Darjeeling Tour Guide: The Place of Thunderbolt or Darjeeling is a teeny tiny hill station in West Bengal state of India. Famous for its tea, the place is full of itineraries and tourist spots. If you’re looking for a single stop to design your Darjeeling trip, you’re at the right place.
While I tell you how to cover this beautiful hill, you will also find the estimated cost of the tour. This article is a guide for a 2-day trip to Darjeeling. So, without wasting any more time, let’s get going!
Table of Contents
Darjeeling Tour Guide
Darjeeling Tour Guide: First things first, how will you reach Darjeeling? I prefer railways, but the place is accessible by roadways and airways too.
Railway- If you take a train from anywhere in India, you’ll have to stop at New Jalpaiguri Station. The cost of the train ticket varies based on your starting point.
Airway- If you decide on airways, you’ll be landed at Bagdogra (IXB) airport.
It is advised to avoid going via roadways, especially with your vehicle as Darjeeling has a lot of issues when it comes to parking spots and accessibility due to tightly packed streets.
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2-Day Trip to Darjeeling
Reach NJP and Head to The Hotel
Darjeeling Tour Guide: Once you reach the New Jalpaiguri Station, you can take a shared cab to Darjeeling for around ₹250-300/- per head but they’re only available till 3 PM, or book a private cab for around ₹2,500. If you want to live the most out of this trip, go for a toy train ride instead! The only problem is that it’ll take almost the entire day to reach Darjeeling.
It is good to book a hotel in advance; the hotels in Darjeeling charge per person instead of the room. Charges start from ₹1,500 per person.
Protip: While deciding on a hotel, try keeping close to Mall Road and check for the meal plans.
Roam Around Mall Road or Take a Rest
Darjeeling Tour Guide: After settling your accommodation, you can rest or roam around the mall road, trying street food.
Day 1 of the Darjeeling Trip
Sunrise at Tiger Hill
Darjeeling Tour Guide: It is said that the sunrise at Tiger Hill looks heavenly. Try to reach the hill before 4 AM to ensure you don’t miss the sunrise.
Have Breakfast at The Glenary’s
Darjeeling Tour Guide: Popular for the iconic view of the Kangchenjunga mountains, Glenary’s is a British-era cafe. You can find great options of baked items for savoring. Indian, Chinese, and Continental food is served in a vintage rooftop setting.
Average pricing: ₹200–600 per person.
Batasia Loop and The Ghoom Museum
Darjeeling Tour Guide: Take a walk to Batasia Loop, a historical railway loop at the centre of which is the giant stone that stands as a memorial of all the soldiers who fought for the country as heroes who never wore capes but surely saved lives. Batasia Loop is the best place to have a 360° view of Darjeeling.
Timing: 6 am to 5 pm
Take a toy train ride from here. The train stops for 20 minutes at the Ghoom Museum where you can see all the history and evolution of Darjeeling Himalayan Railways.
Entry Fee(both the places separately): ₹20 per person
End Your Day at Mall Road, Living the NightLife
Enjoy the star-stud walk on Mall Road, buy some food and souvenirs here, and head home to rest for another great day!
Day 2 of the Darjeeling Trip
Rock Garden
Darjeeling Tour Guide: Located 10km from Darjeeling, Rock Garden is a majestic park with different levels where you can witness the waterfalls on each level. The park has been carved through the rock, giving it its name. You can also find vibrant flora in the garden that adds to the beauty of the waterfall and the entire place.
Entry Fee: ₹10 per person(Indians only); ₹50 per foreigner.
The Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda
Darjeeling Tour Guide: A Japanese symbolic temple of peace and serenity, Peace Pagoda is a Buddhist monastery comprising the entire life of Buddha and all the major events of Buddhism.
The place is open to visitors but only up to a certain limit. A good division of the monastery is subjected to praying only. Both, the Japanese temple and Peace Pagoda are very closely located therefore it is a great idea to visit both places.
Happy Valley Tea Estate
Darjeeling Tour Guide: And, of course! There’s no way you’re in Darjeeling, and you don’t explore the tea plantation. Visit Happy Valley Estate and enjoy at least a cup of tea with the marvellous view.
End the Day With Some Shopping and Sleep Like A Baby
As you return to your hotel, do some shopping and have a pleasant dinner. Head to bed to wake up all refreshed for your departure!
This was a full trip to Darjeeling planned for you. If you like my guide, do let me know on Facebook!