Darjeeling
The 'Queen of the Hills' — Kanchenjunga views, tea gardens and the toy train.
At a glance
Ideal duration
4–6 days
Best season
Mar–May & Oct–Nov
Nearest airport
Bagdogra
Nearest railhead
New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
Inner Line Permit
Not required
Main languages
Nepali, Bengali, Hindi, English
Overview
Darjeeling, in the hills of northern West Bengal, blends colonial charm with Himalayan grandeur. Sunrise over Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill, the UNESCO toy train, world-famous tea gardens and nearby Kalimpong and Mirik make it a classic mountain getaway.
Best Time to Visit
March to May and October to November for clear mountain views.
How to Reach
Bagdogra airport or New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station, then a 3–4 hour drive up the hills.
Permit Requirements
No permit required for Darjeeling.
Top Attractions
- • Tiger Hill
- • Darjeeling toy train
- • Happy Valley tea garden
- • Ghoom Monastery
- • Batasia Loop
- • Mirik
- • Kalimpong
Local Cuisine
- • Darjeeling tea
- • Momos
- • Thukpa
- • Aloo dum
- • Sael roti
Festivals
- • Losar
- • Tihar
- • Darjeeling Carnival
- • Buddha Purnima
Things to Do
- Catch sunrise over Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill
- Ride the UNESCO-listed Darjeeling Himalayan 'toy train'
- Tour a working tea garden and taste the prized first flush
- Visit Ghoom Monastery and the loops of Batasia
- Take a day trip to lakeside Mirik and artsy Kalimpong
Know Before You Go
- No permit is needed, but the popular toy-train 'Joy Ride' sells out — book ahead.
- Mountain views are clearest at dawn in spring and autumn; mornings can be hazy by mid-day.
- Pack warm layers — Darjeeling stays cool year-round and cold from November to February.
- Pairs naturally with Sikkim, since both share the Bagdogra/NJP gateway.
Packages for This Destination
Darjeeling Travel Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for Darjeeling?
No permit is required for Darjeeling. If you plan to continue into Sikkim, some areas there need separate permits, which we arrange.
How many days do I need in Darjeeling?
Plan 4–6 days to enjoy Darjeeling town, Tiger Hill sunrise, the tea gardens and a day trip to Mirik or Kalimpong.
When is the best time to see Kanchenjunga from Darjeeling?
March to May and October to November give the clearest dawn views; the monsoon months are often clouded over.
How do I reach Darjeeling?
Fly to Bagdogra or take a train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), then drive 3–4 hours up into the hills.
How far is Darjeeling from Bagdogra and NJP?
Darjeeling is roughly 70–75 km from NJP station and Bagdogra airport, about 3 hours by car. The toy train from NJP takes much longer (around 7–8 hours) and is more of an experience than a transfer.
Do you offer Darjeeling family packages for travellers from Kolkata?
Yes. Most families from Kolkata take an overnight train to NJP or a short flight to Bagdogra, and we pick them up there. Our Darjeeling tours run 3–5 nights and can include Kalimpong or Mirik.
Does it snow in Darjeeling?
Light snow falls occasionally between December and February, mainly at Tiger Hill and higher spots, but it isn't guaranteed. For more reliable snow, combine Darjeeling with Sikkim's Tsomgo Lake or Lachung.
Often Combined With
Plan your Darjeeling trip
Tell us your dates and travel style — we'll craft a custom itinerary with permits, stays and transport sorted.
