Darjeeling Travel Guide: Darjeeling once served as the summer capital of India during the British Raj. Now, it stands as one of the most desired hill stations in the country. This charming place in West Bengal is perfect for a romantic honeymoon. Situated at 2,050 meters above sea level, Darjeeling has a very cool climate throughout the year, surrounded by vast tea estates. Often paired with Sikkim, its neighbouring state, Darjeeling makes for an excellent base to discover the marvels of the Eastern Himalayas.
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Darjeeling Toy Train / Himalayan Railway
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, begun in 1881, has earned the honour of World Heritage Status from UNESCO. The train sets out from the plains and climbs to more than 2,000 meters above sea level, revealing stunning mountain vistas as it moves. Darjeeling is known for its tea plantations, with over 86 estates that create the renowned ‘Darjeeling Tea’ enjoyed around the globe.
The journey is like a romance of the early 19th Century. You get to hear the sweet sound “Chuk chuk” of the toy train while you play with the whiff of the cold air of Darjeeling.
You can see Kanchenjunga from here. It is the third highest peak in the world and the tallest in India. The view is wide and beautiful. In Darjeeling, there are places to see—monasteries, gardens full of plants, a zoo, and the long cable car that runs over the valley. Tiger Hill is also a good place to watch the sunrise over the mountains, which seems to paint them with fire.
The Darjeeling toy train ride, a scenic journey, begins at New Jalpaiguri Station and travels to Darjeeling Station. It takes about 7 hours to get there. If you’re considering this journey, it’s best enjoyed when you have ample time and are open to a more leisurely pace. Remember that there are faster and cheaper ways to reach Darjeeling, By taxi It takes about 3 hours and costs around Rs 200 (about $4).
This unique toy train, powered by a diesel engine, embarks on its journey from New Jalpaiguri at 8:30 in the morning, arriving at Darjeeling at 3:35 in the afternoon. The train operates on a specific schedule, departing for Darjeeling on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. For the return journey from Darjeeling to New Jalpaiguri, the train leaves at 8 in the morning and returns to New Jalpaiguri at 3 in the afternoon on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
For those interested in the toy train ride, a First Class ticket costs Rs 1400, while an AC class ticket costs Rs 1500. If you’re curious about other ticket options, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway website provides more details on the available classes and their respective prices.
| Train no. | Dep. Time | From | To | Arrival time | First class Chair car fare | AC Chair Car fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52541 | 10:00 | New Jalpaiguri | Darjeeling | 17:20 | Rs. 1400/- per person | Rs. 1500/- per person |
| 52540 | 09:00 | Darjeeling | New Jalpaiguri | 16:15 | Rs. 1400/- per person | Rs. 1500/- per person |
Best Time to Visit Darjeeling Travel
The best time to Darjeeling Travel is from April to June when the air is mild and the skies are clear. Many people come in the winter, from October to December, for the crisp air and quiet. But in July and August, the rains come hard, and the roads can be blocked. It is wise to avoid the hills then.
- April to June: Good time to explore, mild air and the skies are clear
- October to December: Crisp air and quiet surrounding
- July to August: Not to visit days, it is rainy season and rains are harder these days and you might face road blockage issues.
Kanchenjunga Sighting from Darjeeling
How to reach Darjeeling
Darjeeling hill town is situated at an altitude of 6,710ft above sea level in West Bengal also Known as Northeast India. The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport and the closest major railway junction is New Jalpaiguri (NJP). Which connects with all the routes of northern railways
It can take up to 03 – 04 hours to reach Darjeeling from both of these locations, You can get Private Taxis (Available at New Jalpaiguri and Bagdogra), Shared Taxis (NJP) and Bus and shared taxi from Siliguri bus stand which is 8kms from NJP, are the main public transport available for Darjeeling from NJP station and Bagdogra airport.
Things you Must Know Before You plan Darjeeling Travel
For Indian Citizens:
- Indians can carry any Indian ID (passport, voters ID, pan card, drivers license) for a potential Sikkim trekking trip.
- A special permit is required for Singalila National Park from Manebhanjan, costing around 120 INR.
- Carry valid ID (passport/voter ID) for checkpoints and specific areas while visiting Sikkim or Nepal from Darjeeling.
For Foreign Nationals:
- Foreigners visiting Darjeeling must possess a valid Indian tourist visa and copies of photographs.
- Nepal and Bhutan citizens don’t need a Visa. Carry a valid government ID.
- Report to the Foreigners Registration Office at Bagdogra airport on arrival or at Darjeeling Magistrate Office during the stay.
- Those traveling by rail or road must get their passport and visa stamped and approved for their stay in Darjeeling.
- To visit Kalimpong, the permit must be endorsed at the Foreigners Registration Office in Darjeeling or the office that issued it.
Update: Kalimpong, a subdivision of Darjeeling district, became a separate district of West Bengal effective 14th Feb 2017 with an area of 1,056 square kilometers. It is no longer a subdivision of the Darjeeling district. But that has made no difference to tourism.
Within the Darjeeling town area, you’ll find a plethora of must-see tourist attractions. The convenience of plenty of taxis, both small and large, available at the stands, offering local sightseeing tours and point-to-point transfers, will make your exploration a breeze.
You can also get shared taxis (mainly Jeep-type vehicles) at the stands. These are primarily available for transfers between two points, and you can get off or board at any place in between. They are a cost-effective and convenient mode of transportation, especially for solo travelers or small groups.
Tourists Darjeeling Travel Yearly
Presently, around 6,00,000 Indian tourists and 30,000 foreign nationals visit Darjeeling annually.
Gangtok (the Capital of Sikkim), a 4-hour drive from Darjeeling town and several other great destinations in the State of Sikkim offers excellent opportunities to easily combine visits to multiple destinations along with Darjeeling.
Darjeeling hill town was initially set up as a sanitarium or health resort by the British in the mid-1800s. Over the years, it earned its name for its world-famous aromatic tea, and then, it opened up roads and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway for tourism.
Also Read: Top 7 Hill Stations Near Kolkata That You Must Visit
You will see numerous sprawling tea estates in Darjeeling that produce the world’s best tea, as well as the fantastic narrow gauge Toy Train – an engineering marvel of the 1880s that could overcome the steep gradients and curves of the mountains and provide scenic railway transportation in the hills.
Residents of Darjeeling represent a rich tapestry of cultures, including Nepalese (predominantly Gorkhas), Tibetans, and some Lepchas and Bhutias from Sikkim. Their distinct looks and cultures, predominantly Hindu and Buddhist, create a fascinating world that’s warm and welcoming to tourists.
Despite facing challenges such as overcrowding and random constructions, Darjeeling has managed to preserve its charm, thanks to the hard work and dedication of its people. Their efforts have ensured that Darjeeling retains its status as the ‘Queen of the Hills’ and a top tourist destination.
The City centre of Darjeeling is known as Mall or Chowrasta, a flat open public square, a pedestrian-only zone, free of vehicular traffic and surrounded by colourful stores with the backdrop of mountains and valleys. A mall is a place where most locals and tourists hang around.
Most tourists try to stay near the Mall area to be close to the hub of all activities, restaurants, and shops. Due to high demand, numerous hotels have mushroomed near the mall area. Alternatively, you can stay a bit away, enjoy nature & views, and a location relatively free of crowds.
During spring, summer, and autumn, the weather in Darjeeling is pleasantly cool, making it perfect for city dwellers who flock in large numbers during such times. Many come to enjoy the rains in monsoon and the chill in winter, each season offering a unique experience. Spring brings blooming flowers, summer offers clear skies, monsoon brings lush greenery, and winter offers a chance to witness snowfall in the hills.
When you imagine such visits are combined with beautiful views of snow peaks and valleys, tea gardens, forests & flowering plantations, unique sightseeing tours & activities, great food & stays, and all at affordable prices. Wouldn’t you love to pursue a vacation like that?
Tourist Attractions & Places to Visit in Darjeeling Travel
Experience the tranquility that Darjeeling’s parks, gardens, and waterfalls offer. The viewpoints provide breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga peaks, and the land is dotted with Buddhist monasteries, old churches, temples, and sprawling tea estates on the hills. Museums and art galleries are a treat for the curious, while the serene parks, gardens, and waterfalls are perfect for quiet reflection. A cable car ride reveals stunning vistas of the mountains and the tea gardens below.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute and its museum, nestled within the Zoo grounds, along with the Dali and Ghum Monasteries, the Happy Valley Tea Estate, the Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda, the Botanical Gardens, and the Mahakal Temple perched atop Observatory Hill. The Rock Garden and Ganga Maya Park are also waiting to be explored. Among the must-sees in Darjeeling are the Heritage Toy Train, the breathtaking sunrise from Tiger Hill, and the ropeway that offers a splendid view of the tea fields. The Darjeeling Zoo is home to remarkable creatures of the high Himalayas—Red Pandas, Clouded Leopards, Yaks, Tibetan Wolves, and the Himalayan Black Bear.
Embark on an adventure with day trips to Mirik, Kalimpong, Lamahatta, and Mongpu. A Jeep safari into Singalila National Park and further on to Sandakphu promises one of the finest panoramas of four of the five tallest peaks in the world, all laid out in a breathtaking expanse of snow. You can find more information in the link above. To see the sights I mentioned, you’ll need to drive or sometimes walk. Many tourists stick to the 3-point, 7-point, or Mixed-Point tours led by local drivers, but there are lesser-known treasures. Heritage walks, tea garden strolls, and village tours await those willing to seek them out.
Also Read: Sillery Gaon New Darjeeling Tour and Travel Guide
Hotels and Accommodations in Darjeeling Travel
You will get all sorts of accommodations in Darjeeling, including budget, mid-priced, and even luxury hotels & resorts. Several tea estates in Darjeeling operate Tea Garden Resorts, some of which are restored original bungalows of the British Tea Planters that still retain the British aura. There are homestays in some of the tea gardens, and there are plenty in Darjeeling.
Price Range: Hotels start at 800 INR to 2500 INR. Basic facilities like washrooms, scenery, hot water geyser, and well-decorated rooms, will you get, and for best-in-class hotels, you will be charged around 3500 to 12500 INR per day
Shopping while Darjeeling Travel
Darjeeling can be a shopper’s paradise, from handmade crafts & jewelry to many different curios, woolen clothes, jackets, and kashminas. Some shops are known for collections of some of Darjeeling’s most outstanding pictures of life and landscapes. And what about returning home the “Champaign of Tea” from where it is produced? During the peak season, most shops in Darjeeling remain open until 8 pm.
Toy Train during Darjeeling Travel
The Toy Train, as it is fondly called, has been the romantic heart of Darjeeling and has touched everybody who has been to this hilly paradise. It was introduced in 1881 by the British, connecting Siliguri with Darjeeling with a narrow gauge line. It helped cut down the enormous time it took to transport passengers by bullock cart and horse carriages along the Hill Cart Road. It also allowed the less affluent Europeans living on the lower plains to visit the health resort.
Price: 1500 INR for each person Approx
Trekking in Darjeeling
If you love to trek and enjoy nature, don’t miss out on one of the many great treks in Darjeeling Hills. Routes offer stunning views of the mountains, forests, and wildlife. There can be light treks over a few days with 4-5 hours of walking a day that even casual walkers can undertake, or heavier treks for several days over mountain landscapes that offer fabulous experiences.
Where else in the world can you get a vista of four out of five highest peaks of the world in one stretch of snow, or get to see exotic rare animals like Red Panda, or view flowering plants like rhododendrons, magnolia, carpets of primula and over 600 varieties of orchids? I have been on such fascinating treks and shared my experience at the link above.
Darjeeling Travel Map
If you wish to see Darjeeling Travel, you will need a good map. The trouble is, that good maps are scarce. The mountains rise and fall, and it is hard to capture that on paper. But I found my way through the confusion. Here is the map I rely on to uncover the secrets hidden in the hills.
Best Time To Visit Darjeeling?
The best time to visit Darjeeling is between Starting April to Mid of June when the weather is Crisp
How to Reach Darjeeling?
The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport and the closest major railway junction is New Jalpaiguri (NJP). It can take up to 03 – 04 hours to reach Darjeeling from both of these locations.
Flora and Fauna found in Darjeeling
Regarding flora and fauna, Darjeeling houses over four thousand species of plants, three hundred varieties of ferns, six hundred species of birds, and loads of mammals and wild animals. You can find chestnut, cherry, sal, birch, oak, elm, wet alpine trees, and delicate, rare orchids. Rhododendron also grows on the hills. It is also home to myriad birds, including woodpeckers, orioles, sunbirds, flycatchers, finches, Bengal floricans herons, etc. Many animals, like tigers, leopards, hog deer, one-horned rhinoceros, can be found, too.
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