Darjeeling

Darjeeling: The Queen of Hills

Destination Type: Hill Station | Nature | Culture | Heritage | Tea Trails
Best Time to Visit:

• March to June – Pleasant spring-summer with clear mountain views

• October to December – Crisp air, festive vibe, and possible Kanchenjunga sightings
  Ideal Duration: 3 to 4 days

🧭 4-Day Travel Itinerary for Darjeeling

Day 1: Arrival & Relaxed Himalayan Welcome

• Morning:

  • Arrive via Bagdogra Airport (about 3 hrs drive) or New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Station.

  • Scenic uphill drive through tea gardens and pine forests.

• Check-in:

  • Choose a colonial-style stay like Windamere, Mayfair Hill Resort, or boutique homestays with a view.

• Afternoon:

  • Take a stroll along Mall Road (Chowrasta) – cafés, bookshops, and views of the mountains.

  • Visit St. Andrew’s Church nearby.

• Evening:

  • Sip authentic Darjeeling tea at Golden Tips or Glenary’s Bakery.

  • Optional: Sunset at Observatory Hill.

Day 2: Sunrise, Heritage & Toy Train

• Early Morning:

  • Head to Tiger Hill (~4 AM) for a magical sunrise over the Kanchenjunga range (on clear days, even Mt. Everest is visible!).

• On the way back:

  • Stop at Batasia Loop – famous spiral railway loop with gardens and a Gorkha war memorial.

  • Visit Ghoom Monastery – serene and peaceful with ancient manuscripts.

• Breakfast: Back to town for a hearty breakfast at Keventer’s.

• Late Morning:

  • Enjoy a ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)—UNESCO World Heritage. Short ride from Darjeeling to Ghoom or Kurseong.

• Afternoon:

  • Visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Tenzing Rock.

  • Explore the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (see red pandas & snow leopards).

• Evening:

  • Shop for tea, woolens, and handicrafts at Bhutia Market or Mall Road.

  • Dinner with a view at The Park (Thai/Chinese) or Joey’s Pub for a cozy vibe.

Day 3: Tea, Temples & Tibetan Trails

• Morning:

  • Guided tour of a Tea Estate – Happy Valley Tea Garden or Runglee Rungliot.

  • Learn about plucking, processing, and taste fresh Darjeeling tea at source.

• Late Morning:

  • Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda – panoramic views and a peaceful aura.

  • Explore the Dali Monastery, one of the most active Buddhist centers in the region.

• Lunch: Try Sonam’s Kitchen or Gatty’s Café.

• Afternoon: Optional Tibetan Refugee Self Help Centre – for handmade carpets, dolls, and cultural history.

• Evening:

  • Attend a local cultural show (seasonal) or enjoy a relaxed dinner by the fire.

Day 4: Leisure & Local Life

• Morning:

  • Stroll through Lloyd’s Botanical Garden for Himalayan flora.

  • Optional: Visit Rock Garden & Ganga Maya Park (~10 km drive).

• Midday:

  • Take a short walk or horse ride near Chowrasta.

  • Last chance to shop for Nepali handicrafts, tea, and souvenirs.

• Departure: Head back to Bagdogra or NJP with misty memories and tea in hand.

🌟 Highlights of Darjeeling

• 🌄 Tiger Hill Sunrise over snow-capped peaks

• 🚂 Toy Train Ride through Himalayan curves

• 🍃 Darjeeling Tea Gardens and factory tours

• 🐾 Red Pandas & Snow Leopards at the Zoo

• 🛕 Monasteries & Peace Pagodas

• 🛍️ Chowrasta Mall Road & Bhutia Market for souvenirs

📌 Travel Tips

• Getting There:

  • Nearest Airport: Bagdogra (IXB)

  • Train Station: New Jalpaiguri (NJP)

  • Hire a shared cab or private car for the 3–4 hour scenic drive

• Local Transport: Walking and local taxis. Roads can be narrow and steep.

• Altitude: ~6,700 ft. Stay hydrated; take it slow if you feel lightheaded.

• Weather: Always carry a light jacket—even in summer. Rain gear is useful too.

🧳 What to Pack

• Warm layers (especially from October to March)

• Comfortable shoes (for walking up/down hilly streets)

• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and an umbrella

• Camera/binoculars for Himalayan views

• Reusable bottle and tea storage bags

✨ Perfect For:

• Honeymooners and romantic getaways

• Families and slow travelers

• Culture and tea lovers

• Nature photographers and mountain seekers