DARJEELING

All you need to know about

WHY VISIT

Visiting Darjeeling offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance. Nestled in the Himalayas, this hill station provides stunning views of snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Kanchenjunga. The lush tea gardens, producing world-famous Darjeeling tea, offer serene landscapes and a glimpse into the local tea culture. The town's colonial architecture, vibrant local markets, and the charming Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage site, add to its allure. Plus who wouldn’t like little HOPE in their life? For those seeking tranquility, adventure, and a taste of history, Darjeeling is an ideal destination.

DARJEELING

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Darjeeling is during the summer (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing, with clear skies offering stunning views of the Himalayas. The spring season brings blooming flowers, enhancing the town's picturesque beauty, while autumn provides crisp air and vibrant foliage. The not so ‘appropriate’ times have their own allure too. The monsoon months (June to August) can be foggy & rainy, but this is exactly what brings out the true beauty of Darjeeling, which literally translates to the land of thunder. Darjeeling also is one of the very few hill stations which remains safe to travel. The winter (December to February) has its own allure, with clear skies, majestic views and lip-smacking street foods. The queen of hills truly is welcoming to its guest, throughout the year!

DARJEELING

DETAILED SUGGESTED ITINERARY (6N/7D)

Day 1: NJP/IXB/SLG to Lepchajagat transfer via Mirik. It is a scenic route that offers the opportunity to explore a plethora of beautiful spots along the way. The first stop, Mirik is a picturesque town known for its serene Sumendu Lake, surrounded by a beautiful garden and pine trees. You can enjoy boating on the lake or may choose to take a leisurely walk along the path encircling the lake, ride a horse or just enjoy the view from the bridge over the lake. As you leave Mirik, you'll pass through lush tea gardens. You will stop at Gopaldhara tea estate to see the tea-making process and enjoy a fresh cup of Darjeeling tea. After a short lunch break the journey will resume as you’ll move towards Pashupati Market in Nepal and later visit the Nepal Simana Viewpoint which offer breathtaking views of neighbouring villages in Nepal. As twilight approaches, we reach the little hamlet of Lepchajagat, a mysterious village shrouded in everlasting mist and thick pine forests. It is the perfect ambiance for some bonfire and horror stories!

Day 2: Sonada to Darjeeling transfer. Explore Sonada Monastery, renowned for its spiritual ambiance and beautiful architecture. Move on to experience the everlasting rainbow at Indrani Waterfalls. After having a short lunch break, visit Ghoom Monastery, one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the region, known for its 15-foot high Maitreya Buddha statue. Now as the sunset approaches, enjoy the glorious view from Batasia Loop, a scenic railway loop offering panoramic views of the mountains and the war memorial. The day offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual tranquility, making for a memorable journey to Darjeeling.

Day 3: Darjeeling local sightseeing. There are an handful of local attractions to explore that showcase the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique charm of this hill station. Start your day early to catch the sunrise at Tiger Hill, which offers breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga and, on clear days, Mount Everest. The experience of watching the first rays of the sun hitting the peaks is unforgettable. Upon returning, the Peace Pagoda, part of a series of pagodas built around the world by the Japanese Buddhist monk Nichidatsu Fujii, aims to promote world peace and harmony. It is situated on the slopes of Jalapahar Hill and is one of the most peaceful places in Darjeeling. Adjacent to the Peace Pagoda, the Japanese Temple, also known as Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple, is a symbol of peace and spirituality and perhaps the best representation of Japanese architecture. After some breakfast, take a ride on the Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The joyride from Darjeeling to Ghoom and back offers scenic vistas and a unique travel experience. Afterwards, enjoy a cable car ride on the Darjeeling Ropeway, which provides spectacular aerial views of the tea gardens, forests and snow-capped peaks. Later move to Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park to see rare and endangered Himalayan animals, including the snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan wolf. Adjacent to the zoo is the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, which has a museum showcasing the history of mountaineering in the region. The Bengal Natural History Museum here offers a detailed guide to animal species both living & extinct throughout the North Bengal. As evening approaches, enjoy the sunset from Rangeet Valley Tea Estate as it offers a spectacular view and an opportunity to shop for authentic tea directly from the locals! In the evening, explore the Mall Road, shop your hearts out, savour your taste buds with delicious local street foods, have some dessert and click some new profile pictures in front of Glenary’s!

Day 4: Darjeeling to Takdah transfer. Wake up early morning and visit the Observatory Hill to experience an unforgettable sunrise. Afterwards, visit Mahakal Temple, a unique cultural and spiritual blend of two religions- Hinduism and Buddhism. Have a typical English breakfast at Kevs’ and move on to visit the Triveni Confluence where the Teesta & Rangeet rivers meet. For the adrenaline junkies, river rafting is a must try here! Moving on, explore the expansive Peshok Tea Estate and soak in the beauty of the surrounding valleys. Afterwards, visit the Lamahatta Eco Park, which offers well-maintained walking trails, beautiful gardens and a sacred lake. Enjoy some steaming hot momos here to fuel up for the rest of the journey. Proceed to the peaceful Tinchuley Monastery & Tinchuley Viewpoint, which offers breathtaking view of Kanchenjunga, valleys and the rivers below. Last but not the least, visit the Takdah Orchid centre, home to a wide variety of orchid species. Rest at a colonial bungalow in Takdah to experience the rich heritage of this small hamlet.

Day 5: Takdah to Sittong transfer. After an early morning breakfast, leave for Sittong, a peaceful village known for its orange orchards and scenic beauty. Enroute visit the historical Rungli Rangliot Tea Estate, the first tea estate established by the British. Explore Rabindra Bhawan, the former bungalow of the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore. It has long been covered into a museum showcasing his works and personal belongings. You can also visit the Cinchona Plantation and also the factory where quinine is produced. Such rich cultural and botanical significance are rarely found in the whole region.

Day 6: Sittong local sightseeing. Known for orange cultivation, Sittong is prime spot to see the fruit-laden trees. Later, visit Ahaldhara Tea Estate and the 360 Degree Viewpoint which offers an mesmerising view of the Riyang River and the Kanchenjunga at the same time. Afterwards visit the Namthing Pokhri to observe the almost extinct Himalayan Salamanders at their natural habitat. Move on to visit the quiet 300 year old Gumpha known as Lepcha Monastery. Enjoy the sunset at the banks of Riyang River, Jogighat and get back to your homestay to rejuvenate for the next day.

Day 7: Sittong to NJP/IXB/SLG to NJP transfer via Kurseong Dowhill. Enroute visit Lepcha Waterfalls, where you might have to hike for about 10 minutes to enjoy it in all its glory. Visiting Dowhill, a thick pine forest where even sunlight can’t penetrate is a whole new experience. Add to that the most haunted school in India, The Victoria Boys’ School. End your trip with a short visit to the Kurseong Viewpoint and Rohini Waterfalls.