Bagdogra to Dharamsala Flights

  About Bagdogra

North-East India and the Himalayas are a trendy tourist destination in India, for all the right reasons. Bagdogra is a hill station near the foothills of Himalayas and in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Bagdogra is considered as the gateway to the North-East and the Himalayas. This small hill station is so beautiful; you'll love being here even if it is for a couple of hours. It's the perfect place for all you nature lovers out there. You can either laze around and admire the scenery or take a walk around the town to explore it.

The hill station is a perfect holiday spot. It's also like paradise for tea lovers since tea gardens surround it. River Teesta also flows through the town, which makes it the ideal place to indulge in river rafting. Or you can sit by the river and embrace solitude for a while. You pass through Bagdogra to get to Darjeeling, Sikkim, Siliguri and Bhutan. Bagdogra will make you fall in love with it. Apart from sightseeing and river rafting, there are quite a few activities that you can opt for in Bagdogra. It's not the most popular vacation destination, but you will surely not regret spending time in this town.

Bagdogra is connected to all major cities in the country. It is pretty easy to reach Bagdogra by flights, trains and road, too. The Bagdogra Airport connects to domestic routes from Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Guwahati. You can also quickly get a bus or taxi from the neighbouring cities to Bagdogra.

Make sure you do add Bagdogra to your itinerary when you plan a trip to the North-East. You will love this small town for its lush green surroundings and the beautiful weather. The people, too, are quite friendly and helpful. Even though there is very little that you can do in Bagdogra, it is worth stopping by. If you have a long layover at Bagdogra airport, you can make the most of it by going sightseeing somewhere near the airport. Since it is a small town, you won't have to worry about making it back on time for your flight. But if you are going to Darjeeling, Bhutan or Shillong and the town falls on your way, make sure that you do visit this town.

Best Time to Visit Bagdogra

July to February is the best time to visit Bagdogra. While the hill station witnesses monsoon from July to October, the winter sets in from November to February. This is the ideal time for you to witness the beautiful, scenic hill station. The temperature can fall to as low as 5 degree Celsius. You can see the snowy mountains that surround the town and be mesmerized by the beauty of it. The summer is also quite pleasant in the City, and the maximum temperature touches 38 degree Celsius.

Places to Visit in Bagdogra

Check out the Coronation Bridge that is 37 km from Bagdogra. It is on the way to Gangtok from Bagdogra, and the view is just beautiful. The Surya Sen Park in Siliguri, which is close to Bagdogra, is a bright picnic spot. The park sees quite a few families on vacation spending quality time with each other while enjoying the view. Madhuban Park, which is 24 km ahead of Bagdogra in Siliguri, was established by the Indian Army. This is yet another picnic spot that tourists love. You'll even spot deers, peacocks and rabbits in the park, along with butterflies.

The Umrao Singh Boat Club in Siliguri has a lot of activities in store for you, including boating. They have a huge variety and different shapes of boats for tourists. You can get in touch with your spiritual side at the ISKCON temple in Siliguri and at Kali Mandir in Binnaguri which is also quite close to River Teesta. You can visit the temple and combine it with river rafting at the river. You can also visit Salugara Monastery while you are here.

Bagdogra has no hotels since it's only a pitstop to get to the other neighbouring cities and Bhutan. You can, however, book a hotel room in Siliguri or Darjeeling or any of the nearby towns. The bus services to Bagdogra are widespread, so you won't have to worry about travelling to and from the City.

Things to do in Bagdogra

Bagdogra is the gateway to reaching Darjeeling, Sikkim, Bhutan and everything North-East. You can take a cab or a bus to visit Siliguri, which is the nearest City to this hill station. If you have a couple of hours left to catch another flight, you can get around the town in less time. Since Bagdogra is just a pitstop, you will find fewer tourist things to do, but the hill station is entirely worth it. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Bagdogra has the most beautiful view of the snow-capped mountains that surround it.

If you do have time on your hands, make sure you go river rafting at River Teesta. Or you can admire the river and meditate by the river for a while. You can also visit the Coronation Bridge that is quite close to the river stream. Whether you are with your friends or family, be assured that you will have a great time here. You can also visit the Salugara Monastery and the Kali Mandir to offer your prayers and to enjoy your solitude.

Even if you don't feel like indulging in any activities, grab your favourite book and get engrossed in the stories amid the best of what nature has to offer to you. You can also put on your headphones, play your favourite music and get lost in the tranquillity of the hill station. If you are on a solo trip, you will love spending time here in Bagdogra, even if it is for a little while. Bagdogra is quite accessible to most cities in the North-East, and travelling will not prove to be troublesome for you.

Food and Restaurants in Bagdogra

If you are travelling via plane, you have to try the restaurant that is inside the Bagdogra airport. It is run by the Bagdogra Airport Restaurant Workers Co-operative Society Ltd, and it serves a unique dish that grabbed headlines for all the right reasons. The airport serves you chicken cutlets that are made in Bagdogra style and are a one-of-its-kind dish. All foodies must try this out at least once. The restaurant can seat up to 150 people, and you'll be treated to a runway view as you finish your meal. It won't even burn a hole in your pocket.

Marina's Motel is one of the best restaurants near the airport if you are craving for Chinese or Continental cuisines. The staff is quite friendly, and the restaurant has a very cosy ambience. Bagdogra also has a solution to your biryani cravings. Naz Biryani House is known for serving and cooking the most delicious biryani, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. For a quick bite, you can head over to Hunger Stop restaurant near the airport. You can even try the dessert here.

The Gourmet Central Family Restaurant and Bar is approximately 11 km away from the airport. It has a charming decor with cosy seating and friendly staff. It is also one of the best restaurants in the town. Do make sure that you try the food at the airport restaurant though. You can also opt for street food or the local chai, which will be available quite easily. Don't hesitate to try out the local street food, too.

How to reach Bagdogra (Transportation)

By Air

The Bagdogra Airport is well-connected to major domestic routes from Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati, Bangalore and Chennai. The flight connectivity is quite functional, and getting to Bagdogra is not very difficult. You can get pretty good flight deals online and cheap flight tickets, too.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is in Siliguri, which is 5 km away from Bagdogra. There are no direct trains or buses to Bagdogra, and you will have to change a taxi or bus from Siliguri to reach the hill station.

By Road

There are lots of transport options and services are available to reach the town. You can opt for whichever suits your convenience. The transport is quite affordable, too. The roads are also quite smooth and won't be uncomfortable for you. You will also find a lot of convenient options to go to other neighbouring cities of the North-East and the Himalayas. Travelling by road is also one of the best options. The journey will surely be a treat for the eyes and the soul.

  About Dharamshala

Dharamshala, also known as the abode of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, is a quaint hill station located in Himachal Pradesh. The hill station is also considered to be the second capital of the hilly state for its extensive development over the years. The hill station is a famous tourist attraction and sees a tremendous footfall of visitors every year. Thanks to the natural beauty, the presence of the Himalayan range surrounding the town and the cultural relevance, Dharamshala has become a sought-after travel destination. Some flights fly to and from Dharamshala. Reaching Dharamshala is convenient as there are several modes of transport to take you there.

Best time to visit Dharamshala

Winters in Dharamshala would be pleasant as the green expanses turn into pious white thanks to the snow. However, the extreme temperature could be a little tough for many to deal with. Especially since there is the possibility of frostbites and inability to deal with the cold weather. However, if you wish to experience the winters at Dharamshala, you should go between October to February. The months from November to December are practically lit as the hill town rings in several festivals and carnivals.

The summer season undoubtedly becomes the best time to visit Dharamshala as the weather is cool and pleasant. You can enjoy the bright yet subtle sun, cool breeze and hues of green while the Himalayas surround you. The months from February to June, basically from spring through summer, are the two best seasons to spend in Dharamshala. Considering how it is peak season, it is recommended that you make advance flight bookings to Dharamshala to get cheap flight tickets.

Monsoon is the most cumbersome season and should be avoided at all cost. The months between July to early September sees heavy rains which are not ideal for venturing out. Possibilities of landslides and other such concerns are quite high since it is a hill station. Hence, keep away from a plan to visit Dharamshala during monsoon.

Places to visit in Dharamshala

Monasteries

Dharamshala is a spiritual haven and home to the Dalai Lama. The hill station brims with positive and spiritual energy and has a plethora of monasteries to explore. The Tsuglagkhang Complex, situated on the Temple Road, was built back in 1959 when His Holiness the Dalai Lama first visited the country. The complex has a rich Tibetan culture on display with eclectic designs and Pagoda structures. You might even get to meet His Holiness during your visit. Aside from this popular destination, there are several other monasteries such as Namgyal, Gyuto, Nechung and more that you can explore. These monasteries have a calming effect as the green expanses are soothing. Plus, the vibrations of the meditation further give the environment a positive spin.

Dal Lake

While Dal Lake is better known for its presence in Jammu and Kashmir, part of the lake flows through Dharamshala too, further enhancing its beauty. The enchanting lake is another such popular attraction in Dharamshala. What makes the place exquisite is the way the lake is surrounded by towering Deodar trees and watched over by the snow-capped Himalayas.

Trekking to Bhagsu Falls

Bhagsu Falls is one of the fun tourist attractions for adventure junkies. You can trek up to the slope, seek blessings at the Bhagsunag Temple and sit below the Bhagsu Falls as well. Aside from the charm, the place is an important locale to visit in Dharamshala.

Kangra Fort

While the idea of being surrounded by the towering Himalayas is a reason good enough to want to visit Dharamshala, the place also has historical and spiritual significance. The Kangra Fort, located in the city, is one of the oldest forts in the country. The structure dates back to 4th century BC. It is believed that the fortress belonged to the royal family from the Kangra - Katoch Dynasty. As you visit the ruins site, you will notice how the fort's structure tells a tale about the history of the place. It is quite intriguing and exciting for enthusiasts. The locals would also tell you interesting stories about the place.

Naddi Village

The picturesque Naddi Village is located a little close to Dharamshala and is absolutely blissful all-round the year. The location of the village is a bit remote, but the views and lifestyle are cosy and too good for words. As you stay in this village, you will wake up to the pristine views of the snowcapped Dhauladhar range, the gorgeous Kangra Valley and the alluring greenery enveloping Dharamshala. The forests close to Naddi Village have trails of Deodar trees which further add to the beauty of the place.

War Memorial

During the Indo-China War that took place from 1947 through 1971, Dharamshala lost several soldiers. As a means to pay tribute to the brave martyrs of Kangra, the hill station built a War Memorial in the town. The setting of the memorial is enchanting with greenery surrounding the expanse while pine trees border the structure. There are quite a few cafes in the vicinity too that you can visit.

Things to do in Dharamshala

Triund Trek

Dharamshala is a haven for backpackers and solo travellers who like indulging in trekking and other adventure activities. With Bhagsu Falls, Triund Trek and Kangra Valley trek, there are far too many trekking opportunities for enthusiasts to undertake. Many trekkers opt to camp at the summit after the trek as the sunrise is a sight that must be experienced. The Himalayas look exquisite and reflect the beauty of the hill station.

Seek blessings at the Jwala Devi Temple

Although the Jwala Devi Temple is 56 km away from the main city of Dharamshala, it has been one of the biggest tourist attractions of Kangra. To reach the temple, it is advised to go through Dharamshala. As the name suggests, the temple is a shrine to Jwala Devi, who has quite a spiritual stance. It is believed that the temple flames light up miraculously. Also, the temple has been in the Kangra Valley for centuries now.

Stroll through the Tibetan Art Museum

The Tibetan culture is quite compelling and something you'll find in plenty as you walk through the streets of Dharamshala. Located in the McLeodganj district, the Tibetan Art Museum is one such place that would take you through a journey of what encompasses the Tibetan culture. The Dalai Lama Temple is also close to the museum. You can walk through the museum passages and know more about their past, culture, lifestyle, spiritual stance and more.

Food and restaurants in Dharamshala

The cuisine that you'll find in Dharamshala is mainly Indian, Tibetan and Chinese. The place does offer some authentic Tibetan cuisine and must be tried. The best place to relish the Tibetan cuisine would be at the Tibet Kitchen. Delicacies like Aloo Pingsha, momos, thupka, tingmo and mutton petse are some of the dishes that you should gorge down during your visit. Since the place is quite paradisiacal for backpackers and travellers from around the world, several quaint cafes are serving Continental food as well. You can find them at the Moonlight Cafe and Carpe Diem Cafe, to name a few.

Nick's Italian Kitchen is also an excellent place to indulge in some Italian cuisine. They will have the Indian flavours merged with Italian essence, but it would be worth trying. For dessert, you can always pay a visit to the Woeser Bakery. From coffee cakes, chocolate lollipops to tarts, the bakery has a quintessential palette of desserts at affordable rates. Even Lhamo Croissant is a good place to binge sweets and baked products.

How to reach Dharamshala (Transportation)

By Air

You can reach Dharamshala Dharamshala by air as the Kangra Gaggal airport is only 10 kilometres away from the city centre. The hill station is a prominent tourist destination and sees quite a lot of traffic, especially during peak season. There are only two dedicated airlines for Dharamshala which connect from Chandigarh and Delhi. Alliance Air and SpiceJet are the two notable airlines with flight connectivity to and from Dharamshala. Tourists usually opt for train or road to reach the hill station and hence, sees less air traffic. The airport is located in the beautiful expanse of the Kangra Valley which gives passengers a pristine view of the Himalayas as well as the valley. Taxi cabs and other rental services are available at the airport that will reach travellers to the city.

By Rail

Rail is considered to be a convenient route for travellers. Since a lot of travellers choose Delhi or Chandigarh as the route to reach Dharamshala, Pathankot becomes the closest railway station. It is 120 km away from Dharamshala and has great connectivity with the main city. From Pathankot, there's another domestic route to Dharamshala that can be taken. The railway line to Jogindernagar from Pathankot is narrow but a known route. This line passes through Himachal Pradesh's Mandi District. The closest station to Dharamshala is Chamunda Marg, which is just 30 minutes away.

By Road

Dharamshala has brilliant road connections. There are various domestic routes to Dharamshala from Delhi, Chandigarh and Shimla. From government-run transport to Volvo buses with sleeper facilities, a slew of services is available which will reach you to Dharamshala. Since they travel to Uttarakhand daily, you can book your tickets to Dharamshala on the day of the journey as well.