on the Mighty Brahmaputra, spot the rare “Pink” Gangetic River Dolphins; Visit little fishing Villages
- Share a home-hosted lunch with a Tea Estate family in Sibsagar
- Cooking demonstrations, enlightening talks about the local history, cultures, religeous believes that shape this part of India
- Game Drives in Kaziranga National Park, one of India's most magnificent wildlife habitats of the Royal Bengal Tiger & refuge for the one horned rhino.
- Ascend into the clouds to Darjeeling aboard the UNESCO Toy Train and enjoy the breathtaking sight of Mount Kanchenjunga
- A curated experience of Tea Country & the "Mighty Brahmaputra" with stays at iconic heritage properties.
Day 1 : To Kolkata
Thursday 11 February
Fly from London Heathrow airport to Kolkata via Dubai on Emirates Airlines flight EK0002 via Dubai. Departure from London at 13:40. Flight duration: 7 hours.
Departures from regional UK airports are avialable on request. If are travelling from outside the UK please contact us for details.
Day 2 : Kolkata
Friday 12 February
Arrive Dubai at 00:40 and board connecting flight EK0570 to Kolkata, departing Dubai at 02:00 and arriving at Kolkata at 07:40. Flight duration: 3.5-4 hours.
After obtaining our e-tourist visas, exchanging currency, and clearing customs, we meet our local representative and transfer to hotel by Chauffeur-driven vehicle, mini coach. (approximately 1hr drive). Check in at The Elgin Fairlawn Heritage Hotel for 2 nights.
After resting and refreshing, in the afternoon we make our way to Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity, which now houses a museum about Saint Mother Teresa and her work in Kolkata and around the world. We have time to visit her tomb and if you would like, time to pray and reflect.
Overnight in the Elgin Fairlawn Heritage Hotel Kolkata
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Day 3 : Kolkata
Saturday 13 February
After breakfast, we spend the day enjoy sightseeing tour of Kolkata including Dalhousie Square (Covering Raj Bhavan, St. John’s church, High Court, GPO, Town Hall, Writer’s Building and other important colonial buildings).
Overnight in the Elgin Fairlawn Heritage Hotel Kolkata
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Day 4 : To Jorhat & Board the Cruise
Sunday 14 February
Morning transfer to Kolkata Airport (approximately 1hr drive) to board IndiGo Airlines flight 6E 326, departing Kolkata at 11:45 and arriving in Jorhat at 13:10. Flight duration: 1 hour 25 minutes.
On arrival at the Jorhat Airport, you will be met in the receiving area by cruise staff and driven to Neamati Ghat (approximately 45 minute drive) to board our home for the next week, the MV Mahabaahu. After the essential safety briefing, explore the boat, and enjoy our first sail and scan the river for a fleeting sight of the “Pink” Gangetic River Dolphins.
Evening talk on ‘Sibsagar and the Ahom Civilization’.
Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu.
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Day 5 : Cruise - Visit Neamati Ghat & Sibsagar
Monday 15 February
After an early breakfast, we start our day- excursion to Sibsagar. Thereafter, we drive to a Tea Estate for a relaxed afternoon where we enjoy a traditional Assamese lunch with the Tea-estate family.
We return to MV Mahabaahu by sunset and enjoy a relaxed evening.
Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu.
B, L, D
Day 6 : Cruise - Visit Majuli Island & Mishing Village
Tuesday 16 February
The day begins with an opportunity to take part in some gentle yoga before breakfast. We sail towards Majuli, the largest inhabited river island in the world.
We transfer onto one of our ships two tenders and arrive on the mainland where a drive takes us to a scenic corner of a Satra for an interesting cultural performance by Satriya singers and dancers. Next, we drive to Kamalabari Satra to witness the Vaishnavite priests dancing to the rhythm of cymbals, drums and chanting in the temple premise.
Returning to MV Mahabaahu, we enjoy a hot lunch as we sail towards the closest Mishing Village where we once again disembark, before visiting the traditional bamboo and wooden stilt houses (called Chang-gars) built to withstand the regular flooding of the Brahmaputra.
After returning to our ship, we head towards Dhansiri Mukh where the waters of Brahmaputra and Dhansiri meet, while we enjoy a talk on ‘Assam, its geographical location & importance’. We then enjoy the evening under the stars on a deserted island
Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu.
B, L, D
Day 7 : Cruise- Sail Toward the Eastern Range of Kaziranga
Wednesday 17 February
Once again before breakfast, there is optional yoga or an early morning walk on the deserted island where we are moored. MV Mahabaahu sails towards the Eastern Range of Kaziranga.
After breakfast our onboard naturalist will give a talk on ‘The River Brahmaputra and the life that exists alongside’, after which we will once again board our tenders, before enjoying a 2-hour river Safari and observing the wildlife along the shoreline.
This evening, we enjoy the Chef’s Cooking Demonstration followed by a talk on ‘Majuli’. We enjoy another evening under the stars gathered around a bonfire.
Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu.
B, L, D
Day 8 : Cruise - Weavers Village at Bishwanath & Tea Estate and/ or Jute Mill
Thursday 18 February
After Yoga or a walk on the deserted island and breakfast, we enjoy an interesting talk on ‘Kaziranga and the wild life in India’. Then we step into our tenders to go to the shores of Bishwanath Ghat. We enjoy a walk through the village renowned for its weaving, and see how this suburban village thrives.
Returning to our ship, we are able to watch river life go by (or take a dip in the small pool, or take advantage of the onboard spa treatments) as we sail on for the next couple of hours, enjoy a relaxed lunch, before reaching Silghat, a town famous for its temples.
In the evening, we enjoy a Cultural dance performance – where you will have the opportunity to join in!
Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu.
B, L, D
Day 9 : Cruise - Game Drives in Kaziranga National Park
Friday 19 February
This morning, we have a very early start, as we board our transport for the drive into the Kaziranga National Park. However, the early start is well worth it as we experience a once-in-a- lifetime adventure of a dawn safari , where among the wildlife, we may be fortunate to see one of the approximately 150 elusive Royal Bengal Tigers that find sanctuary in the National Park.
After breakfast at a resort in Kaziranga, we get into the open jeeps for some more wildlife adventure and an extensive coverage of this magnificent park. One horned Rhino, Water Buffalo, Barasingha (Eastern swamp deer) and Hog Deer are just some of the animals we might expect to see – and of course there is a possibility of a Tiger.
February is also the peak migratory bird season, so keep an eye out for Great Hornbill, Grey Pelican, Bar Headed geese, and various types of Pheasant – You might want to pack a pair of Binoculars!
Return to MV Mahabaahu.
The rest of the day is at leisure on board, perhaps catching up on a little sleep, before once again getting together for an informative talk on ‘Kamakhya and the Occult and Peacock Island’ and then proceed for the traditional Assamese theme dinner.
Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu.
B, L, D
Day 10 : Cruise - Village Visit & Peacock Island Tour
Saturday 20 February
After yesterdays early start, today we return to our regular routine where we can once again enjoy the optional yoga before a leisurely breakfast, while MV Mahabaahu lifts anchor and heads on towards an island that is occupied predominantly by a Bangla speaking Muslim community who are involved in extensive farming. After a visit to this village, we return to the ship for lunch and sail towards Peacock Island (the worlds smallest inhabited river island).
After the Peacock island visit, we sail towards Pandu Port and anchor at a jetty. We get ready for the Farewell Dinner ‘Alvida Bhoj’ and enjoy a relaxed evening.
Overnight on board MV Mahabaahu.
B, L, D
Day 11 : Disembark the Cruise & Journey to Darjeeling
Sunday 21 February
After an early breakfast, we say our farewells to the crew and disembark, making the short transfer to Guwahati Airport to board Akasa Air flight QP 1372, departing Guwahati at 09:05 and arriving in Bagdogra at 10:10. Flight duration: 1 hour 5 minutes.
From Bagdogra, we will drive the 70 km (approximately 2.5-3 hours driving time) up into the hills to Darjeeling and check in at The Elgin.
Overnight in the Elgin Hotel, Darjeeling
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Day 12 : Darjeeling
Monday 22 February
In the morning, enjoy a ride on the toy train of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway from nearby Ghum. Visit the Ghoom Monastery, where a 15-foot statue of the Maitreya Buddha is enshrined. After lunch, visit the Botanical Garden, the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, and the Tibetan Refugee Self-Help Centre.
Overnight in the Elgin Hotel, Darjeeling
B, D
Day 13 : Darjeeling
Tuesday 23 February
At dawn, visit Tiger Hill to view Mount Kanchenjunga and, on a clear day, the peak of Mount Everest.
In the afternoon, enjoy a walk to Observatory Hill and Bhutia Busti Monastery.
Overnight in the Elgin Hotel, Darjeeling
B, D
Day 14 : Darjeeling
Wednesday 24 February
Day at leisure or optional excursion to Mirik Lake.
Mirik is a newly developed hill station in West Bengal, located about 48 km west of Darjeeling near the Nepal border. Boating is available on Mirik Lake, a semi-artificial lake approximately 1.25 km long. The drive from Darjeeling to Mirik (approximately 2.5-3 hours driving time) passes through natural forests and tea gardens. The main tourist area, Krishna Nagar, is located south of the lake. A 10-minute walk leads to Bokar Gompa, home to Mahayana monks. Sunrise and sunset can be enjoyed from Rameetay Dara.
Overnight in the Elgin Hotel, Darjeeling
B, D
Day 15 : To Kolkata
Thursday 25 February
After breakfast we make the return journey Bagdogra airport (approximately 2.5-3 hours driving time) to board IndiGo Airlines flight 6E 292, departing Bagdogra at 14:45 and arriving in Kolkata at 15:55. Flight duration: 2 hours 10 minutes.
Met on arrival and transferred to the Holiday Inn Express Hotel, Kolkata
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Day 16 : To London
Friday 26 February
All good things must eventually come to an end, so after an early breakfast we make the short transfer (approximately 5-7 minute drive) to Kolkata Airport to board Emirates Airlines flight EK0571, departing Kolkata at 09:15 and arriving in Dubai at 13:05.
Flight duration: 5-5.5 hours.
Connect to flight EK0003, departing Dubai at 14:30 and arriving at London Heathrow at 18:20.
Flight duration: 7.5-8 hours.
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Itinerary map
Dates & Prices
| Dates | Price per person (Double/Twin share) | Single room supplement |
|---|---|---|
| 11-26 Feb 2027 | £5,399.00 | £1,970.00 |
- Return international flight from London to Kolkata via Dubai on Emirates Airlines in Economy Class.
- Internal flights: Kolkata to Jorhat, Guwahati to Bagdogra, and Bagdogra to Kolkata in Economy Class, with 23 kg checked baggage.
- 06 nights’ accommodation in hotels with en-suite facilities (check-in at 14:00 hrs and check-out at 12:00 noon; early check-in and late check-out are subject to availability).
- 07-night river cruise on the Brahmaputra on board MV Mahabaahu.
- Daily breakfast and dinner at all hotels; all meals included on board the cruise.
- All arrival/departure transfers, long drives and sightseeing by a chauffeur driven private air-conditioned vehicle.
- Services of a local English-speaking representative for all arrival and departure transfers to assist you at airports.
- Services of Rev Mark Woodrow as Tour Escort.
- Services of English-speaking guide during sightseeing as specified in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to all monuments during sightseeing as specified in your itinerary
- Complimentary mineral water while traveling.
- Full ATOL Bonding.
- India visa fee. You can now apply for e-visa for India- please click here for more information. https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html
- Any expenses of a personal nature like laundry, telephone calls, beverages, etc.
- Gratuities / Tipping
- Travel Insurance
- Camera fees at monuments and other places of interest.
We plan to follow this detailed itinerary, but events beyond our control – unpredictable weather, blocked roads, cancelled flights, mechanical breakdown – or unscheduled closure of any monument may require last minute changes to the itinerary. We will ensure that these changes are kept to a minimum if required.
020 3981 9838 holidays@indusexperiences.co.uk
What our clients say
Miles Barker - Indochina HolidayYou should by now have received the feedback form, but I thought I would complement that with an e-mail. We had another really good Indus experience. All the locations had a lot to offer in the time we were there and so we got to see much of what we wanted and a very pleasant time Krabi to conclude.
All the hotels were excellent – the…
