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| Darjeeling Photo |
Introduction 🌄✨
If you live in Kolkata and dream of cool mountain air, tea gardens, and the stunning Kanchenjunga view, then Darjeeling should be on your travel list! Known as the "Queen of the Hills", Darjeeling is a popular hill station in West Bengal loved for its scenic beauty, peaceful vibe, and heritage toy train 🚂.
The good news is — it’s not too far from Kolkata and you can reach there in several ways! In this guide, I’ll explain how to go to Darjeeling from Kolkata by train, flight, car, and bus. I’ll also tell you about travel time, ticket prices, best time to visit, and some handy travel tips. So let’s start planning your hill station escape! 🏞️🎒
📍 Where is Darjeeling?
Darjeeling is a beautiful hill station located in the northern part of West Bengal, close to the Nepal border. It’s famous for its tea gardens, snow-capped peaks, and colonial charm.
From Kolkata to Darjeeling, the distance is about 615 to 650 kilometers, depending on your route.
🛣️ How to Go to Darjeeling from Kolkata
There are different ways you can reach Darjeeling from Kolkata. The main options are:
- By train 🚆
- By flight ✈️
- By road 🚗
- By bus 🚌
Each way has its own experience, cost, and travel time. Let’s look at them one by one in a simple and clear way.
🚆 Travelling to Darjeeling by Train
Most people in Kolkata prefer trains when visiting Darjeeling because it’s budget-friendly, comfortable, and safe. But here’s a thing — there’s no direct train to Darjeeling.
You’ll first have to reach New Jalpaiguri (NJP) railway station, which is the nearest big station to Darjeeling. From NJP, you can take a cab or the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train) to reach Darjeeling.
🎟️ How to Book a Train
You can book your train tickets online on IRCTC or at the railway booking counter. It’s best to book tickets 15-30 days in advance, especially during holidays and summer.
⏰ Travel Time
The train journey from Kolkata to New Jalpaiguri takes about 10 to 12 hours.
💸 Train Ticket Price
- Sleeper class: ₹400 to ₹600
- AC 3 Tier: ₹950 to ₹1200
- AC 2 Tier: ₹1300 to ₹1600
🚖 From NJP to Darjeeling
After reaching New Jalpaiguri, you have two options:
Hire a shared cab for ₹300 to ₹400 per person
Book a private cab for ₹2500 to ₹3500 (good for 4-5 people)
The road journey from NJP to Darjeeling takes around 3 to 3.5 hours.
🚂 Darjeeling Toy Train
If you love scenic rides and old-world charm, take the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Toy Train. It runs from NJP to Darjeeling and takes about 6 to 7 hours.
Ticket prices start from ₹1000 to ₹1500 per person. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience! 🚂
✈️ Travelling to Darjeeling by Flight
If you want to reach Darjeeling quickly and comfortably, you can take a flight from Kolkata to Bagdogra Airport, which is the nearest airport to Darjeeling.
✈️ Flight Duration
A flight from Kolkata to Bagdogra takes just 1 hour to 1.5 hours.
💸 Flight Ticket Price
Flight fares usually start from ₹2500 to ₹4500 depending on the season and how early you book. During peak tourist time, it might go higher.
🚖 From Bagdogra to Darjeeling
After reaching Bagdogra, you need to take a cab to Darjeeling.
- Shared cab: ₹300 to ₹400 per person
- Private cab: ₹2500 to ₹3500
The drive from Bagdogra to Darjeeling takes about 3 hours.
Pro tip: Book early morning flights to enjoy a daytime drive through the hills. 🌿✨
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| Darjelling Road Photo |
🚌 Travelling to Darjeeling by Bus
There’s no direct government bus from Kolkata to Darjeeling. But you can take a bus from Kolkata to Siliguri first, and then hire a cab or take a shared jeep to Darjeeling.
🚌 Kolkata to Siliguri by Bus
Several government and private buses run daily from Kolkata to Siliguri.
Travel time: 12 to 14 hours
Bus fare: ₹500 to ₹1200 depending on AC, Non-AC, and Volvo options
🚖 Siliguri to Darjeeling
From Siliguri, Darjeeling is about 65 km away. You can take:
- Shared cab: ₹250 to ₹300 per person
- Private cab: ₹2000 to ₹3000
Travel time: 2.5 to 3 hours
🚗 Travelling to Darjeeling by Car
If you love road trips and have your own vehicle or prefer hiring a cab, you can drive to Darjeeling too!
Distance: 615 to 650 km
Travel time: 14 to 16 hours (with breaks)
You can either do it in one go or stop at Siliguri for a night halt.
Route:
Kolkata → Bardhaman → Malda → Siliguri → Darjeeling
Fuel cost: ₹5000 to ₹6000 (one way)
Toll charges: Around ₹500
Pro tip: It’s better to start your road trip early in the morning to avoid traffic and reach the hills before dark.
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| Darjelling Photo |
📅 Best Time to Visit Darjeeling
You can visit Darjeeling any time of the year, but the best seasons are:
- March to June (Summer): Cool weather, clear skies, and perfect for sightseeing
- October to December (Autumn-Winter): Chilly and misty atmosphere, chance to see snow on the peaks
- Avoid July to September (Monsoon): Heavy rainfall and landslides are common
Bonus Tip: Plan your trip around March-April or October-November for the clearest view of the Kanchenjunga! 🏔️
🏨 Where to Stay in Darjeeling
Darjeeling has hotels, homestays, and resorts for every budget.
Budget hotels: ₹800 to ₹1500 per night
Mid-range hotels: ₹1800 to ₹3500 per night
Luxury stays: ₹4000 to ₹8000 per night
It’s best to book your hotel in advance if you’re visiting during holidays or weekends.
Pro tip: Pick a hotel near Mall Road or Chowrasta for easy access to markets, cafes, and attractions.
🍽️ What to Eat in Darjeeling
Food is a big part of any trip, and Darjeeling has some amazing local dishes to try:
- Momos (veg and chicken) 🥟
- Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup) 🍜
- Darjeeling tea ☕
- Aloo dum with puri
- Local pastries and cakes
Don’t miss sipping a cup of authentic Darjeeling tea at a hillside café with a view of the mountains! 🌸
📸 Things to Do in Darjeeling
Once you reach Darjeeling, there’s so much to see and do:
- Visit Tiger Hill for sunrise 🌄
- Explore Batasia Loop and War Memorial
- Ride the Toy Train 🚂
- Stroll around Mall Road and Chowrasta
- Visit the beautiful Japanese Peace Pagoda
- Shop for woolens, tea, and handicrafts
Pro tip: Start your sightseeing early in the morning to avoid fog and traffic.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is the cheapest way to go to Darjeeling from Kolkata?
🚂 By train to NJP and then a shared cab to Darjeeling.
Q. How far is Darjeeling from Kolkata?
Around 615 to 650 kilometers by road.
Q. Can I reach Darjeeling in one day?
Yes — if you take a morning flight to Bagdogra and a cab, you can reach Darjeeling by afternoon.
Q. Is the Toy Train from NJP to Darjeeling worth it?
Yes — though it’s slow, the scenery is beautiful and it’s a unique experience!
Q. What is the best month to visit Darjeeling?
March to June and October to December are the best months.
📢 Final Thoughts
Darjeeling is one of the most beautiful hill stations near Kolkata, perfect for a relaxing weekend or holiday. Whether you choose a budget train journey, a quick flight, or a road trip, the journey to Darjeeling is always an adventure in itself. 🏞️✨
So, pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready to enjoy misty hills, mountain views, and delicious momos! 🍃🥟
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