Darjeeling Travel Guide – Complete Guide to the Queen of Hills

Darjeeling, often called the “Queen of the Hills”, is one of India’s most loved hill stations, located in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in West Bengal. Known for its tea gardens, panoramic mountain views, colonial charm, monasteries, and the iconic Toy Train, Darjeeling attracts travelers from across India and the world.

This Darjeeling Travel Guide by Tour Adviser covers everything you need to know before planning your trip — from best time to visit, places to see, things to do, local transport, food, hotels, shopping, nearby attractions, and travel tips.

Whether you are planning a family vacation, honeymoon, group tour, or weekend getaway, this guide will help you plan a smooth and memorable Darjeeling trip.

About Darjeeling

Darjeeling is situated at an altitude of approximately 6,700 feet (2,042 meters) above sea level and offers breathtaking views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world. The town has a unique cultural blend influenced by Nepali, Tibetan, Bengali, and British colonial heritage.

The pleasant climate, lush greenery, and relaxed atmosphere make Darjeeling a perfect escape from city life.

Best Time to Visit Darjeeling

Choosing the right time to visit Darjeeling depends on what kind of experience you are looking for.

🌸 March to May (Spring & Summer) – Best Season

• Pleasant weather (10°C to 20°C)

• Clear mountain views

• Ideal for sightseeing, family tours & honeymoons

• Peak tourist season

🌧 June to September (Monsoon)

• Heavy rainfall

• Landslides possible

• Fewer tourists & lower hotel prices

• Recommended only for off-season travelers

🍁 October to November (Autumn)

• Crystal clear views of Kanchenjunga

• Cool and pleasant climate

• Best for photography and nature lovers

❄ December to February (Winter)

• Cold weather (2°C to 10°C)

• Occasional snowfall in nearby areas

• Ideal for winter lovers and couples

Pro Tip:

For first-time visitors, March–May and October–November are the best months.

How to Reach Darjeeling

✈ By Air

The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport (IXB), located about 70 km from Darjeeling.

From Bagdogra:

• Taxi to Darjeeling (3–4 hours)

• Shared or private cabs available

👉 Tour Adviser provides Bagdogra to Darjeeling Taxi Services

🚆 By Train

The nearest major railway station is New Jalpaiguri (NJP).

Options from NJP:

• Private taxi (most comfortable)

• Shared jeep

• Toy Train (slow but scenic)

🚗 By Road

Darjeeling is well connected by road from:

• Siliguri

• Bagdogra

• Kalimpong

• Gangtok

Mountain roads offer scenic views but can be winding.

Top Tourist Attractions in Darjeeling

🌄 Tiger Hill

Famous for its sunrise view over Kanchenjunga, Tiger Hill is a must-visit attraction. On clear days, you can even spot Mount Everest.

Best time: Early morning (4:00–5:00 AM)

🚂 Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Toy Train offers a nostalgic ride through hills, markets, and tea gardens.

🌺 Batasia Loop

A beautifully landscaped garden with a war memorial, offering panoramic mountain views.

🕉 Ghoom Monastery

One of the oldest Tibetan monasteries in Darjeeling, housing a 15-foot statue of Maitreya Buddha.

🏔 Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI)

Established after Tenzing Norgay’s Everest expedition, HMI showcases mountaineering history and equipment.

🐼 Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Known for conservation of Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Himalayan Wolf, etc.

🛍 Chowrasta & Mall Road

The heart of Darjeeling town — ideal for shopping, cafés, and evening walks.

🌸 Tea Gardens

Visit famous tea estates like:

• Happy Valley Tea Estate

• Makaibari Tea Estate

Learn about tea processing and enjoy fresh Darjeeling tea.

Things to Do in Darjeeling

• Sunrise at Tiger Hill

• Ride the Toy Train

• Tea tasting at tea estates

• Shopping for handicrafts & tea

• Visit monasteries

• Café hopping

• Nature walks & photography

Darjeeling for Honeymoon Couples

Darjeeling is one of the most romantic hill stations in India.

Why couples love Darjeeling:

• Cozy weather

• Scenic viewpoints

• Quiet walks on Mall Road

• Romantic cafés

• Heritage hotels

👉 Ask Tour Adviser for Darjeeling Honeymoon Packages

Darjeeling for Family Trips

Family-friendly attractions include:

• Zoological Park

• Ropeway

• Tea gardens

• Toy Train

• Easy sightseeing routes

Darjeeling Ropeway

One of the oldest ropeways in India, offering stunning aerial views of:

• Tea gardens

• Valleys

• River Teesta

Shopping in Darjeeling

Popular items to buy:

• Darjeeling Tea

• Woollen clothes

• Handicrafts

• Tibetan artifacts

• Prayer flags

• Wooden souvenirs

Best places:

• Chowrasta

• Bhutia Market

• Mall Road

Local Food & Cuisine in Darjeeling

Must-try local foods:

• Momos

• Thukpa

• Gundruk

• Sael Roti

• Tibetan bread

Popular cafés:

• Glenary’s

• Keventer’s

• Nathmull’s Tea Lounge

Hotels in Darjeeling

Accommodation options include:

• Budget hotels

• Heritage hotels

• Boutique stays

• Luxury resorts

• Homestays

👉 Tour Adviser offers hotel booking in Darjeeling at best rates

Local Transport in Darjeeling

• Shared jeeps

• Private taxis

• Walking (best for Mall Road)

👉 Book Darjeeling Taxi Services with Tour Adviser

Nearby Places to Visit from Darjeeling

🌿 Kalimpong

• Flower nurseries

• Monasteries

• Teesta river views

🏞 Mirik

• Sumendu Lake

• Tea gardens

• Ideal day trip

🏔 Sandakphu

• Highest point in West Bengal

• Trekking destination

Ideal Darjeeling Trip Duration

• 2–3 days: Quick getaway

• 4–5 days: Relaxed sightseeing + nearby places

• 6–7 days: Darjeeling + Kalimpong / Sikkim

Darjeeling Travel Tips

• Carry warm clothes year-round

• Book taxis in advance during peak season

• Start early for Tiger Hill

• Avoid monsoon travel if possible

• Carry cash (limited ATMs in some areas)

Darjeeling Tour Packages by Tour Adviser

Tour Adviser offers:

• Customized Darjeeling tour packages

• Family & honeymoon packages

• Group tours

• Taxi + hotel + sightseeing packages

• Bagdogra / NJP pickup & drop

📍 Based in Siliguri

📞 Call / WhatsApp: 9832588889 | 8001915555

Why Choose Tour Adviser for Darjeeling Travel?

✔ Local expertise

✔ Verified hotels & drivers

✔ Transparent pricing

✔ Custom itineraries

✔ 24/7 travel support

FAQs – Darjeeling Travel Guide

Q. Is Darjeeling safe for tourists?

Yes, Darjeeling is safe for families, couples, and solo travelers.

Q. Is snowfall guaranteed in Darjeeling?

Snowfall is rare in town but possible in nearby higher areas.

Q. How far is Darjeeling from Bagdogra?

Approximately 70 km (3–4 hours by road).

Plan Your Darjeeling Trip with Tour Adviser

If you’re planning a trip to Darjeeling, let Tour Adviser handle everything — tour packages, taxi services, hotels, and permits.

🌐 Website: www.touradviser.in

📍 Location: Siliguri, West Bengal

📲 Call / WhatsApp: 9832588889 | 8001915555

Explore Darjeeling with comfort, safety, and local expertise.