Darjeeling Travel Guide

Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, Darjeeling is well-connected with other major cities of the country. So, you can easily access the tourist attractions and hotels in Darjeeling. And to help you decide the best route to Darjeeling, here’s a guide to how you can reach here.

You can fly to Bagdogra airport, which is the nearest airport to Darjeeling. From there, a cab ride will suffice to take you to Darjeeling within 3 hours.

From most of the important Indian cities, you will get a train to New Jalpaiguri. Once you reach there, either hop on a toy train or a cab to reach Darjeeling.

From nearby cities like Kurseong, Siliguri or Kalimpong, you can get public and private buses to reach Darjeeling. You may also opt for a long drive through the hilly lanes to reach here.

Try to plan your Darjeeling trip between April and June as the weather remains pleasant during this time. But if you wish to see snow-laden peaks, then winter will be the best season to visit Darjeeling. And avoid the monsoon months as rains can cause roadblock and other inconvenience during your trip.

This hill station is dotted with a series of watch-worthy attractions that will lure you instantly. So, let’s take a look at the top places to visit in Darjeeling.

Begin your Darjeeling travel diaries by visiting this world-famous hill via trekking or a cab ride. On your way to the hilltop, your eyes will meet serene tea plantations. And once you reach the top, get ready to be amazed by the view of Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga! We highly recommend you to come here in the early morning to capture the gorgeous sunrise.

After visiting Tiger Hill, head to this one-of-its-kind garden-like area through which the toy train runs. Choose a seat in the garden and observe the beautiful flower beds, the magnificent Kanchenjunga and a 360-degree view of the hill town. It will be a rejuvenating experience! You can explore them all at a fee of Rs. 15 from 5 am to 8 pm.

Did you always want to see some endangered species of animals? Then look no further! Come to this zoological park and you can meet plenty of endangered animals including red pandas, snow leopards and Himalayan salamanders. To see them and plenty of other plants and animals, you have to visit this park between 8 am and 4 pm and pay a fee of Rs. 20.

One of the best places in Darjeeling for you to visit is surely this oldest Tibetan monastery in the town. Why so? You can cherish a divine experience here while learning about Buddhist culture through its wall paintings, manuscripts and impressive architecture. Inside the monastery, you will be spellbound seeing the 15-feet tall Buddha statue. And the best part is that you can explore them all for free from 9 am to 6 pm!

When you’re in Darjeeling, don’t return without taking a trip to one of the oldest tea estates in the town. From 4 am to 8 pm, you can explore this 437 acres of land checking some of the finest tea leaves produced here. We suggest you take a guided tour here which will cost you around Rs. 50. You can then check out the tea factory to watch how the fresh produce is processed to make different varieties of tea. The aroma throughout the place will surely make your nose sing!

While exploring the scenic tourist wonders, why not enjoy some interesting and fun activities in Darjeeling? So, here are some of such activities to make your trip more memorable!

Give your Darjeeling trip an adventure kick by opting for the Sandakphu trek. Viewing the tallest peak of the world along with other snow-capped peaks from a height of around 11,950 metres will simply leave you awestruck. Not to forget, you will meet an array of tourist wonders on the way like the Sleeping Buddha.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railways offers you a fun toy train ride that you won’t want to miss! During the 14 km-long ride, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Darjeeling comprising verdant valleys, Batasia Loop, encompassing mountains and a lot more. Just book your seat and you will be all set for a memorable train ride!

Feel like a bird by paragliding through the Darjeeling valley! Yes, you can witness the picturesque town while sailing in the sky. Don’t forget to tell your pals to click pictures of you while paragliding.

For a more relaxing adventure, you can opt for a ropeway ride where you will glide at a height of around 7000 metres over the mountain valleys. You can witness the green valleys, lofty mountains, cascading waterfalls, lush green tea gardens and much more during your ride. The timing is from 10 am to 4 pm.

Well, you can consider Chowrasta to be the heart of Darjeeling where you can spend hours exploring the shops and shopping. From some of the best hotels in Darjeeling, you can access this point just by walking. Woollen garments, handicrafts, jewellery, whatever you want to buy, you can buy them from here. And after shopping, you can chill and quench your hunger by dining at one of the many food joints stationed here.

Don’t worry about lodging as you will find plenty of comfortable hotels and resorts in Darjeeling. Whether you want top budget hotels or luxury resorts, you will find them all here. And in that context, here are some best hotels and best resorts in Darjeeling that you can consider booking during your Darjeeling trip. Mayfair Darjeeling, Arcadia Heritage Resort, Summit Swiss Heritage Resort and Spa, Sinclairs Darjeeling and Dekeling Hotel

Now your Darjeeling travel guide is absolutely ready! Just choose the best month to visit Darjeeling according to your work schedule and preference and let Darjeeling satiate the tourist in you!