Darjeeling is one of the most beautiful hill stations in Eastern India. It is widely known across the globe for its quality tea production
How To Reach Darjeeling?
Darjeeling is one of the most Visited hill stations in India. It is mostly visited on weekends and by adventurous and sometimes by Honeymooners, It is the unique blend of tradition and modernity. Let’s Talk about how to reach Darjeeling. The distance from Siliguri to Darjeeling is approximately 70kms whereas from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling the distance by road is approximately 75 kms. One travelling from Bagdogra Airport needs to cover a distance of 100kms approximately. It takes 3-4 hours of travel from Bagdogra to Darjeeling. One, who is planning to reach Darjeeling by road from Gangtok, needs to cover a distance of 110kms. It takes approximately 3 hours from Gangtok to Darjeeling.
One who is planning to reach Darjeeling by train may opt to reserve his ticket on the Darjeeling Himalayan narrow gauge that connects Darjeeling from New Jalpaiguri. It is one of the most prestigious as well as heritage journey in India. Well, the new Jalpaiguri Railway Station is the closest broad gauge railway station from Darjeeling that connects to all other major cities in India.
The Bagdogra Airport is the only airport that connects Darjeeling by air with all other major destinations in India. There are some direct Flight from Kolkata, Delhi and Guwahati to Darjeeling. NJP to Darjeeling shared taxies are available, which will charge you about 500PP
Best Time To Visit Darjeeling
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 rain.
The months from October to March see a sudden change in the weather, as by the end of October a slight cold reigns in the area. Winter is at its peak from mid- November to January.
September again is an excellent time to visit as there is less rainfall and the greenery is at its best at this time of the year.
Is Darjeeling Safe for Girls?
Darjeeling and Sikkim are 100% safe for solo female traveler. You can travel any time and wear anything, People here in Darjeeling are quite and peaceful so you can travel here safely.
How Many Days in Darjeeling?
4-5 days is enough for Darjeeling visit. Kalimpong can be skipped. A couple of days is enough for Darjeeling, If you have only 3 days then too you can plan a trip to Darjeeling.
How to Travel Locally?
You can Hire a Scotty which will cost you Rs 600 per Day excluding petrol, to travel local places, its safe and easily available. To hire scotty you must have DL and one more ID proof. You can also hire private cab to travel in Darjeeling which will cost you 2500-3000 Per day.
Itinerary for Darjeeling
Day 1
- Tiger Hill
Tiger Hill is must visit for its splendid sights of the early morning sunrise where you can witness a eyesooting view of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga together. It lies at an altitude of 2590 meters and at a distance of 13 kilometers away from Darjeeling. It is situated in forest department area so you need to pay entry fee ( 50 Rs).
2. Batasia loop
This is one of the most beautiful and mesmerizing view point in Darjeeling. You need To pay an entry fee of Rs 50 to enter in This garden. You can see Toy train here. The Batasia Loop is a 100-year-old circular train track encircled by a spectacular mountain vista. You can take photos here in Darjeeling costume in different different poses.
3. Break fast In Hotel
Once you are done with Tiger hills and Batasia loop go to the hotel or some Restaurant or café to have breakfast. You can try Sonam’s Kitchen and for Tea I will recommend a small shop near taxi stand down side.
4. Japanese Peace Pagoda
This is a wonderful Japanese temple located at 10 min drive from city center. This was built in 1972, White colour resemble peace and apart from it it also help in getting perfect pictures. This temple has two part one is white which tell you about the story of lord buddha. This place has no Entry fee and you will be amazes to see the beauty of Kanchanghanja.
5. Rock Garden
Next destination in your itinerary should be rock garden, it has an entry fee of Rs 50. This garden has waterfall, greenery, peace and what not, you should take at least 2 hours to explore it fully, this garden is not just a garden but a place where you will find everything. This is must visit place.
6. Orange valley Tea Factory
You can Cover this place as this is a place where Sharukh khan and Gauri clicked a picture of their honeymoon. This is a tea factory where you can see live tea making process as well as you can buy tea from here.
7. Chowrasta
This market is a reasonable one and you will find almost everything here. This market could be your last visit of the day and you can rest in hotel after this. Chowrasta is located near taxi stand and while coming back from happy valley you will find it on the way.
Day 2 Darjeeling
- Happy Valley
Start your day with Happy valley, its a beautiful valley with mesmerizing view of tea estate. As far as you can see you will find tea estate here. There is no entry fee for this place.
2. Zoo
Darjeeling has a zoo which is also known as Himalayan Zoological Park or Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park. Timings of this zoo is morning 8.30 AM to 4 PM Ignore to visit on Thursday as most of the time its closed. It has one more part inside it which is Himalayan Mountaineering Institute the timing for which is 9 AM to 1 PM & 2 PM to 5 PM. Entry fee is Rs 60 PP.
3. Shrubbery Night Angle Park
This is a very beautiful park and less crowded, You can visit it to witness amazing scenes in Just Rs 20 PP. You will find a very big statute of lord shiva here, in peak season of tourists you can see cultural programs here. Overall its worth to go and in my opinion you shouldn’t miss it.
4. Ghoom Monestry
This place is beautiful as well as far from city so you can travel here at the end of your day. Old Ghoom Monastery is the popular name of Yiga Choeling.
Day 3 Darjeeling
You can take Mirik Route this day to reach NJP or Baghdogra, This route will take you to Nepal border and you will enjoy this ride.
Budget for Darjeeling
- Baghdogra/NJP to Darjeeling 1200 per person
- Hotel 1500 per room ( 2 people)
- Food 3000 ( 1000 Rs per day)
- Local Travel ( Scotty) 1800 ( 600 Per Day)
- Other 1000
Hope you enjoyed reading this blog, For doubts and queries you can comment and ask
