Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the hills at Darjeeling, often referred to as the “Queen of the Hills”, which is encircled by the grand Himalayas. Known for its tea estates, stunning landscapes, and lively culture, this picturesque hill station is a treat for nature enthusiasts and adventure junkies. With beautiful sunrise reflections from Tiger Hill, the scenic vintage of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and the sweet-tainted freshness of the Darjeeling tea service – and you get the reason why tourists prefer to flock here.
So, if you pine for a perfect trip that is equally adventurous, picturesque, and peaceful, then let us explore how you can get to this pretty hill station!
From Delhi
Simply fly, if you’re embarking on your journey from the bustling capital, Delhi — the fastest way to get to Darjeeling. You can get a direct flight to Bagdogra Airport, which is about 70 km from Darjeeling. IndiGo and Air India have regular flights that take around 2.5 hours. When you arrive, you can hire a taxi or arrange for a shared cab (an entertaining way to meet other travelers) for a picturesque three-hour drive through verdant tea gardens and twisting mountain roads.
If you prefer train journey travel, Kalka Mail or Rajdhani Express would be your options to NJP (New Jalpaiguri) which takes approximately 17 hours. From there, grab a taxi into the hill station — the course takes you through picturesque scenery and culture along the way.
From Mumbai
- Flying from the colourful city of Mumbai? The easiest route is by flight to Bagdogra (a 2.5-hour journey), followed by 3 hours of driving to reach Darjeeling. For a more involved journey, you can take a train from Mumbai to Kolkata and take a connecting train or flight to Bagdogra.
From Hyderabad
If you’re in Hyderabad, this will begin with flying to Bagdogra for 2.5 hours (or so) on an inexpensive flight. Once you land at Bagdogra, be sure to take a cab or book a shared cab to soak in those stunning mountain roads to the town of Darjeeling.
From Bangalore
For Bangalore travelers, you can book a direct flight to Bagdogra, which takes approximately 2.5 hours. It takes around 3 hours to reach Darjeeling from here. OR You would also travel by train to Kolkata, and fly from there, or take a train up to Bagdogra.
From Chennai & Trivandrum
If you’re flying from Chennai, then the most logical thing would be to catch a flight to Bagdogra that takes about 2.5 hours. If you are coming from Trivandrum, it is a similar case, as the flying time to Bagdogra will also be approximately 3 hours. Upon arrival at Bagdogra, take a taxi to Darjeeling, and enjoy the scenic delight on the way.
From Kolkata
Kolkata serves as one of the primary gateways to get to Darjeeling. You can fly directly to Bagdogra (and it’s about 1 hour) or take a train to NJP (around 12-15 hours). The train ride itself is an adventure because you will see this shift from city to countryside. NJP to Darjeeling (3 hours) Once you reach NJP, it is a 3-hr taxi ride to reach Darjeeling.
From Bhubaneswar
For all the visitors from Bhubaneswar, the best way is to reach the bagdogra by flight, that will take you around 2 hours. From there, take a taxi for 3 hours to Darjeeling.
Tips for Your Journey
- Book Ahead: Flights can be booked ahead of time, as can train tickets, and they may save you money and limit your hassle. However, you can always find the best deals and schedules on websites such as MakeMyTrip, ClearTrip, and EaseMyTrip.
- Pack Light: The roads to Darjeeling can be winding and bumpy — if you’re taking a taxi, there’s a good chance your joints will suffer. Traveling light certainly will make your trip a lot more comfortable.
- Hydrate: It’s easy to get dehydrated at this altitude, so always pack a bottle of water for the road.
- Indulge on Local Food and Cuisine: Have a taste of local food eg momos and thukpa, after you reach Darjeeling. The taste will undoubtedly elevate your experience!
- Discover the Surrounding Areas: While Darjeeling is famous for its panoramic scenery, nearby Mirik Lake or the tea gardens can keep you entertained.
So buckle up, because as you take off on this journey to experience Darjeeling, prepare to be mesmerized by its charisma and natural beauty.
Regardless of whether you travel by air, rail, or road, the journey becomes part of your experience. And visit TripAdivosr and them for more tips & travel guides.
Grab your bags, your pals, and get ready for an unforgettable trip to the Queen of the Hills! So what are you waiting for, Darjeeling is waiting for your arrival!
For more Travel Guides, Stay Updated with Pathbeat.in
To explore audio tour guides and stories, visit the Pathbeat app
