DARJEELING TRIP PLAN
Mountain views, tea gardens and slow hill-town mornings, planned for a short break from Kolkata.
GETTING THERE
Fly to Bagdogra or take a train to New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri, then continue by road. Cabs run from Bagdogra and Siliguri.
DAY 1
The road climb takes a few hours, so keep day one light. Check in, rest and layer up as the evening cools.
DAY 1 EVENING
This vehicle-free square is the heart of town. Come in the evening for a walk, roadside snacks and people-watching.
DAY 2
Tiger Hill is about 13 km from town. Kanchenjunga lights up first at dawn, so leave in the dark and go early in busy season.
DAY 2
On a clear morning you may even spot Everest far away. Clouds can hide the peaks, so treat the view as a bonus.
DAY 2
Spend the afternoon on foot. Colonial-era buildings like St Andrew's Church sit close to the town centre.
DAY 3
Head out to the tea slopes around Darjeeling for quiet views and fresh air before the drive back down.
DAY 3
Kurseong and the slopes around Darjeeling are full of tea gardens. Pick one for a slow afternoon stop.
PLAN SMART
Carry warm layers for cold Tiger Hill mornings. Toy train joy rides to Ghum and Kurseong are popular, so book ahead.