How To Visit Darjeeling From Kolkata | Best Time To Visit Darjeeling | Kolkata To Darjeeling By Train , Bus , Car | 10 Must Visit Attractions in Darjeeling

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 Complete Guide to Darjeeling Travel

Darjeeling, located in the northern part of West Bengal, is a popular hill station known for its tea gardens, breathtaking natural beauty, and colonial British heritage. You can travel to Darjeeling from Kolkata by train, bus, or flight. Darjeeling is home to famous tourist spots like Tiger Hill, Batasia Loop, Mall Road, tea gardens, Peace Pagoda, and many more.

Kangchenjunga View From Keventers

How to Travel from Kolkata to Darjeeling?

1. Travel by Train (Budget-Friendly and Comfortable Option)

There are no direct trains from Kolkata to Darjeeling, but you can take a train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and then travel to Darjeeling by car or toy train.

Some popular trains:

  • Padatik Express (12343): Departs at 10:55 PM from Sealdah, arrives at NJP at 8:00 AM. Fare: SL- ₹360, 3A (AC)- ₹945, 2A (AC)- ₹1325, 1A (First Class)- ₹2205.

  • Darjeeling Mail (12344): Departs at 10:05 PM from Sealdah, arrives at NJP at 8:00 AM. Fare: SL- ₹360, 3A (AC)- ₹945, 2A (AC)- ₹1325, 1A (First Class)- ₹2205.

  • Kanchankanya Express (13149): Departs at 8:30 PM from Sealdah, arrives at NJP at 6:15 AM. Fare: SL- ₹340, 3A (AC)- ₹920, 2A (AC)- ₹1310, 1A (First Class)- ₹2180.

  • Tista Torsa Express (13141): Departs at 3:00 PM from Sealdah, arrives at NJP at 2:10 AM. Fare: SL- ₹335, 3A (AC)- ₹910, 2A (AC)- ₹1290.

  • Howrah New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express (22301): Departs at 5:55 AM from Howrah, arrives at NJP at 1:25 PM.

From NJP to Darjeeling, there are two main options:

  • Toy Train: The UNESCO World Heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway’s toy train runs from NJP to Darjeeling, taking approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes. The train departs at 10:10 AM from NJP and reaches Darjeeling at 5:40 PM. Fare: CC- ₹1400, FC- ₹1500.

  • Shared Jeeps or Taxis: You can take a shared jeep (₹300-₹400) or a private taxi (₹2500-₹3500) from NJP to Darjeeling, taking around 3-4 hours. Shared jeeps and taxis can be found near the NJP taxi stand.

Ghum Station 

2. Travel by Bus (Ideal for Budget Trips)

There are both government and private buses from Kolkata to Siliguri. From Siliguri, you can take a shared jeep or bus to Darjeeling.

Popular buses from Kolkata to Siliguri:

  • SBSTC-KOLKATA-SILIGURI-VOLVO: Departs at 8:05 PM from Esplanade, reaches Siliguri at 6:00 AM the next day. Fare: ₹910.
  • EASY RIDE - VOLVO-9600 MULTI AXLE A/C SLEEPER (2+1): Departs at 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM from Esplanade, reaching Siliguri at 7:25 AM and 9:25 AM respectively. Fare: ₹1500.
  • SHYAMOLI - PARIBAHAN PVT LTD VOLVO-9600 MULTI AXLE A/C SLEEPER (2+1): Departs at 6:00 PM and 7:15 PM from Esplanade, reaching Siliguri at 6:50 AM and 8:15 AM the next day. Fare: ₹1650-₹1800.

Buses from Siliguri to Darjeeling:

  • NBSTC Buses: Buses run every 30 minutes from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and the fare is ₹102. The journey takes about 3-4 hours.

3. Travel by Flight (Fastest Option)

There are flights from Kolkata to Bagdogra Airport (IXB). Bagdogra is about 65 km from Darjeeling, which takes around 3 hours by taxi. Flight fares range from ₹2500-₹6000 depending on the season.

Major Tourist Attractions in Darjeeling

  1. Tiger Hill – Sunrise over Kanchenjunga
     Tiger Hill, located about 11 km from Darjeeling, offers a stunning sunrise view of the Kanchenjunga mountain. It's the most popular tourist spot in Darjeeling, and you should reach there by 4-5 AM to witness the breathtaking sunrise.

  2. Batasia Loop – Scenic Railway Track
    Batasia Loop is a circular railway track of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, which helps trains navigate the hilly terrain. The view of the surrounding hills from here is spectacular.

  3. Darjeeling Zoo (Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park)
    One of Asia's renowned zoos, it is home to rare animals like the snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan black bear.

  4. Darjeeling Toy Train – Historic Train Ride
    The UNESCO World Heritage Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) operates a toy train between NJP and Darjeeling. The joyride from Darjeeling to Ghum is a popular tourist activity.

    Train Timings:

    • Diesel Joyride (52592): Departs at 9:35 AM from Darjeeling, returns at 11:15 AM. Fare: ₹1000 per person.
    • Steam Joyride (52594): Departs at 9:25 AM, returns at 11:10 AM. Fare: ₹1500 per person.
    • Diesel Joyride (52597): Departs from Darjeeling Station at 11:40 AM and returns at 1:20 PM. Cost: ₹1000 per person. 
    • Steam Joyride (52596): Departs from Darjeeling Station at 11:10 AM and returns at 1:15 PM. Cost: ₹1500 per person. 

    • Steam Joyride Vista (52598): Departs from Darjeeling Station at 1:30 PM and returns at 3:15 PM. Cost: ₹1500 per person.

  5. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute
    Established in honor of Everest conqueror Tenzing Norgay, this institute is famous for training mountaineers and offers insights into Himalayan history.

  6. Mall Road – Heart of Darjeeling
    Mall Road is one of Darjeeling’s most bustling areas where you can shop for local handicrafts, enjoy a cup of tea, and experience the town’s unique charm.

Mall Road Darjeeling

7. Japanese Temple
Built in 1972, the Japanese Temple is known for its tranquil environment and beautiful white structure. You can attend Buddhist prayers held daily.

Japanese Temple

8. Peace Pagoda
Situated near the Japanese Temple, the Peace Pagoda offers a panoramic view of Darjeeling and Kanchenjunga. The white structure and surrounding nature make it a serene spot for visitors.

Peace Pagoda

9. Dali Monastery 
 Located just 5 km from Darjeeling, this monastery is an important religious center for the Drukpa community. It's known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful surrounding
 
10. Rock Garden
 About 10 km from Darjeeling, Rock Garden offers a beautiful setting of artificial gardens and waterfalls. The Chunoo Waterfall here is particularly stunning.

What to Do in Darjeeling?

  • Take a ride on the toy train – Experience the historic train journey.
  • Go horseback riding on the mountain roads – Ride a horse around Mall Road and Chowrastha.
  • Try local food – Don’t miss out on Darjeeling’s famous momo, thukpa, cheese cakes, and of course, Darjeeling tea.
  • Shop for souvenirs – Buy local handicrafts, woolen clothes, and tea from Mall Road.
  • Adventure sports – Engage in activities like trekking, river rafting, and rock climbing.

Valley View Darjeeling 

Best Time to Visit Darjeeling

  • March to May: Pleasant spring weather with flowers in full bloom.
  • October to December: Ideal for clear skies and lush greenery as winter sets in.
  • December to February: A great time for those who love the cold and snow.
Mall Road 
Darjeeling is not just a place to view mountains, but an extraordinary mix of nature, culture, and adventure. If you love the hills, this destination is definitely for you.

How was your experience visiting Darjeeling? Let us know in the comments! For more travel information, check out other blogs on our website.

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Location: Darjeeling, West Bengal, India

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