The Queen of Hills, Darjeeling, is a vivid hill station in the extreme northern part of West Bengal. It is famous for its stunning views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the Darjeeling Himalayan railways, along with tea plantations, vibrant local and colonial culture. Apart from these, the city has many other attractions to explore, such as Tiger Hill for experiencing beautiful sunrise views, Batasia Loop, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway/Toy Train, Peace Pagoda, Botanical Garden, and Tea Gardens. Darjeeling not only attracts local tourists but is also considered one of the favorite destinations among foreign tourists.

Darjeeling is a perfect blend of rich culture and natural beauty. The city offers a magical escape for all types of travelers. 

Best Time To Visit Darjeeling

March to June: It is the best time for tourists to visit. Warm climate with a temperature between 10 ° C - 20 ° C.

July to August: Monsoon season brings in heavy rainfall in these regions, which results in frequent landslides that make travel difficult. 

September to December: The climate remains cool and sunny, and it’s also a great time to visit. 

                                               Photo by: Prasanta Kr Dutta / Pexels Copyright May 28th, 2016

How To Reach Darjeeling

By Air: The closest airport is Bagdogra. Hire a taxi or take a sharing vehicle to reach Darjeeling.

By Train: The nearest railway station is The New Jalpaiguri (NJP). Either you can take a taxi or you can enjoy the toy train experience to reach Darjeeling. 

By Road: Road experience will offer you a scenic drive from Siliguri or other adjacent towns with curvy roads in the hills and green tea gardens. 

Must-Visit Places In Darjeeling

Tiger Hill

One of the popular viewpoints in Darjeeling. The early morning view of sunrise over the Kanchenjunga, the highest peak of India, is an experience that will remain engraved in your memory forever. The golden glow of the sunrise reflecting on the snow-covered peaks is simply eye-pleasing.

Batasia Loop

Batasia Loo is a spiral railway track of the famous toy trains. The surrounding garden and panoramic views of the mountains make it a great spot for photography.  

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway(Toy Train)

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this vintage steam engine train ride takes you on a nostalgic journey through the beautiful tea gardens and the lush forests. The Darjeeling-ghum is particularly famous for this toy train ride. It is a must-visit for anyone visiting Darjeeling for the first time.

                                                     Photo by: Saul Goodman / Pexel Copyright March 8th, 2023 

Peace Pagoda

Peace Pagoda is a Japanese-style temple. It has four avatars of Buddha and is a symbol of peace and serenity. It is located around 1 km away from the city, so you can easily visit the spot.

Tea Gardens

We all know that Darjeeling is world-widely famous for its tea. You can explore the green tea gardens and understand how tea is being produced, and you can also taste some of the world’s finest tea. The famous Makaibari and Happy Valley conduct guided tours for tourists to learn more about the world-famous Darjeeling tea. 

Mahakal Temple

One of the oldest temples in the town is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple offers an extended view of the town and is a significant religious and cultural landmark for the locals. 

Adventurous Activities to Do in Darjeeling 

Trekking

There are some trekking trails near Darjeeling to explore such as Sandakphu which is the highest point in west Bengal where you get to see beautiful views of the Himalayas, Tonglu day trek where you can witness the two countries' landscapes that are India and Nepal, trek to Gorkhey, a valley in between Sikkim and Darjeeling. 

Paragliding

Paragliding is a must for all those tourists who want to experience the thrill of flying over rolling hills, tea gardens, and pine forests. and an unforgettable bird-eye view. 

Ropeway 

Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable car is a 5-kilometer-long cable ride connecting Singamari to Singla Bazaar. This is a well-known site in Darjeeling, established in 1968, which offers wide vistas of the green tea garden, hills, and the Kanchenjunga mountain range. 

Mountain Biking

You can hire bikes and tour the city on your own to get a better experience.

Darjeeling Itinerary 

The tour package of Darjeeling depends on the season, the kind of accommodation, and the specified services. 

Here’s a simple tour guide for you that highlights an ideal 5-day tour in Darjeeling.

Day 1: Arrival in Darjeeling

The tour starts with a pick-up either from the New Jalpaiguri Railway(NJP) or from the Bagdogra Airport. After 2 to 3 hours of driving, you will reach Darjeeling. Check in at your booked hotel and get settled into your room.

In the evening, take a stroll around Mall Road and experience some local food. 

Day2: Sightseeing 

Start your day by visiting Tiger Hill to experience the stunning golden sunrise over the Kanchenjunga mountain.

Then you can visit Batasia Loop, a scenic location for Darjeeling Himalayan Railway views. After that, stop by the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute to learn the history of Everest expeditions. Next, visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park to observe cute red pandas, and also some other animals. After a long day, you can visit Peace Pagoda for a panoramic view and a peaceful environment. 

Day 3: More Sightseeing

Ride the toy train from Darjeeling to Ghum. Visit the Japanese temple for a peaceful experience. All those adventure seekers, visit Tenzing Rock and Gombo Rock. You can next visit tea gardens such as Happy Valley Teas Estate to learn about the process of producing tea and savoring fresh Darjeeling tea. End your day by visiting some local shops and buying some local items.

Day 4: Experience Various Activities like paragliding, trekking, ropeway, and others

Day 5: Return to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station or Bagdogra Airport for further journey. 

Some Hotels in Darjeeling for a Perfect Stay

1. The Windemere Hotel (5-star)

One of the oldest hotels in Darjeeling, with a perfect blend of colonial charms and modern facilities. It is located in the heart of the city and also offers a beautiful view of Kanchenjunga.

Contact Info:

Phone: +91-354-2254041

Email: reservations@windmerehotel.com

2. Mayfair Darjeeling (5-star)

Located on the 2nd Gandhi Road of Darjeeling, it offers a luxurious experience. They have top-notch facilities, from a spa to a heated pool. 

Contact Info:

Phone: +91-354-2256376

Email: reservation@mayfairhotels.com

3. Glenburn Tea Estate (4-Star)

For a unique experience, Glenburn Tea Estate can be a great choice. They offer luxurious stays on a working tea estate.

Contact Info:

Phone: +91-33-22883581

Email: info@glenburnteaestate.com

4. Hotel Shangri-La Regency (3-Star)

A budget-friendly option without compromising comfort. They offer a comfortable atmosphere with excellent services. 

Contact Info:

Phone: +91-354-2255466

Email: shangrila@darjeeling.com

Darjeeling also offers a wide range of budget and low-cost options for backpackers and budget travellers. 

Cost Guide For a 5-Day Stay In Darjeeling

Note: This cost guide may vary according to the traveler’s choice, the time of year, the type of accommodation, activities, sightseeing, and others. 

1.Transportation(Per Person):

New Jalpaiguri Junction/Bagdogra to Darjeeling

• By Toy Train: Rs.450-Rs.1,600 (Depending on the class and type of engine)

• By Private Car: Rs.2,000-Rs3,500 (One-way Trip) 

• By Bus/Shared Vehicles: Rs.300-Rs.700 (One-way Trip)

2. Accommodation(Per person):

• Budget-Friendly:

Rs.800- Rs.1500 per night(Budget hotels)

• Mid-range:

Rs.2,500-Rs.5,000 per night(3-star hotels, Homestays)

• Luxury:

Rs. 8,000-Rs.15,000 per night(5-star hotels, Luxury resorts)

3. Activities and Sightseeing(per Person):

• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway(Toy Train): Rs.450-Rs.1,500 

• Trekking/Local Tours: Rs.500-Rs.2,500 (For popular spots like Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, and Peace Pagoda)

• Paragliding: Rs.3,000 - Rs.5,000

Total Estimated Cost (For 1 Person)

• Budget Trip(per day): Rs2,000-Rs4,000

• Mid-range Trip(per day): Rs5,000-Rs8,000

• Luxury Trip(per day): Rs10,000-Rs20,000

Overall, Darjeeling offers a soul-soothing experience that combines breathtaking natural scenery, varied cultural heritage, and a touch of colonial charm. From witnessing the stunning views of Kanchenjunga, riding the iconic toy train, and observing local monasteries and tea gardens. A visit to Darjeeling is certain to be engraved in your memory forever and leave you with a sense of deep admiration.

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