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Kolkata → Shillong & Laitlum → Return Road Trip (10 Days, Self‑Drive)

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Day 1: Kolkata → Durgapur

Morning: Depart Kolkata early to beat traffic, cruising along the Hooghly River. Stop at the historic Howrah Bridge for a quick photo before heading north.

Afternoon: Arrive in Durgapur and explore the industrial marvel of the Durgapur Steel Plant. Enjoy a leisurely lunch by the Damodar River.

Evening: Check into a comfortable hotel, then stroll around the Gurudwara Singh Sabha for a peaceful sunset view.

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Day 2: Durgapur → Malda

Morning: Drive through the scenic countryside of West Bengal, crossing the historic Bardhaman Railway Bridge. Pause at a roadside dhaba for fresh tea.

Afternoon: Reach Malda, famous for mangoes, and visit the ancient Gurudwara Baba Dhan Singh. Sample local mangoes and sweets.

Evening: Wander through the bustling Malda Market, then settle into a heritage guesthouse for the night.

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Day 3: Malda → Siliguri (via Darjeeling)

Morning: Cross into the foothills of the Himalayas, stopping at the spectacular Jalpaiguri Forest Reserve for a short trek.

Afternoon: Detour to Darjeeling for a panoramic view of the Kanchenjunga range from the iconic Tiger Hill. Enjoy a quick lunch at a local tea garden.

Evening: Continue to Siliguri, check into a city hotel, and explore the lively Siliguri Bazar for dinner.

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Day 4: Siliguri → Phuentsholing → Shillong (Border Crossing)

Morning: Depart early for the India‑Bhutan border; cross at Phuentsholing and experience the unique customs checkpoint.

Afternoon: Drive through the lush valleys of West Bengal and Assam, stopping at the scenic Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary for a wildlife sighting.

Evening: Arrive in Shillong, check into a cozy homestay, and unwind with a walk around the vibrant Police Bazaar.

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Day 5: Shillong City Exploration

Morning: Begin with a visit to the iconic Shillong Peak for sweeping views of the city and surrounding hills.

Afternoon: Explore the tranquil Umiam Lake, enjoy a boat ride, and have lunch at a lakeside café.

Evening: Stroll through the historic Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures and dine at a local Khasi restaurant.

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Day 6: Laitlum Canyon Day Trip

Morning: Drive to the breathtaking Laitlum Canyon, hiking along its ridges to capture sunrise over the misty valleys.

Afternoon: Picnic amidst the pine forests, then explore nearby Ward’s Lake for a peaceful retreat.

Evening: Return to Shillong, enjoy a relaxed evening at the homestay with traditional music.

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Day 7: Shillong → Kaziranga (Assam)

Morning: Head south toward Assam, crossing the mighty Brahmaputra River via the Bogibeel Bridge.

Afternoon: Arrive at Kaziranga National Park and embark on an afternoon jeep safari to spot the Indian one‑horned rhinoceros.

Evening: Stay at a jungle lodge, enjoy a cultural program featuring local folk dances.

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Day 8: Kaziranga → Guwahati

Morning: Early morning bird‑watching in Kaziranga, then depart for Guwahati.

Afternoon: Visit the majestic Kamakhya Temple perched on Nilachal Hill, and explore the bustling Umananda Island via ferry.

Evening: Dine along the Brahmaputra riverfront, then overnight at a comfortable city hotel.

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Day 9: Guwahati → Malda (Return Leg)

Morning: Begin the north‑west return, stopping at the historic Hajo Pilgrimage Site for a quick glimpse.

Afternoon: Drive through the scenic Assam plains, crossing back into West Bengal at Siliguri for a brief rest.

Evening: Continue to Malda, enjoy a relaxed dinner at a riverside restaurant, and stay at a heritage hotel.

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Day 10: Malda → Kolkata

Morning: Visit the ancient Gauripara Mosque and the historic Malda Museum before departing.

Afternoon: Drive back to Kolkata, taking a scenic detour through the Gajoldoba Reservoir for a photo stop.

Evening: Arrive in Kolkata, return the rental car, and conclude the adventure with a celebratory dinner at Park Street.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Howrah Bridge – 30 min – ₹80 (fuel)
  • Durgapur Steel Plant – 1 hr – ₹150 (entry/guide)
  • Malda Market – 2 hrs – ₹200 (shopping)
  • Jalpaiguri Forest Reserve – 1 hr – ₹120 (fuel)
  • Tiger Hill (Darjeeling) – 2 hrs – ₹250 (guide & tea)
  • Phuentsholing Border – 1 hr – ₹300 (customs)
  • Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary – 2 hrs – ₹400 (entry & jeep)
  • Shillong Peak – 1 hr – ₹100 (fuel)
  • Umiam Lake – 3 hrs – ₹350 (boat & meals)
  • Laitlum Canyon – 4 hrs – ₹500 (fuel & guide)
  • Kaziranga National Park – 5 hrs – ₹2 200 (safari, entry, guide)
  • Kamakhya Temple – 2 hrs – ₹150 (donations & transport)
  • Umananda Island – 1.5 hrs – ₹120 (ferry)
  • Gajoldoba Reservoir – 30 min – ₹70 (fuel)
  • Car Rental (10 days) – – ₹18 000
  • Fuel (approx. 2 500 km) – – ₹9 500
  • Accommodation (10 nights) – – ₹12 000
  • Meals & Miscellaneous – – ₹6 000
  • Total Estimated Cost – – ₹48 770

Tips

If you wish to extend the trip, consider adding a full day in Darjeeling to explore the tea estates and the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, or a two‑day stay in Kaziranga for a sunrise safari. To shorten the journey, skip the detour to Umananda Island and combine Day 7 and Day 8 by driving directly from Kaziranga to Guwahati, reducing the itinerary to eight days while still covering the main highlights.

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