Darjeeling: A Journey Through the Queen of Hills

Darjeeling, nestled in the Himalayan foothills of West Bengal, is a charming town that boasts of breathtaking views of the snow-clad mountains, lush green valleys, and tea plantations. Also known as the "Queen of Hills," Darjeeling is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. Let's take a look at some of the most important places to visit in Darjeeling:

TigerHill

Tiger Hill: The first rays of the sun hitting the snow-covered peaks of Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga make for a surreal sight at Tiger Hill. Located at an altitude of 2590 meters, this viewpoint is a popular spot for tourists to witness the sunrise.

Himalayan railway

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, also known as the "Toy Train," is a narrow-gauge railway that runs through the scenic mountains of Darjeeling. The ride on this century-old train is a must-do activity that offers stunning views of the town and the surrounding landscape.

Happy Valley Tea Estate

Happy Valley Tea Estate: Darjeeling is famous for its tea plantations, and the Happy Valley Tea Estate is one of the oldest and most famous ones. Take a tour of the tea factory, sip on freshly brewed tea, and enjoy the serene surroundings.

BatasiaLoop

Batasia Loop: Located on the outskirts of Darjeeling, the Batasia Loop is a spiral railway track that offers a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding hills. The War Memorial located here is a tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the two World Wars.

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: Home to the endangered species of the Himalayas, the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park is a must-visit attraction in Darjeeling. It is one of the few places in the world where you can see the elusive snow leopard in captivity.

Japanese Peace Pagoda

Japanese Peace Pagoda: Located atop the Charlemont Hill, the Japanese Peace Pagoda is a symbol of peace and tranquility. The stunning view of the town and the surrounding mountains from here is a sight to behold.

Mall Road

Darjeeling Mall Road: The Mall Road in Darjeeling is a bustling street that offers a range of shops selling everything from traditional handicrafts to designer clothes. Take a stroll here, soak in the local culture, and try some delicious local cuisine.

Kolkata to Darjeeling by bus, train, and flight*:

By Bus:

There are regular bus services available from Kolkata to Darjeeling. The distance between the two cities is approximately 650 km and it takes around 14 hours to reach Darjeeling by bus. The fare for a one-way bus ticket can range from INR 600 to INR 1500, depending on the type of bus and the amenities provided.

By Train:

The nearest railway station to Darjeeling is New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which is around 70 km away. There are regular trains available from Kolkata to NJP, and the journey takes around 8-10 hours. From NJP, you can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to reach Darjeeling. The fare for a one-way train ticket can range from INR 500 to INR 1500, depending on the class of travel.

By Flight:

The nearest airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra Airport, which is around 70 km away from the town. There are regular flights available from Kolkata to Bagdogra, with a flight time of around 1.5 hours. From Bagdogra, you can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to reach Darjeeling. The fare for a one-way flight ticket can range from INR 3000 to INR 6000, depending on the airline and the time of booking.

[* Time to time fare may be change]