West Bengal · East India

Darjeeling travel guide

Kanchenjunga sunrise and toy trains

Darjeeling
Arne Hückelheim · CC BY-SA 4.0
Best time
Mar–May, Oct–Dec
How long
2–4 days
Stay a night
₹1,000–9,000
Food a day
₹400–1,600
Nearest railhead
70 km away
Nearest airport
70 km away

Plan Darjeeling in a minute. Day-by-day plan, stays, budget and trains — free on JrnyLoop.

Plan this trip

About Darjeeling

Tea estates, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, colonial cafes and Kanchenjunga glowing at Tiger Hill.

Things to do in Darjeeling

  1. Tiger Hill sunrise

    3 h · ₹50 entry

    Tiger Hill is a mountain viewpoint in Darjeeling, West Bengal. It offers a panoramic view of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga together, and is especially popular for watching the sunrise on Kanchenjunga.

    Tip: Leave by 4 am to reach in time for the sunrise

  2. Batasia Loop

    45 min · ₹20 entry

    Batasia Loop is a spiral railway built to lower the gradient of ascent for the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. The track spirals over itself from the bottom of a hill and across the hilltop. It also features a war memorial.

  3. Toy Train joy ride

    2 h · ₹1,600 entry

    The Toy Train joy ride in Darjeeling is a historic UNESCO steam ride that takes passengers on a scenic journey up to Ghoom.

    Tip: Book your tickets well in advance as seats fill up very quickly.

  4. Happy Valley Tea Estate

    2 h · ₹100 entry

    Established in 1854, this is Darjeeling's second oldest tea estate, set at a high altitude north of the town. You can take a guided factory tour to see how tea is processed and enjoy a tasting session.

    Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the sloping tea garden paths safely

  5. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Zoo

    2 h · ₹100 entry

    Established to encourage mountaineering in India, this Darjeeling spot features an Everest museum and red pandas.

  6. Peace Pagoda

    45 min · Free

    Peace Pagoda in Darjeeling is a Japanese pagoda built to unite people in the search for world peace. Situated on the slopes of the Jalapahar hills, it houses four avatars of Buddha including Maitreya Buddha and offers sweeping views of the surrounding valley.

  7. Chowrasta & Mall Road

    2 h · Free

    Chowrasta and Mall Road form a historical public square and shopping area located on the ridge of the Darjeeling hill range. Dating back to the Victorian era, it serves as a central hub for evening strolls and local gatherings.

    Tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes to easily explore the connected pathways.

Where to stay in Darjeeling

  • Chowrasta & Mall

    ₹2,000–5,000

    Walkable centre with views.

  • Gandhi Road

    ₹1,000–2,500

    Cheaper hotels with taxi access.

  • Tea estate bungalows

    ₹8,000–20,000

    Stay in a working tea garden.

What to eat

  • Glenary's

    cafe

    Bakery and breakfast since the Raj.

  • Keventer's

    cafe

    Ham-and-cheese breakfast on the terrace.

  • Kunga

    restaurant

    Tibetan momos and thukpa.

  • Darjeeling first-flush tea

    cafe · veg

    Tasting at Nathmulls.

How to reach Darjeeling by bus

Kolkata to Darjeeling bus

Board at: Babughat, Esplanade

Run by: North Bengal State Transport Corporation, private AC sleeper, private Volvo

When: Mostly overnight, leaving in the evening

Book in advance as demand is high during peak tourist seasons.

Ready-made Darjeeling itineraries

Good to know

  • Visibility is best Oct–Dec; monsoon hides the mountains.

Going to Darjeeling? Build the plan, split costs with your group and keep tickets in one place.

Plan this trip

All destination guides

Darjeeling travel guide: best time, things to do, how to reach · JrnyLoop Blog