Darjeeling is a scenic town in the Himalayan foothills in India’s West Bengal state. Once a summer resort for the British Raj elite, it remains the terminus of the narrow-gauge Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, or “Toy Train,” completed in 1881. It’s famed for the distinctive black tea grown on plantations that dot its surrounding slopes. Its backdrop is Mt. Kanchenjunga, among the world’s highest peaks.
I had a chance to explore Darjeeling this year and I have to say it is one of the best cities with the most humble people. We had a quick 2N 3D in Darjeeling and our next stop was Gangtok, Sikkim. Darjeeling is colder than Gangtok, so carry some warm clothes with you no matter if you’re visiting in summer or winter.
Table of Contents
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day – 1 Reaching Darjeeling and along the way Sightseeing
To reach Darjeeling one can either take a flight to Bagdogra Airport or a train to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station. From there you can take a shared cab/ taxi to reach Darjeeling. On the way make sure to visit the following points to get the most out of your journey:
- Mirik (Lake and Sightseeing)
- Gopal Dhara Tea Estate
- Pashupati Shopping Market and Indo-Nepal Border (You can cross the border with your IDs and enjoy Nepal’s tasty momos too 😉
- Simana View Point (Often foggy so there is no view only fog)
- Lepcha Jagat Pine Tree View Point (You cannot miss this!!!)
You’ll probably reach Darjeeling by evening or Night so have Dinner and cozy up in your blankets because the Next day is going to be amazing.
Day – 2 Darjeeling Sightseeing
Today you’ll have to get by 3-4 A.M. to witness the most amazing Sunrise of your life and if you’re lucky enough like me you will be able to witness the 3rd Highest Peak of the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga. You’ll have to leave your hotel early to secure your spot at Tiger Hill to watch the sunrise. (Do not forget to carry warm gloves, clothes, and mufflers because it is very windy and cold)
You’ll return to the hotel to get fresh by 8-9 A.M. and from there after Breakfast your Journey to Darjeeling Local Sightseeing. You can visit:
- Peace Pagoda
- Monastery
- Tea Estates (Don’t forget to try local dresses and click photos in them)
- Refugee Camp for Tibetans and Monks
- Padmaiju Zoological Park (One of the most well-maintained zoos I have ever seen and also the cute Red Pandas are worth visiting this place)
- Watch Tower (the one where the movie ‘Barfi’ was shot)
- On the way you can also spot the elegant school where the movie ‘Main Hoon na’ was shot and mind me, it’s amazing.
- End your day by exploring Mall Road and try the Momos of Darjeeling they are the BEST!
End your day on a sweet note and sleep early as I’m sure it’d be a long day.
Day – 3 Toy Train Ride and Ropeway
You have to pre-book your Toy Train tickets from the IRCTC website. You’ll get roundtrip tickets from Darjeeling to Darjeeling, it’s a seating chair train. You can either opt for Steam engine or Deisel joyride. To be honest I don’t think the train ride is worth the price of 1000-1500 Rupees because the views are less and one you can witness through Car journey too. The only, Difference in the Train ride is that the tracks are built on the road side by side with the vehicles and shops. So it’s up to you, anyways the ride takes around 2 hours and stops at Ghum stations and Batasia loop, take photos to vasool the paisa though, LOL.
As for Ropeway in Summers, there are long queues so we didn’t go there but you can surely go and enjoy the ropeway there. This was our quick 3-Day Darjeeling Itinerary as we proceeded ahead to Gangtok for the day.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Darjeeling is between April to June when the weather is pleasant. However, a lot of people also prefer visiting the place during the winter months from October to December. The months of July to August welcome the showers, so it is not advisable to go there due to road blockages.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Darjeeling is by road from Siliguri, which is well-connected to major cities by air, rail, and road. From Siliguri, travelers can hire taxis or board buses to Darjeeling, enjoying a scenic journey along National Highway 110 that winds through picturesque tea gardens and charming hillside villages.
Accommodation Recommendations
There are a lot of options and the most luxurious resorts/ hotels are by Summit Hotels, or Udaan Resorts and Hotels chain, for deluxe and budget friendly you can go to Amaira Lodge, Homestays, and more.
Food and Dining
There are lots of options for foodies ranging from traditional Tibetan and Sikkimese cuisine to Thai delicacies to good old North Indian dishes, Darjeeling has plenty of options to cater to the taste buds of food lovers, spoiling them with scrumptious food and lip-smacking delicacies amidst the ambiance of gorgeous views. Anyhow don’t forget to try the Momos.
Some of the famous Restaurants to try there are, Keventers, Lunar, Hasty Tasty, Mamta’s Pizza, and more.
Travel Tips
The OG number one tip is to carry Warm Clothes, an Umbrella, Gloves, and extra Socks. Also, it is good to pack light if you want to truly enjoy it.
Conclusion
Darjeeling’s charm is timeless, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. From serene sunrises at Tiger Hill to enchanting rides on the Toy Train, every moment in this hill station is a treasure. Whether you’re savoring the world-famous Darjeeling tea or exploring the vibrant local markets, you’ll find that Darjeeling leaves an indelible mark on your heart.
I hope this itinerary helps you plan the perfect trip to Darjeeling. For more detailed experiences and a visual tour, don’t forget to check out my vlog on YouTube. Your journey to the Queen of the Hills is just a click away!
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