Book your tickets in advance for the Darjeeling Mail from Sealdah. It departs around 8 pm from Kolkata and arrives at the New Jalpaiguri junction around 6–7 am. From New Jalpaiguri junction there are various taxis (both sharing and for a single customer) available. You can board them and they will drop you off in Darjeeling.
Which train is best for Darjeeling from Kolkata?
| 22301 | VANDE BHARAT EXP. |
| 15721 | PAHARIA EXP. |
| 13181 | KAZIRANGA EXP. |
| 12507 | ARONAI EXP. |
| 15905 | DBRG VIVEK EXP. |
| 12377 | PADATIK EXP. |
| 12515 | CBE SCL SF EXP. |
| 82301 | NJP SUVIDHA SPL. |
What is the best way to go to Darjeeling from Kolkata
The best way to reach darjeeling from Kolkata is by taking a train upto Siliguri. From Siliguri take a taxi and reach Darjeeling in 3 hours.
Alternatively you can take a bus from kolkata at esplanade or karunamoyee. The bus reaches Siliguri Junction and from here take a taxi upto Darjeeling.
There are flights from Dum Dum airport till Bagdogra Airport. From here you can take a taxi till darjeeling.
Taxi fare from Siliguri to Darjeeling is around Rs150 per person. During season it can go upto Rs200. Taxi rides are very much safe even if a Solo girl travels. Also buses are available and they charge about Rs90–100/- per person.
How do I go to Darjeeling from Kolkata in short Fare
To travel from Kolkata to Darjeeling on a budget, consider the following options:
1. By Train
- Route: Take a train from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), which is the nearest major railway station to Darjeeling.
- Cost: Train fares vary based on class, but sleeper class is the most economical option, typically ranging from ₹300 to ₹800.
- From NJP to Darjeeling: You can take a shared jeep or a bus from NJP to Darjeeling, which costs around ₹150 to ₹300 and takes about 3-4 hours.
2. By Bus
- Direct Bus: Some private bus operators run services from Kolkata to Siliguri, from where you can catch a shared jeep or bus to Darjeling.
- Cost: Bus fares from Kolkata to Siliguri range from ₹500 to ₹1,000. The onward journey to Darjeling would be an additional ₹150 to ₹300.
3. By Shared Taxi
- If you prefer more comfort, you can take a shared taxi from NJP or Siliguri to Darjeeling. This is more expensive than a bus but faster and more convenient.
How to plan a 4 day trip to Darjeeling from Kolkata
Planning a 4-day trip from Kolkata to Darjeling can be an exciting adventure! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you organize your trip:
Day 1: Travel from Kolkata to darjeling
1. Transportation:
By Train: Take a train from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), the nearest major railway station to Darjeling. The journey takes about 12-15 hours. Popular trains include the Darjeling Mail and Kolkata-Jalpiguri Express.
By Flight: Alternatively, you can fly from Kolkata to Bagdogra Airport, which takes about 1.5 hours. From Bagdogra, you can hire a taxi to Darjeling (about 3-4 hours drive).
2. Arrival in Darjeeling:
Check into your hotel and freshen up. Consider staying at a place with a view of the mountains, like The Elgin or Windamere Hotel.
Day 2: Explore Darjeling
- Morning:
– Tiger Hill: Wake up early to catch the sunrise at Tiger Hill, famous for its breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga.
– Batasia Loop: On the way back, visit the Batasia Loop, a beautiful garden with a panoramic view of the mountains and a memorial for Gorkha soldiers. - Afternoon:
– Darjeeling Himalayan Railway: Take a ride on the toy train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy the scenic beauty.
– Tea Gardens: Visit a tea estate, such as the Happy Valley Tea Estate, to learn about tea production and enjoy a tasting session. - Evening:
– Explore the local market and try some local delicacies, like momos and thukpa.
Day 3: Sightseeing and Activities
- Morning:
– Peace Pagoda: Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda, which offers a serene environment and stunning views of the surrounding area.
– Mahakal Temple: Explore this popular temple located on a hilltop. - Afternoon:
– Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park: Visit this zoo, known for its conservation efforts, particularly for the red panda.
– Himalayan Mountaineering Institute: Learn about mountaineering history and see exhibits related to famous expeditions. - Evening:
– Stroll along Mall Road and enjoy the local shops and eateries.
Day 4: Return to Kolkata
- Morning:
– Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some last-minute shopping for souvenirs.
– If time permits, visit the Ghoom Monastery, one of the oldest Tibetan monasteries in the area. - Afternoon:
– Depart from Darjeling to NJP or Bagdogra for your return trip to Kolkata.
Additional Tips:
- Accommodation: Book your hotels in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (April-May and October-November).
- Weather: Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly. Darjeling can be chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings.
- Local Transportation: Consider hiring a local taxi for sightseeing to make it easier to navigate.
- Health Precautions: Stay hydrated and acclimatize to the altitude, especially if you’re coming from sea level.
This itinerary gives you a balanced mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural experiences. Enjoy your trip to Darjeling!
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How should i plan a budget trip to Darjeeling
The Darjeeling Mail, starting from Sealdah station in Kolkata in late evening, and arriving at New Jalpaiguri Jn station next morning.
New Jalpaiguri is the railhead for Darjeeling and other nearby hill stations like Kalimpong, Kurseong and Gangtok in Sikkim. There is a narrow-gauge Himalayan Express train to Darjeeling. It takes longer time, but offers breath-taking views of the Himalayas all along the way.
Other option and more popular too is travel by road. There are numerous bus and taxi services, quite frequent too.
There are other trains too like the Kanchenjungha Express; but the Darjeeling Mail is the old historic and iconic train, operating since the British era. It is the only train offering First AC class coaches for super-comfortable (hence expensive too) travel from Kolkata to the Queen of the Himalayas.
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