With the snow-clad Kanchenjunga guarding the Queen of Hills like a talisman, Darjeeling is indeed a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. The perpetual chill in the air, the oh-so-drool-worthy local cuisine and a perfect mix of authentic cultures and customs, this hill station draws throngs of crowds from all across the world.
How to reach Darjeeling by Air
Darjeeling is located around 96 kilometers from the nearest airport, Bagdogra. Most flights connect almost all major cities of the country to Bagdogra; you can choose from Indigo, SpiceJet, Air Asia, Vistara and more. Tourists from other parts of the world may choose to travel to Delhi, Mumbai or Kolkata and then take a connecting flight to reach Bagdogra.
After you reach Bagdogra Airport, you can opt for a shared cab or a private taxi to take you up to Darjeeling. It takes you about 3 hours to reach Darjeeling by car.
How to reach Darjeeling by Train
While Darjeeling is connected by the DHR (Darjeeling Himalayan Railways), if you’re travelling from any city across the country, you’ll have to book tickets to New Jalpaiguri (NJP). NJP is well connected to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Guwahati, Bhubaneshwar and more.
You can avail share cabs or private taxis from NJP which will take you about 2 to 3 hours to reach Darjeeling. Make sure you make a quick stop for snacks at a roadside shack while you’re heading up. Grab a steaming cup of tea or gorge on a plate of momos before you continue with your journey.
How to reach Darjeeling by Road
Travelling by bus can be quite cumbersome, however, if you’re up for a bumpy ride to your dream destination, there are numerous Volvo buses you can opt for- both state and privately-owned. The closest bus terminus to Darjeeling is Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus located in Siliguri. It is a 2.5-hour uphill journey to Darjeeling from Siliguri by a shared or private taxi.
The Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus is well connected to Kolkata, Nepal, Bhutan and even Bangladesh.
If you do not like any of these options, you can always choose to self-drive up to Darjeeling. It will take you about 2-3 hours from Siliguri via Hill Cart Road. The hairpin bends along the way are thrilling enough to have your heart racing behind the driver’s wheel. Come Kurseong and you’re rewarded with sweeping vistas of the Queen of the Hills- Darjeeling, on a clear, blue day!