Darjeeling

Overview

Darjeeling is a hill town in northern West Bengal, famous for tea estates, the Himalayan Railway and sunrise views of Kanchenjunga. Mornings are clear in autumn and spring; the monsoon is misty and wet.

Best time to visit

1. ◐Jan
2. ◐Feb
3. ●Mar
4. ●Apr
5. ●May
6. ◐Jun
7. ✕Jul
8. ✕Aug
9. ◐Sep
10. ●Oct
11. ●Nov
12. ◐Dec

● best time · ◐ okay · ✕ best avoided (Jul, Aug)

How to reach

• By rail

  3–4 h by road from NJP

  New Jalpaiguri (NJP) is the main railhead; shared cabs and the toy train go on to Darjeeling.

• By air

  3–4 h by road

  Bagdogra airport is about 90 km away.

Where to stay

• Near Chowrasta

  ₹1,200–6,000 / night

  Walkable to the Mall and cafés.

• Tea estate homestays

  ₹2,500–9,000 / night

  Quieter and greener, a short drive away.

Things to do

• Tiger Hill sunrise

  3 h

  Early morning drive for Kanchenjunga views if the sky is clear.

• Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

  2 h

  Short toy-train ride from Darjeeling to Ghum.

• Happy Valley Tea Estate

  1–2 h

  Short tour of tea gardens and tasting.

• Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

  2 h

  Museum and zoo; useful for context.

Food

• Tea and momos

  ₹100–400

  Taste first-flush and second-flush teas; momos at local joints.

Safety & permits

Places in Darjeeling

Tips & questions

Quick tips, questions and photos from people who've been — or are going.

Reviews & tips