🚞 Complete Travel Guide to Darjeeling (From Kolkata)

 

📍 Location: Lesser Himalayas, West Bengal

🗓️ Best Time to Visit:

• March to June – Best for summer vacation (pleasant weather)

• October to November – Clear skies and festival season

• December to February – Cold and chance of snowfall in nearby areas

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🚉 How to Reach Darjeeling from Kolkata

✈️ By Air:

• Flight to Bagdogra Airport (IXB) from Kolkata (~1 hour)

• From Bagdogra: Taxi to Darjeeling (3–4 hours drive)

🚆 By Train:

• Overnight trains from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri (NJP)

  • Trains: Darjeeling Mail, Padatik Express

  • Duration: ~10–12 hours

  • From NJP: Shared Jeep or Private Cab to Darjeeling (3 hrs)

🚘 By Road:

• Self-drive or rental from Siliguri to Darjeeling

• Total road distance: ~610 km (~15 hours from Kolkata)

✅ Recommended Route: Kolkata → NJP (train) → Darjeeling (cab)

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🌄 Top Places to Visit in Darjeeling

🌞 Tiger Hill – Sunrise point with views of Kanchenjunga

🚂 Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – UNESCO toy train ride

🗻 Batasia Loop – Famous railway spiral & gardens

🐵 Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park – Red pandas, snow leopards

🧘 Peace Pagoda – Japanese stupa with views

🌿 Himalayan Mountaineering Institute – Adventure history & museum

🌸 Rock Garden & Ganga Maya Park – Waterfalls & picnic area

🍃 Tea Gardens – Happy Valley Tea Estate (factory tours available)

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🏨 Family-Friendly Budget Hotels

✅ Little Singamari Homestay – ₹1,800–₹2,500/night

✅ Hotel North Star – ₹2,000–₹3,000/night

✅ Golden Orchid – The Lodge – ₹2,500–₹3,500/night

✅ Summit Swiss Heritage Hotel (Mid-range) – ₹3,500–₹5,000/night

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🍽️ What to Eat in Darjeeling

• Darjeeling Momos, Thukpa, Aloo Dum

• Traditional Nepali and Tibetan food

• Darjeeling Tea (must-try from local cafés)

Recommended Eateries:

• Kunga Restaurant – Tibetan Cuisine

• Glenary's – Continental, Bakery & Tea

• Sonam’s Kitchen – Pancakes & breakfast

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🛎️ 4N/5D Sample Itinerary (From Kolkata)

Day 1: Kolkata to NJP → Darjeeling (Cab)

• Evening stroll on Mall Road

Day 2: Tiger Hill Sunrise, Batasia Loop & Peace Pagoda

• Visit HMI Zoo, Rock Garden

Day 3: Toy Train Ride & Tea Garden Tour

• Visit Observatory Hill, relax in café

Day 4: Local shopping & picnic at Ganga Maya Park

• Optional: Ropeway ride

Day 5: Return to NJP → Kolkata (Train/Flight)

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💸 Estimated Budget (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

Category	Cost (INR)
Hotels (4N)	₹8,000–₹12,000
Kolkata–NJP Travel	₹3,000–₹5,000
Cab (NJP–Darjeeling)	₹3,000–₹4,000
Food & Local Travel	₹3,000–₹5,000
Toy Train & Entry Fees	₹1,000–₹1,500

Total: ₹18,000 – ₹27,500 (approx. family budget)

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✅ Travel Tips

• Carry warm clothes even in summer (evenings can be chilly)

• Book toy train in advance on IRCTC or at station

• Try local bakery snacks for kids

• Roads are winding – carry nausea medication for children

• Avoid heavy monsoon months (July–August)

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Darjeeling is a timeless hill station offering breathtaking sunrises, tea-scented air, and a joyful blend of Tibetan, Nepali, and colonial culture — perfect for a memorable family trip! 🏔️🌸

 

 

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Disclaimer

This travel plan is a general guide created for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available data as of April 2025. Prices for accommodation, food, fuel, and entry tickets may vary depending on season, availability, and inflation. Travelers are advised to double-check all bookings, routes, weather conditions, and COVID-19 (if applicable) guidelines before the trip.

While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we do not take responsibility for any unexpected closures, changes in schedules, or inaccuracies in third-party services such as hotel accommodations, restaurants, or sightseeing spots.

Travel at your own risk and discretion. Always prioritize safety, especially while driving through hilly terrain and with children. Please respect local customs, wildlife, and the environment during your visit.