West Bengal
Tea gardens, the toy train and Kangchenjunga at sunrise.
Darjeeling sits at about 2,000 m on a ridge above the plains, with some of the best views of Kangchenjunga in the Himalaya. It's easy to reach and busy in peak season. A bit of planning (and knowing what not to pay for) makes a big difference.
March to May and October to early December usually have the clearest mountain views. June to September is monsoon: lush and quieter, but the peaks are often hidden and landslides can close roads. December to February is cold but often clear.
Darjeeling averages 11°C by day and 2°C at night in January; heavy rain falls from June to September. Darjeeling weather by month →
Fly to Bagdogra (IXB) or take a train to New Jalpaiguri (NJP), then about 3 to 4 hours by road. You can take a private cab or a shared jeep from the Siliguri and NJP stands. The toy train also runs up from NJP, but it's slow. Take it for the experience, not to get somewhere on time.
Leave around 4 am to see first light on Kangchenjunga. In season it's crowded, and the view depends entirely on the weather. Nobody can guarantee a clear sunrise.
The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The short joy ride loops to Ghum and Batasia Loop and back. Book on IRCTC well ahead in peak season.
Walk through an estate such as Happy Valley, see how tea is processed in season, and taste it at the source.
These sit next to each other. The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park breeds red pandas and snow leopards, and the HMI museum tells the story of Everest climbing. Both are closed on Thursdays.
The vehicle-free square at the top of town is the place for an evening walk, momos and a view down the valley.
These are easy to combine in a half-day local sightseeing trip.
Confirm the total fare, the stops and the waiting time before you get in. Ask whether parking and entry fees are included.
Landslides and traffic on the hill roads can add hours. Give yourself a buffer before a flight or train out of Bagdogra or NJP.
Plan two or three mornings in town if seeing Kangchenjunga matters to you.
The hill towns struggle with waste. Carry a refillable bottle and take your rubbish back with you.
Two to three nights covers Tiger Hill, the toy train, a tea garden and local sightseeing, with a spare morning in case the first sunrise is cloudy.
No. Darjeeling town doesn't need a permit for Indian or foreign visitors. Permits only come into it if you go on into Sikkim's protected areas.
Last reviewed September 2026. Permit rules, park dates, fares and road conditions change, so confirm locally before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
