Darjeeling has always been one of the top tourist destinations in West Bengal, India. It has the attraction of long leafy tea gardens on hills, wildlife, viewpoints and much more. Did you know, Darjeeling hosts almost 5,50000 domestic and international tourists each year? It’s also third most googled tourist places in India.

Best time to be there

Autumn and Spring is considered to be the best season to visit the place. You could also plan to visit during Summer, mostly offers a clear view of the Kanchenjunga snow peaks.

Weather

In Darjeeling temperature between day and night varies with a significant margin. In summer temperature goes up to 30ºC, where in winter the minimum temperature stays around 4ºC. Snowfall is not very frequent in Darjeeling during winter.

For more information visit Darjeeling Weather

How to reach

There are several ways you can reach Darjeeling. Cab for Darjeeling is available just outside NJP railway station. Standardized rate card provided by West Bengal Government in the same place. Share cab facility available outside where you need to bargain a lot. Hence no need to book a cab in advance for you travel needs.

The nearest airport is Bagdogra, Again cabs are available just outside the airport gate.

There are other connecting routes between other neighboring states and Darjeeling, hence It is also a good idea to book direct cabs in case you are traveling from one of them.

The winding roads, beautiful vegetation, several tea gardens are the primary attractions while on the road.

Currency

Indian Rupee is the widely used currency. US Dollar, British Pound are also accepted at places.

Itinerary

Below itinerary may suit if you are looking for a relaxing trip for four days:

Notable places in Darjeeling

Tiger Hill

Is the most famous spot to have a blessed glimpse of Mt. Kanchenjunga with the first rays of Sunlight in Darjeeling. From here you can view both Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Everest in the day with clear sky. It’s around 11 K.M from Darjeeling town, You can book a cab around 4:30 A.M to reach the spot early. You would find a lot crowd in the place, hence finding a suitable place to experience the one best gifts of nature is important. Keep your camera ready and focused for the amazing moment of the first light.

Batasia Loop

While returning from the Tiger Hill, this can be your next stop. Around 6 K.M from Tiger Hill and 5 K.M from Darjeeling town, this place is known for the spiral railway of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. You can have an entire view of the Darjeeling town on one side, the other side offers a panoramic view of the mountains including Mt. Kanchenjunga. In the center of the loop, there is the war memorial dedicated to the Gurkha soldiers who sacrificed their life post-independence period. This is very much a gusty place you would love mainly at morning and evening times.

Rock Garden

Darjeeling rock garden is based on Channu summer falls and around 10 K.M distance from Darjeeling town. It is a multi-storied garden,  you need to keep climbing the stair to reach the top from where you could enjoy a spectacular view of the Darjeeling town. There are beautiful flower gardens with sitting arrangements in your way to the top of the Rock Garden. You could choose to relax here for some time and then continue to climb stairs to the top.

There are several other places you should visit while your stay in Darjeeling. Go to “Darjeeling – other notable spots” for more detailed info.

Suggestions

• Keep your travel documents and identity proofs handy at all time.
• Plan at least one trip in Darjeeling Toy Train, try to book tickets in advance.
• Darjeeling is very cold during the winter season, but most of the hotels do not have any centralized heating facilities. Be prepared when you plan to visit Darjeeling in Winter.
• It is always a good idea to buy tea packages from a reputed seller than any other place.
• Having an umbrella is also a good idea as night showers are very common here.
• Hilly roads and forest alongside is always a treat to your eyes, but don’t forget to take medicines while traveling on hills.
• Carrying necessary cash while on travel (On Hilly road) is always a good idea.